Rating: 
Summary: Not worth it!
Review: A waste of money. It's just a way of getting business for his own agency. He sounds like he's talking to a group of children not adults.
Not the type of help I want and I'll find my own agency thanks, not yours.
Rating: 
Summary: EVERYONE WAS RIGHT!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific source for all cruisers.
Review: Being a first-time cruiser, I thought I'd get as educated as I could before I actually leave. This little book as proven to be a diamond on the rough. It has been awesome.
Rating:
Summary: The Bible For Cruise Professionals!
Review: Cruise Voyager, the premier cruise planning web site has provided Jim West's book to all our associates. His tips and expertise have enable our staff of professional cruise associates to assist our valued clients with getting the most out of their cruise vacation This is one book I recommend that every travel agent should read, as well as every cruise passenger!
Rating:
Summary: The "Must Have" book ~ Cruise 101 and beyond!!
Review: Everyone should read, and re-read, this wonderful little book. By reading before your first cruise you will gain the knowledge you'll need to make all aspects of the cruise the best it can be. Take it with you to answer questions you will certainly have while on your cruise. Each time I open this book I learn something new. A true gold mine of cruise "how to" and "do's and don'ts". I buy one as a gift for everyone who is embarking on their first cruise.
Rating:
Summary: A PERFECT GIFT FOR SOMEONE GOING ON A CRUISE!
Review: I bought this book for my parents who are going on their first cruise. According to my mother, who normally doesn't offer any opinion about books, THE ESSENTIAL LITTLE CRUISE BOOK was the most informative book she had ever hoped to receive. I had no idea it would make such an impression. She also commented that it offered more information than what her travel agent told her. I read one of the other reviews that gives Jim West's toll-free number and I called him to plan our family reunion cruise. He was very professional and I couldn't recommend him enough or his book. Just in case you didn't read the other review, his telephone number is 800-708-0880. Definitely worth calling, even if you just compare prices to what your local travel agent is offering!
Rating: 
Summary: Very packable, with good tips for new cruisers
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Great! But only if you are a first-timer.
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money
Review: I do not understand why the reviewers rate this book highly. Its "insight" consists of "tips" like don't overpack, don't complain at the dinner table, don't flash your money in foreign ports, don't stiff people on tips. And his biggest insight was not to complain, cuz things don't always go your way. Realizing that most people rate this book highly made me fearful to go on my cruise. If this book really is insightful for cruisers, then I will be with a ton of ignorant, unworldly complainers. Most of the info. doesn't really relate to cruising, its just common sense for traveling. If you really have never traveled, never packed a suitcase, never been anywhere, then this book may be helpful for you. It may help reduce the anxiety of traveling for total novices. Otherwise, don't waste your money. Also, note that many of the positive reviewers give West's 800 number. Its suspicious, and seems like they may be planted reviews to get him business. The book constantly advocates going to a travel agent to book your cruise, which is ridiculously unecessary in today's world of e-commerce. You can get the same cruise online at half the cost of what a travel agent can get it for you. West seems behind the times in that regard. He also says leggings are a good item for women to wear on a cruise. Who wears leggings? The last time that was fashionable was the late 1980s. Please don't waste your money on this book.
Rating:
Summary: Right from the heart
Review: I found this cruise "booklet" earnestly written straight from the heart of the author. It's refreshing to see passion in one's work being translated into print! Way to go, Jim! (PS. The book is indeed an integral tool to our editorial team at Asian Cruise Passenger Magazine)
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