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After a five-year hiatus, the world’s largest floating book fair, Logos Hope, is back in Jamaica! Their last visit to Jamaica was in 2020, just before the pandemic halted international travel. I have fond memories of Logos as my mom took me aboard the Logos II in my childhood, an earlier vessel which was retired from service in 2008. Logos Hope is more than just a ship— it’s a floating bookstore, cultural centre and community outreach vessel operated by GBA Ships, a non-profit Christian organization. Logos Hope had its maiden voyage in 2009 and welcomes an average of one million visitors on board each year! Logos Hope has visited over 150 countries and distributed countless books and educational materials. The ship is currently staffed by 350 volunteers from 65 countries who receive sponsorship from friends, relatives and civic organizations. With that said, here’s all you need to know to visit Logos Hope in Jamaica for 2025.
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Logos Hope Schedule & Costs
Logos Hope is currently docked at the Carib Cement coal pier by the Kingston Harbour from July 19 to August 20, 2025. After this, it moves on to Montego Bay from August 21 to September 15, 2025. This unique vessel offers a treasure trove of books, culture experiences and family-friendly entertainment for Jamaicans of all ages. Whether you’re a bookworm, a parent seeking educational opportunities for your children or just curious about life aboard a ship crewed by international volunteers, Logos Hope promises a memorable experience. To catch the action, you may visit:
- Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10 AM to 9 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Sundays: 1 PM to 9 PM
Other things to note about Logos Hope Jamaica 2025
- Admission: Entry costs $500 JMD per person but is free for children under age 12, and persons older than 65 years. Tickets are sold at the pier. Special group packages are available for schools, churches and youth groups with reservations.
- Rules: No weapons, umbrellas with sharp tips, frozen bottles or any other item which could be used as a weapon is allowed on board. Yes, police officers and security guards search patrons and bags before boarding.
- Prices: The books and souvenirs on sale are priced in units, and 100 units = $500 JMD. In other words, a book for 600 units will cost $3000JMD. They have over 5,000 book titles on sale, and most ranged from 100 to 600 units in cost. Souvenirs started at 25 units.
- Parking: Parking is FREE & available either curbside next to the pier, or at the Rockfort Mineral Bath‘s parking lot.
- And here’s a bonus: Every visitor is entitled to select one FREE book at the end of their visit—a small gift from the Logos Hope team. (Limit: One book per patron/ticket)
What’s on Board Logos Hope
After climbing the gangway, you’ll enter the lobby which gives a timeline of Logos‘ history while the volunteers deliver a quick introduction and answer any questions. Next you’ll be able to enter the book fair which spans 500 square meters and holds over 5,000 titles in English. With curated sections for children, young adults, parents, professionals and faith-based readers, the fair caters to every age and interest. Topics range from children literature, cooking books, health, science, self help, Christian resources, fiction and more. Patrons are encouraged to engage with the volunteers for cultural exchange and to get a glimpse into what life at sea is all about.
I’d hoped to see novels from African, African-American, Caribbean or even Asian writers, but alas. Instead, I feasted my eyes on familiar classics from my childhood and high school literature like Enid Blyton, Shakespeare, Animal Farm, Pride & Prejudice and Little Women. One of the few classics I didn’t read, however, was Wuthering Heights so I picked up a copy for 200 units ($1000 JMD/ 6.26 USD). I also picked up some souvenirs like a fridge magnet and keyring. Queues to purchase items were long and moved slowly, but they’d only been in Jamaica for a few days so I expect this will improve as they get settled. However, I’d love to see greater diversity in the book options on their next voyage to Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Next, if all that book shopping makes you hungry, stop by their onboard International Café for ice cream, coffee, brownies, cookies, popcorn and other treats. On your way out, secure a free book from their selected list of titles. In order to redeem your complimentary book, you must trade in your admission ticket so keep it safe. Check out their social media pages (@logoshopejamaica2025) for other occasional activities onboard such as cultural fairs and children, teen and women focus groups.
Logos Hope’s Community Impact
Logos Hope’s visit isn’t just about books—it’s also about giving back. During their stay in Jamaica, volunteers will participate in school visits, hospital and children’s home outreach, youth camps, Bible classes and community service projects in underserved areas. In past visits, Logos Hope volunteers have partnered with Mustard Seed Communities and several inner-city ministries.
Why You Should Visit in 2025
My free book from Logos Hope!To recap, here’s what makes Logos Hope a must-see:
- Affordable, family-friendly entertainment
- Thousands of discounted books (some were a little pricey though!)
- One-of-a-kind cultural exchange
- Free book for every visitor
- Inspiring stories from around the world
- Safe & secure (the gangways were not mobility friendly though sadly!)
Wrap Up
In a digital age where tangible books sometimes take a back seat, Logos Hope reminds us of the joy of reading, the importance of literacy and the power of global fellowship. Have you ever boarded Logos Hope or any other GBA ships? How was the experience on board? Sound off in the comments section below!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
- 10 Must-Visit Food Festivals in Jamaica
- 8 Must-Visit Music Festivals in Jamaica
- 3 Other Jamaican Festivals Worth the Journey
- Maroon Festivals in Jamaica Worth Checking Out
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