Econoguide® Cruises 2006, 4th: Cruising the Caribbean, Hawaii, New England, Alaska, and Europe

Corey Sandler
Globe Pequot Press (2005)
ISBN 0762738715
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (1/07)

Every question you’ve ever had about cruising and quite a few you’ve never known how to ask will be answered if you take the time to read this marvelously comprehensive guide to cruising the Caribbean, Hawaii, New England, Alaska and Europe. Corey Sandler’s “Econoguide® Cruises” is a wonderfully informative guide to choosing, booking and enjoying the perfect cruise vacation.

The book starts with tips on “How to Choose a Cruise” (including extremely valuable information on how to get the best possible rate), “How Big is BIG?” (great tips on whether bigger is better and when is a new ship better than an old classics), “Where in the World Do You Want to Go?” (with practical tips on ports of  call and ports of embarkation and more), “How to Buy a Cruise” (choice of travel agent, need for insurance, best way to pay for cruise) and “Your Home on the Water” (how to choose the cabin).

The following sections deal with the life on board – including very detailed descriptions of possible expenses on board and how to best deal with them, safety at sea, dining on the high seas (including my all-time favorite cruise advice on a sensible dining strategy – Don’t be afraid to skip a meal. Missing an occasional breakfast or lunch won’t kill you.), getting to the port on time (very, very important – you definitely do not want to wave good-bye to your ship leaving without you!) and the “Before You Set Sail” section (valuable advice on what to pack, tips on paperwork and passports, medical needs and personal supplies, cameras, arriving at the pier, boarding, immigration and customs information and lifeboat drills).

This practical part is followed by wonderfully entertaining and informative cruise diaries from 13 different cruises. While amusing reading in themselves, they also offer additional insights into the life on board of different ships. They should also make you want to experience each and every one of those voyages.

The last part of the book deals with cruise line ratings, ownership, description of different cruise lines, several ships and even the history of cruising. And to make your next cruise even better, the author included a glossary, so you won’t act like a total landlubber and stagger around looking for starboard without the slightest idea what that might be.

Engaging, informative and truly practical, “Econoguide® Cruises” is an ideal companion for anybody wanting to learn more about cruising and eager to choose the most suitable cruise as well as get the best deal possible booking it and enjoying the activities both on board and in the ports of call. The author’s down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach will definitely make your next cruise experience a much better one.

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