Books, friends, adventures at sea
This is the first trip Beyond the Bookshelf has ever run, and all three of us are going. Nicole, Skyla and Shannon, on the same ship, with whoever comes with us.
Three nights out of Miami. Long enough to feel like a real trip, short enough that nobody has to take a week off work or spend a fortune to come.
We read together online all year. This time we get to do it in person, on a deck, with a drink.
The sailing
April 2 to 5, 2027 · Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas · 3 nights round trip from Miami
- Friday, April 2: sail from Miami
- Saturday, April 3: CocoCay, Royal’s private island in the Bahamas
- Sunday, April 4: Nassau
- Monday, April 5: back in Miami
Wonder of the Seas is one of the biggest ships afloat, so there is plenty to do on the days nobody wants to get off. There is also a quiet corner on every deck, which matters more to a group of readers than it does to most people.
We will have games, swag and fun planned for the group too, so this is not just three days of reading in a deck chair, though that is a very acceptable way to spend an afternoon.
What we are reading
Two books before we sail. Both are set at sea, which felt like the right call.
- SHIPPED by Angie Hockman
- TOTAL DREAMBOAT by Katelyn Doyle
Book among the first four cabins and both books are on me, your choice of ereader or paperback.
Read them, do not read them, come anyway. Nobody is checking.
What it costs
Per person, two to a cabin, cruise fare only. Gratuities and insurance are separate.
- Interior — $528.55
- Ocean view — $609.55
- Balcony — $694.55
$100 per person holds a cabin. It is non refundable, and it is the only thing due now.
Deposits are due 14 January 2027. Cabins at this price are limited, so after that we cannot promise the group rate or that there is anything left near the rest of us.
There is no planning fee on this one. You are booking a cabin next to ours, not a custom trip.
Who this suits
Anyone in the club, and anyone they want to bring. Come solo and you will know three people before you board. Bring a friend who has never read a word with us and she will fit in fine.
It is a short first-timer cruise, so it works for people who have never sailed and are not sure they will like it. Three nights is a low-risk way to find out.
How to join us
Everything runs through Nicole, who books the whole group.
See the trip page and hold a cabin →
Not ready to put money down? Get on the list and we will come back to you before anything fills up.
Prices are per person, two to a cabin, and change until a cabin is held with a deposit. Ask for the current number before you plan around it. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels.
