Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation |  | Author: T. Brian Chatfield
Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company
Category: Book
List Price: $21.95
Buy New: $14.90
as of 7/30/2010 17:55 CDT details
You Save: $7.05 (32%)
New (17) Used (7) from $12.47
Seller: dbrown350
Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 544893
Media: Paperback
Pages: 288
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.9
ISBN: 1601381514
Dewey Decimal Number: 910.45
EAN: 9781601381514
ASIN: 1601381514
Publication Date: September 3, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 10
 Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation September 21, 2008
Angela M. Waseilewski
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.
After reading this book, I will consider a cruise September 22, 2008
Christine (Canada)
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.
A Great Find For All First Cruisers! October 8, 2008
Ginger L. Robinson
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.
A fine choice for any library strong in travel January 12, 2009
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
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 must read July 10, 2009
S. Nash
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.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 10
|
|
|
