New Fodor's guide to European cruises

NEW YORK — More Americans are seeing Europe by cruise ship than ever before, and that trend has led Fodor's to publish a new book, "The Complete Guide to European Cruises" ($23.95).

"More cruise lines have moved ships to Europe, particularly to cater to the American market, than at any time I can remember," said the book's editor, Douglas Stallings. "Americans are looking for new places to cruise. A lot of them have done the Caribbean and done it several times. For their next cruise, they want something different and they're choosing Europe."

Stallings added that the dollar's continued weakness against the euro makes cruises an attractive choice as a hedge against expenses. You pay for the cruise upfront in dollars; all your lodging and meals are paid for.

"Americans see a great deal of value in a cruise that's priced in U.S. dollars," Stallings added. "A cruise is also one of the most cost-effective ways to see a variety of destinations - albeit not for very much time in each place."

Convenience is a factor too. "It's an easy way to travel," Stallings said. You only unpack once, and you can take the tours offered by the ship or go off on your own.

Stallings said that depending on the itinerary, ships on European trips often stay in port until midnight, which means visitors have plenty of time to check out local restaurants and see the sights.

The book can help you evaluate ships and itineraries, including river and barge cruises, but it's particularly useful if you're the independent type, willing to head off and explore rather than sign up for the cruise ship's organized tours.

In Croatia, for example, Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic Sea, offers many sites in its Old Town, which Fodor's describes as "an area that is compact and car-free." But don't rent a car to get from the port to the Old Town; instead, Fodor's says, take a shuttle, public bus, or taxi. Recommended sites include "War Photo Limited," a modern gallery devoted to "shocking but impressive" photojournalism, and Gradske Zidine, the 80-foot-tall city walls, first erected during the 13th century, then reinforced over the next 400 years.