Library Question

[dockman]

4 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

It doesn't make sense for a ship to have an extensive library when anyone can easily bring thousands of books they personally select without adding an ounce to their luggage weight, IMO.

Well to each his own but it certainly makes sense to me and many others.  Not everyone shares your taste on kindles.

[dockman]

19 hours ago, crunchii said:

That was just the non-fiction section of the library, as that's what OP was interested in. Here's the rest:

 

 

 

 

Seems to me that it is someone's idea of a "display" rather than a library.  Multiple copies of the same books all lined up to look good in a picture.  I would rather see those shelves full of paperbacks rather than a photo op for a brochure.  The overall "space" is fine but very poor utilization of the space.

[albingirl]

One thing that has occurred to me is this: wouldn't it be nice if the cruise ship had a system where you could download a book without using your internet or wifi. They would have access to many digital books for your use while you are onboard. Not all of us have internet while sailing. Just a random thought.

[renee00]

4 hours ago, Djptcp said:

My husband said the last time we were on the Rotterdam the library was gone. We are sailing on her this Sunday and wonder if anyone lately has seen a library on the Rotterdam again? We will bring our own paperbacks and my Kindle has new books downloaded, so we will be set. Just curious about the Rotterdam.

 

As a retired Librarian I am happy to see support for our libraries. They are for everyone and free.

 

The library on the Rotterdam in August was excellent! There were lots of books I was interested in, although I ended up just reading from (and donating to) the book exchange.

[sandiego1]

I thought the new library unveiled during the WC on the Zuiderdam was awful. It looked like a bookstore. No comfortable chairs to sit and enjoy a book. 
 

I don’t read printed books and prefer to read on my iPad. It’s much lighter and as others have already stated, it can store all my books.

[dockman]

For those who were fortunate enough to sail on the prinsendam....what a nice library that was.  Good selection of books, nice section of magazines, wonderful comfortable well lit chairs, lots of space for puzzles etc.    Computers to use if you wanted.

[cruisemom42]

11 hours ago, Susanmaz said:

It does make sense when one takes the time to realize that everyone has thousands of books handy…. I know of hundreds of people who don’t don’t use technology for anything.

Thousands? Don’t get your hopes up. A few scant hundred maybe.

 

I don’t see the point of rejecting technology that can make my life better, easier, or more enjoyable. Being able to travel with hundreds of books of my own choice has revolutionized the game for me. Now if I want to be able to access the Iceland sagas while cruising Iceland or a comprehensive biography of three key Japanese Shoguns while in Japan, I can — without giving up pounds of luggage weight.

 

One of my most transcendent travel memories is reading selected passages from Marguerite Yourcenar’s book on Emperor Hadrian while sitting on a bench at his villa in Tivoli.

[Mary229]

10 hours ago, albingirl said:

One thing that has occurred to me is this: wouldn't it be nice if the cruise ship had a system where you could download a book without using your internet or wifi. They would have access to many digital books for your use while you are onboard. Not all of us have internet while sailing. Just a random thought.

They could for one have truly interactive tv.  In many hotels now I can sign into my own accounts on TV.  Yes, you need to be very security conscious to use this 

[Trish Traveler]

12 hours ago, renee00 said:

 

The library on the Rotterdam in August was excellent! There were lots of books I was interested in, although I ended up just reading from (and donating to) the book exchange.

I agree, from my experience in September.  Biggest library I ever saw on a ship!

This is just one section in the photo below.

 

[Toofarfromthesea]

People always complain that ship space is taken up for this or that.  And generally those things are not things that passengers can unilaterally provide for themselves.  Those pictures show that a lot of ship space is taken up by these libraries.  And my personal experience is that the libraries don't get used by a high parcentage of passengers.  So I renew my opinion that it makes no sense for HAL to maintain ship libraries, for a relatively few passengers, that take up significant ship space when everyone has the ability, albeit perhaps not the inclination, to completely provide unlimited books for themselves.  I'd rather they use that space for a lounge.

 

As to technology, virtually everyone has a smartphone, even if they don't have a tablet or kindle.  And there is a kindle reading app available for any smartphone.  And with scaleable typefaces, even a smartphone provides a very useful and useable reading environment.  And if you judiciously download a number of books you don't need an internet package.  And if the cost of the books is an issue, Project Gutenberg has over 60,000 free downloadable books.

 

So, I maintain my opinion that it makes no sense for HAL to continue to devote a significant amount of ship space to these outdated libraries.

[Mary229]

2 minutes ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

new my opinion that it makes no sense for HAL to maintain ship libraries, for a relatively few

I agree with most of what you said but this line.  The libraries used to be a gathering spot for quiet activities - reading, games, puzzles, crafts.  Gathering these activities in a single spot with the coffee bar was ideal in my opinion.  Then, they were always full.  Now we have the library void of people, a separate craft area used for limited hours, a separate map area and a separate game area. Just combine like activities in one area is my opinion.  I would not be adverse to including an alcohol bar in this area as well but please, not another noisy lounge with branded, homogenized, pasteurized overly loud music 

[DE Solo]

1 hour ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

People always complain that ship space is taken up for this or that.  And generally those things are not things that passengers can unilaterally provide for themselves.  Those pictures show that a lot of ship space is taken up by these libraries.  And my personal experience is that the libraries don't get used by a high parcentage of passengers.  So I renew my opinion that it makes no sense for HAL to maintain ship libraries, for a relatively few passengers, that take up significant ship space when everyone has the ability, albeit perhaps not the inclination, to completely provide unlimited books for themselves.  I'd rather they use that space for a lounge.

 

As to technology, virtually everyone has a smartphone, even if they don't have a tablet or kindle.  And there is a kindle reading app available for any smartphone.  And with scaleable typefaces, even a smartphone provides a very useful and useable reading environment.  And if you judiciously download a number of books you don't need an internet package.  And if the cost of the books is an issue, Project Gutenberg has over 60,000 free downloadable books.

 

So, I maintain my opinion that it makes no sense for HAL to continue to devote a significant amount of ship space to these outdated libraries.

You are entitled to your opinion, just as others are entitled to theirs. I have a tablet plus a kindle with me when I travel, but I still used the library on the Rotterdam on the several times that I have cruised on her. The last thing they need is another lounge or bar, in my opinion.

[mawvkysc]

 I think they brought libraries back because of customer feedback. There must have been quite a bit as it’s not creating revenue onboard. The only reason they would do this is if it enhances their product and causes repeat customers. 

[oakridger]

1 hour ago, mawvkysc said:

 I think they brought libraries back because of customer feedback. There must have been quite a bit as it’s not creating revenue onboard. The only reason they would do this is if it enhances their product and causes repeat customers. 

Exactly!  The people spoke and HAL listened on this one.  I do agree with @Mary229 that having the puzzles, coffee bar, comfy chairs gathering spot type library would be my ideal, but I give big kudos to HAL for going to the effort to put these new libraries back on the ships. 

 

~Nancy

P.S. I have a Kindle which was bought specifically for cruising! 🙂 

[dockman]

12 hours ago, Trish Traveler said:

I agree, from my experience in September.  Biggest library I ever saw on a ship!

This is just one section in the photo below.

 

 

poor layout and use of space in my opinion...plenty of room for way more books ...looks like a display case in a museum....a real library has a lot of books as well as lots of comfy well lighted seating areas...better than nothing but not exactly a great model

[jljcruise]

11 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

And my personal experience is that the libraries don't get used by a high parcentage of passengers.  

 

As to technology, virtually everyone has a smartphone, even if they don't have a tablet or kindle.  And there is a kindle reading app available for any smartphone.  

 

So, I maintain my opinion that it makes no sense for HAL to continue to devote a significant amount of ship space to these outdated libraries.

1. My experience is that the libraries on board are well-used.

2. I can and do (rarely) read ebooks. The experience of reading is lessened by using just one more e-thing. I read a lot less if forced to read that way.

3. I love the shipboard libraries and would hate to see the space wasted as one more under-used lounge.

[Toofarfromthesea]

12 hours ago, Mary229 said:

I agree with most of what you said but this line.  The libraries used to be a gathering spot for quiet activities - reading, games, puzzles, crafts.  Gathering these activities in a single spot with the coffee bar was ideal in my opinion.  Then, they were always full.  Now we have the library void of people, a separate craft area used for limited hours, a separate map area and a separate game area. Just combine like activities in one area is my opinion.  I would not be adverse to including an alcohol bar in this area as well but please, not another noisy lounge with branded, homogenized, pasteurized overly loud music 

 

Agree.  And a "quiet" lounge with games and puzzles available, and a bar would be a great replacement, IMO.  Maybe with some quiet classical music playing in the background.

[Moriah]

On 10/18/2023 at 4:55 PM, Djptcp said:

My husband said the last time we were on the Rotterdam the library was gone. We are sailing on her this Sunday and wonder if anyone lately has seen a library on the Rotterdam again? We will bring our own paperbacks and my Kindle has new books downloaded, so we will be set. Just curious about the Rotterdam.

 

As a retired Librarian I am happy to see support for our libraries. They are for everyone and free.

 

Gone? I think your husband may have been looking in the "traditional" library locations.  On HAL's new flagship Rotterdam there is a brand new dedicated library, with a door, good seating, and IMO a great selection and display of books.  I can't wait to be in that library again next month.  And I am a kindle girl in my land life LOL.  But somehow when I get on a ship, I just love perusing the library.   The room is open 24/7, and I have been known to get up very early, get room service coffee which I take to the library at sunrise or even before...

Edited October 20, 2023 by Moriah

[Moriah]

On 10/18/2023 at 4:55 PM, Djptcp said:

My husband said the last time we were on the Rotterdam the library was gone. We are sailing on her this Sunday and wonder if anyone lately has seen a library on the Rotterdam again? We will bring our own paperbacks and my Kindle has new books downloaded, so we will be set. Just curious about the Rotterdam.

 

As a retired Librarian I am happy to see support for our libraries. They are for everyone and free.

 

Gone? I think your husband may have been looking in the "traditional" library locations.  On HAL's new flagship Rotterdam there is a brand new dedicated library, with a door, good seating, and IMO a great selection and display of books.  I can't wait to be in that library again next month.  And I am a kindle girl in my land life LOL.  But somehow when I get on a ship, I just love perusing the library.   The room is open 24/7, and I have been known to get up very early, get room service coffee which I take to the library at sunrise or even before...

[Caribbean Chris]

17 hours ago, Mary229 said:

…The libraries used to be a gathering spot for quiet activities - reading, games, puzzles, crafts.  Gathering these activities in a single spot with the coffee bar was ideal in my opinion.  Then, they were always full….

I’m glad libraries are returning but I agree that books were just one of several elements that merged to make the Explorations Cafe popular. People went by daily to pick up the printed puzzles or NY Times digest, or to work on the jigsaw puzzle, or get a cappuccino. Long library tables had magazines, newspapers, and large map books opened to the area where you were cruising. It was cozy with a lot of comfortable seating, some facing the windows. A big draw used to be desktop computers and a printer in pre-smart phone days. 

 

I was glad to see that Zaandam still has the original setup including window-facing recliners when we were aboard in September. Along with the crew and wide promenades, the Explorations Cafes were my favorite thing about HAL ships.
 

 

 

 

[Djptcp]

My husband went to the location where it was the last time on the Rotterdam and the book shelves were gone and it was set up as a meeting room. I don't think he looked any further.

 

We do not have a smart phone and just use a trac phone when we are on car trips in case of an emergency. I think I only charge it a couple of times a year. We still have a land line as our main phone. I can't imagine my life carrying around a cell phone all the time like I see other people do. Ridiculous.

 

I have a Kindle and I download books from our local public library, but we also both read books from the library. I also have a laptop I use everyday to check our emails, pay bills and search.

 

I feel our little bit of technology suits us just fine. To each his own.

[OlsSalt]

Vacation is getting away from electronic devices; which now includes the less than handy HAL Navigator.

[Toofarfromthesea]

2 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

Vacation is getting away from electronic devices; which now includes the less than handy HAL Navigator.

 

Not for everyone.

[RAS4331]

People’s opinions here run the gamut from “the library is a waste of space” to “it’s not much of a library - there is hardly any selection of books.”. I actually think HAL has somewhat of a happy medium.  The library on the Rotterdam, for example, doesn’t  really take up much space.  It is tucked away (and is actually rather hard to find), and the room is compact.  The way the books are displayed (like a bookstore) makes browsing easy, because it’s true that it’s not a “real” library with a card catalog and extensive shelves of books.  I thought it was perfect for looking for something fun or interesting to read while on vacation.

 

If you have an interest in something extremely specific or scholarly, you won’t find it, but if you’d like to sample a best seller, mystery, biography, or even a classic, I think you could find something to enjoy.  I think the library fills a need for those who enjoy having a book to relax with on vacation but may not have brought their own or downloaded books in advance.  It’s just one of those things like bingo, the casino, trivia, crafts, or classical music - none of those are everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s nice for the ship to offer as many options for enjoyment as they can. It is not going to meet everyone’s expectations, but I think it’s something many passengers appreciate having on the ship.

[Mary229]

4 minutes ago, RAS4331 said:

People’s opinions here run the gamut from “the library is a waste of space” to “it’s not much of a library - there is hardly any selection of books.”. I actually think HAL has somewhat of a happy medium.  The library on the Rotterdam, for example, doesn’t  really take up much space.  It is tucked away (and is actually rather hard to find), and the room is compact.  The way the books are displayed (like a bookstore) makes browsing easy, because it’s true that it’s not a “real” library with a card catalog and extensive shelves of books.  I thought it was perfect for looking for something fun or interesting to read while on vacation.

 

If you have an interest in something extremely specific or scholarly, you won’t find it, but if you’d like to sample a best seller, mystery, biography, or even a classic, I think you could find something to enjoy.  I think the library fills a need for those who enjoy having a book to relax with on vacation but may not have brought their own or downloaded books in advance.  It’s just one of those things like bingo, the casino, trivia, crafts, or classical music - none of those are everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s nice for the ship to offer as many options for enjoyment as they can. It is not going to meet everyone’s expectations, but I think it’s something many passengers appreciate having on the ship.

If you have sailed HAL’s older ships they had the ideal libraries and still do. I don’t know why they recreated Barnes and Noble on the ships when they could have simply updated the model they already had.  I think that is the true consternation among us.