Luxist Giveaway: Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2011

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Feb 8th 2011 at 10:01AM

Calling all cruisers, this is your giveaway. Berlitz gave us a couple of copies of its massive tome, the 2011 edition of Cruising and Cruise Ships, to give away to two readers chosen at random. This indispensable guide to all this cruise is now in its 26th year of publication. The book is written by cruise-guru, Douglas Ward, who spent 17 years working in the cruise industry before becoming a cruise reviewer. The website for this book states that Ward has logged in over 5,600 days at sea, participating in more than 1,000 cruises, 155 transatlantic crossings and plenty of shipyard visits and maiden voyages.

The book reviews 285 cruise ships and also offer at-a-glance charts compare the major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service. The book doesn't just review the ships, the first few sections are devoted to broader issues designed to narrow down what you might be looking for. There is advice on cruising with families, cruising for seniors, nature cruises, river cruises and more. Every conceivable angle of traveling via cruise ship is covered from etiquette to safety concerns and whether or not you can cringe your golf clubs or check email while cruising. Ward is also an incredible compendium of cruise facts. He goes into the history of the various cruise lines and also delivers behind-the-scenes details of the logistics of running a large cruise ship. His knowledge both as an avid cruiser and as a former cruise ship professional gives him a unique point of view.

The reviews for each ship cover food, accommodations, special features and entertainment. Each ship is rated both by stars and by a points system that breaks down ship, service, food, accommodation, entertainment and cruise allowing a more subtle rating. A total of 2,000 points are possible with each category having a fixed number of possible points to be earned. The reviews are incredibly comprehensive covering everything from the plates you will eat on to whether or not there will be a hairdryer in the bathroom. For those preparing to spend thousands of dollars on a cruise vacation, this book is perhaps the best education you could get.

We are giving away two copies of this book which has a retail price of $24.99. To enter leave a comment below telling us about your dream cruise adventure.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 15, 2011 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* Two winners will be selected in a random drawing and notified by email.
* Two winners will each receive the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2011, retail price, $24.99.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See full giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: berlitz, crime, cruise, cruise guide, cruise ship, cruises, luxist giveaway

Filed under: Books

Subscribe to these comments

Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)

drmrs Feb 11th 2011 9:32AM

What better way to see the world than cruising? Every day or so, you visit a new port with an exciting excursion. You meet new people, enjoy different food, and experience a new culture. Of course you can remain on board ship, just relax and take life easy with all the splendors of life provided for you! Therefore, my motto is, " Let's set sail in good health with amazing adventures ahead! "

ultimate_cyber_deals Feb 11th 2011 11:53AM

would love this

Michelle McLaughlin Feb 11th 2011 11:03PM

Fabulous!

Cathy Feb 11th 2011 9:47PM

your book would make a nice addition to my home library

olddog Feb 13th 2011 9:55AM

nice

Carl Todasco Feb 12th 2011 2:57PM

GREAT

usastarsandstripes Feb 12th 2011 3:20PM

Would love to have this

John Feb 12th 2011 10:38PM

I would love to have this book. I love to read and dream about exotic destination.

JRG Feb 13th 2011 12:41PM

I'd love the book.

deagle5110 Feb 14th 2011 12:05PM

Great book to have.

Terry Williams Feb 14th 2011 4:24PM

I am such a cruise junkie and read everything I can get my hands on about current cruises! My dream cruise would be to go thru the Panama Canal and thru Central America for my 40th anniversary this year!! How wonderful it is to discover new places, go on wonderful new journeys and sample local cultures!!