This comprehensive cruise guide is packed with behind-the-scenes secrets that will save you time, money, and stress while helping you secure the best service and unlock hidden perks.
A raw, unfiltered 206-page diary written during my first 8 months working on ships. I didn't intend to share these private pages, but they capture the side of cruising passengers never get to see.
This cruise planner is your step-by-step map to a smooth trip. It organizes your bookings, budget, and daily plans in one place, so you can stop worrying and focus on making memories.
Never leave essentials behind. From must-have documents to the items most passengers forget, this packing checklist ensures you are fully prepared the moment you step on board.
As a bonus, you gain access to a live diary that a cruise employee will write during his upcoming 7-month contract (starting in the second half of April 2026). And you won’t just be a reader. Often, the crew member will post polls about his daily choices — and the community’s vote will determine what happens next.
The rights to this diary are fully secured, and access is limited to those who purchase The Ultimate Cruise Bundle.
Please note: The crew member will not engage in any activities that compromise his safety, reveal his identity, or violate cruise line rules or policies.
The diary will be posted daily in the official Cruise Unlocked Facebook group and, once completed, will be delivered as a single PDF e-book to all group members.
Your request to join the Facebook group will be approved a few days before the crew member begins writing the diary, and you will be notified via Facebook and email.
Zlatko Simovski (The Cruise Insider)
"I’m a former employee aboard cruise ships, and I’ve seen enough. I spent years watching you step onto the ship—to celebrate, to heal, to reconnect, or to finally take the trip you promised yourself you’d do “one day”—only to spend half your vacation stressed, lost, or arguing over things you couldn’t have known.
And if you ever met me onboard, you immediately knew you had an ally on the ship. I loved the travel, but what I loved more was the relief in your eyes when I was able to help you get it right.
Today, I may no longer be able to do the job I loved most, but I’m more aware than ever that I only had that job because of you and people like you who choose to spend their vacation on a cruise. I’m still on your side, turning my years at sea into your advantage. Now, you’re the one in control."
Testimonials
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"After 46 cruises, I thought I knew everything about cruising. These books proved me wrong, giving me the hangover I didn’t know I needed."
— Tracey Barron
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"I’ve always been curious about the life of the crew onboard, and 'Diary of a Cruise Ship Employee' was a real gem for me."
— Rachael M.
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"I wish own the ship had been around before my first cruise. So many useful tips that I’ll be using from my next cruise onward. "
— Eva Durham
Frequently Asked Questions
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The guide is built on my firsthand experience and insights from friends working across various departments onboard. The fact that, combined, we have spent over 90 years at sea, and we have (countless times) seen every possible mistake cruisers make, gives me the confidence that this guide—together with the diary, the cruise planner, and the packing checklist—is the gateway to the ultimate cruise experience.
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This bundle is ideal for first-time cruisers as well as seasoned ones looking to take their cruise experience to the next level.
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All products are delivered as PDFs. After purchasing the bundle, you’ll receive an email from Payhip (a platform for selling and delivering digital products) with links to download the four files: two e-books, a printable packing checklist, and a printable cruise planner. You can also access and download them directly from the payment confirmation page, though the email ensures a smoother experience.
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No special software is required — any PDF reader on your computer, tablet, or phone will work. If you don’t have one, you can download a free PDF reader from your device’s app store. Please contact me if you need assistance or experience issues with your order.
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That's because they complement each other, and only together do they provide the best value.
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Both the planner and checklist are printable and can be reused for every cruise, helping you stay organized and fully prepared each time.
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In honor of my friend Agung, one of the best people I ever worked with on ships, and the 65 million others worldwide living with limb loss, I have removed page 65 from the books and the cruise planner.
This small gesture is about empathy, respect, and humanity, and I’m only interested in sharing my work with those who value the same.
The Ultimate Cruise Bundle
On Sale
$67.00
$67.00
Everything you need for a perfect cruise is packed into The Ultimate Cruise Bundle:
✅ Own the Ship: A Crew Member’s Guide to the Best Cruise Experience (PDF e-Book)
✅ Diary of a Cruise Ship Employee (PDF e-Book)
✅ The Ultimate Cruise Planner (Printable PDF)
✅ Ultimate Cruise Packing Checklist (Printable PDF)