Best-seller list or dentist waiting room...

[CDRMark]

We are getting excited about our first cruise (Maasdam 11/20) and are starting to pre-pack and make lists. The advice of everyone on this board has been invaluable. Question: Should we bring reading material, or are we likely to find plenty of interesting stuff aboard? What is the library like (book-wise)? Space is less of a problem than weight as we are leaving from hometown.
Thanks in advance.
MarkB

[sail7seas]

There is an ample selection of books in the library. Most people can find several books (at least) that interest them. They have fiction, non-fiction, travel, sci fi, mysteries. Lots of books have been left behind by previous pax and given to the library.

Worse case scenario if you do not find anything you want to read from the library, is to buy a book or two along the way when ashore.

Obviously, those who go to the library early in the cruise get the best selection.

[Roadwork]

My advise would be to bring a couple paperbacks. It helps with the plane ride and doesn't take up much room. If you finish the books you can always leave them on the ship.

[dakrewser]

My advise would be to bring a couple paperbacks. It helps with the plane ride and doesn't take up much room. If you finish the books you can always leave them on the ship.
I always go by the used book store and pick up a handful of interesting looking things, then leave them on the ship when we disembark. By then we need the space in the luggage anyway!

-dave

[CINCY40]

It is not likely that you will find current best sellers in the library. Best to bring your own. DH and I love to read and we always bring more than we can possibly read on the cruise, but it makes us feel secure.

Enjoy your cruise!

Nancy

[dewhit6959]

Dear CDR MARK;

Yes, you might want to bring some reading materials. Might I suggest a few. If you are the handy man type, a copy of ,"Small Blender Repair" would be most helpful. Also, "Making Holiday Decorations From Swizzle Sticks", would be appropriate for the season. I do not think you will be bored. Aren't you going on the same cruise with the " Mystic Good Foots" ?

ShortTimer, thirteen sleeps.

[GrammyPL]

I take my own paper backs and leave them in the library after reading them. My hubby makes one of his first stops on the ship at the library and has always found a good book for himself. Penny

[jazzsea]

I'm a great one for reading so I always bring books with me. I have one in my carry on bag to read on the plane. I usually leave them behind with the staff in the spa or in the library. I've even been known to bring hard cover books. Last time I brought my CD player and headphones and listed to books on tape. Our small town library has a pretty good selection of books on tape and has always allowed me three weeks instead of two when I explain that I will be cruising.

[Bookish Angel]

I'm a great one for reading so I always bring books with me. I have one in my carry on bag to read on the plane. I usually leave them behind with the staff in the spa or in the library. I've even been known to bring hard cover books. Last time I brought my CD player and headphones and listed to books on tape. Our small town library has a pretty good selection of books on tape and has always allowed me three weeks instead of two when I explain that I will be cruising.


If you leave them on the ship, why not BookCross them? Find out how at www.bookcrossing.com

[a1moty]

Bookish Angel--thanks so much for that website. I have never heard of this
before. I have a couple of long distance friends that I share books with, we don't return them, but rather pass them on. This will be so fun to see how well
traveled our books are--while we wait for our next cruise!!
Thanks!!
:p

[sail7seas]

Bookish Angel:



What a great site. Thank you for sharing the link.

I have been leaving my books in public places for many years. What fun to be able to 'trace' where some of them may have traveled to.

If I am out at the pool when I finish a book on a ship, I always place it beside the bin where they pile the clean towels. I hope someone comes to the pool, finds the book and enjoys a good read while relaxing at sea.

[patticake1448]

I always bring enough books for myself, just in case the library doesn't have what i want. on this trip, i brought a bunch of women's magazines i wanted to catch up on. when i was done with each, i passed them on two the two nice ladies that worked in the Noordam gym. they were both thrilled to get some current gossip as well as magazines that kept them up to date with fashion, health, news, and other issues.

[CDRMark]

Thank you all for the advice/info. Guess I'll bring some books.

Cheers!
MarkB

[slineberry528]

Mark, do you really think you will have time to read. Just kidding. I am bringing one book. I may not even open it. Sometimes it is nice to have something with you at the pool.
I am also part of the "Mystic Good Foots group.
Susan