Fodors vs Frommers

[lovetotraveltx]

Have done a lot of reading, but want a guide book to mark up and take with me on my first cruisetour of Alaska this June.

 

I already have my cruise line/ship picked, obviously.

 

Undecided between

Fodor's Alaska 2015--Just Published February 10, 2015

 

http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Alaska-Full-color-Travel-Guide/dp/0804142866

 

or

 

Frommer's Easy Guide to Alaskan Cruises and Ports of Call, published November, 2014

 

http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-EasyGuide-Alaska-Cruises-Guides/dp/1628870966/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1X4PVCZE23P4CH2Q7TG2

 

Any preference for useful reading and carrying on trip?

 

Thank you!

[Kamloops50]

Have done a lot of reading, but want a guide book to mark up and take with me on my first cruisetour of Alaska this June.

 

I already have my cruise line/ship picked, obviously.

 

Undecided between

Fodor's Alaska 2015--Just Published February 10, 2015

 

http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Alaska-Full-color-Travel-Guide/dp/0804142866

 

or

 

Frommer's Easy Guide to Alaskan Cruises and Ports of Call, published November, 2014

 

http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-EasyGuide-Alaska-Cruises-Guides/dp/1628870966/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1X4PVCZE23P4CH2Q7TG2

 

Any preference for useful reading and carrying on trip?

 

Thank you!

 

Have you looked for other books for Alaska

Ann Vipond has a good book about Alaska . She actually gives more than port info but passage info as well. book is called "Alaska by Cruise Ship"

Brian Lawrenson writes a good book. Book is called "Cruising the inside Passage Alaska '.

Book called " destination Alaska Cruise " is good as well.

[sotiris]

Hello

I received the Frommer's book for Christmas but exchanged it for "Alaska by Cruise Ship" by Ann Vipond. I thought the Frommer's book had a lot of information about the different cruise ships (we had also decided on our ship) but limited info on the ports.

 

I find the Vipond book is nicely laid out with maps, an "At A Glance" section for each port (includes walking map,shore excursions, shopping, and local attractions.

[sotiris]

Hi Kamloop50

 

Great minds think alike! :D

 

Sotiris

[sotiris]

I found this website which I thought was useful in that it identifies the highlights of the various ports. Click on the Alaska option (left hand side) and the different ports should appear. (Hope this works)

 

 

http://www.cruiseportinsider.com/

[mskaufman]

Both books (and the others referenced) are probably in your public library. In less than an hour you could probably look through all and decide which one you want to buy to take with you. I took Frommers but that was because I was able to get a one year old copy at 75% off.

[Budget Queen]

Determine what you need first. IF only the inside passage ports then Alaska By Cruiseship and the Ports of Calls books are great. Fodor's also has an Alaska Ports of Calls book.

 

But with the "cruisetour" mention, if it means mainland Alaska then the "regular" Fodor's or Frommer's would give more information perhaps..

 

I'm a strong advocate of public libraries. Perhaps, take out several books and determine which YOU like better, then purchase?

[lovetotraveltx]

Unfortunately, in my town, suburb of Houston, TX, the public library is lacking. No good books on travel for Alaska. Very few and very outdated, hence the question.

 

Maybe I can order from a larger library, haven't tried that.

 

Thank you all!

Edited February 18, 2015 by lovetotraveltx

[mapleleaves]

Many libraries are part of the County system so they will transfer books from one library to another.

I usually go to a large bookstore like Barnes & Noble and browse thru the travel books until I find the book that meets my specific needs.

[gottagoacruzn]

Hi guys, got the book, Inside Passage Walking Tours, by Julianne Chase Patton, it gives a lot of info on Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. You should see about that book, have been reading up on it, will be taking it with me when the time comes to see Alaska in Sept. Also, will also look up the book by Brian Lawrenson, to find out what he has to say.

 

Virginia

[Mercruiser]

My favorite Alaska cruise books are by Joe Upton. His most recent version is "The Alaska Cruise Explorer"

 

http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Cruise-Explorer-Joe-Upton/dp/0991421507

 

There are earlier versions under slightly different titles, such as "The Alaska Cruise Handbook: A Mile-by-Mile Guide 2012 edition"

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979491576

 

What I really like about these books is they are are about the Alaska coastal communities, history, and attractions. These are not the typical, "How to pick a cruise" type books. Joe has a very informative web site that has some great videos that you can watch for free, even if you don't buy the book. See http://www.alaskacruisehandbook.com/

 

[PNW Traveler]

Hi guys, got the book, Inside Passage Walking Tours, by Julianne Chase Patton, it gives a lot of info on Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. You should see about that book, have been reading up on it, will be taking it with me when the time comes to see Alaska in Sept. Also, will also look up the book by Brian Lawrenson, to find out what he has to say.

 

Virginia

 

I purchased the Inside Passage Walking Tours by Julianne Chase Patton last year and used it extensively for our September 2014 Alaska cruise. I have traveled to Alaska many times. This is a superb book with great port information. Even if you don't walk much in port, it will help you make decisions on excursions and sightseeing. The book is small and easy to take with you in port.

[lmkucala]

My favorite Alaska cruise books are by Joe Upton. His most recent version is "The Alaska Cruise Explorer"

 

http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Cruise-Explorer-Joe-Upton/dp/0991421507

 

There are earlier versions under slightly different titles, such as "The Alaska Cruise Handbook: A Mile-by-Mile Guide 2012 edition"

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979491576

 

What I really like about these books is they are are about the Alaska coastal communities, history, and attractions. These are not the typical, "How to pick a cruise" type books. Joe has a very informative web site that has some great videos that you can watch for free, even if you don't buy the book. See http://www.alaskacruisehandbook.com/

 

 

I know this is an older post but I'm wondering if these two books are the same (the 2014 just a later version) or if they are different? I was going to buy the mile-by-mile guide from 2012 and then saw this post. I want to make sure it includes the mile information if I order the 2014 one.

[NancyIL]

I know this is an older post but I'm wondering if these two books are the same (the 2014 just a later version) or if they are different? I was going to buy the mile-by-mile guide from 2012 and then saw this post. I want to make sure it includes the mile information if I order the 2014 one.

 

According to Amazon - The Alaska Cruise Handbook has 287 pages, whereas The Alaska Cruise Explorer has 103 pages. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't have the "Look inside" feature for either of these books to compare the table of contents. The map that comes with The Alaska Cruise Handbook is excellent

[lmkucala]

According to Amazon - The Alaska Cruise Handbook has 287 pages, whereas The Alaska Cruise Explorer has 103 pages. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't have the "Look inside" feature for either of these books to compare the table of contents. The map that comes with The Alaska Cruise Handbook is excellent

 

Thanks I noticed this too after I posted the question - I think I'll just order the 2012 version to be safe.

[zqvol]

Have done a lot of reading, but want a guide book to mark up and take with me on my first cruisetour of Alaska this June.

 

I already have my cruise line/ship picked, obviously.

 

Undecided between

Fodor's Alaska 2015--Just Published February 10, 2015

 

http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Alaska-Full-color-Travel-Guide/dp/0804142866

 

or

 

Frommer's Easy Guide to Alaskan Cruises and Ports of Call, published November, 2014

 

http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-EasyGuide-Alaska-Cruises-Guides/dp/1628870966/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1X4PVCZE23P4CH2Q7TG2

 

Any preference for useful reading and carrying on trip?

 

Thank you!

 

 

Both is the way to go!

[PNW Traveler]

Hi guys, got the book, Inside Passage Walking Tours, by Julianne Chase Patton, it gives a lot of info on Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. You should see about that book, have been reading up on it, will be taking it with me when the time comes to see Alaska in Sept. Also, will also look up the book by Brian Lawrenson, to find out what he has to say.

 

Virginia

 

This is a superb book. I've cruised Alaska multiple times, traveled Alaska for business and pleasure. Even if you don't like to do a lot of walking, the Julianne Chase Patton book is the best port guide, IMHO. (I did do many of its walking tours on my most recent trip to SE Alaska.)

[Kamloops50]

I prefer Anne Viponds book on Alaska . She gives a good description of the whole trip with history of the different places enroute. I personally never liked Frommers or Fodors travel books for cruising. They don't make sense to me .

[underthemoon53]

I just gone done readying Frommer's its a great book, but if you have already book half the book isn't really relevant. The first half goes over the cruise lines and which one to book through. I just ordered another one from Amazon and don't recall the name but will update once I get it.

[Kamloops50]

Both books spend a large part about cruise lines and the ships. By the time you get a year old book the ship's used have changed.

Anne Vipond concentrates on the passage , wildlife and ports. With very little about the cruise lines or ships.

[Thoth]

I order used books. When the 2016 edition comes out there many out there in computer-land wishes to unload 2015's edition for shelf space.

Which book to pick ? Order them all :D