If you recently sailed with Royal Caribbean and were looking forward to curling up with a good book in the ship’s library, you may have left disappointed. A recent discussion on the Royal Caribbean Reddit community revealed that many cruisers are lamenting the disappearance of onboard libraries, leading them to seek alternatives that still honor their literary interests.
The Disappearance of Libraries
The discussion began when a passenger known as musty_book_aroma shared their disappointment after discovering that the Oasis of the Seas library had been transformed into a luxury watch shop, although it retained a sign referring to it as the ship’s free public library. The replacement—a small card room with a few books—was described as cramped and noisy. Other cruisers echoed similar experiences, reminiscing about the quiet charm of the libraries and expressing frustration over their conversion into game rooms filled with a limited number of donated books, many of which were not in English.
Alternatives for Book Lovers
Amidst the mourning, the thread became a refuge for book enthusiasts, prompting discussions about cruise lines that still prioritize literary spaces. Here are some notable alternatives:
Cunard
Cunard Line stands out for its elegant libraries, notably on the Queen Victoria—spanning two decks and renowned for its aesthetics. The Queen Mary 2 features the largest collection of books at sea, with around 10,000 volumes. Cunard’s libraries are described as sanctuaries where guests can explore, reflect, and immerse themselves in reading.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line maintains cozy and well-stocked libraries on its ships. Each library features a curated selection of books, including destination-inspired titles relevant to its itineraries. The line is committed to refreshing its collection regularly, with an addition of approximately 7,000 new titles across its 11 ships in the coming year. Their libraries serve not just as book collections but as inviting spaces for guests to relax and connect with their journeys.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking has partnered with the esteemed London bookshop Heywood Hill to create thoughtfully curated libraries that enrich the cruising experience. This partnership highlights a commitment to catering to intellectually curious guests seeking deeper connections to the destinations they explore.
Celebrity Cruises
For those accustomed to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises offers a contemporary alternative with libraries included. As a sister brand of Royal Caribbean, it allows loyalty program members to maintain their status while enjoying a more tranquil cruising experience.
A Small Offering in Royal Caribbean
While Royal Caribbean has been phasing out onboard libraries, it has introduced reading nooks at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, located in The Bahamas. These spaces, situated in the new Secret Garden Bar, provide a small outdoor retreat for readers.
The consensus from the Reddit discussion is crystal clear: If accessing a library is crucial for your next cruise, thorough research or consulting with a knowledgeable travel advisor is essential before making reservations.
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