As a seasoned cruiser and someone who can balloon up if not vigilant, this book looked like a winner. Anyone who has cruised knows that temptation surrounds you and it is quite simple to walk off the boat heavier than when you embarked.
This book should be required reading for any novice cruiser and a good refresher for those of us who are pros. There is no doubt that between the copious amounts of food and alcohol added to the mindset of kicking back and indulging cruising can be a recipe for disaster.
It's usually apparent who has taken the unlimited booze package. It is also obvious who is the glutton in the group by a trip to the buffet. I must admit the multiple meals were a surprise although not a shock. I have watched people order everything on the menu and eat it. For those people, the book will have no impact.
For those of us, however, who would like to indulge in moderation, or at least forestall a large weight gain, it has a lot of value. I must admit I will approach Pina Coladas with apprehension now that I know how many calories lurk in just one. It was quite scary to see the calorie total of "normal" sea days.
The advice, for the most part, is pretty sensible. It recognizes that what we put in our mouths is our own decision. Weight control breaks down to three categories: choices, portions and exercise. There is no magic bullet that voids this triumvirate. Each of us must figure out on which of those things we want to focus.
I'm not a fan of skipping meals, particularly breakfast since it leads to headaches and potential overeating later on. But I do like some of the other suggestions.
Eating what you like best first is a good one. That had never occurred to me. Choosing where you want to splurge and being moderate elsewhere is another. I've also found taking smaller portions or sharing to work well so that the cruiser feels they have enjoyed everything but not to extremes.
There is nothing that compares with seeing the world but unpacking once. This book might have the cruiser not pack more of themselves into the return trip home.