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CRUISE FACTS - TRUTH & TIPS ABOUT CRUISE TRAVEL
All the basics for beginning cruise travellers as well veteran cruisers. Great tips on when to find the best bargains, how to stay safe and come back alive.
- GenresTravelNonfiction
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2016
136 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Ken Rossignol
67 books70 followersWriting in true crime, maritime history and cruise thrillers occupies most of Ken Rossignol's time.
As a maritime history speaker, Rossignol enjoys meeting audiences around the world and discussing the original news stories of the sinking of the RMS Titanic and other maritime history topics.
In recent years Rossignol has appeared on dozens of ships in the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean discussing the stories of the heroes of the Titanic, the explorations of the new world voyagers, the Bermuda Triangle and the history of piracy.
Rossignol appears at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri for book signings and to talk with visitors about the RMS Titanic.
He has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC 20/20; ABC World News Tonight and in a 2012 production of Discovery Channel Investigation Motives & Murders Series, A Body in the Bay.
News coverage of Rossignol’s landmark civil rights case, represented by Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz re: United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Rossignol v Voorhaar, 2003, included articles in most major news outlets, as well as a column by syndicated columnists James J. Kilpatrick.
The story of the St. Mary's Today newspaper is now available in ebook and paperback: The Story of THE RAG! The book includes nearly 200 editorial cartoons that appeared over the years.
A strong highway safety advocate, Rossignol also publishes the DWIHitParade.com which focuses on impaired driving and the monthly publication, The Chesapeake.
News coverage of Rossignol’s DWIHitParade won an Emmy in 2012 for WJLA reporter Jay Korff and coverage of the St. Mary’s Today newspaper by WUSA reporter Bruce Leshan was awarded an Emmy in 2000.
As a maritime history speaker, Rossignol enjoys meeting audiences around the world and discussing the original news stories of the sinking of the RMS Titanic and other maritime history topics.
In recent years Rossignol has appeared on dozens of ships in the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean discussing the stories of the heroes of the Titanic, the explorations of the new world voyagers, the Bermuda Triangle and the history of piracy.
Rossignol appears at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri for book signings and to talk with visitors about the RMS Titanic.
He has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC 20/20; ABC World News Tonight and in a 2012 production of Discovery Channel Investigation Motives & Murders Series, A Body in the Bay.
News coverage of Rossignol’s landmark civil rights case, represented by Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz re: United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Rossignol v Voorhaar, 2003, included articles in most major news outlets, as well as a column by syndicated columnists James J. Kilpatrick.
The story of the St. Mary's Today newspaper is now available in ebook and paperback: The Story of THE RAG! The book includes nearly 200 editorial cartoons that appeared over the years.
A strong highway safety advocate, Rossignol also publishes the DWIHitParade.com which focuses on impaired driving and the monthly publication, The Chesapeake.
News coverage of Rossignol’s DWIHitParade won an Emmy in 2012 for WJLA reporter Jay Korff and coverage of the St. Mary’s Today newspaper by WUSA reporter Bruce Leshan was awarded an Emmy in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 20, 2016
Cruise Facts by Ken Rossignol is a font of information and well-researched information at that. It is written in a pleasing way while giving you helpful tips, and safety advice. There are pricing tips which will allow the cruiser to make the most of their trip. It is not a fear mongering book that makes you afraid to step foot on a ship, it is a powerful tool that will help the reader take advantage of being a savvy traveler. A great book to give to someone planning a cruise for the first time. It is also very useful information on seasoned cruisers. There is a lot of information packed into this one book.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2023
Good suggestions from a veteran cruiser
September 21, 2016
Reading this increased my knowledge about cruises and their ships. It's loaded with true facts and safety suggestions for a pleasant travel , also there are many pictures throughout the book. Mr. Rossignol is an outstanding author reporting on the room service, food, lunch buffets, nice restaurants and entertainment on Cruise Ships. He points out how and when to get the best prices on cruises.
Also, the dangers and crimes on the ship and on the island ports. Always be aware of who and what is going on around you, you are responsible for your own safety on and off the ships and the island ports.
Suggestions are pointed out to be aware of the weather when you board the ship and following the days you will be traveling, no matter what size the ship is large or small. Incuded in the book are short true stories of things that has happen that was reported.
The 'Cruise Facts' is a good book for all to read, for new cruise travelers or old hands that have been on many cruises. I recommend this book for everyone. The author has also written a fiction thiller series 'The Privateer Clause'. I have read many of his books and have enjoyed all of them.
Remember to enjoy your voyage.
Also, the dangers and crimes on the ship and on the island ports. Always be aware of who and what is going on around you, you are responsible for your own safety on and off the ships and the island ports.
Suggestions are pointed out to be aware of the weather when you board the ship and following the days you will be traveling, no matter what size the ship is large or small. Incuded in the book are short true stories of things that has happen that was reported.
The 'Cruise Facts' is a good book for all to read, for new cruise travelers or old hands that have been on many cruises. I recommend this book for everyone. The author has also written a fiction thiller series 'The Privateer Clause'. I have read many of his books and have enjoyed all of them.
Remember to enjoy your voyage.
September 14, 2016
Cruise Facts
We have taken many cruises on many different cruise lines and I agree with Ken’s comments. It would be interesting to take his pros and cons and make a check list. Then a cruiser (newbie or oldie) could check off their likes (i.e., Mostly the passengers weigh in (a joke) from about the fifties to eighties, with slight deviations below and above those age groups) and dislikes (i.e., kids running from elevator to elevator and pushing the buttons for every floor). We were on one of the last cruises to stop in Acapulco. Some passengers and crew members were mugged. I was only a couple hundred feet from our gangplank when I was surrounded by a mob. No one from the ship came to my aid, but this little old white haired lady with a neck brace managed to get back on my own. I told them that I had no money and was just checking things out. Since I had no purse or belly pack, they believed me. An elderly woman at the table next to us at dinner had a black eye from being knocked down.
We have taken many cruises on many different cruise lines and I agree with Ken’s comments. It would be interesting to take his pros and cons and make a check list. Then a cruiser (newbie or oldie) could check off their likes (i.e., Mostly the passengers weigh in (a joke) from about the fifties to eighties, with slight deviations below and above those age groups) and dislikes (i.e., kids running from elevator to elevator and pushing the buttons for every floor). We were on one of the last cruises to stop in Acapulco. Some passengers and crew members were mugged. I was only a couple hundred feet from our gangplank when I was surrounded by a mob. No one from the ship came to my aid, but this little old white haired lady with a neck brace managed to get back on my own. I told them that I had no money and was just checking things out. Since I had no purse or belly pack, they believed me. An elderly woman at the table next to us at dinner had a black eye from being knocked down.
December 9, 2017
The author has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that after while becomes a little grating. That said, the text is informative and helpful.
The book is basically about three shipping lines, Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean which is somewhat limiting. The author suggests leaving your booking to the last 30 days when the shipping lines become desperate to fill cabins. He says that if you're lucky and have a good agent you may pick up a suite for the cost of a cabin. Good advice.
If you're a novice cruiser you'll pick up some useful hints from this book, and even the more experienced may learn something.
The book is basically about three shipping lines, Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean which is somewhat limiting. The author suggests leaving your booking to the last 30 days when the shipping lines become desperate to fill cabins. He says that if you're lucky and have a good agent you may pick up a suite for the cost of a cabin. Good advice.
If you're a novice cruiser you'll pick up some useful hints from this book, and even the more experienced may learn something.
July 12, 2018
Good Advice with Personality!
After hesitantly going on a cruise for our honeymoon, I was hooked! There is no cheaper way to vacation. We are taking a last minute cruise in a couple of weeks, so to get in the mood, I decided to read Cruise Facts. I got a lot more than a few good tips. The author gives readers lots of great advice in a conversational style. He knows what he's talking about. As a veteran cruiser, I knew a lot of the information already. I still completely loved the book and even learned a few things I didn't know before. If you are considering a cruise, check out Cruise Facts. See you at sea!
After hesitantly going on a cruise for our honeymoon, I was hooked! There is no cheaper way to vacation. We are taking a last minute cruise in a couple of weeks, so to get in the mood, I decided to read Cruise Facts. I got a lot more than a few good tips. The author gives readers lots of great advice in a conversational style. He knows what he's talking about. As a veteran cruiser, I knew a lot of the information already. I still completely loved the book and even learned a few things I didn't know before. If you are considering a cruise, check out Cruise Facts. See you at sea!
July 2, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars WORTH GETTING, July 2, 2017
By S. Faatz
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: CRUISE FACTS - TRUTH & TIPS ABOUT CRUISE TRAVEL (Traveling Cheapskate Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Cruise Facts by Ken Rossignol is a very interesting book with lots of good tips if you plan on taking a cruise. One of the best tips to me was waiting till 30 days before the cruise leaves to book because the cruise lines are then desperate to fill cabins so they offer a lower rate. Needles to say the book is very informative and worth getting.
January 19, 2017
This was a very interesting book and a quick read. It was exactly what it says it is. I have never cruised before and now I don't know if I want to go even more or am now too scared to go. It was a lot of informative information about cruises. It also has some humorous parts included. I'm glad I read/listened to it (I have an audible copy also). This is a good book for Cruise Pros and Cruise Virgins.
July 11, 2017
I've never been on a cruise and have no immediate plans to do so, but I thought this short book might be an interesting introduction--and it was. I was a little concerned at first, ("the overall quality of the food varies from ship to ship and line to line"), but before long the author was dispensing more useful and specific information.
February 23, 2017
Many good ideas and tips in this book, especially for newbies to cruises. Best tip might be "Take half the clothes and twice the money."
March 12, 2018
Veteran traveler's insights
Solid insights about the various lines. Seemed a little too wary of some of the ports but I will follow the advice.
Solid insights about the various lines. Seemed a little too wary of some of the ports but I will follow the advice.
July 31, 2018
Focused on Caribbean
Useful for beach party type travelers. Not so much for people going to Europe on Viking. I did pick up some tips, though.
Useful for beach party type travelers. Not so much for people going to Europe on Viking. I did pick up some tips, though.
June 20, 2025
I found this book for free via FreeBooksy
TRIGGER ALERT: there is a comprehensive list of truths that brings sensationalism; there is such a thing as telling too much of a truth. I was expecting a pleasant read; instead I've read about violent crimes in gory details, multiple times, throughout the book. Additionally, there is talk of politics, which has no place in this book; at some point, the author veered off the purpose of the book. The tips appear at ~90% and then I read something and thought "Finally something I can use in here". Would not read again. Editing needs a serious pass; there are typos everywhere.
TRIGGER ALERT: there is a comprehensive list of truths that brings sensationalism; there is such a thing as telling too much of a truth. I was expecting a pleasant read; instead I've read about violent crimes in gory details, multiple times, throughout the book. Additionally, there is talk of politics, which has no place in this book; at some point, the author veered off the purpose of the book. The tips appear at ~90% and then I read something and thought "Finally something I can use in here". Would not read again. Editing needs a serious pass; there are typos everywhere.
October 8, 2018
Useless and repetitive
Can tell this person is paid by certain cruise lines to promote them. Sail on Total Caribbean on the Serenity of the Sea's one year after overhaul. Mold in showers in both state rooms. Vessel was filthy and dirty dishes left out in the eating area overnight the whole timre. Crew had a " I don't care " attitude. Have failed NFL 3 times with no issues and Viking River cruise
Can tell this person is paid by certain cruise lines to promote them. Sail on Total Caribbean on the Serenity of the Sea's one year after overhaul. Mold in showers in both state rooms. Vessel was filthy and dirty dishes left out in the eating area overnight the whole timre. Crew had a " I don't care " attitude. Have failed NFL 3 times with no issues and Viking River cruise
January 5, 2017
Who edited this?
It was listed for $10 and offered for free on an Amazon e-mail. This short book really meandered and dropped into tangents. Was short to begin with, and once boiled down could probably fit to 30 pages. Learned a little about crime rates and some tid bits.
It was listed for $10 and offered for free on an Amazon e-mail. This short book really meandered and dropped into tangents. Was short to begin with, and once boiled down could probably fit to 30 pages. Learned a little about crime rates and some tid bits.
May 7, 2017
Fast easy read. Great for those who are new to cruising. Lots of tips and info.
June 24, 2019
Very well researched and informative... very interesting and intriguing!!! Good book for travelers!
May 28, 2017
Why this book should be 1 star: Rambles, lurches from overview to micro details in a single sentence, disorganized, and where the hell was the editor. Why this book should not be a one star: the author is very knowledgable, there are many wonderful nuggets of advice, and the author is passionate about the topic. The book was also free which changes my mental editorial and review requirements. Had I paid for the book, I would have been pissed off. The author also allows his personal opinions show a bit more than I like, and tosses in a number of personal anecdotes that don't add to the topic. But a good buy for the price...
January 9, 2017
Not the Advice I was Expecting
Thought this would be a quick, helpful read with tips about traveling by cruise ship. It IS a quick read. A good portion of it is an ad for the author's other books. It may well have been helpful, but I was unable to get beyond the author's advice to segregate cruise passengers according to his definition of "Wal-Mart shoppers" vs apparently acceptable people. Glad I already know the type of info I will be missing if/when I skip one of your onboard lectures, Mr. Rossignol. Of course, as I will be with the Wal-Mart crowd, I most likely would not be a welcome listener anyway, right? (Now, better make that tattoo appointment so it's healed before my cruise!)
Thought this would be a quick, helpful read with tips about traveling by cruise ship. It IS a quick read. A good portion of it is an ad for the author's other books. It may well have been helpful, but I was unable to get beyond the author's advice to segregate cruise passengers according to his definition of "Wal-Mart shoppers" vs apparently acceptable people. Glad I already know the type of info I will be missing if/when I skip one of your onboard lectures, Mr. Rossignol. Of course, as I will be with the Wal-Mart crowd, I most likely would not be a welcome listener anyway, right? (Now, better make that tattoo appointment so it's healed before my cruise!)
February 8, 2017
Limited help
I found this to be relatively useless for me. No mention is made of Princess cruise lines. None of the islands we are visiting were mentioned. The safety suggestions are very simple if you have at least finished 4th grade. I'm hoping others who read this book will find it more helpful than I did.
I found this to be relatively useless for me. No mention is made of Princess cruise lines. None of the islands we are visiting were mentioned. The safety suggestions are very simple if you have at least finished 4th grade. I'm hoping others who read this book will find it more helpful than I did.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews