Cruising the World: A Holiday Treat

Published December 14, 2020 | By Clark Norton

Award-winning travel photographer Dennis Cox and I have been friends since high school. We’ve collaborated on a number of magazine and newspaper projects over the years, and Dennis has contributed many of his photos for use on clarknorton.com.

Our collaboration has worked out well since my photography skills are about on a par with his writing abilities. In other words, if he sticks to camera work and I stick to words, we do OK.

One of our collaborative pieces for United Airlines’ Hemispheres magazine, on China’s ethereal Mt. Huangshan, was named Best Magazine Travel Article of the year in 1995 by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. We’ve also worked together on pieces for The Washington Post Magazine, Destinations magazine, the San Francisco Examiner, and other publications.

But we had never done a book together until now. The final product, which we finished earlier this year — Cruising the World: From Gondolas to Megaships — provides a wonderful showcase for Dennis’ photographic talents. My contribution was to write the text, which delves a bit into the history of cruising, the modern-day flamboyance of “floating island” megaships, and the quieter, more intimate experiences to be found on a variety of small vessels sailing the globe.

Or at least they were sailing the globe before the coronavirus struck and temporarily sent cruise ships around the world heading into dock. Whether they begin to return in the spring or summer of 2021 or later, cruising will eventually be back, with new safety measures in place.

Traditional dhow sailing in Stone Town harbor of Zanzibar. Photo by Dennis Cox / WorldViews

But in the meantime, we invite you to reminisce with Cruising the World and discover new options that go way beyond the ocean-going cruise lines: from river barges to Arabian dhows, Hong Kong ferries to festive Mexican trajineras, and much more.

Featuring 37 different kinds of vessels, this large format, 208-page hardcover volume colorfully explores cruising worldwide with 535 photos from 77 countries on all seven continents.

The coffee table-style book is listed at $38.95, but for a limited time — and just in time for Christmas! — you can buy it for half price only at Dennis’ website, www.denniscox.com.

While it won’t fit in many stockings, it will definitely fit under your tree!

Once again, go to denniscox.com and give the gift of armchair cruising (including to yourself) this holiday season.

From a review by the publisher of SurprisingTravelFinds.com:

“One is an accomplished travel photographer, the other a gifted writer. Their splendid collaboration celebrates cruises even as travelers are banned from venturing onto ships…this wonderful book will ease the pain of many would-be cruise travelers until the cabins and open waters are open once again for full exploration.” — Mark Kahler, SurprisingTravelFinds.com