Today there are cruise options to suit every taste, from the fun and entertainment of a first-class floating resort ship to the quiet elegance of a classic tall ship. Pampering, fine food, exotic destinations—it isn't difficult to see why a vacation at sea is a great way to recover from the stresses of ordinary life on land.

With over 300 photographs, all specially taken, this book perfectly encapsulates the variety of cruise experiences available:
• cruising past and present
• legendary ships, from classic ocean liners to luxury boutique craft
• alternative cruises, from a journey into the Arctic Circle on board a Norwegian mail ship to travel on a modern freighter
• fascinating routes and locations, from French Polynesia and the Caribbean to world cruises
• expedition and nature cruises, including the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the fjords of Patagonia
• interesting ports of call, from Miami to St. Petersburg to Barcelona
• river cruises, including the Rhine, the Nile, and the Yangtze

Here are all the ships, the routes, the romantic and exhilarating destinations for a huge number of cruise aficionados—and for those ready to be inspired. Four out of five first-timers on a cruise return to the experience: whether you are looking for adventure, luxury, relaxation, or education, there is a voyage for you. 303 illustrations, 295 in color.