Why is Carnival Quietly Phasing Out a Popular Ship Amenity?

Photo byCruise Fever

Once a staple on cruise ships, libraries are becoming a relic of the past, particularly on Carnival Cruise Line vessels.

The cruise line has confirmed that it no longer includes libraries in the design of new ships, a decision that has sparked both disappointment and understanding among passengers.

Traditionally, ship libraries offered passengers a quiet escape, a place to curl up with a book, or simply enjoy some solitude.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the cruise experience, including passenger expectations for sanitation and shared spaces.

Photo byCruise Fever

The concept of shared books, once considered inviting, raised concerns about hygiene in the wake of the pandemic. While other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have retained library spaces, often repurposing them as card and game rooms, Carnival has taken a more decisive stance.

Carnival's decision to eliminate libraries was publicly acknowledged by Brand Ambassador John Heald in September 2023.

In response to a passenger question, Heald explained,

"We have stopped building new ships with libraries. The reason is so we can have other bars, restaurants, etc. there and the reason is also that, well, the amount of people who want to borrow a book and sit, in library silence on their Fun cruise was we saw getting less and less."

The announcement generated a mix of reactions, with some passengers expressing disappointment over the loss of library spaces.

The issue resurfaced recently when a passenger directly challenged Heald on the decision, suggesting that libraries were more popular than the ship's gym, which often appeared underutilized.

Photo byIñaki del OlmoonUnsplash

The passenger wrote, "John, why is it on every cruise that I am on I rarely see the gym being used? I use the steam rooms and saunas so always have a curious look inside & they are empty always. You are a bloater too John and the question is why does Carnival give so much space to a place used by 1% of the pax but then you guys take away the libraries that are more popular? If you are getting new bigger ships ditch the gyms & use that space for something more of the people will use,"

Heald responded with a touch of incredulity and humor, defending the gym's popularity while also addressing the passenger's personal insult.

"Thank you and I can assure you that far more than 1% of the guests use the gym, a lot more. And if we didn’t have a gym then I am sure that we would receive a massive bollocking from those who do," Heald wrote.

Addressing the passenger's less-than-flattering description of him, Heald added, "I do want to thank you sir for reminding me and 582,000 other people that I am a 'bloater'...brilliant," he said.

"However, I don’t need reminding of this because I have been watching the Olympics. Sitting on my couch, eating a bucket of KFC with my knackered knee in a brace watching the 6-packed toned-to-perfection men taking part in the various events, I wasn’t sure if indeed I am of the same species."

Carnival's decision to prioritize other amenities, such as additional bars and restaurants, suggests a growing demand for more social and interactive spaces onboard ships.

Some also see it as another means of cruise line's making more money. Libraries are not money-generating spaces after all.

As the cruise industry continues to adapt to changing consumer tastes, it remains to be seen whether the library will make a comeback or fade into obscurity.