Book excerpt: This book is divided into six parts, which are organized to guide the reader step by step from the macro level of the cruise industry to the micro level of operations management on board cruise ships. Part I (chapters 1-4) sets the scene for the book by characterizing the conditions under which cruise lines operate. Part II (chapters 5-8) includes four chapters that address issues of significance for corporate managers in the cruise sector. Part III (chapters 9-11) deal with aspects of the marketing mix employed by cruise lines to attract passengers and fill their ships. Part IV (chapters 12-15) is concerned with managerial functions related directly to the cruise product. Part V (chapters 16-19) focuses on operational management functions on board cruise ships. The final Part VI (chapter 20) looks at future development possibilities for the cruise sector.