Phê Vé
April 10, 2026 • 3 min read
Join us as we explore the fantastic libraries aboard cruise ships, where the love of books meets the vastness of the sea.
Exciting Adventures at Sea
One fascinating aspect of cruising is that many passengers don’t just embark on these journeys for sightseeing; they also seek out great reads. On calm days at sea, you can spot people lounging with cocktails in hand, while the other hand grips a captivating book. During my own voyage, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that many cruise lines are catering to this passion of their guests.
Viking Library: A World of Books
Viking is a trailblazer in the development of onboard libraries. With around 100 ships in their fleet, each one features a library—some even boast multiple libraries. The size of these libraries varies based on the ship; larger Viking vessels can house up to 2,000 books, while their river cruises offer a more modest selection.
Viking has partnered with the historic Heywood Hill bookstore in London, established in 1936, to curate the library collections. Nicky Dunne, the manager at Heywood Hill, explains that they recognized Viking as the perfect partner and have collaborated to provide a diverse range of titles for the ship's libraries.
The Book Selection Process
The team at Heywood Hill doesn’t just randomly select books; they consider various factors, including the ship's destinations. “When tasked with creating a collection on polar exploration for the first ship, I realized I didn’t know much about the subject,” Dunne shares. He sought assistance from industry experts to curate a suitable collection.
The selection criteria involve checking the condition of the books, labeling them for easy location on the ship, and organizing them in a way that creates a harmonious environment.
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Other Ship Libraries
While Viking's libraries are impressive, they aren’t the only cruise line focused on the needs of book enthusiasts. Every ship in the Holland America Line fleet features its own dedicated library. They have revamped these spaces with a focus on comfort and tranquility to ensure they meet passenger needs.
Star Clippers also boasts a library on all three of its ships, designed like a classic gentleman's club where guests can enjoy travel literature and various other genres.
Special Library Spaces on Other Ships
Crystal Cruises is not to be outdone, with a library that includes around 2,000 books ranging from classics to contemporary works. The cozy atmosphere, complete with carpeting and comfortable seating, makes it a perfect retreat for avid readers.
National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offers an excellent library filled with non-fiction materials and nature exploration guides, perfectly suited for their nature-focused itineraries. With large windows, guests can read while taking in breathtaking ocean views.
Cunard: A Historic Journey
Cunard has over 200 years of experience in transporting passengers across the oceans. All four Cunard ships feature a special library, with the Queen Mary 2 housing the largest library at sea, boasting over 8,500 books. They frequently update their collections based on passenger interests and even have a book exchange shelf for those wishing to take a book home.
Modernizing onboard libraries not only enhances the options for guests but also contributes to educational programs and book distribution for those in need.
All of this highlights that aboard cruise ships, books are not just an added bonus; they are truly an essential part of the journey for literature lovers.
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