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Cruise ships may not always have full bookstores, but book lovers can still find plenty of reading treasures at sea.

From curated onboard libraries to small gift shop selections, there are hidden literary gems waiting to be discovered.

Luxury lines like Cunard and Hurtigruten even offer dedicated bookstores with titles tied to destinations and onboard themes.

With the right preparation, your cruise can become a floating literary escape filled with stories, culture, and inspiration.

Discover Which Cruise Ships Have Bookstores and Curated Reading Selections

While the majority of cruise lines do not feature dedicated bookstores, some high-end and luxury cruises do.

For example, Cunard Line, known for its classic, sophisticated ocean liners, is one of the few that offers an onboard bookstore.

Cunard’s ships, like the Queen Mary 2, offer a curated selection of books that often reflect the destination or the onboard themes.

Another cruise line that occasionally features a small bookstore is Hurtigruten.

This line, which specializes in expedition cruises, sometimes carries a variety of guidebooks and travel literature in their onboard shops.

However, the options are often limited to the type of expedition you’re on, such as polar regions or coastal Norway.

Most other cruise lines, including major ones like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, do not have traditional bookstores.

Instead, they may sell a few books in gift shops or have selections available through other means.

Find Out Where You Can Buy Books Onboard Your Cruise

Even though full bookstores are rare, you can still find books for sale on some cruises.

Many ships have gift shops that sell travel books, novels, or books about the regions you’re sailing through.

These may not offer the vast variety of a traditional bookstore but can still provide decent reading material.

Explore Book Options on Royal Caribbean Ships

While Royal Caribbean ships do not have official bookstores, you may find a small selection of reading materials in the onboard shops.

These could include novels, guidebooks, and magazines. However, the options are usually limited.

Check Book Availability on Carnival Cruise Ships

Similar to Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line does not have bookstores.

You may be able to find a few books in the souvenir shops onboard, but the selection tends to be small.

If you are particular about what you read, it might be best to bring your own book or Kindle.

See What Books Are Available on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line also lacks formal bookstores. However, some ships offer a few books in the gift shops.

These tend to be travel-focused books or bestsellers.

Norwegian’s options are typically geared toward passengers interested in learning more about their destination.

Discover Book Selections on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises doesn’t feature dedicated bookstores either. However, its onboard stores occasionally carry some bestsellers or travel books.

Like other cruise lines, the selection is limited, so don’t expect to find a wide variety of titles.

Browse Book Options on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a handful of books in their onboard shops.

The selection tends to be small, but you might find something interesting.

They usually feature travel guides or novels suited for vacation reading.

Find More Places to Get Books Onboard Your Cruise

Even if there isn’t a bookstore onboard, there are still several ways you can get reading material on a cruise.

Borrow Books from Onboard Cruise Libraries for Relaxing Sea Days

Many cruise ships have libraries, and these can be great alternatives to bookstores.

While not designed for purchasing, onboard libraries usually have a decent selection of books that passengers can borrow during the cruise.

Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 has one of the most extensive cruise ship libraries, with over 8,000 volumes.

The selection ranges from fiction to non-fiction and travel books.

Princess Cruises also features libraries on many of its ships.

These are smaller but still offer a selection of novels and travel books.

Join Cruise Book Exchange Programs for Fresh Reads

Some cruise ships have book exchange programs, where passengers leave books they’ve finished and pick up others left by fellow travelers.

This is a great way to find something new to read if you didn’t bring enough books or are looking for variety.

These exchanges are informal but can be found in some libraries or lounges.

Download Kindle and E‑Books for Your Cruise Reading List

While most cruise ships lack bookstores, almost all offer Wi-Fi.

This means you can download books to your Kindle, tablet, or smartphone while onboard.

Some ships even have their own apps where you can buy or borrow e-books.

Just remember, Wi-Fi is not always free, and the connection can be spotty depending on your location.

Downloading books before boarding is a smart option.

This guarantees you have all your preferred reading material without relying on the ship’s limited offerings.

Attend Special Author Events and Talks Onboard Your Cruise

On select cruises, especially those with a focus on education or culture, you may find author talks and book signings.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, for example, is known for its Transatlantic Crossing Literature Festival.

This event brings authors onboard to discuss their work and interact with passengers.

Some authors may bring books to sell or sign.

These types of literary events are not typical on mainstream cruise lines but can be found on more specialized or high-end voyages.

If you’re a book lover, checking for these events before booking could enhance your cruise experience.

Understand Why Most Cruise Ships Don’t Have Bookstores

The simple reason most cruise ships don’t have bookstores is space.

Cruises prioritize retail space for high-demand items like souvenirs, jewelry, and alcohol.

Books, while important to some passengers, don’t tend to generate as much revenue as these other products.

Additionally, many passengers now bring Kindles or e-readers, reducing the demand for physical books.

This shift has led cruise lines to focus more on digital offerings rather than traditional bookstores.

See What Types of Books Are Sold Onboard Cruise Ships

The type of books you’ll find on a cruise ship depends on the ship and its destinations.

Here are some common categories you might find:

• Travel Guides: Many ships carry guidebooks related to the ports of call on the cruise.
  
  These are especially popular on expedition cruises or those visiting culturally rich destinations.

• Fiction And Bestsellers: Some ships stock popular fiction or bestselling novels.
  
  These are typically found in the gift shop or as part of a library selection.

• Children’s Books: If you’re traveling with kids, a few family-friendly cruise lines may carry children’s books in their shops.

• Destination-Themed Books: For cruises to places like Alaska or the Mediterranean, you might find books about the local history, wildlife, or culture.

Ensure You Have Reading Material for Your Cruise with These Tips

Since the selection of books onboard is often limited, it’s a good idea to prepare before you cruise.

Here are some tips to make sure you have enough to read:

• Bring Your Own Books: Pack a couple of books or your Kindle before boarding.
  
  This way, you’re guaranteed to have the reading material you want.

• Download E-Books: Before you leave, download a few e-books.
  
  Many cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or expensive.
  
  By downloading books ahead of time, you avoid any Wi-Fi issues.

• Visit A Local Bookstore Before Embarking: If you’re flying or driving to your cruise port, consider stopping by a local bookstore before boarding.
  
  This ensures you have fresh reading material.

Choose Cruises That Cater to Book Lovers with Libraries and Author Events

Yes, a few cruise ships cater specifically to book lovers.

Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 stands out with its large library and frequent author events.

Hurtigruten also focuses on educational and exploratory voyages, often featuring relevant literature for passengers.

These cruises might not be dedicated to reading, but they provide a more enriched experience for those who love books.

If you’re a passionate reader, choosing a cruise with literary events or a well-stocked library can make a difference.

Explore the Future of Cruise Bookstores, Digital Reading, and Literary Perks

As more people turn to e-readers, the need for physical bookstores may continue to decline.

However, luxury and specialty cruises might continue to offer these services to cater to passengers seeking more cultural experiences.

Cunard, for example, seems to understand the value of a physical book in the hands of a traveler.

Mainstream cruise lines may focus more on digital options, offering e-book downloads and virtual libraries to meet modern needs.

The future could bring more integrated reading experiences via apps and onboard technology, giving passengers access to a wider variety of books without requiring physical space.

Bring Your Own Books or E‑Reader for the Best Cruise Reading Experience

While some cruises offer a small selection of books or feature onboard libraries, dedicated bookstores are rare.

Your best bet is to bring your own reading material or download books before you sail.

If you’re a true book lover, researching cruises with literary events or well-stocked libraries can make your vacation even better.

FAQ – Bookstore Access and Reading Options on Cruise Ships

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