For 2014, the Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships Sets Sail

Now in its 29th year of publication, author and cruise expert Douglas Ward's Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships is available in bookstores and on Amazon.com (the link provided above). Known as "the cruise industry Bible" for its candid description of 285 ocean-going cruise vessels, there is even a Kindle edition.

Ward has spent over 5,900 days at sea, beginning when he worked for Cunard Line in 1965 aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, and has taken over 1,000 cruises and completed 158 transatlantic crossings. However, his sailings aren't the usual cruiser's experience. Cruise Diva has traveled on several voyages where Ward was busy at work and he seldom relaxes. His sharp eye catches nearly every detail, like accessibility for the disabled, the softness of towels and linens, the temperature of the buffet food, and even the proper height of toilets for comfort.

The Berlitz guidebook is divided into two main sections. The first combines Ward's authoritative text with color photographs to illustrate the cruise experience and help readers make their decisions about what style of cruise, cruise line, and ship size is most appealing for them. Included is practical information from subjects such as booking and what things cost to safety and environmental concerns. The second section contains reviews of every major cruise ship, from the smallest yacht-like vessels to the world's largest, from ships for budget minded travelers to the most luxurious and expensive. Details include specifications on size, number of cabins, passengers, and crewmembers, as well as an overview of what features to expect on board.

If you want to take your cruise research with you in digital form on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, the Berlitz Cruise Ships 2014 app is available to download from the iTunes App Store.

With "Wave Season" in full swing, either the guidebook or app will put a smile on any avid cruise traveler's face.