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Thursday, August 28, 2014

2015 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships Publishes in US November 1, 2014;





News Release

2015 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships Publishes in US November 1, 2014;

30th Anniversary Edition Features the Influential Author’s 30 Extraordinary Cruise Experiences

NEW YORK, N.Y., September 2014— As the popularity of global cruising continues to surge—22.8 million passengers in 2013, more than half of them Americans—the choices for veteran cruisers and first timers alike have never been as plentiful and varied, and even overwhelming.    There are over 30,000 cruises from which to choose, and “picking the right ship for the right reasons and with the right expectations,” says Ward “is what this annual guide is and has always been about for the past three decades.”

This special anniversary guide (US PUB DATE: NOV 1, 2014; $25.99), widely considered the most trusted and comprehensive book on the topic, is also a fascinating and nostalgic study of how cruising has evolved into “one of the biggest success stories in the travel world.” Ward also gives the lowdown on his own favorite cruise experiences– a compilation, he says, “that could serve as a veritable seagoing bucket list for cruisers seeking memorable trips of a lifetime.”



So thorough and comprehensive is Douglas Ward’s meticulously painstaking investigation each year that the Guide sets the internationally recognized ratings system for almost all cruise ships in the world (270 of them covered in the book), designating the author as the most feared critic in the business.  

Cruisers, who are often overwhelmed by the number of vessels and voyages available, would be advised not to book a cruise vacation without first consulting the guide, the only completely independent handbook that can identify the cruise and cruise ship that is best suited to an individual. However, the annual Berlitz Cruise Guide is not just for vacationers; cruise industry executives, travel agents, and others in the cruise industry look to it as an invaluable resource of comparative information.

Its strength and enduring popularity lie not only in the annually updated, independent and candid reviews of the cruise ships but the warts-and-all advice on every possible aspect of cruising, whether budgeting families, singles, older travelers or honeymooners. For example, readers can check out which cruise line does what best, how the major cruise lines score on cuisine, facilities and service, or see how the expedition ships compare in their adventure offerings. Those planning luxury cruises can compare the crème de la crème of cruise ships at a glance: find out whether tips are included, which ships have the biggest and most sumptuous suites and which toiletry brand is supplied. Confused by the advantages and disadvantages of the different sizes of ships? No problem. Ward cuts through the hype for a more informed decision.

The guide doesn’t only point readers to the most appropriate cruise for themselves, but it helps with a variety of choices.  For example, some ‘private balconies’, while expensive, are not so private, and mattress sizes vary enormously, depending upon whether the cruise ship is British, European or from the US/Canada.

Other highlights of the guide include:
  • Tips on getting the best value for the money
  • A list of extra-cost items onboard to anticipate
  • Information that the brochures just don’t include
  • A comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the minor cruise lines
  • All the new ships that will debut in 2015
  • What to expect from onboard entertainment and spas
  • This year’s star performers and Top 5 ships in each of 12 “Best in Class” categories

THE WORLD’S TOP AUTHORITY ON CRUISING AND CRUISE SHIPS

The author has completed over 6,000 days at sea, participated in more than 1,000 cruises, 158 transatlantic crossings, and countless Panama Canal transits, shipyard visits, ship-naming ceremonies and maiden voyages. Often described as a maritime Sherlock Holmes, Ward leaves no stone unturned for up to 200 sea days each year, from the fluffiness of the towels to the quality of the china and silverware, and from the welcome aboard to the disembarkation process.

Fully updated and revised, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2015 ($25.99, 704 pages, with hundreds of color photographs) is published in the U.S. on November 1, 2014. Also forthcoming will be the guide in e-book format and the 2015 Berlitz Cruise Ships app.  For further information visit www.insightguides.com/berlitz/berlitz-cruising.

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For those interested in an interview with the author or a review copy, please contact:

In the US:

Melissa Lande or Alan Appel, Lande PR
O: 212-706-9003 / M: 646-315-3608


In the UK:

Julia Spence or Annabel Owen, Julia Spence Public Relations
T: 01491 824524 / M: 07802 443113
                                    juliaspence.pr@gmail.com