With a mix of people and exotic ports of call, cruise ships are popular places to base novels in … [+]
The allure of the open sea has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for generations, full of promises of mystery and faraway lands. Cruise ships are wonderful places to relax with a good book, so it’s no surprise that many authors over the years have chosen to set their stories on these impressive vessels.
Although mysteries may be the first genre to come to mind when thinking of cruise ship settings, there are many other types of stories to enjoy.
The twisting plots of thrillers, well-researched historical fiction, heartwarming romance, and even a modern family saga are among the highly-rated novels set onboard cruise ships.
Whether you’re searching for a great book to enjoy on your next cruise, or you want to get a feel for what cruising is really like, these seven novels offer something for everyone.
‘Death On The Nile’ by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s timeless classic, ‘Death on the Nile’ was first published in 1939 and later adapted into films in 1978 and 2022.
Legendary detective Hercule Poirot boards a Nile river steamer, but his cruise is abruptly disrupted by a shocking murder of a young and glamorous passenger who seemingly had it all.
As he delves into the complex relationships among the passengers, Poirot must navigate through layers of deceit to reveal the truth behind Ridgeway’s death.
Christie ensures a riveting voyage for readers, as they sail through the twists and turns of this classic murder mystery while enjoying vivid details of a small ship Nile cruise. If you’ve only ever watched an adaptation, the original novel is well worth a read.
‘The Woman In Cabin 10’ by Ruth Ware
Set sail into suspense with this 2017 New York Times best-selling thriller from Ruth Ware. Journalist Lo Blacklock receives the assignment of a lifetime: a week on the small, luxury cruise ship, Aurora, with the promise of a scenic journey to Northern Europe.
When Lo believes she hears a woman being thrown overboard in the middle of the night, her trip transforms into a chilling puzzle. Despite her belief, everyone is accounted for, and neither security nor other guests seem to acknowledge a problem.
As her doubts linger, Lo’s resolve to solve the mystery turns this idyllic cruise into a tension-filled journey that quickly escalates into a life-threatening situation.
Rachel Prince Mysteries by Dawn Brookes
Set on board a fictional cruise ship, these travel-themed cozy mysteries are a must for all fans of cruising in the modern day.
Cruise ships are great places to relax with a book. Many authors have chosen to set their stories on … [+]
Usually sailing from the port of Southampton, England, the Coral Queen takes its mostly British passengers all over the world. Over the long series, readers experience the stunning natural beauty of the Norwegian fjords, the sights, sounds, and smells of India, and many more vivid portrayals of global destinations.
Start with the first book, A Cruise to Murder, in which Police officer and first-time cruiser Rachel Prince finds herself mixed up in an onboard mystery. Over the series, Rachel finds her love of cruising growing despite the fact that every time she steps onboard, a dead body or two turns up.
Heartwarming romantic sub-plots, a cast of well developed regular characters, exotic locations, and an author who is clearly a regular cruiser make this series a must read for travelers. If you want a series to binge, consider the three-pack audiobooks.
‘The Jetsetters: A Novel’ by Amanda Eyre Ward
If mysteries aren’t for you, then perhaps this Reese’s Book Club selection from 2020 set aboard a Mediterranean cruise will work for you. Set against the sunny backdrop of Southern Europe, Amanda Eyre Ward’s novel is a compelling exploration of familial relationships, dark humor, and the enduring quest for self-acceptance.
The story centers around 70-year-old Charlotte Perkins, who wins a contest and invites her estranged children for a 10-day cruise from Athens to Barcelona.
Aboard the Splendido Marveloso, their voyage unveils family secrets, personal struggles, and complex dynamics. Charlotte’s tumultuous past and her children’s individual crises intertwine, revealing the undercurrents beneath the luxury veneer of their cruise vacation.
‘Dangerous Crossing’ by Rachel Rhys
Set against the backdrop of the impending Second World War, Rachel Rhys’ 2019 novel A Dangerous Crossing offers readers a thrilling, multi-layered tale of adventure, romance, glamor, and the harsh realities of the time.
The story follows Lily Shepherd, a young English woman, as she embarks on a cruise liner from England to Australia, seeking a new life. During her journey, she is immersed in a world of cocktails, jazz, and glamorous new friends, experiencing the high life on board and in exotic ports like Naples, Cairo, and Ceylon.
As the voyage progresses, Lily’s narrative intertwines with those of other female characters, each grappling with their pasts. Lily finds herself in a love triangle and befriends Maria, a Jewish woman fleeing Austria, showcasing the stark social divisions of the time.
‘Murder On The QE2’ by Donald Bain
The ninth book in the series of Murder, She Wrote spinoff novels, inspired by the television series, Murder On The QE2 sees fictional mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher board one of the world’s most famous ocean liners as a guest lecturer.
However, her voyage to London takes a dark turn when a fellow speaker is found brutally murdered. With only four days at sea, Jessica must unravel the mystery and catch the killer before more lives are lost, including possibly her own.
Readers have praised the book for its engaging plot, vibrant cast of characters, and the atmospheric tension heightened by a storm at sea.
‘Here Come The Girls’ by Milly Johnson
In this humorous novel, four lifelong friends embark on an all-expenses-paid cruise to celebrate a 40th birthday, a trip that promises liberation from their individual struggles. As they board the ship, Ven, Roz, Olive, and Frankie each find themselves taking their first steps on a transformative journey.
As the cruise unfolds, each woman confronts her issues amidst the backdrop of luxurious settings and potential new romances. The novel is praised for its vibrant character portrayals, with Johnson weaving each woman’s story using a third-person narrative that shifts perspectives.
Readers are drawn into the lives of these women, as well as the world of cruise liner life, complete with tempting descriptions of food and fascinating stops along the way.
Here Come the Girls is as much about friendship and self-discovery as it is about adventure and escapism. Its blend of comedy, emotion, and engaging storytelling makes it a fan favorite among her novels.
