Fortunately, the ports may be just as pretty in real life as in the photos, as long as you don't wander off the beaten path. The front part of the brochure is typically dedicated to telling you a little about the overall services and amenities offered by the line. In reality, the cabins may be cramped and the service adequate, but not much more. The brochure will outline the itineraries of the line's various ships, and list departure dates and rates for each sailing. Don't let the rates scare you off.
Brochure rates are the peak prices the line hopes to collect.
Think of them as the sticker price. Your travel agent can offer more advice on how to save. The brochure will describe cabin sizes, which may not mean much unless you want to mark it out on your floor at home. These are typically shown on a deck plan, an overhead diagram of each deck of the ship, which will also show you the location of the public rooms, such as dining, disco, bars, show lounge, and gym. Before You Go items, which may include information on tipping, packing and customs requirements.