Libby the Library App on NCL: What to Expect & More!

Imagine this scenario. You’re lounging on the sun deck of your Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, the ocean stretching endlessly in every direction. But wait…you forgot to pack that novel you’ve been dying to read! Don’t worry. You’re not stuck flipping through outdated magazines or limiting yourself to the ship’s offerings. Enter Libby, the library app that transforms your cruising experience by turning your phone or e-reader into a treasure trove of books, audiobooks, and even magazines. If you’re a book lover and an NCL cruiser, this app might just be your new best friend. Take an Alaska cruise and read "Into the Wild" or "Wide Sargasso Sea" in the Caribbean. Here’s everything you need to know about using the Libby app on a cruise with NCL.

Libby App sign near where I live in Charlotte NC

What is Libby the Library App and Why is it a Game-Changer for Travelers?

For the uninitiated, Libby is a free library mobile app that connects you to your local library's digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Started in 2017 with beta testing happening in 2016. Before this the company used to be called OverDrive. This company started out as a way of linking libraries and digital collections. The great reception of OverDrive led to the creation of Libby, and the rest is history. Think of it as a portable library in the palm of your hand. With just your library card, you gain access to thousands of titles you can read anytime, anywhere with zero hassle. And yes, just like I mentioned already it is a free app.

But what makes Libby perfect for cruise travelers?  

• Portability – No need to lug around heavy books in your suitcase.

• Selection – Choose from a vast range of genres to suit your mood.

• Accessibility – Whether you’re lounging on the deck or in your cozy cabin at sea, your favorite reads are just a tap away.

• Space-saving – For anyone packing light, Libby is significantly more space-efficient.

• User Friendly - Very easy for first time users.

• No late fees - Remember the days of turning in a library book late. You would have a late fee. Not now with Libby.

For readers, this app might just be the smartest travel companion out there.

NCL Escape at Great Stirrup Cay

How to Download and Set Up Libby  

The setup process for Libby is refreshingly simple. Even if you’re not the most tech-savvy, you’ll be reading in no time. This is specific for using at home. The process is slightly different on the Norwegian Cruise Ships, but basically the same.

1. Download the App

Go to your device’s app store (available on iOS or Android) and download the Libby app.  

2. Sign in with Your Library Card

Using your library card, sign in to connect with your local public libraries. If you don’t yet have a library card, most libraries offer easy online registration.  

3. Find Your Content

Once logged in, browse the app’s collection to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, or magazines.  

4. Download for Offline Use

This is key. Download any titles you're interested in while you’re connected to Wi-Fi to access them offline later.  And voilà! You’re set and ready to enjoy endless entertainment.  

Pro Tip: Libby Help is also provided on the app, in the menu section of the app, click on Help and Support, then enter your problem and hit search. The "ask our support team" will pop up and you can pick a category

Libby App for NCL Aqua

Libby on Norwegian Cruise Line Finding Your Floating Library  

Most NCL ships no longer feature traditional libraries, opting instead for a digital alternative powered by Libby. Some of the newer ships, like the NCL Prima, Viva and the Aqua, focus on offering modern tech-driven solutions. The Prima Class and Aqua Class are the newest ships for NCL. If you’re aboard one of these ships, you won’t miss the nostalgic paperbacks because Libby fills that void seamlessly. For those of you who still feel the need to have a book in your hand instead of reading E-Books, you can still find a few books in a lounge on new cruise ships, just not many or a large selection since there is not a dedicated library. 

Below are the instructions if you are using Norwegian Cruise Lines for your Libby App

Download App before arriving on to the Ship, like mentioned earlier it is available on IOS and Android on your phones App Store. You can also download on Tablet like the Fire Tablet too.

• After you have got on board the ship, open your Libby App and follow the prompts to find your Library. Search for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and select.

• Now follow to where it says "Sign in with your card" This is your card you use for everything on the ship. Now type in the Latitudes number that is on your card. That is your User ID.  Pro Tip: If you have traveled with NCL in the past, you might know your Latitude number already or know where to find it. You will not be able to sign into the Libby App with NCL until your embarkation day.

• You can download 1 book at a time and place one on hold. As for magazines or travel guides, download as many as you like, no limit.

• The Titles appear on the "Shelf" and download when there is a wi-fi connection. This way you can read them without Wi-fi. However, do note that Wi-Fi onboard can be spotty, so downloading books ahead of time before setting sail is highly recommended. Personally, I learned this the hard way when I tried to download a novel during a rainy sea day. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck mid-voyage with no reading material.  

• On the Libby App, look on your shelf, look at loans, this is at the top of the screen.

• Read allows you to pick where you would like to read your book from. Examples like Kinde, or the Libby App

• Open in Libby and start reading in the App

• You can "Manage the Loan" This is where you can return your loan or return early

• The book loan length will last 7 days, or the end of your cruise. Depending on which comes first.

View of a cruise ship from an NCL balcony

Which NCL Ships Have No Library?  

Most newer ships across the NCL fleet have fully embraced the Digital Age, forgoing physical libraries. The Libby app becomes even more valuable in these scenarios, giving you an alternative to traditional onboard entertainment. The list below are the Norwegian Cruise Line ships that do not have a library.

• Norwegian Viva

• Norwegian Prima

• Norwegian Aqua

On the ships listed above you can still find some books in lounges, or for those who have cabins booked in the Haven, they will be in the Haven lounge area. It is more of a "leave a book/ take a book" exchange. Of course the lounge can be a relaxing place to sit and read at different times of the day, but it really is not a designated place like a library.

Below are 3 that are listed as not having a library (from a basic google search), but the deck plans do still show they have a library. I have not been on these 3 ships recently to know, but they do not offer the NCL Libby App access from what I can tell when I look at my Libby App.

• Norwegian Bliss

• Norwegian Encore

• Norwegian Joy

The rest of the NCL fleet still have a library, basically because a spot was designed in the ship for the library. You can find Sudoku puzzles and sometimes board games. The Card room is usually in the same room or right beside it, so you will find people playing cards too. Not having a library is more of a new thing for cruise ships and other cruise lines in general. All cruise lines are or have been considering removing libraries from their ships.

In fact, I was on the Celebrity Reflection last year where the library was basically just a section near the atrium of the ship where honestly in my eyes to noisy for a library. Plus it was lacking books. Shelves had plastic cut outs made to look like books on a shelf, with only a couple shelves with real books. From what I gather Royal Caribbean cruise ships are similar to Celebrity and NCL, but Holland America seems to still have a huge book selection on their ships.

Tips for Borrowing Books on Libby While Cruising  

To make the most of Libby during your NCL adventure, keep the following pointers in mind:

• Plan Ahead

Borrow books, audiobooks, or magazines before setting sail (hello, Wi-Fi reliability).  

• Create Shelves

Use personalized "shelves" within the app to organize books you want to read while traveling.  

• Customize Your Download Settings

For cruising, ensure titles are downloaded for offline use. Navigate to settings within the app to enable this.  

• Experiment with Audiobooks

Quiet sea days are surprisingly relaxing when paired with audiobooks. Grab your headphones or earbuds and enjoy story time on the go.  

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting  

While Libby is fairly straightforward, here are a few challenges you might encounter and how to overcome them:

• Spotty Wi-Fi

Norwegian ships offer various internet plans, but they can be pricey or inconsistent. Save yourself the headache by pre-downloading your books.  The "More at Sea" package gives you the basic Wi-Fi, but you can still upgrade for a better internet option. I always upgrade. Although it is an improvement, the upgrade will still not be as good as the internet you have at your house.

• Library Card Expiration

Ensure your library card is valid before starting your trip. Remember the Libby App where you use your own Latitudes number from the NCL cruise you are about to take, will not work until embarkation day, not leaving lots of time to download a book before you get stuck on the ship Wi-Fi.

• Device Overload

Low on storage space? Delete older downloads before adding new ones. The Libby app keeps things light, but apps and selfies can pile up fast. I always find it best to delete old photo, or videos that I have taken with my phone. SInce I use the Libby App on my cell phone, memory tend to fill up. I need to get a tablet for my book reading time with the Libby App.

Libby App Shelf

My Honest Thoughts on Using the Libby App  

Before I cruised with Libby, I was skeptical. Could a digital library really replace my beloved paperbacks? The answer is yes, and then some.  I have always loved reading with an ocean view. The Libby App saved a rainy afternoon at sea where other entertainment options were packed. Between the ease of finding books in my favorite genres and even connecting with fellow cruisers over shared virtual reads, Libby became an integral part of my trip. Plus, I stumbled upon a new selection of travel memoirs that have now become some of my favorite books.  

One thing I noticed, and you will to especially if you are familiar with using the App from your own library back home. The selection is small in comparison. I had roughly 3,700 books to choose from and no audio books. My local library has over 73,000 titles to choose from. I do love my audio books when traveling and these would be neat to listen to with my ear buds when laying out on the main pool deck in lounge chairs. I did not have difficulties finding something to read though and I absolutely loved it. If you’re someone who loves the idea of having the world’s library at your fingertips even while floating in the middle of the ocean, Libby is perfect for you.  

Just remember you need Wi-Fi to download the book. So if you are using the cruise line WI-FI download the book and sign out of the Wi-Fi. If you are using the basic Wi-Fi you only have 150 minutes. so you must use those minutes wisely. So it is a must to sign out of Wi-Fi as soon as download is complete. If you are an experienced cruiser, you know Wi-Fi is lacking compared to the internet connection back home, although there have been improvements over the years, and I am saying this for all cruise lines. It is still not the best. NCL has improved tremendously but there were times it was very slow. 

Exploring More Onboard Entertainment  

Not a book lover? No worries. NCL is packed with a variety of entertainment options, from Broadway-style nightly shows and cooking demonstrations to heart racing water slides and serene spa experiences. While I personally leaned on Libby during quiet moments, there’s truly something for everyone on these ships.  Each ship is slightly different from the Kid's Aqua Park to video games to racetracks and more. But whichever ship you choose, with the unique experiences, your whole family will have a great time.

Another entertaining element to a cruise is the live music with amazing drinks, craft cocktails at the piano bar, Live DJs near the pool bar or having an evening drink while watching people sign karaoke. There are many bars and lounges to choose from on any ship you choose. For those who don't drink play trivia, bingo, Deal or No Deal, and even Wheel of Fortune. Us the NCL app on your phone to find out what time and where these activities are located. There is also the casino where you could win big. Just walking about the one-third mile boardwalk on the ship is great. Everywhere you turn on an NCL cruise there are fun experiences to be had.

Don't forget about the dining options like Cagney's Steakhouse for steak and seafood, Le Bistro the classic French restaurant, Japanese at the popular teppanyaki-style restaurant, or even the main dining rooms, you will find many opulent dishes to choose from on an NCL cruise. Plus don't forget about the Thermal Spa with its countless hot tubs, or even the Vibe Beach club. Perfect extra areas intended for relaxing and are adult only areas. Great for reading your books and magazines on the Libby App.

Make Your Next Cruise Perfectly Bookish  

There’s nothing quite like reading a great story while surrounded by the beauty of the open ocean. Libby perfectly complements the cruising lifestyle, offering a modern, convenient way to explore new worlds without taking up precious space in your luggage.  

Whether you're already an avid cruiser or planning your first trip with NCL, sailing on the best Alaskan cruise or sailing to the Caribbean to San Juan, don’t sail unprepared. Download Libby, load up some great titles, and prepare to take your onboard experience to the next level. Start your literary adventure today by setting up your Libby account. Happy cruising and even happier reading!

This blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.