I came across a book at a used bookstore about 20 years ago which I then accidentally sold. Long story. Anyway, I've been trying to find another copy for the last five years or so with no luck. I can't for the life of me remember the title.
I believe it was a black cover with the picture of a space cruise liner shaped like a swan on the front. It was very well made with heavy full color pages and a slick finish. It was about an inch and a half thick.
The book was written as if it was a travel guide by a company specializing in interstellar cruises. It covered their various packages and then delved into the various locations the cruises stopped, indigenous life forms and societies, etc.
One of the species you were to encounter were three-legged pod-like creatures which had no eyesight and communicated by smell. Another was a tall slender race whose advances in medical science had led them to do body modification and "plastic surgery" to the point that it was the focus of their culture. There was another planet which had tall crystal growths which were believed to be sentient.
Sounds strange, but it was a very interesting book. I loved the way it was presented. I'd like to get it as a present for one of my boys.
What is the title?