The Norwegians who immigrated to Seattle were a sturdy stock. Perhaps it was due to their ancient history as determined Viking seafarers--or their more recent experiences as tenacious fishermen, farmers, loggers, and carpenters. From the first Norwegians to arrive in 1868 through today, Seattle's Norwegian American community has maintained a remarkable cohesiveness. They participate in Sons and Daughters of Norway and other clubs; enjoy lutefisk dinners, lively music and dance groups, and the annual May 17 parade; boast elaborately knitted sweaters and historic costumes; and labor over language classes and genealogy. The result is a pride of heritage unique to the Norwegian Americans in Seattle and a sinew that binds their community.

A comprehensive look at the Norwegian-language press, celebrating the tireless writers, editors, and publishers whose efforts helped guide Norwegian immigrants on their path to becoming Norwegian Americans.

Whether you’re a veteran cruiser or have never set foot on an ocean-going vessel, this is the book for you. Up-to-date and comprehensive, it will guide you through everything from choosing a cruise to clearing Customs on your return. Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005 includes information on: Getting the best deal (few people pay full boat; consider the brochure price like a “sticker” price) Choosing the best cruise for your interests, schedule, and budget Ways to make your cruise more romantic Planning a family-friendly cruise What to expect onboard—from cabin size to spas, sports, entertainment, and gambling Popular cruise destinations, including the Carribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and more The major cruise lines and their vessels Mainstream ships, luxury ships, and alternative and sailing ships Cruise Vacations for Dummies 2005 was written by Jerry Brown and Fran Wenograd Golden; cumulatively, they’ve been on more than 100 cruises. Fran is a columnist for concierge.com and the Boston Herald travel section, and co-author of Frommer’s European Cruises and Ports of Call and Frommer’s Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call. With their vast cruise experience, the authors give you tips and tidbits on: Travel insurance, packing tips, passport requirements, tipping, and more Top attractions and best shore excursions at major ports of call Wining and dining (a main attraction in itself) Activities onboard The “Quick Concierge” appendix and comprehensive index help you find what you want to know fast.

The cruise ship market is a 30 billion-dollar industry, and in 2013 it is estimated that it will carry more than 20 million passengers; nor is there any sign of a slow down in the seven percent annual growth. What keeps the passengers coming in such huge numbers isn't the food, the ports or the entertainment. They come for the magnificent floating palaces themselves, the giants of the sea.In this new book, the author showcases the most influential cruise ships of the last three decades beginning with Royal Caribbean's ground-breaking Sovereign of the Seas. When she was launched in 1988 she was the largest passenger ship constructed since Cunard's Queen Mary entered service some 48 years earlier, and her entry into service sparked a fiercely competitive building boom that continues to this day. The reader is taken aboard thirty of the most spectacular ships to reveal how their innovative designs changed the landscape of modern cruising. By employing original and archival photographs, deck plans, cruise programmes, as well as the author's intimate knowledge of many of these vessels, a unique picture is built up of these great ships and it becomes clear that the true Golden Age of Cruising is not in some distant past but exists right now, and that its origins can be traced back to one ship, launched in 1988.A truly sumptuous and fascinating book for all those drawn to the world of the modern cruise ship.As seen in Ships Monthly Magazine