Question re: Library on the Statendam

[NYteacher]

I'm a first time cruiser going to Alaska on July 4th. I'm a big reader and normallly pack books for vacations. How big and extensive is the library on the Statendam?

 

Any help would really be appreciated.

[sail7seas]

It is adequate to provide ample reading for the vast majority of people. Surely you will find books there you have not yet read.

 

It is very common for pax to leave behind books they have brought from home to read while aboard. They donate them to the library so the shelves are full.

 

If you are not able to pick up enough reading material in the library, you can always purchase something while in port.

 

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

 

 

 

 

[elmorejj]

The libraries on all of HALs ships are quite large. Make sure you go there as soon as it is open to get the best selection. They will put a $25 deposit on your account, removed when you return the books. They have lots of best sellers in the library along with bios and travel books and paper backs..jean

[localady]

The Statendam also has a huge "honor" library of paperbacks, take one and leave one! It's a lot of fun on the longer cruises as I have found the offerings to be diverse and chock full of NY Times bestsellers!!

 

Happy Cruising!

 

7/04 Ryndam Alaska B2B

12/04 Rotterdam Panama Canal

7/05 Prinsendam Baltic

11/05 "Veendammers" Carribean

 

RCCL x2(1999), Volendam (2000), Millinneum (2000), Maasdam (2001), Disney (2001), Statendam (2003), Amsterdam (2003)

 

[NYteacher]

Thanks everybody for the helpful information. I can't wait to get on board, get a good book and find a great deck chair.

[Jacqueline]

Is this true on the Vista class ships too ? On the newer RCI ships the library is literarly a cubby.

 

Jacqueline

Constellation 3/20/04

HAL Westerdam 7/30/04

Tahitian Princess August 2003

Grand Princess Western Caribbean 2003

Brilliance of the Seas Baltic 2002

Ocean Princess- Alaska 2001

Celebrity Zenith- Bermuda 2001

Grand Princess Med 2000

 

[Guest Anorak33]

On our recent 14 day Alaska cruise on the Statendam we found the library was well stocked with recent books to borrow which will be familiar to US readers. Not many older "classics" or novels by authors familiar to international passengers.

 

There was a good reference section.

 

There were a small number of paperbacks which had been left by passengers which anyone could take to read or keep as desired. Maybe 30 or so while we were on, as opposed to Localady's recollection of the selection being "huge" the year before.

 

No doubt it fluctuates during the duration of a cruise as well as from cruise to cruise.

The library was peaceful and comfortable, as well as being spacious.

 

American newspapers were available to read in the library and these were refreshed at various ports of call.

 

Statendam

QE2 (x2)

Regal Princess

Golden Princess

Royal Princess

Big Red Boat

[DDayC]

I thought it rather odd that the Statendam library collection included a hardback "Titanic", a recounting of one of the worst maritime disasters in history.