Death by Chocolate

Dr. Ross Klein

Sailing on a cruise ship sounds idyllic but there is the potential for all kinds of dangers and mishaps during this type of vacation, according to Dr. Ross Klein, Social Work. In his latest book, Death by Chocolate: What You Must Know Before Taking a Cruise, he takes a critical look at the realities of the industry including labour-management relations, exploitation of third-world employees, sexual assaults on cruise ships(including against children) and environmental issues. It also examines the up-front and hidden costs associated with cruise vacations, food preparation and safety concerns, including onboard medical facilities.

The book grew out of his own cruise experiences and all the funding for his research has come out of his own pocket.

“I took my first cruise in 1963, and several more in the 10 years that followed. I have taken 30 cruises, totalling 300 days,” said Dr. Klein. “As would be expected, it has been an interesting and fun couple of years. The idea for the book initially grew out of some odd and unusual experiences in cruising.”

Dr. Klein points out that the book is not intended to be a guide book, but rather looks at both positive and negative aspects of this type of vacation.

“It was never intended to make this book a review of cruise lines or cruise ships,” he said. “The book attempts to educate those interested in the industry and vacationers to expect the unexpected.

“The time spent on cruise ships is only a small part of the information drawn together in this book. Historical and background information is drawn from a range of sources including the news media, government documents from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and trade publications. However, the most valuable source of information has been from talking and listening to passengers, management, staff, and crew. While my own cruise experiences can be used to amusingly bring points to life, they are just a small part of what this book is about,” he said.

Dr. Klein is planning to give 10 per cent of the royalties from his book to the Seafarers Trust of the International Transportworkers Federation as a means to give back to those who have aided in his research.

Death by Chocolate is published by Breakwater Books.