Some cruising deals too good to be true says 2010 Berlitz Cruise Guide

If some of the cruising deals promoted over the past year seemed too good to be true, they probably were, according to Doug Ward, the author of the soon to be published 2010 edition of the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships.

This new edition, to be published on 28 September 2009, priced £16.99) marks an extraordinary 25 years of the ‘bible’ of cruising with it’s no nonsense advice. It remains the only source of independent star-rating of virtually all ocean-going cruise ships worldwide.

Within the 2010 Guide, the cruising guru suggests that although it is a buyer’s market – an affect of the credit crunch – it is crucial to study the small print. As cruise lines have taken their cue from outfits like low cost airline Ryanair, which charges supplements for almost everything, the range of add-ons in cruising can take the glow off an apparent give-away price. A highly discounted fare may apply only to certain dates and itineraries, while passengers’ preferred cabin grades and location may not be available or they may be limited to first seating at dinner.  Nevertheless, the Guide is packed with Ward’s hugely helpful tips on how to get the best deals – which we learn aren’t necessarily available on the Internet.

The fully revised and updated 25^th anniversary edition of the Guide will include not only in depth reviews of 271 cruise ships – among them Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship to date – but also highlights of the 12 new ships to debut in 2010.  Doug Ward examines cruising’s unstoppable growth over the past 25 years, what has gone in 25 years (streamers and balloons for sail-away for example), and what’s new but not necessarily an improvement.  There’s a fresh new look at Green Cruising, with plenty advice about those concerned about travelling responsibly.

Among the many features will be a focus upon the effects of the credit crunch, what’s new for 2010, what could be improved and a look ahead to next year’s trends. It’s a warts and all guide that gets down and dirty, telling readers what the brochures don’t always cover, even touching on piracy and its prevention.

This Guide also offers a comprehensive account of the industry today for the more experienced cruiser. At a glance charts compare the major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service – their strengths and weaknesses.  Check out the tables and charts for 10 Great Shipboard Spas, the Best Choice for Children, the Top 10 Expeditions, the 20 Largest Suites Afloat, or the 100 Most Popular Shore Excursions.

Trends Forecast & What’s New in Cruising

We learn that two-class cruising (in some cases three-class cruising) is back. While ships have grown larger, the facilities available to all have shrunk, as has the open deck space that has become a private sanctuary area.  Other trends according to Doug Ward include:

·         More multi-generational cruising aboard the large resort ships

·         An increase in single-parent cruising

·         More child-free ships for those who have matured beyond noise and games

·         Small ship cruising (for those avoiding large resort ships and crowds)

·         More themed dining venues

·         More sophisticated spas and well-being treatment options

·         More healthy eating and spa menu choices

·         An increasing variety of active adventures ashore

·         Greater demand for smoke-free ships

·         More demand for both longer cruises and short getaway cruises

·         More large resort ships charging for extras

The Winners & Losers

The hard-hitting reviews of 271 cruise ships independently exposes the best and worst scoring cruise ships, using an internationally accepted rating system devised by Doug Ward himself. Once again the top rated ship, winning the award for the world’s best cruise ship, is Hapag Lloyd’s Europa, the only vessel to receive the exclusive 5-star Plus rating, scoring the most points with 1,851 points out of a possible 2,000. Following closely behind are half a dozen 5-star Boutique-style ships: Seabourn Odyssey (1,787 points), SeaDream II and SeaDream I (with 1,788 and 1,786 points respectively), Seabourn Legend (1,779 points), Seabourn Spirit (1,770 points) and Seabourn Pride (1,769 points).

Scrapping the bottom of the barrel in the ratings are the 1-star Plus National Geographic vessels Sea Lion and Sea Bird, each with 743 points.   

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