Customer Reviews

The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets from a Cruise Director for a Perfect Cruise Vacation

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Written by Jim West, this tiny book can easily fit into a pocket or suitcase corner. It's full of short, quick to read tips on every aspect of cruising.

You're not going to get a long, drawn out planner here. This is really about quick hints to help make your cruise more enjoyable. Much of it is common sense - pack light. Have a happy attitude. Don't sweat the small things. Plan ahead. Use sunblock, carry antacid.

A lot of the wisdom, though, is common sense earned by Jim after thousands of days at seas. He recommends lower floors for their more steady ride. He suggests arriving in port a day ahead of schedule so you're more than ready for departure. When you are leaving the vessel, also don't try to rush. Have a leisurely breakfast and do a crossword puzzle while the ship's crew do all of the docking and final departure preparations.

For those who have never been on a cruise, a lot of the information is invaluable. Always bring a carry-on, because your main luggage might not get to your room until late in the evening on the first day. You always want to do the reverse on the way off the ship - the crew will take your luggage the night before. You need to have a carry-on with you to carry your PJs and toiletries off the ship with you.

The price is relatively reasonable for such a tiny book full of nuggets of wisdom. It's well worth buying a copy and passing it along to each member of your party before you leave. You never know who will find which pieces of information to be critical!

I've read seven cruise books, everything from how cruise ships are rated, what cruise lines offer what kind of products, and everything in between. The Essential Little Cruise Book is without doubt the best of all. It contains incredible enhancement tips that will literally save you hundreds of dollars. I also read some of the other reviews on this book, and I know why so many people included Jim West's toll-free number. I contacted him, and he not only took time to personally answer my questions, but he also gave me a letter to give to the captain on the ship we were going to be sailing on. He knew the captain personally, and we were treated like VIP's the entire time we were on the cruise...You should buy it from amazon.com immediately!!

I bought this book because it said in the title that it contained secrets from a cruise director. I have been lucky enough to go on 10 cruises so far. So, I thought to myself, "Secrets? I can't wait to hear secrets." This book does NOT contain any secrets. It is common sense info and things you may not know if you've never cruised before. Don't waste your money if you are an experienced cruiser.

My family is planning a cruise to Alaska this year and I purchased The Essential Little Cruise Book through Amazon.com. What a great surprise to find dozens of really great tips for our Alaska cruise. You might consider telling people this book not only has a lot of general tips, but there is an entire section for Alaska and the Caribbean. Anyway, Jim West, who I understand plans cruises (I was reading previous reviews) sounds to me like the kind of person who "gets it!" Had I not already made my cruise plans with my travel agent, I would have at least given him a call to see what kind of price I could get.
My personal opinion for anyone planning a cruise, especially your first cruise, GET THIS BOOK. It is worth the little money you will spend for it and I promise, you'll be glad you did.

Most, if not all, glowing reviews on this book are from one or two sources that *oddly* list the authors 800 number for booking a cruise. Beware.

This is a great pocket size guide for anyone who cruises or wants to cruise. Lots of helpful information about preparing for your cruise, packing, activities, how the tipping works. Really, everything. It is a small book so you can bring it in your bag and refer back to it again and again.

I bought this even though I have already been on several cruises, hoping to pick up some pointers I might have missed. But nope! It was just what I had already learned "the hard way." It should be subtitled "From the cruise company point of view." For instance, anyone who believes they can pick up a valuable piece of art cheaply from a shipboard art auction probably has purchased the Brooklyn Bridge at some time in the past!

Only generalities and penned by a former cruise director who writes mostly like a cruise line shill. Too many times, the advice for things that go wrong is to grin-and-bear it.

Alright, so you read a lot of good reviews about this book from many different people, and you wonder if the author himself or his family didn't have something to do with the good things that have been said about it. In my opinion, this little book has been the most helpful reading material I have ever invested in for any vacation. My wife and I spent a lot of money on our first cruise and we wanted everything to be just right, so we bought The Essential Little Cruise Book. Not only was the book beyond our expectations (especially for the amount you pay), but the tips were extremely helpful.

I called Jim West using the toll-free number I found in the book(800-708-0880) to express to him our gratitude, and when I told him about the cruise my wife and I were planning on the Crystal Harmony, he not only found the exact same package (a better cabin location too) for $1400 less than what my local travel agent gave us, but he also offered to personally plan the entire cruise. I cancelled with my local travel agent, gave him the business and have just returned from that cruise.

I can't express enough my thanks to Jim for all his help. If you're planning a cruise, call him!! He is a great guy and without doubt, HE is the best investment you'll make on your cruise.

I bought this by mistake in a special boxed set with a tape labeled "Cruise Control." I was actually looking for Pam Kane's book of that title, and in my haste didn't check the author. West's book is a minute and therefore wonderfully packable book that is ideal for the first time cruiser. However, anyone who has been on a cruise will find little of interest. If, however, you have a friend going for the first time this would be a great and useful bon voyage gift.