The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES

If you have ever taken a cruise you know how frustrating it can be just deciding which cruise to take? There are probably hundreds of books on the topic, not to mention the endless number of newspaper, magazine and Internet articles.

Now along comes a guide that probably could be called the bible of ocean cruising information, as its level of detail and rigorous research is unbelievable!

The Berlitz Ocean Cruising& Cruise Ships 2004, authored by Douglas Ward, just about answers all of your cruising queries. In other words, don’t leave home without it before committing yourself to a cruise.

The guide’s author is the world’s top authority on cruising and cruise ships, and is the president of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide.

In the introductory chapters Ward gives the reader interesting information as to what to keep in mind before deciding on any one cruise.

Readers learn about terrorism and its effects on cruising, quality of cruising today, destinations, history of cruising entertainment, different kinds of cruising, what brochures really mean, selecting the right ship, and how the guide evaluates the ships. There is also a section asking if in fact cruising is for you.

After reading these introductory chapters, readers are now prepared to pore over information pertaining to 256 cruise ships that are alphabetically listed. The reviews of these ships reveal vital statistics and information pertaining to the ships’ size, age, names of builders, original cost, former names, and what the ship contains insofar as cabins, swimming pools, floors etc.

Overview paragraphs indicate the ship’s history and the author’s comments concerning the honesty of the ship’s brochures. How often have we picked up a beautiful brochure and were subsequently very disappointed? Succinct descriptions of the ship’s interior, as well as the cabins, dining facilities; dress code, food quality, and transportation to and from the ship are also provided.

Questions as to the suitability of the cruise are clearly answered. As an example, some are more suitable for younger couples, others for families or mature individuals.

Detailed descriptions concerning accommodations are clearly presented concerning their size, what they include, bathrooms, closet and drawer space, showers, cabin voltage, spaciousness, amenities, special suites, and how they are decorated.

Cuisine and dining facilities are analyzed as to their general atmosphere, size, kind of meals served, choice, quality and quantity of the food, wine lists, quality of service and what to expect from the waiters and waitresses. Do they sing and dance during the meals?

Some ships offer alternative dining facilities. Generally, these require reservations and there is an extra cost. Here again, the guide goes into detail about ships that offer this alternative and their quality.

Always high on the priority list is the question of entertainment. The guide- book provides the reader with a description of the kind of entertainment they can expect, when and where the entertainment is held, and its quality.

Perhaps you are into spa/fitness? Consequently, you surely would want to have an assessment of these facilities, if they are in fact offered.

Each of the reviews contains sidebars that present the Berlitz rating. These ratings are explained in the preliminary chapters to the book. In 2004 Berlitz crowned the Europa as the winner with the highest ratings.

Ward has created a splendid, in depth guide- book, which even the more experienced cruise enthusiast will discover something new.