The Bookshop

[Twynkle]

The Bookshop on board QE2 was unique.
Selling many maritime related things other than books, it also contained a superb collection of specialist books supplied from1994 by the small company of Romsey in Hampshire - Ocean Books.
Their poster, with a deck chair was a familiar sight - and many members of TQS will remember the staff who worked in the shop as knowledgable as well as helpful people.
Carmel and Gaynor, and Richard and others also come to mind.

Now, nearly eight years after QE2 was docked alongside in Dubai, there is news that Ocean Books are no longer to be stockists / suppliers to Cunard's ships.
Up and until the time of writing, the same and similar books, and other mementos, cards, pens, bookmarks, calendars, prints, as well as great pictures etc  - all have been sold by Ocean Books through the Bookshops on the Cunarders: QM2, QV and QE.
There will be authors, artists, publishers and others - including passengers and crew members who will very much miss 'Ocean Books' specialist knowledge, gained over many years of experience.
http://www.oceanbooks.com/ "The best nautical bookstore afloat', John Maxtone-Graham

[QE2forever]

There will be authors, artists, publishers and others - including passengers and crew members who will very much miss 'Ocean Books' specialist knowledge, gained over many years of experience.
http://www.oceanbooks.com/ "The best nautical bookstore afloat', John Maxtone-Graham

Yes I heard about that. Very sad news indeed. I'm shocked. 

[Lynda Bradford]

The Library and Bookshop is one of my favourite places onboard ship. 

I have moved this topic to Sea Shanties as I see that Ocean Book supply this service to many shipping companies, so the link to their website will be of interest to many people, not just QE2 and Cunard passengers. 

[QE2forever]

The Library and Bookshop is one of my favourite places onboard ship. 

I have moved this topic to Sea Shanties as I see that Ocean Book supply this service to many shipping companies, so the link to their website will be of interest to many people, not just QE2 and Cunard passengers.

To be clear, yes Ocean Books do provide library services to a number of other cruise lines, however the bookshops are unique to Cunard ships.

[Lynda Bradford]

To be clear, yes Ocean Books do provide library services to a number of other cruise lines, however the bookshops are unique to Cunard ships.

Yes there website is most informative about their library and bookshop services.  I will certainly miss the Ocean bookshops onboard Cunard ships, not just for purchasing books , but also first day covers, cards and postcards and little gifts. 

[Waverley]

A bookshop memory clip.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30875458@N07/4143517775/in/album-72157622691747610/

[John Sutherland]

Is there a reason for Ocean Books discontinuing their services?

[Twynkle]

Is there a reason for Ocean Books discontinuing their services?

Hi John
Ocean Books didn't discontinue their service whilst supplying QE2 when she was in service, did they?
Don't think so!
The recent decision applies to Cunard's later three ships.
Rosie.

[QE2forever]

It's today that Ocean Books are handing over the keys of the QM2 bookshop to Harding Retail.

[cunardqueen]

And who couldnt forget the likes of June ,Carmel and Jane from the library on QE2.... The end of an era
No doubt the bean counters have great plans...

No disrespect to the lovely ladies but on one QE2 cruise on the Hotel Managers table we had the vivacious Carmel..and between us we joked could it get any lower... the next night we had Jane,..The assistant Librarian... Both lovely hosts and an utter joy to dine with..and boy those stories..    

[Twynkle]

And not forgetting Gaynor, either!

[QE2forever]

Sadly, Ocean Books went out of business on 26th September 2023.

Cunard libraries are currently run by Askews & Holts.

[Manxcrab]

Back in June 2024, the library on Queen Anne was a big disappointment.  Most of the interesting books, such as those on maritime topics, were for reference only.  When my wife asked about large print books, the ''librarian'' didn't appear to understand the term.  Considering the age profile of Cunarders, this a serious deficiency.
We recently tried P & O's Arcadia.  The library was help-yourself self-service, but at least they had clearly labelled large print books.
For future Cunard trips, we'll be bringing our own books.

[Rob Lightbody]

Back in June 2024, the library on Queen Anne was a big disappointment.  Most of the interesting books, such as those on maritime topics, were for reference only.  When my wife asked about large print books, the ''librarian'' didn't appear to understand the term.  Considering the age profile of Cunarders, this a serious deficiency.
We recently tried P & O's Arcadia.  The library was help-yourself self-service, but at least they had clearly labelled large print books.
For future Cunard trips, we'll be bringing our own books.

Lots of choice on Queen Mary recently! 

[Lynda Bradford]

Back in June 2024, the library on Queen Anne was a big disappointment.  Most of the interesting books, such as those on maritime topics, were for reference only.  When my wife asked about large print books, the ''librarian'' didn't appear to understand the term.  Considering the age profile of Cunarders, this a serious deficiency.
We recently tried P & O's Arcadia.  The library was help-yourself self-service, but at least they had clearly labelled large print books.
For future Cunard trips, we'll be bringing our own books.

On Queen Victoria this year the library had a section for large print books.  the librarian was also very helpful not just on book choices but also on wifi connection and computer problems. 

I only sailed on Arcadia one and vaguely remember the library.

Queen Victoria library is a lovely place to relax