Stars, Staterooms and Stowaways Review: A Nostalgic Cruise Down Memory Lane

Gary Glading’s Stars, Staterooms & Stowaways offers a whimsical peek into the world of luxury cruising through the eyes of a former cruise director and entertainer. This travel diary-style book is packed with anecdotes, some hilarious and others heartwarming, that span the globe—from the Arctic to Antarctica, and even through the rivers of Africa and shores of Southeast Asia.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️🤍🤍

“A nostalgic cruise down memory lane.”

Check Stars, Staterooms and Stowaways on Goodreads

What is Stars, Staterooms & Stowaways about?

The book is a collection of short stories recounting memorable moments from Glading’s time working aboard luxury cruises. Whether he’s navigating unpredictable passengers, hosting extravagant shipboard events, or dealing with unexpected incidents at sea, Glading’s career provides a colourful backdrop for these anecdotes.

From the Arctic to South America, Glading’s stories capture the essence of life at sea, bringing readers aboard with him for a whirlwind of exotic locations and amusing escapades.

What makes Stars, Staterooms & Stowaways worth reading?

For cruise enthusiasts or those who’ve spent time on the high seas, this book will likely be a nostalgic treat. The stories offer a charming behind-the-scenes look at the luxury cruising industry, and there’s a certain warmth and humour in Glading’s recollections. His career as an entertainer brings a light-hearted flair to the tales, making for some enjoyable moments.

The travel aspect is also a highlight, as Glading takes readers from the frozen wilderness of the Arctic to the lively waters of South America. For those who enjoy travel memoirs or anecdotes with an international backdrop, these stories will offer a fun escape.

The Downsides...

The humour may depend on how relatable the situations are to the reader. Some references, especially from the 80s and 90s, may feel outdated to a modern audience. Additionally, the book doesn’t delve deeply into the world of luxury cruising itself. For readers expecting a more detailed look at the ins and outs of the cruise industry, the anecdotes may feel a bit shallow.

To read or not to?

If you’re someone who loves cruising or wants to reminisce about past cruise adventures, Stars, Staterooms & Stowaways might be a charming read. However, for those who aren’t particularly interested in cruising, the stories may not resonate as strongly.

Final Thoughts

Stars, Staterooms & Stowaways is a light, humorous collection of anecdotes that will likely appeal to cruise lovers and those with fond memories of time spent at sea. While the humour is hit-or-miss and some references feel outdated, it’s a pleasant read for those in the mood for a nostalgic trip aboard a luxury cruise liner. For others, it may feel too niche and less engaging.

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