Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation [Paperback]

T. Brian Chatfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 2008

Each year, over 11 million people take a cruise vacation. Cruising has become one of the fastest growing vacation alternatives in the 21st century. The experience of cruising is unlike any other. If you have never cruised before, imagine being pampered at a luxurious resort and waking up each morning to a brand new, stunning view of the world. But your first cruise can be a little confusing, and you may not know what to expect or what to do. You could spend much of your vacation just figuring out how the cruise vacation works. Do not waste a moment of your precious vacation time if you want to take the plunge and go on your first cruise. This new book will be your traveling companion and answer the myriad of questions that arise when planning a cruise. By reading this book, you will learn what to expect while on a cruise. You will learn how to choose a cruise line, ship, and cabin, how to choose a cruise vacation, how to pick a destination, how to avoid cruise scams, how to book online, how to cruise on a budget, how to watch for hidden costs, how to book excursions, how to pack, how to get to the cruise terminal, how to get married onboard, how to connect back to home, how tipping works, how to plan a reunion or family cruise, and how to get off the ship. You will become knowledgeable about cruising myths, planning timelines, cruise insurance, cruising terms, travel agents, air/sea packages, sailing ship and river cruises, pre and post-cruise travel, what clothing to bring, special needs passengers, singles on cruises, seniors on cruises, cruise costs, group cruises, last minute packages, passports and other critical documentation, travel rules and regulations, luggage, daily newsletters, room service, sports and exercise areas, seasickness, duty free port shopping, entertainment, libraries and game rooms, bars and lounges, private receptions, the spa, compulsory safety drills, life rafts, on board activities, the purser s desk, cruise cards, the dreaded norovirus, security, formal nights, pictures, your cell phone, walkie talkies, your final bill, and U.S. customs. In addition, we will answer the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask, such as: Why a cruise vacation? What is a guaranteed cabin? Which dining time is best? What should I expect? What will my cabin be like? Will I get wet when I go snorkeling? All this and more than you need to know for your first cruise will be covered in this new book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company (September 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601381514
• ISBN-13: 978-1601381514
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #388,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing > Narratives

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Broad Overview of Cruise Life, February 21, 2011

By 

D Anderton (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation (Paperback)

If you have never taken a cruise and are clueless on what to expect, this book may provide some useful information. The book provides a brief overview to the various cruise lines and offers some general guidance on cruise life. On the downside:

1. The cruise lines are constantly experimenting with alternative dining programs and other innovative programs. It is very easy for a book like this to quickly become out-of-date.
2. Your particular cruise experience will be driven more by the specific cruise line, ship and itinerary than the generic guidance offered in this book.
3. The book is very remedial. If you have never travelled and need an exhaustive 'do list' (when to get your passport, when to pack, what to pack, etc.), you may find this book helpful. I personally found the book over-emphasized travel generic information that I thought was more or less obvious and under-emphasized the cruise-specific experience.
4. There are much better options available in print (more timely and packed with more information). You might try "The Unofficial Guide to Cruises" or the annual Fodor or Berlitz guides. For cruise-line or cruise-ship specific information, I found the various on-line reviews to be much more useful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, July 10, 2009

By 

S. Nash - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation (Paperback)

I was blown away by the details, suggestions, and information provided in the book. Your First Cruise is well written, complete guide, and must read for anyone thinking of taking a cruise. Chatfield takes you outside the boat with his ideas, suggestions, and insights. Following his advice you are sure to have a wonderful time and make it an experience to remember. Taking you beyond the cruise to your return home, he offers sound advice for any traveler.

4.0 out of 5 stars A no-nonsense, get-to-the-point guide to cruising, May 8, 2009

By 

Reader Rachel - See all my reviews

This review is from: Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation (Kindle Edition)

Mention the word "cruise" and up rise images of your dream destination - sandy beaches with snorkeling and fishing, a hot rainforest with exotic animals, the snow sports of Alaska. Going on a cruise sounds like heaven; it's the planning part that gets in the way. Fortunately, T. Brian Chatfield lays out the basic--and not so basic--steps to help first time cruisers combat problems before they set foot on the boat.

Chatfield breaks it down into two manageable sections: a) what you need to know about taking your first cruise, and b) what you need to know about the cruise lines. This two-pronged approach allows readers first to gain footing in choosing the right type of cruise, how to prepare, what to expect, and what to pack; followed by question-and-answer sessions with representatives from 11 cruise lines detailing where they sail, what they offer, and a round-up of their services.

Chatfield covers the topic of cruises with a passionate thoroughness. His research and fine execution give readers the option of reading cover to cover or skimming specific sections that pertain to their situations. Your First Cruise shines as both a resource and an enjoyable read, a rare combination.

I have never been on a cruise. After reading this book, I see that's going to change.