Library, DVDs, Movies

[dragonlady2411]

What can we expect in terms of books and DVDs available on the Zuiderdam? Extensive collections or limited? We're not really into night life. I like to read and hubby likes watching movies. Where do we go to borrow such items and is it true that all the best are taken at the beginning of the trip? Also, are movies shown every evening? If so, where, when and do you have to arrive early to get a seat? I know I've read all this information before, but our departure is only 3 days away and I haven't got time to search through all the posts. Thanks in advance from a virgin cruiser.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The library is quite large -- but there are no new books -- New York Times has not been adding to the books since they opened up the new libraries. Yes -- many books go very quickly on the first day.

There is a large selection of DVD's -- free -- that you can check out and take back to your cabin to view on the cabin's TV.

The Zuiderdam does have a screening room where movies are shown -- times are listed in the Explorer Daily program. There are about 30 seats -- very limited. There is free popcorn.

[IRL_Joanie]

On Zuiderdam you can check out 2 DVD's ata time from the Front Desk. There are at least 1000 movies to choose from but the titles seemed a bit dated to me.

The one and only time I rented them (FREE) I had to return them within 24 hours.

I made sure, after reading a post here on CC, from a member who was charged for his/hers, to get a signed receipt when I turned them back into the front desk.

Joanie

[kyriecat]

I wasn't very happy with the selection of books on Zuiderdam. The selection of fiction was very limited. My husband likes history and biographies so he found a couple books that he wanted to read. I had brought a few paperbacks of my own to read and left them onboard for future passengers or crew.

The DVDs were all at least a year old but there was a good variety. We borrowed a couple during the cruise and ended up getting charged $30 for one of them. I had placed it on the bar next to the door, intending to drop it off on the way to dinner. I forgot to grab it so we stopped by the cabin after dinner to retrieve it, but it was gone. I asked our steward but he said he hadn't seen it. The front desk said no one had turned it in. I don't know what happened to it. It must have gotten mixed in with something the steward took and he didn't realize it, another passenger saw it while the door was open during cleaning and took it, or else it somehow got pushed into the crack between the bar and the wall.

[dragonlady2411]

Thanks for the information. I will bring some books and just leave them behind - would the library accept them as a donation? I will also have my i-pad2, but as it's new and I'm no techno, I don't know how many books I'll manage to download before I leave. Hubby might be happy with old DVDs - he watches enough old movies on TV at home, so the ship should be no different. We might give the movies a try if there's anything on we want to see.

[madera1]

I wonder if anyone knows about DVD's for use in cabins on the Statendam. I notice only some cabins have a DVD player listed in the description of the cabin category.

[Cruising-along]

Thanks for the information. I will bring some books and just leave them behind - would the library accept them as a donation? I will also have my i-pad2, but as it's new and I'm no techno, I don't know how many books I'll manage to download before I leave. Hubby might be happy with old DVDs - he watches enough old movies on TV at home, so the ship should be no different. We might give the movies a try if there's anything on we want to see.

Every ship we have been on they had a cabinet in the library with paperbacks and a sign that said "take one, leave one". I always check to see what's available and have left many books at the end of a cruise. I think it's a great idea. :)

[English_in_Spain]

HAL libraries are the best I have ever seen on any cruise line.

Having said that, they obviously cannot stock the selection and number of books you would get in a library ashore.

If there is a certain type of book you like do not rely on it being available - bring your own. Or, better still, get a Kindle e-book – IMHO the best thing ever invented for travellers who like reading.

If you like a wide variety of different types of books you are more likely to find something to suit.

Don't rely on the library for non-fiction/travel books about the area you are visiting. Everyone wants these and they go very quickly. Although I did notice on the Noordam last year that the travel books were only available for reading in the library and not for taking out.

The number of DVDs available is massive. Don't expect the latest releases but if you like older movies or the classics you should be able to find something to suit. We borrowed the entire collection of Agatha Christie’s Poirot DVDs. Not to everyone's taste but we enjoyed watching them occasionally and the collection lasted for our entire cruise (35 days).

[RuthC]

I wonder if anyone knows about DVD's for use in cabins on the Statendam. I notice only some cabins have a DVD player listed in the description of the cabin category.
Every cabin on every HAL ship has a DVD player. Somewhere near the TV, DVD player, or on the cabin desk there will be a small brochure listing out all the DVDs available at the Front Desk. You can go to the Front Desk to pick one up, or call to have one delivered.
When you make your selection, have a second (and maybe even 3rd) choice, as your first choice may be out.