Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation 2005

Whether sailing the Caribbean or the Mediterranean or exploring the glaciers of Alaska, the canals of France, or the fjords of northern Europe, readers can rely on this, the most detailed and user-friendly guide to cruise vacations. Veteran seafarer and luxury-travel expert Steven B. Stern personally inspects more than 280 ships every year and rates them in all categories, including: • vital statistics: the layout, physical details, and history of each vessel • on-board attractions: restaurants, shopping, and recreation • travel necessities: concierges, technology, and medical facilities • ports of call: including how to make the most of an eight-hour visit

The author’s Star Awards help readers evaluate quality and value as they plan their cruise vacations. The numerous photographs, actual shipboard menus, and daily activity programs combined with the annually updated text make this the most comprehensive cruising guide available.

Throughout his law career, Pelican’s luxury-travel expert Steven B. Stern spent three months out of each year researching cruise ships and resorts for his books. Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation is updated annually, while a new edition of Stern's Guide to the Greatest Resorts of the World appears every two years. He has traveled all over the world, visited almost every port of call, sailed on every major cruise ship (over 750 ships to date), and reviewed every major resort, hotel, and many restaurants around the world.

His Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation books have been called "indispensible" and even the "bible for cruise vacationers." Included in each detailed edition are the vital statistics (the layout, physical details, and history), on-board attractions (restaurants, shopping, and recreation), travel necessities (concierges, technology, and medical facilities), and ports of call (including how to make the most of an eight-hour visit) of each vessel.

In Stern’s Guide to the Greatest Resorts of the World books, the author shares his extensive knowledge of the most hedonistic hideaways on the planet. Arranged by location and rated using the quick-reference "Star System," Stern’s picks for the best luxury hotels are constantly updated, ensuring up-to-date information about the best prices and locations around the globe.

Steven B. Stern was born in Chicago, Illinois, and received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois. He went on to earn bachelor of law and master of law degrees from Northwestern University. Stern recently retired from his position as president of the law firm Stern and Hellman, Ltd., in Chicago and currently makes his home in Florida.