Although most people buy guidebooks about their cruise destinations, I like to read general information about cruise ships, cruise lines and the cruise experience. Here are some guide books that are available on the Web. They make a great gift for an old salt cruise lover or a first time cruiser. Prices vary greatly among book sellers, so it pays to compare!
1. Unofficial Guide to Cruises
Like many of the other "Unofficial Guides", this one provides frank analysis and insight on over 120 cruise lines and 450 ships. Book was the winner of the Lowell Thomas award for Best New Guidebook. The 2003 edition is entertaining, enlightening, and extremely useful for cruise planning.
2. Cruise Chooser: Buyer's Guide to Cruises
Good basic book for first time cruisers. Information on selecting the perfect cruise for your personality, selecting a travel agent, and profiles of many cruise ships. Also provides answers to the 40 most often asked questions about cruise vacations.3. Berlitz Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships - 2008
Extremely thorough guide for cruisers. One of my favorites. Very detailed ratings on ships, and more general information about the cruise experience than in some earlier editions. If you like numerical rankings and hard facts about ships, this is a great book for you.4. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cruise Vacations
A fun look at cruise vacations. Whereas Berlitz and others give you a complex numerical system, this idiot's guide spells out everything in human terms to help you find the cruise vacation of your dreams. Reviews are mixed because some cruisers think the book does not provide enough details.5. Cruise Vacations for Dummies
One of the "dummies" series of books. Like the "idiots" books, provides a fun look at cruise vacations. Good basic information, profiles of ships, and useful for cruise planning.6. The Essential Little Cruise Book
Great little book written by a former cruise director. Packable, with tips and answers to many FAQs of first time cruisers. Jim West, the author, has sailed on 500 voyages with 500,000 people. He certainly has the credentials and the knowledge about cruises to write a book!7. 100 Best Cruise Vacations of the World
A comprehensive profile of 100 cruises. Good planning tool and descriptions of the various ships and itineraries. Includes ship atmosphere, cabins, amenities, dining, entertainment and activities.8. The Complete Cruise Handbook
A concise introduction to cruising for first-time cruisers with information on destinations, cruise companies, budgeting, and where and when to travel to each cruise destination.9. The Total Traveler Guide to Worldwide Cruising
Forthright discussion of different ships and destinations. Plenty of information for the first time or experienced cruiser.