If you are packing for a cruise holiday, most people pack a book or two to read, but with so much choice, it can be difficult to pick out one that you can dive into.
There is so much to keep you entertained on cruise holidays, but for many, going on a trip is the perfect opportunity to get into a book, be transported to new worlds, and be immersed in gripping narratives.
Whether you’re looking for a steamy romance, spine-tingling suspense, or other-worldly sci-fi, this guide takes a look at some of the best books to read on holiday in 2025.
What you should consider when choosing a book to read
The last thing you want to do is to rush out and buy a book that you are not interested in, so before you choose a book to read, you need first to consider a few things.
- Genre: It is worth thinking about the genre of the book. Do you prefer mystery, romance, historical fiction, or something lighter?
- Setting: You might want to consider a book that is set in some of the locations that your cruise is visiting.
- Pace: Choose a book that suits your mood. You might want a book that is relaxing and easy to read, or you might want to dive into a fast-paced book.
What are the best holiday reads?
- Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- The Paris Mystery by Kirsty Manning
- Braving Strange Waters by Sarah Hanks
Death on the Nile
Goodreads rating: 4.6/5
Author: Agatha Christie
Although not a new book, this classic is certainly a great option to take with you on a cruise, especially if you love a murder mystery.
The plot revolves around a rich and famous woman, travelling the Nile aboard the Karnak, who is caught in a romantic triangle. The other passengers of the ship might look normal on the outside, but not all meets the eye, and that is what Detective Hercule Poirot is trying to discover.
Jenni, an award-winning cruise blogger who runs the Cruise Mummy site, highly recommends the book: “This classic novel is one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries. The story is set on a luxury Nile cruise. The tranquillity of the voyage is shattered when a young lady is shot in the head. Time for Hercule Poirot to solve the mystery in this exotic setting where nothing is as it seems.”
Agatha Christie wrote the book after being inspired by her visits to Egypt and the Middle East, and the delights that this region has to offer.
Beach Read
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Author: Emily Henry
This modern-day love story follows the story of romance writer January Andrews, who no longer believes in love, and literary writer Augustus Everett, who is suffering from writer's block. The two are polar opposites and old college rivals, but for the next three months, they’ll have to live in beach houses next door to one another.
One night, the pair strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts, and Beach Read follows their adventures, which range from going on field trips and going to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult.
Julia, who is the writer behind the Julia's Bookshelves blog, gave her review of the book: “’I’m adding Beach Read to my shelf of five-star-reads because it hit the sweet spot of serious and sweet for me in the romance genre. Emily Henry works to tie a messy plot up quite neatly with a bow on top, but what’s wrong with a happy ending? After all, those are the stories that January Andrews loves best.”
The Alchemist
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Author: Paulo Coelho
If you want to feed your wanderlust and are looking for inspiration for your next cruise holiday, then one book which should be on your must-read list is The Alchemist.
The book is an inspiring tale of self-discovery, as it tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure.
His journey teaches readers about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognising opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, following our dreams. This is a lovely story and is certainly a book you should consider taking on holiday with you.
The Women
Goodreads rating: 4.62/5
Author: Kristin Hannah
Often regarded as one of the best books published in 2024, the award-winning The Women is certainly a good holiday read. The story follows a young woman called Frances “Frankie” McGrath, who has lived a sheltered life in Southern California until she joins the Army Nurse Corps for the Vietnam War.
The beautifully written book follows her story through the chaos and destruction of war and the battle she faces when she and her veteran friends come home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget the war.
Heather Caliendo, who is the writer behind the Book Club Chat blog, highly recommends it and says it is one of her favourite books by the author.
“The Women by Kristin Hannah is an extraordinary novel about a woman’s experience working as a nurse during the Vietnam War. It’s heart-wrenching, impactful, moving and fantastic.
“I think The Women might actually be her best work yet. From page one, I was completely engrossed in this riveting story about a young woman’s experience serving in the Vietnam War and then dealing with the aftermath. I adored the main character, Frankie, and I felt for her so much.”
The Paris Mystery
Goodreads rating: 3.43/5
Author: Kirsty Manning
Charlotte James is an Australian journalist who is a correspondent for The Times in Paris at a time when France is in turmoil as talk of war becomes increasingly strident.
The book is a page-turner, as Charlie chases her first big scoop to prove she is as good if not better than the male journalists. In doing so, Charlie knows she needs to introduce herself to well-connected British expats Lord and Lady Ashworth. The best way to strike up a connection is by attending the Ashworth’s famous annual party where the cream of Parisian society will be, but in between the burlesque dancers, and tightrope walkers, secrets unravel and putting a foot wrong could result in death.
If you want to retrace the footsteps of Charlie in this book and explore the City of Lights here at Fred. Olsen Cruises, we have a variety of cruises to France that you can enjoy.
Braving Strange Waters
Goodreads rating: 4.56/5
Author: Sarah Hanks
Published in April 2024, this book centres around Stella Lindy, a lady who is supposed to be soaking up the sunshine with her bridesmaids, cruising to Hawaii on her hen do.
After hitting the wrong button in a lift, she is transported back to 1856 and is on a steamboat called Arabia.
Communicating through an antique mailbox, her friends on the cruise are attempting to guide her back before the steamboat sinks whilst in the midst of a battle between pro-slavery and anti-slavery supporters.
From books that will inspire your next travels and those perfect for summer to murder mysteries that will keep you guessing, this guide has highlighted some of the best holiday reads that you can enjoy on a 2025 cruise.
From books that will inspire your next travels and those perfect for summer to murder mysteries that will keep you guessing, this guide has highlighted some of the best holiday reads that you can enjoy on a 2025 cruise.