Whether sailing the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, exploring the glaciers of Alaska or the fjords of northern Europe, readers can rely on this, the most detailed and user-friendly guide to cruise holidays. Veteran seafarer and luxury-travel expert Steven B Stern personally inspects more than 280 ships every year and rates them in all categories, including: vital statistics: the layout, physical details, and history of each vessel; on-board attractions: restaurants, shopping, and recreation; travel necessities: concierges, technology, and medical facilities; ports of call: including how to make the most of an eight-hour visit. The Star Awards help readers to evaluate quality and value as they plan their cruise vacations. The numerous photographs, actual shipboard menus, and daily activity programs combine with the annually updated text to make this the most comprehensive cruising guide available.