Travel Agent Shares Insider Info On Small Ship Cruises

Nov. 11, 2008 - PRLog -- TRAVEL AGENT SHARES INSIDER INFO ON SMALL SHIP CRUISES
“Cruising Off The Beaten Path – The Insider’s Guide To Small Ship Cruises”
(November 8, 2008 – Foster City, CA) Author Betsey Shapiro has the inside scoop on cruise ships. And she’s taken her industry knowledge, garnered from 25 years of working at cruise lines and as a travel agent, and written a comprehensive guidebook to small-ship cruises.  Titled, “CRUISING OFF THE BEATEN PATH: THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO SMALL SHIP CRUISES,” the book will be available for purchase on January 1, 2008.
“There is a growing trend towards cruising on smaller, more intimate ships, perhaps as a response to the larger uniform cruise ships that are so commonplace, “ Ms. Shapiro says. “People have experienced the convenience and comfort of traveling by ship, but they want a more personal and authentic experience. They want to visit places that aren’t on the main tourism routes.”  
Ms. Shapiro has worked for a small-ship cruise line, and knows first-hand how these trips differ from larger cruise lines.  By compiling “Insider’s Insights” and tips from her colleagues who work in the business, “CRUISING OFF THE BEATEN PATH” provides vital information passengers need to know before they plan their trip.
The first part of the book provides extensive information regarding “off the beaten path” destinations accessible by small-ship, such as California’s Wine Country the Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany. Sample itineraries are included, giving readers a taste of what a voyage in a particular region might be like.
also addresses different types of ships, such as coastal cruisers, riverboats, yachts, expedition vessels and “classic” cruise ships. “Classic ships are smaller ocean liners that carry only a few hundred passengers,” Ms. Shapiro advises. “They offer a cruise experience similar to some of the luxury lines of the past, where the focus is on the destination, education and cultural enrichment of the journey.”
Finally, there is a comprehensive list of cruise companies serving the North American market. In addition, these cruise lines work with travel agents, so the reader can take this book to their favorite agent to plan their next trip.  The list includes information about each cruise company, including their fleet of ships, passenger capacity, year built, as well as a description of their service, ambiance, and amenities provided.
“There’s a small ship voyage out there for everyone,” Ms. Shapiro states. “From basic adventure-oriented cruises in Vietnam to luxurious elegant ships in the Burgundy region of France, there are even cruises for people who never thought they’d cruise.”
Betsey Shapiro is a travel agent who also works at the Port of San Francisco assisting cruise guests and providing sightseeing tours. If you’re on a cruise in San Francisco, be sure to drop by and say hello. She is also the author of “Queen’s Hostess,” a novel set on a cruise ship.
To preview CRUISING OFF THE BEATEN PATH, visit http://stores.lulu.com/betseyshapiro. To place an order or schedule an interview with the author, please call 650-349-6223.

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Betsey Shapiro is the owner of Kidd's Cruises & Tours. Kidd's Cruises & Tours (KCT) is a travel company that provides vacations and cruises for all ages. Our team of dedicated travel experts is growing and ready to help you plan your next cruise or land vacation.

She is the author of two books: "Queen's Hostess," (a novel) and "Cruising Off The Beaten Path: The Insider's Guide to Small Ship Cruises" (travel guidebook).
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