VAtravelers100 Posted June 3, 2010 #1 Share Posted June 3, 2010 We will be on a 7 day HAL cruise in July (Vancouver, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Vancouver). I already have The Alaska Cruise Handbook: A Mile by Mile Guide (by Joe Upton). It looks good and has a great large map. I would like one other guidebook that has more traditional details about each port. We have our main port activities planned already, but would use the book for tips about public transportation or info about smaller activities to supplement our shore excursions. Given my info, does anyone particularly recommend Fodors vs. Frommers? They both have 2010 editions. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chenega Posted June 3, 2010 #2 Share Posted June 3, 2010 I much prefer Frommers. Written by a local named Charles Wolforth who has plenty experience in Alaska. Doesn't mind stating his opinions either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paradiselivin1 Posted June 3, 2010 #3 Share Posted June 3, 2010 I much prefer Frommers. Written by a local named Charles Wolforth who has plenty experience in Alaska. Doesn't mind stating his opinions either. Absolutely agree. Checked them both out in the bookstore & came home with Frommer's which is well used after two months. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razorback Cruiser Posted June 3, 2010 #4 Share Posted June 3, 2010 We will be on a 7 day HAL cruise in July (Vancouver, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Vancouver). I already have The Alaska Cruise Handbook: A Mile by Mile Guide (by Joe Upton). It looks good and has a great large map. I would like one other guidebook that has more traditional details about each port. We have our main port activities planned already, but would use the book for tips about public transportation or info about smaller activities to supplement our shore excursions. Given my info, does anyone particularly recommend Fodors vs. Frommers? They both have 2010 editions. Thanks! You may want to check out your' Library. You could bring them both home and do research . You could then decide if / which you may wish to purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEcruisers???? Posted June 3, 2010 #5 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Frommers... I also picked up Insite guides ALASKA, loads of information and maps...:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VAtravelers100 Posted June 3, 2010 Author #6 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Thanks for the replies! I think Frommers sounds great. There are two versions - one is written by Charles Wohlforth, and the other one focuses on cruises and ports of call and is written by Golden and Sloan. Chenega specifically mentioned Wohlforth. I wonder if the one all of you like so much is the Wohlforth one, which is the full book on Alaska (not just focusing on ports). I would have bought the smaller cruise-focused book, but if the other one is the one that's so great, let me know! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChefSusan Posted June 3, 2010 #7 Share Posted June 3, 2010 We bought two books for our Alaska cruise - "Alaska by Cruise Ship" by Anne Vipond, and Frommer's Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call 2010. Have read both books, and really like the amount of information that they have on all of the ports we will be going to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PennyAgain Posted June 3, 2010 #8 Share Posted June 3, 2010 If you have a Kindle, an iPad or semilar, I recommend getting the digital version of the book you choose. Save on weight for you luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisingGoddess Posted June 3, 2010 #9 Share Posted June 3, 2010 I read all 4 books: Fodor's and Frommer's "Alaska" and "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call". They were all available at my local library. If I had to choose one, it would definitely be Frommer's "Alaska". The cruise books are very brief and don't have much detail. It really focuses on what's walking distance from the cruise pier and ship excursions, while the "Alaska" books are much more detailed. I personally like having as much info as posssible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted June 3, 2010 #10 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Thanks for the replies! I think Frommers sounds great. There are two versions - one is written by Charles Wohlforth, and the other one focuses on cruises and ports of call and is written by Golden and Sloan. Chenega specifically mentioned Wohlforth. I wonder if the one all of you like so much is the Wohlforth one, which is the full book on Alaska (not just focusing on ports). I would have bought the smaller cruise-focused book, but if the other one is the one that's so great, let me know! Thanks! I like the one by Charles Wohlforth, and I bought the 2005 and 2007 editions. Now that there are new maps and photos, I'll buy the 2011 edition when it comes out in 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chenega Posted June 4, 2010 #11 Share Posted June 4, 2010 What I like most about Wolforth is that he's traveled all over the state in doing the research for his books. He's also written several outstanding books on Alaska including the excellent "The Whale and the Supercompter". He also served as a member of the Anchorage assembly so really knows and loves this state. He's also very candid and open with his opinions. Just read his chapter in the newest book on the changes in Alaska politics to see that you know where he stands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaandJeff Posted June 5, 2010 #12 Share Posted June 5, 2010 We bought two books for our Alaska cruise - "Alaska by Cruise Ship" by Anne Vipond, and Frommer's Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call 2010. Have read both books, and really like the amount of information that they have on all of the ports we will be going to. I am with Chef Susan. I prefer Anne Vipond's Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska with Giant Pull-out Map. Everyone I lend it to ends up buying their own. it is a great book for cruisers. Much more useful information than the two you asked about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted June 5, 2010 #13 Share Posted June 5, 2010 I am with Chef Susan. I prefer Anne Vipond's Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska with Giant Pull-out Map. Everyone I lend it to ends up buying their own. it is a great book for cruisers. Much more useful information than the two you asked about. I have that book, too, and it's a great resource for cruisers with all the maps and photographs. I have loaned that book to my cruise companions several times, and I'll be rereading it for my cruise in 2011. For anyone doing a land trip in addition to a cruise, Frommer's Alaska is much more detailed. I'm not sure I care to read about Charles Wohlforth's political views in his latest edition, but I can skip over that! No one guide book has everything, and that's why I have a number of books about Alaska. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCGAL1971 Posted June 6, 2010 #14 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Yeah, I feel the same way about Charles Wohlforth. I buy a travel guide to learn about the place I intend to visit, not to hear somebody's political views. It really turned me off to the whole book. I bought Frommer's and returned it to the store I bought it from. I bought Fodor's and like it much better. He briefly touches on the political scene in AK without making snarky comments and it's full of gret info about AK. I didn't want to give Wohlford my money. I know it's suppose to be more about the travel info but it just rubbed me the wrong way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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