Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties. One Crazy Year Working on Cruise Ships (Travelers' Tales) (2008)

by B.D. Bruns

Series: Cruise Confidential (1)

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InCruise Confidential, Brian David Bruns spills the dirt -- or in this case, the dirty water -- on those romantic, fun-filled vacations at sea. His hilarious chronicle of the year he spent working for Carnival Cruise Lines takes readers down into the areas where the crew works and lives, leaving readers gasping with laughter as they're assaulted nonstop with events that range from the absurd to the utterly bizarre. Stewards fighting over food. Cutlery allowances and other nonsensical rules. What thecrew calls those onboard (no, it's not "passengers"). And of course, the sex. An abundance of ready, willing, and able bodies eager for action on a vessel replete with nooks and crannies leads to love in some mighty strange, and seemingly impossible, places. Breezy, entertaining, and informative,Cruise Confidential is essential reading for those planning a cruise or for anyone who just needs a good laugh.… (more)

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Kind of amusing tales of living the life of a cruise ship worker. Makes me never want to go on a cruise. Ever. (

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hmonkeyreads | Jan 25, 2024 |

Entertaining in parts. Opened my eyes to crew working conditions, hierarchies, etc. A bit self serving and whiny sometimes but maybe that's because I am so much older. Life is so unfair. Yet I could never endure what these people endure and smile at rude passengers for so little money. My last cruise i made sure to tip not only over and above but also other people I don't normally think to tip. (

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BarbaraS2016 | Jul 26, 2018 |

I have never been on a cruise ship, but I have worked with ESL folks from many different cultures, so I regard this narrative as less reality than wishful thinking. That being said, by regarding it as a fanciful tale full of ego and testosterone, I enjoyed it and laughed myself silly! I mean, come on, he is the best at everything? And everyone is constantly bedhopping? Really, he is NOT James Bond! And no one ever gets mal de mer or Traveller's Revenge? But if you take it as humor, it is hard not to enjoy it. Even if only 10% is based in reality, it is still a smudged window into a workplace that many of us never are aware of.
Maybe I just enjoyed it more because it was performed with such agility by Gary Furlong who made it even more fun.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (

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jetangen4571 | Apr 22, 2016 |

I enjoyed reading this book. It is written in a very relaxed, humorous and friendly way. Quick read (8 hours). It was an entertaining read. A well written eye-opener to how hard the staff really works, and makes you remember there really is a "dark side" in every industry. (

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motherwright | Jan 13, 2012 |

After reading this book, I don't know if I can ever go on a cruise. I certainly hope that the way the staff is treated has changed, if it hasn't, well, then, modern slavery is alive and well. It is fun to read about how all the different nationalities got along (or didn't) and the debauchery that takes place behind the scenes. I was also very amused at the nonAmericans view of America.

The way the staff is treated, not only by the cruise line but by the guests on board, is absolutely abhorrent. Please, everyone promise me that you will be nice to your waiters!

One American man becomes the first ever American to finish a contract in the dining room of Carnival Cruise line...and all for a woman. Is he crazy or just stupid? (

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bookwormteri | Oct 1, 2009 |

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Dedicated to my parents, Marty and Audrey, for their endless support and enthusiasm

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The shower was, perhaps, the most luxurious of all time.

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Cruise Confidential

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InCruise Confidential, Brian David Bruns spills the dirt -- or in this case, the dirty water -- on those romantic, fun-filled vacations at sea. His hilarious chronicle of the year he spent working for Carnival Cruise Lines takes readers down into the areas where the crew works and lives, leaving readers gasping with laughter as they're assaulted nonstop with events that range from the absurd to the utterly bizarre. Stewards fighting over food. Cutlery allowances and other nonsensical rules. What thecrew calls those onboard (no, it's not "passengers"). And of course, the sex. An abundance of ready, willing, and able bodies eager for action on a vessel replete with nooks and crannies leads to love in some mighty strange, and seemingly impossible, places. Breezy, entertaining, and informative,Cruise Confidential is essential reading for those planning a cruise or for anyone who just needs a good laugh.

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