Prepare to go on a shopping spree for books as the famous MV Doulos makes its way to Cebu!
Source: Sheba_Also 43,000 photos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Changes made: adjusted lighting, cropped
Did you hear about the floating bookstore in Cebu nine years ago? If not, you can finally experience it for yourself this year!
MV Doulos Hope is the newest vessel from Good Books for All (GBA) Ships, a German organization that converts cruise ships into floating book fairs. The ship will dock at Cebu Pier 5 from October 14 to November 16, 2024.
Since 1970, GBA vessels have welcomed over 50 million bookworms in over 480 ports in more than 150 countries to sell books, merchandise, and souvenirs at budget-friendly prices.
MV Doulos Hope expands the organization’s global impact by extending its reach to new areas, as well as providing longer port stays and earlier return visits.
The vessel had already visited the Philippines in 2024, arriving in Subic Bay, La Union, Manila, and Batangas. Prior to its Cebu trip, it will visit Puerto Princesa in Palawan in September.
As a highly awaited event in Cebu, here’s what to expect when aboard the world’s biggest floating book fair.
INSIDE THE MV DOULOS HOPE
Passengers can book tickets at the ticketing booth or online through the Doulos Hope (Philippines) Facebook Page. MV Doulos management prioritizes online registrants, so make sure to book your tickets ahead of time.
The entrance fee is Php 50, with tickets booked for hour-long time slots. Operating hours have not been announced, so follow the vessel’s social media platforms to stay updated.
Some book fairs require an additional terminal fee, but no announcement has been made about Cebu Pier requiring such.
A Rappler article claims that the Doulos Hope uses a unit system for its pricing, with 100 units being equal to Php 120. You can buy books for as low as Php 50, while some are sold in bundles of three for Php 100. (2024)
The MV Doulos library mostly consists of family-friendly novels and children’s books. It lacks fiction and story books, but you will definitely find some good deals on cookbooks and self-help books.
Aside from books, MV Doulos offers stationary, keychains, and bracelets. They also offer official merchandise like tote bags for Php 60.
The ship has a mini dining area offering snacks and coffee. This is where customers can relax and enjoy the breathtaking seaview.
ABOUT THE VESSEL
The ship’s name is taken from the Greek word for “servant”, translating to “servant of hope”. It was originally built in Lubeck, Germany in 1988, serving as a cruise ship named the “Lady Sarah”.
For several years, it changed owners and was renamed until GBA purchased it in May 2022. The company repurposed several spaces inside to convert it into the bookstore it is known for today.
It made its official maiden voyage in 2023. Since then, MV Doulos Hope has been visited by around 270,000 passengers, with over 360,000 books sold. It has visited six countries and ten different ports, according to the GBA website.
The new vessel builds upon GBA’s previous ocean liner, the Doulos, which had already visited Cebu twice in the 2000s.
Doulos stopped operations in 2010, leading to the construction of Logos Hope, the aforementioned floating book fair that docked in Cebu in 2015.
Doulos Hope has six decks, with hundreds of crew members from over 60 different countries, including the Philippines. These people spend years living and working within the ship, volunteering for the Christian organization known as Operation Mobilisation (OM).
GBA also serves as a charity, with its crew members visiting nearby areas to provide aid to local communities. Their goal of spreading literacy and education is dedicated to everyone, regardless of circumstance or background.
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It’s been a while since Cebu had a huge book fair. Not only will this interest bookworms, but also tourists looking for exciting things to do during their travels.
When purchasing books from MV Doulos, you are supporting GBA’s vision for helping communities as they earn more funds to host outreach programs and excursions around the world.
It is clear that the ship’s arrival is one of the city’s most anticipated events. Again, check out their social media pages for updates regarding operating hours and ticketing details.
