A cruise is a complete vacation, so it's important that you choose the one that's right for you. Frommer's Cruises & Ports of Call is a user-friendly, opinionated, and comprehensive guide to read before you make any reservations.  The book provides in-depth coverage on cruises departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada.

The rating system is simple. The guides breaks down the essential elements of a cruise experience (dining, activities, children's activities, entertainment, service, overall enjoyment, and overall value) and rates them from "poor" to "outstanding." Photos of each ship combine with the text to give a better sense of the differences among the various lines.

Most important, this guide provides the real prices people pay for cruises, not just the rack rates. Some guides tell you that a seven-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas costs $2,099. You can pay that if you want to, but this book tells you that the same cruise is selling for $649. Both rack rates and the discount prices are provide for every cruise reviewed.

The authors, noted cruise experts have personally checked out every ship sailing in and around North America and offer candid and unbiased opinions on them all. The reviews are up-to-date, with all the latest developments and the newest ships. You'll also get complete coverage of the major port destinations, with advice on how to spend your limited time ashore.