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.
A cruise ship cabin steward has started writing a LIVE ONBOARD DIARY — and you’re invited to follow his 7-month journey.
Believing that this shouldn’t feel like homework, we decided to publish the diary weekly instead of daily. Every Wednesday, you’ll receive 7 new diary entries — one for each day of the previous week onboard.
Read them all at once, or save one for each day of your own week.
The first diary entry was written on May 20, 2026, and the first weekly diary release will be published exclusively inside the Cruise Unlocked Facebook group on May 27, 2026.
This content will be available free to all group members.
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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"The Ultimate Cruise Bundle completely changed how I plan and experience a cruise. It’s packed with practical, insider-level advice that makes a massive difference. I’m already excited for the live crew member diary."
— Sarah R.
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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.
The Ultimate Cruise Bundle
On Sale
$29.99
$29.99
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)