Queen of the Sea

by Reese Eschmann

With all the aspirational elements of Eloise and the heart and emotional intelligence of Ways to Make Sunshine, Cruise Life by Reese Eschmann is sure to set sail for success!

All aboard!



Caitlin and her big brother, Dylan, are still getting used to shuttling between Mom’s new little house and Dad’s fancy new condo after their divorce. But summer means a solid six weeks with her dad. Finally, one toothbrush in one place and all her outfits together! So when her dad announces that he’s gotten a new job on the fanciest, most fun, family-friendly cruise line -- and he’s bringing his kids along -- Caitlin has mixed feelings. For about a minute!



Then off she goes on the adventure of a lifetime on the biggest ship she’s ever seen, the Wandering Princess, which is tricked out to perfection. But soon the pressures of being a crew kid get to Caitlin. She's already had to adjust to two new homes . . . will she be able to make the Wandering Princess her third?

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Reese Eschmann holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois-Chicago and worked in schools for six years. When she’s not writing or taking naps, Reese enjoys rock climbing, baking, and making movies with her family. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their hound dog. Etta Invincible is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute chapter book about the true meaning of home. It's the first book in a new series set on a cruise ship, including such themes as friendships, family dynamics, and having a pet. It's an ideal read for ags 6-9 years old.

[Kelsey Sicard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet chapter book with a beautiful message about the meaning of home, from a spunky kid and her brother navigating split time between their divorced parents. Such a fun setting, too! Good for grades 2-3

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Caitlin and her brother Dylan are trying to get used to the changes in their lives after their parents' divorce. They are both looking forward to staying in one place as they stay with their father for six weeks in the summer, but their father has big news. He has taken a job as a doctor on the Wandering Princess cruise ship, and they will be joining him! With a hastily packed suitcase, their shared journal, and Caitlin's bearded dragon Peaches in tow, they are soon off on their adventure. Caitlin and Dylan have to share a room, but they get along pretty well, and there's the whole rest of the ship to explore. In the staff quarters, they meet Olive and Max, who are staying with their grandfather, the ship's chef, while their own parents travel. They are old hands at cruise ships, and Caitlin doesn't enjoy feeling like a "newbie". While lounging at the pool, the group meets Gigi, a retired movie star, and her poodle, Pearl. There's a little mishap with spilled food, and the cruise ship manager, Simone, gets involved, but Gigi doesn't mind the kids, and is soon involved in Caitlin's attempt to change the nightly reading of the Wandering Princess legend on the loud speaker. Being on a cruise ship and helping to take care of passengers involves a bit of a learning curve, but Caitlin and Dylan manage to enjoy their new surroundings.

What a great adventure the high seas would be for a nine year old, especially if it involves all you can eat buffets, a pool with a slide, and glamorous passengers! I've never been on a cruise, but have watched PLENTY of The Love Boat episodes, so learning about the behind-the-scenes details of a cruise ship was very interesting. I liked that Caitlin and Dylan got a long with each other, and that they were also able to make friends with Max and Olivia. Including an adult who was not a parent, Gigi, was fun as well.

Chapter book series are a great way to get elementary aged readers hooked on a story, and this volume will be followed by Raining Cats and Dogs and Ship Shape, so readers who want to continue their journey (and find out why Max doesn't have any hair) will want to pick these up as well, maybe at their next school book fair.

Having a bearded dragon on a cruise ship seems like a bad idea; when Peaches went missing, I was sure she would be swept overboard, and that's not something anyone survives. I was also concerned about Pearl when I looked at the cover. Young readers won't have this anxiety and will enjoy having the pets along.

There are so many good beginning chapters books, but many of them are set in very ordinary circumstances. Add Cruise Life to a list of books about more interesting experiences that includes Barnett's Mac B. Undercover (world traveling spy), Subramaniam V. Malar: The Greatest Host of All Time (living in India), and Jacobsen's Twig and Turtle series (residing in a tiny house).

[carrietracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fun beginning chapter book that would be fairly ordinary except for it's set on a cruise ship, which to me anyway, was a huge incentive. I've never read a kid's book on a modern cruise ship! It's the start of a series too, so I expect readers will want to continue.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have been better if there had been an identifiable problem and resolution. Felt like it was more of a travel diary.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for kids 3rd grade to 5 th.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but never really goes anywhere interesting.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute story. As a Native Floridian who lives in Central Florida, this book had me hooked.
Very short story which is perfect for younger readers. Can’t wait for book 2.

[Audrey Morelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Really light and easy!! It in the beginning I was a little nervous because I didn’t know if I would like a story set on a cruise but omg!! It’s so good!! The plot, the chacters, the setting! Overall, great book to start off summer!!!!!😍🛳️