In this bestselling guidebook, Larry Ludmer explores in depth everything you need to know about passenger ships plying the Alaska waterways. Unlike most cruise guidebooks, Cruising Alaska puts the emphasis on hard facts – not pretty pictures. The expanded 5th edition gives even more details on every cruise ship, large and small, the Alaska Marine Highway ferries, and "Explorer" boats, which can navigate the smaller inlets. Everything from stateroom size to meal times to itineraries is provided, allowing the reader to make an informed choice on what ship would best suit their needs. A candid analysis of the routes is given for every ship in Alaska this season, with details on the highlights, as well as what is missed. Maps.