Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 It is very easy for a book like this to quickly become out-of-date.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.

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.

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.

Set sail on a cruise and discern all the savvy details in advance, from tipping to itineraries, with a book that is based on information from 11 of the largest cruise companies. The book helps consumers understand differences between cruise lines and offered programs, helping readers compare the different cruise lines and understand what will happen on a first cruise. A fine choice for any library strong in travel; especially collections catering to seniors.

A voyage to see the majestic glaciers of Alaska. A slow ride through the Panama Canal or possibly a week long jaunt to the golden coast of Italy. And what better way to see these and many other wonderful sights than from the bow of a ship.

Gone is the era of Captain Stubing and his nautical adventures on the "Love Boat" replaced by water borne tributes to luxury and pampering. In "Your First Cruise", by T. Brian Chatfield, a finely detailed examination of the planning, preparation and all paths that lead to "shove off" is offered, as well as many minute details that range from off beat destinations and far from the beaten path activities in your port of call to packing advice and customs regulations and duties in many of the exotic ports.

Mr. Chatfield has, it seems, and lucky him, to have taken many a voyage and kept incredible notes from each. His in-depth knowledge of each of the cruise lines, their quirks and offerings, destinations, rules and refreshment policies, coupled with the numerous resources he has compiled at the end that include websites for everything from traveling families to what scams are currently in play inside the cruise industry, offer the neophyte "cruiser" a wealth of information that all but books the cruise for you. "Your First Cruise" is a must have for both the world traveler and someone looking into their first water excursion.

RATING:
4 stars

A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation
Author: T. Brian Chatfield
Reviewer: R. Ginger Robinson


I am one of the 40% of people who have not experienced the joy of a cruise, however I heard the rave reviews of friends and family members regarding the cruises they have taken and have always been intrigued. I have to admit, now that I've read this guide, I'm a bit more than intrigued, I have wondered how I can make a cruise a reality for myself and my immediate family as well. From the opening of the first chapter, Mr. Chatfield engages the reader with captivating history about the cruise history industry. History isn't normally something anybody would run to hear, but the presentation of this information is as though he is speaking to you, his good friend.
The ins and outs of the cruise industry and how it affects you as a consumer continue to flow succinctly from chapter to chapter with down to earth advice such as how to choose the cruise that is right for you and your pocket, how the cruise staff works to keep you protected to even more in depth insight of avoiding falling prey to cruise scams. Brian Chatfield pulls out information that I have to admit I hadn't thought about such as securing passports, what types of items are safe to purchase while on your trip, and even how to choose the correct luggage for any flights you may have to take. He gives honest and refreshing information as to the pros and cons of this type of trip and even the cons seem as though they are manageable.
When I saw how many pages this book had, I thought surely such insignificant information could be given in brochure form or most assuredly less than twenty pages, but the immense wealth of information contained in these chapters is like an unearthed treasure trove not to be ignored. Brian Chatfield presents honest tactics to secure your trip with checklists of the steps that need to be taken care of before, after and during your trip. This book comes complete with information on cruise ship industries, both the small and larger ships and the benefits of booking cruises with either. There is contact information and a listing of what you can expect on these particular ships. There are carefully thought out plans to make a cruise happen for every reader presented in a candidly refreshing and easily readable manner.
I always thought "how to" books had a pointless quality, yet after experiencing firsthand mismanagement of situations that could have been alleviated with the proper advisement and planning, the extra help is welcome. Upon completion of this book, I felt prepared to plan and take a relaxing cruise. Out of 5 stars, I give this complete guide 5 stars.

T Brian Chatfield's book Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation is a great resource if you've never planned a cruise vacation and want a new and exciting way to experience the world. Cruises are no longer for the rich: with more and more ships popping up with more and more vacation packages, cruises are fast becoming a popular way to spend a vacation, both for individuals and for families. This book demystifies the cruise experience and will help you book your next important voyage.

Reading this book before you plan a cruise will not only help you plan your vacation, but it will save you time, money, and energy. This book doesn't just cover how to choose which ship to commit to or what package to invest in, but it covers everything from what you should pack to how tipping works. The book even takes the time to discuss questions people are afraid to ask: everything from how the final bill is created to what cabins really look like to how meals work.

Chatfield's book culminates with a list of reputable cruise companies to consider when arranging your vacation. Consequently, the book takes you through not only planning your cruise but also walking you through your first day onboard. The range of this book ensures that your first cruise is relaxing. In fact, after reading this book, the reader will feel as if they've already been on a cruise. Instead of spending one's first cruise learning the ropes, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy your vacation on the wide open seas.

I still love to travel, but I have become disenchanted with plane travel, since the trip is no fun anymore. If you're like me, a cruise might be the option for you--or you may have tried a cruise, loved it and want to explore other cruise options. Your First Cruise lays out many of these options, such as the "megaliners" that most people see the most marketing for, to yacht, freighter and river cruises. I was impressed by how many cruising options--not just the numerous destinations from Aruba to Alaska, or Europe to the Middle East--which according to the book include "more than 60 different lines and 300 ships on the water at any given time" (p.75). There are also plenty of options for shipboard life, from structured to "freestyle" voyages, and you can travel with or without kids, or by theme. According Your First Cruise, you can also take a cruise for less than one thousand dollars--not including your costs to get to the port of departure--which means that a cruise may also be a "budget" holiday.

There are some disadvantages to cruising, since not all are inclusive, and you may need to have cash for "port tax" if it isn't covered in the cost of the cruise. Some off-ship excursions may require you to spend extra money to take part. Illness, often mentioned in the media, is also an issue, but probably just as hazardous as incautiously sampling foreign food, or getting lax about hand washing, while on any trip. Your First Cruise does address these issues and covers others, like packing for your cruise, and the book has a great bibliography that you can use to fill in some of the blanks that remain before you book your trip.

Your First Cruise reminded me that the voyage, not just the destination, should be fun, and a cruise might be one option for a refreshing holiday.

Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation, by T. Brian Chatfield walks you through the entire process of researching, booking and going on your first cruise. Chatfield talks to the reader in an easy to understand language making this an enjoyable and informative book to read.
Throughout the book you will find "case studies", which are testimonials from past cruisers and as well as people in the cruise industry. The author walks you through the entire process of booking a cruise vacation, he also includes a sample menu, itinerary and packing list to help the reader every step of the way.
This book doesn't miss a beat when it comes to planning and executing a cruise vacation.

Your first cruise does not have to be a disaster. Some vacation-robbing events cannot be avoided, like storms at sea, but others can, if you do your homework before you climb aboard one of the thousands of cruise ships offering adventures on the high seas.
That's the message of YOUR FIRST CRUISE (A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation). Whether you choose a mega-liner or a smaller ship, it's a good idea to know what to expect. From the decision to book a cruise... to the first day onboard... to ports of call, the author, T. Brian Chatfield, offers some words of wisdom. A cruise may not be for you, but if you decide to go, be prepared.
"Variety" is the key word today in the cruise line industry. There's a cruise for just about every taste and every budget.
What about safety issues? News reports of widespread food-borne illnesses on cruise ships have made some potential passengers rather fearful of taking the plunge. An entire chapter in YOUR FIRST CRUISE deals with sanitation and ship safety--what cruise liners are doing to comply with Coast Guard and cruise industry rules and regulations. The author notes that since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, additional security measures are in place for U.S. ports, as defined by Homeland Security.
If you notice that something isn't quite right on your cruise, open your mouth and complain. Chatfield tells you which authorities to contact and how to find them.
First-timers as well as veteran cruisers could learn a lot from YOUR FIRST CRUISE.