By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Most ships have a library of some sort but the Oceania Sirena library is outstanding. It is one of the largest libraries I have ever seen on a ship of any size.

Some might have a small section or a room set aside for books to borrow. One ship even had a part-time librarian who would be in the library room to check out books from the locked bookcases. Of course, you had to make sure to visit that library when the part-time librarian was there or you were out of luck.

Sirena has unlocked bookcase after bookcase in a large room with books on the honor system and it is open around the clock. Check out a book, read it and return it. Books are organized for easy browsing – fiction, travel, visual arts, practical advice, reference, biography, sports and leisure, science and natural history, large print and more. There is even a section for a paperback exchange. That is a wonderful idea and I have seen it on many large and small ships.

Many travelers want to carry a book to read on an airplane or aboard a ship. But, once read, they don’t want to carry a bulky book back home. The Sirena book exchange is very well stocked.

Sirena’s décor is elegant and subdued. Dark woods, large overhead murals, faux fireplaces with artificial flames, plush furnishings, colorful art, teak decks and designer tapestry fabrics create a classic splendor.

Sirena is a restful ship. Some ships seem geared to hoopla – bright splashy colors, constant musical pings and pongs, generous silver and gold sparkle, large outdoor movie screens, crowded pools and activities galore. Sirena sparkles but demurely, like a distinguished beauty who knows she is special so she doesn’t have to go overboard to prove it.

Photo by Jackie Sheckler Finch