The Caribbean is a favorite cruise destination for many cruise lovers. If you're sailing into the Caribbean, a good guidebook can help you pick the itinerary and the cruise ship that will match your interests and desires. Not all ships are the same, and not all Caribbean islands are the same. Here's some pre-cruise "homework" help.
Format similar to other Frommer's guides. Good summary of cruise ships and destinations. Many ships use the same shore excursion vendors, and this book has discussions of many of them.
Format of guidebook and information inside is much like other Fodor's guides. Great resource for when you have a day in port. Book provides restaurants, key sights, and entertainment within walking distance for each port.
This Ocean Cruise Guidebook provides over 200 pages of excellent information on Caribbean ports of call, including shore attractions and cruise ship shore excursions. In addition, the guide has about 100 pages of background material on Caribbean history, cruise ships, and general cruise planning. The 400 photos, maps, and illustrations help make the book visually attractive.
Informative text surrounded by wonderful maps and pictures. I love the look of this book, and even an "armchair cruiser" will enjoy reading this guide and dreaming over the great photos. Book has sections on background and history, ports of call, and travel tips.
Author provides "fast facts" and, according to one reader, "all you need to know" about 30 islands in the eastern and southern Caribbean. In addition, Useful information on 22 cruise lines and 105 ships.
Reviewers found this book very useful because it tells about ports of call and shore excursions from the cruise lover's point of view, which may be a little different from that of a hotel or resort guest. Other reviewers noted that some of the prices were a little outdated, so you may want to recheck them.
Book received good ratings except that it was published in 1997. Because of this, some of the information such as names of shops and prices, is outdated. Given that many cruise lovers also love to shop, the concept is great!
Book is a little outdated, but it is filled with good maps and descriptive text.
Another book in the "Caribbean Ports of Call" series of guidebooks. This one is on the northern Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Book focuses on Windward and Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean. Reviewers cruising to these islands say it is a "must read" for anyone going there. Also provides good ideas for shore excursions that might not be offered by the cruise ships.
