Rating:  Summary: An Indispensable Guide Review: Happy Sails is a gold mine of information and ideas about how to get the most out of your next cruise vacation. Even experienced cruisers will find Pam Kane's unique perspective refreshing and helpful. Have you ever thought about a systematic way to pack for a cruise, accounting for the limited space of ship cabins and the times you won't have access to all your luggage? Pam Kane has, and she describes her system in the book. Do you want to take a disabled loved-one on a cruise, but don't know whether its possible or how to address special needs? Pam Kane tells you what to expect and how to handle the issues that arise.For first-timers - and cruise-curious people who aren't sure if cruising is for them - this book is indispensable. Pam Kane addresses all the issues people worry about: choosing cabins, traveling with children, onboard activities, shore excursions, shopping, handling the copious food and drink offerings without over indulging, money and tipping and medical / health issues. She does it all with a sharp wit that makes this a fun read as well as a valuable reference.
Rating:  Summary: A superbly written and presented travel guide Review: Happy Sails: The Carefree Cruiser's Handbook by cruise maven Pam Kane is a thoroughly "user friendly" compilation of useful and practical advice for anyone seeking to enjoy a cruise. Ranging from good manners while aboard; to enjoying great food without gaining weight; to tips for differently-abled travelers; to strategies for touring and shopping foreign ports, and so much more, Happy Sails is filled from cover to cover with illustrative anecdotes, fun suggestions, and a very friendly tone pervade. This superbly written and presented travel guide for anyone looking forward to a cruise, whether it's their first voyage or simply the latest of many ocean adventures.
Rating:  Summary: A superbly written and presented travel guide Review: Happy Sails: The Carefree Cruiser's Handbook by cruise maven Pam Kane is a thoroughly "user friendly" compilation of useful and practical advice for anyone seeking to enjoy a cruise. Ranging from good manners while aboard; to enjoying great food without gaining weight; to tips for differently-abled travelers; to strategies for touring and shopping foreign ports, and so much more, Happy Sails is filled from cover to cover with illustrative anecdotes, fun suggestions, and a very friendly tone pervade. This superbly written and presented travel guide for anyone looking forward to a cruise, whether it's their first voyage or simply the latest of many ocean adventures.
Rating:  Summary: A Must-Read for Anyone Planning a Cruise Review: I have done many cruises and Ms. Kane's book has information that can be used by people who have had 30 cruises or are looking for information for their first. The information in regard to packing, what to wear, money, cabin selection, is right on and gave me information that I was not aware of. The only thing I disagreed with is her statement that a Leatherman is not an essential item to pack. I guess I will overlook that. This book answers questions that many people, including myself, didn't know they had, as well as questions that people do have. If you are cruising or thinking about it you need to read this book.
Rating:  Summary: Required reading for cruisers. Review: I have done many cruises and Ms. Kane's book has information that can be used by people who have had 30 cruises or are looking for information for their first. The information in regard to packing, what to wear, money, cabin selection, is right on and gave me information that I was not aware of. The only thing I disagreed with is her statement that a Leatherman is not an essential item to pack. I guess I will overlook that. This book answers questions that many people, including myself, didn't know they had, as well as questions that people do have. If you are cruising or thinking about it you need to read this book.
Rating:  Summary: Aptly Named. . . Review: I've always felt that too many people spend too much time worrying about their upcoming cruise--first timers and veterans alike. Sometimes, between worrying about tipping, dress codes, packing, sightseeing, air connections, changing money and all the rest, many folks forget that cruising is supposed to be about fun. . . Or as Pam Kane says, "Happy Sails." Keeping the focus on enjoying yourself rather than on "rules" is what makes this book a standout. It's a fast, dishy and informative read that should have even the most uncertain first-time cruiser boldy facing the good times ahead. And those with many cruises in their logbooks will find a steamer trunk full of new tips worth trying. All travel books should be so straightforward and reassuring.
Rating:  Summary: VERY helpful and informative! Review: Ms. Kane has done it again. As with her first book, Cruise Control, Happy Sails is chock full of helpful, practical information, much of which isn't found in typical books of advice on cruising. Her style is brief and to the point, but always written with wit and flair. It was a pleasure to read and very helpful to me while planning my second cruise. Cruise Control prepared me for my first cruise; Happy Sails gave me even more information for a successful sail. Keep them coming, Pam! I'm ready to plan a third!
Rating:  Summary: A Must-Read for Anyone Planning a Cruise Review: My husband and I have been talking for years about taking a cruise, but we've hesitated because we just didn't know what to expect. We are both complete novices about cruise ships -- what to pack, what to do, what it costs, how to pick a good cabin, what to do in case of a problem, etc. etc., the list goes on and on. What I like most about this book is that it is short on personal anecdotes but packed with useful information. From packing to dining, port activities to customs on board -- it's an essential "how-to" book. I learned a *lot* that I never would have known till taking that first cruise (and unfortunately, making a lot of "first" mistakes). Now I feel that I know more about what to expect from a cruise, and I feel much more prepared (and comfortable) in making reservations and talking to a travel agent and our needs and wants. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's thinking of taking a cruise but feels overwhelmed by their lack of knowledge about the whole process.
Rating:  Summary: Cruise into a delightful read Review: Packed with great information, Happy Sails is also a hilarious read--I frequently found myself laughing out loud at some of Pam Kane's quips. This is not your super-serious-counting-coup-by-traveling-every-single-ocean-liner guide book; it's written by a woman who's been there, done that and would like to save you some of the learning curve. She's right, no one on a cruise ship really cares what you're wearing, but any woman will obsess about it anyway--and overpack for it, too. She tells you how to pack, WHAT to pack and when to wear it (what the heck DO you wear for "informal night" anyway?). If you're going on a cheapie cruise, a windjammer or private ship, nope, this book isn't for you. But if you're going on any of the cruise lines you see advertised on TV, get this book before you buy your tickets!
Rating:  Summary: Another great book by my friend Pam Kane! Review: This book covers everything from packing to unpacking....dining room, waitstaff, officers, shore excursions, etc. No detail left out. This is a wonderful addition to her first book "Cruise Control". Do you need to know what to pack? She will tell you. What to do if you forget the husband's cufflinks and studs? She will tell you what makes a good replacement without shopping for new ones. Every detail is here; clear answers, straight forward and of course humor. Pam's book is hard to put down and you are left hoping for another when you are done. 1st time cruisers as well as seasoned cruisers can get excellent tips in this book. If you are disabled cruiser, this book will give you great tips too. Our friend and her service dog, and of course Pam, were on a cruise together and you see how people sometimes treat the disabled cruiser. You also see how those wonderful service dogs behave around thousands of people. Kudos Pam for another successful book! You MUST get this book, but don't forget to buy Cruise Control too! A MUST READ!
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