JoBeth McDaniel

A lavish dreambook, Voyages provides the inside scoop on the world's most exciting ports of call selected and rated by over one hundred leading travel writers--all authorities on exotic and extraordinary travel experiences. Through a comprehensive survey, ports of call were reviewed and evaluated by this highly respected group of journalists. Romantic Ambiance, Fine Cuisine, Engaging Entertainment, Great Shopping, and exceptional Cultural Sites and Wonders--the most important qualities in choosing a vacation destination--were considered and the resulting total score for each port was used to determine the world's 100 most exciting ports of call. Brought together by Jay Clark, travel editor of The Miami Herald, the most savvy and eloquent travel writers divide the world into eleven geographic regions--the East Coast of North America, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, the West Coast of North America, Oceania, the Far East, Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Each section features an essay by a renowned travel writer intimately acquainted with the region, who details what makes the selected ports of call some of the most thrilling in the world. They take the reader beyond the shore to the regions' most beautiful, lively, and fascinating spots, capturing each region's very essence. With a Foreword by famed maritime historian John Maxtone-Graham and a brief introduction to the rich and vibrant history of cruising by Bill Miller, Voyages is a must-have for anyone considering taking a first cruise, for those desiring to encounter cruising anew, or for armchair travelers who dream of faraway places. It's a grand adventure of lavish and legendary on-board service, novel and pristine sites to explore, and exotic and alluring destinations. Over two hundred and fifty incredible images by internationally renowned photojournalist and cruise photographer Harvey Lloyd bring the experience to life with the richness and grandeur of the on-board experience, spectacular panoramic views of tropical beaches and wilderness; the spectacle of enchanted cities and palaces; and close-ups of the colorful peoples, marketplaces, and sensational retreats. A spotlight on excitement, romance, and discovery, Voyages is a visual getaway for any travel-hungry adventurer.

Reviews:

"Outstanding is the word I'd use to describe this 284 page coffee table book, especially its photos of ports and cruise ships by award-winning photojournalist, Harvey Lloyd.

The subtitle of this October, 1999 book is 'The World's 100 Most Fascinating Ports of Call, Selected by the World's Leading Travel Writers,' and those writers include veteran cruise ship reporters John Maxtone-Graham and Bill Miller, as well as the book's editor, Jay Clarke, travel editor of the Miami Herald.

As Jay Clarke says in his introduction 'Dividing the world into eleven regions, expert essayists then paint a vivid picture of each destination as well as the cruising experience. We follow them as they venture beyond the water's edge into the streets and surroundings of a hundred ports of call.'

The editors polled more than 100 travel journalists for their views on the top 100 ports, broken down into the categories of excitement, cuisine, adventure, entertainment, romance and shopping. Some surprises for me in the top one hundred included Charleston, Martinique, Casablanca, Mombassa and Bombay.

The essays are interesting, and the side-bars on each port are effective in capturing the essence of each port in a few words. But above all, Harvey Lloyd's photographs make this a treasured book."


"Even if you're the sort who vows never to set foot on a cruise ship again, you will adore this book, easily drinking in the visual riches served up from the global punch bowl. Yes, there are plenty of pictures of grand ocean liners--snapped from above and from within these bits of Las Vegas at sea. But even more gasp-worthy are Harvey Lloyd's photos of 100 ports of call--from Rio de Janeiro to Singapore to Casablanca to Melbourne to Montreal to St. Petersburg. The hundreds of texturally rich photos alone sell this book, but there are a dozen well-written accompanying chapters that speak to history and life in these places first built up because they touch water. For anyone feeling that the world is boring or small, who feels stifled and boxed into routine, this book provides instant escape. More than a mere picture book, it's also ideal as a travel-planning tool, even if, vowing to never set foot on a cruise ship again, you're taking a plane. In short: an affordable treasure with sensual images so intoxicating they serve as a mind-soothing elixir."