Cruises can be a great way to relax and unwind, giving you the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take some time for yourself. One of the best ways to make the most of your cruise is to make sure you have an excellent selection of books to read while onboard. If you’re an avid reader like me, you may be wondering, What’s a good book to read on a cruise?
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling story, a feel-good beach read, to learn something new, or to read the latest “IT” book, there are plenty of books that can make your cruise even more enjoyable. I’ll even throw in a couple of options for the kids!
In this blog post, I’ll provide some great options for the best books to read on your cruise, so you can make the most of your time at sea.
Table of contents
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How Will You Read on a Cruise?
First, let’s chat about “HOW” you are going to read during your cruise vacation. As I mentioned earlier, I am a book lover! I love the library and turning the page on a real book. However, I drank the kool-aid a few years back when my husband bought me a Kindle Oasis for Christmas. It is now my favorite, and easiest way to read on vacation.
It took me a while to fully embrace it, and I still love the feel of a real book, but for travel, it simply cannot be beaten. I love to sit by the pool and lounge on the beach. In other words, I read in the sunlight. The Kindle is glare-free in the brightest sun, it’s super lightweight, and can hold more books than you can count. I’m a big fan and I hope you’ll give it a try.
Helpful Links: This is the very popular Kindle Paper White and a Kindle Oasis like mine.
Helpful Apps
If you use an e-reader, I highly recommend getting the Libby app. This app connects your local library card with your Kindle account and you can download library books (for free!) for your next trip.
Helpful Links: (not affiliate) The Libby App is free and available on Apple and Android
Kindle Unlimited is also a great option if you’d like to invest a small amount ($10 a month) but my vote is still with the free library app!
If you prefer audiobooks (like my husband) it’s hard to beat Audible. I especially love Audible for autobiographies – One of my favorites is Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey and I’m currently listening to the Matthew Perry memoir.
Helpful Link: If interested, you can try Audible for free.
Finally, regardless of your preference for an e-reader, real book, or audiobook, I love the App Good Reads. It is a wonderful, free app, that helps you catalog the books you’ve read (and your review), books you want to read, and books that your friends read and recommend. It has been a great addition to my reading experience. Amazon also shares Goodreads review ratings for the books on their site as well. It’s kind of a big deal. 😉
Now for the list of great reading options for your cruise vacation.
Books to Enhance Your Cruise Experience
Fodor’s Essential Caribbean (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call (Full-color Travel Guide)
Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports – Rick Steves Travel Guide
Cruise Themed Mysteries to Read on a Cruise
These books provide the perfect blend of intrigue and adventure that will keep you entertained for hours. Whether you’re looking for a classic whodunnit or a modern twist on the genre, there’s something out there for everyone. So, grab your favorite beverage and get ready to sail away into a mystery on a cruise.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware – actually anything by this author is sure to surprise you in the end!
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
You Belong to Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Decked by Carol Higgins Clark
Or great ocean classics such as:
- Moby Dick – by Herman Melville
- The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Cruise or Vacation-themed Easy Reads
Grab a lounger by the pool and read away a peaceful afternoon while you relax in the fresh sea air. Ah, bliss! It’s hard to beat a good book and an ocean breeze. If you’re worried about packing but don’t want to use an e-reader, consider donating any book you finish to the ship’s library. You’ll make another cruiser very happy! You just might find your next fun read there, too!
The People we Meet on Vacation and Beach Read by Emily Henry (I’ve read both of these while on a cruise)
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Here Come the Girls by Milly Johnson
Cruise Confidential (kindle edition) and Ship for Brains by Brian David Bruns
Ten Beach Road (6-book series!) by Wendy Wax
Caribbean Cruising by Rachel Hawthorne
The Holiday Cruise by Victoria Cooke
Inspirational and Personal Growth
My husband loves to download audiobooks on business strategies. Cruising is the only downtime he gets to just relax and “think” about his business and future opportunities. I admire that about him but business strategy is not my idea of a good time.
However, I can embrace a good mindset book and return inspired to achieve my goals. Here is a handful that you might recognize and embrace for reading on your next cruise.
Atomic Habits by James Clear – This book has been such a huge success and does have some nice takeaways
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Cale Carnigie (updated) – Practically a classic.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero- Well, because you are!
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – Bestseller with over 92,000 reviews.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
What to do Next by Jeff Henderson (I enjoyed this also on Audible)
8 Rules of Love: How to Find it, Keep it, and Let it Go by Jay Shetty. I heard Jay on a podcast and he’s pretty impressive. I look forward to reading his book.
Great Reads and Fun Options for Children
What better way to get your little reader excited for your family cruise than by stocking up on some cruise ship capers? Great for reading on your travel day or during downtime in your cruise cabin.
Curious George Goes to the Beach by Margret Rey
Cruise Ships are Magical (A cruise journal and activity book for kids)by Currant Lane
Hey Kids Let’s Visit a Cruise Ship by Teresa Mills
Neil and the Cruise Ship Adventure by Isabel Orellana
Related Post: My 5 Mom Rules for Kids While Cruising
What are your favorite books to read while on a cruise?
I can’t wait to hear your favorites! Share in the comments below or with our positive and cruise-loving community on Facebook. I hope you found this post helpful. If so, please don’t keep it to yourself. Share via the easy page links on your favorite social media and on Pinterest.
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