Cruise ships are like floating cities, packed with fun things to do and see. These massive vessels carry thousands of people across oceans and seas, offering a unique way to travel and enjoy vacations. But there’s more to these giant ships than meets the eye. Behind the fancy restaurants, pool decks, and entertainment shows, cruise ships have some pretty surprising secrets and cool facts.
I’ve put together a list of 20 fun facts about cruise ships that might surprise you.
Floating cities
Modern cruise ships are like small cities on water. They have their own mayors (the captain), power plants, water systems, and even jails. Some big ships can carry over 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members—more people than in many small towns!
No 13th floor
Many cruise ships skip the 13th floor in their numbering. This is because 13 is seen as an unlucky number in some cultures. Instead, they jump from deck 12 to deck 14, which is a way to make superstitious passengers feel more comfortable.
Cruise ship godmothers
Most cruise ships have a godmother, usually a famous person. This tradition started long ago with ships having female figureheads for good luck. The godmother christens the ship at its launch, often by breaking a bottle of champagne on the hull. It’s believed to bring the ship good fortune on its voyages.
Onboard morgues
Cruise ships have morgues to handle passenger deaths. With thousands of people onboard, it’s a sad but necessary feature. The morgue is usually a small, refrigerated room near the medical center. Ships are prepared to handle most emergencies, including this difficult situation.
Fresh water from the ocean
Cruise ships make their own fresh water from seawater. They use a process called reverse osmosis to remove salt and impurities. This system can produce over 500,000 gallons of fresh water daily on large ships. It’s used for drinking, cooking, showers, and even filling swimming pools.
Floating art galleries
Many cruise ships have millions of dollars worth of art onboard. You can find paintings, sculptures, and other artworks throughout the ship. Some cruise lines even offer art tours and auctions during the voyage. It’s like visiting a museum while you’re on vacation.
No loose change
Cruise ship casinos don’t use coins in their slot machines. Instead, they use a cashless system with cards or tickets. This is because coins would roll around when the ship moves. It also makes it easier for the casino to keep track of winnings and losses.
Ships don’t go in reverse
Large cruise ships don’t have reverse gear. Instead, they use a system called azipods to turn the ship around. These are propellers that can rotate 360 degrees. This allows the vessel to move sideways or spin in place, which is especially useful in tight spaces.
Crew-only areas
About 40% of a cruise ship is off-limits to passengers. These areas include crew quarters, kitchens, and engine rooms. Some ships have secret crew-only bars and lounges. This hidden world keeps the ship running smoothly behind the scenes.
Floating gardens
Some cruise ships have natural grass lawns on their top decks. These green spaces can be used for picnics, games, or just relaxing. Special care is taken to keep the grass healthy despite the salty sea air. It’s a little piece of land in the middle of the ocean.
Cruise ship races
Sometimes cruise ships race each other for fun. This usually happens when two ships from the same company are going to the same port. They don’t go much faster than expected, but it’s exciting for the passengers. The crew treats it like a friendly competition.
Onboard jails
Cruise ships have small jails called brigs. These are used to hold passengers who break the law or cause serious trouble. The brig is usually just a small, plain cabin with extra security. Thankfully, they’re rarely needed on most cruises.
No screws or nails
Most of the furniture on cruise ships isn’t held together with screws or nails. Instead, it’s welded in place or uses special locking systems. This is because the constant movement of the ship can loosen regular fasteners. It keeps everything secure even in rough seas.
Cruise ship bubbles
Some ships pump air bubbles along the hull as they move. This creates a layer of bubbles between the vessel and the water. It helps the ship slide through the water more efficiently, saving fuel. This clever trick is called air lubrication.
Tons of food
A large cruise ship can go through over 100 tons of food per week. This includes thousands of eggs, gallons of milk, and tons of meat and vegetables. Ships have substantial storage areas and freezers to hold all this food. Keeping everyone fed is a big job!
Cruise ship NASA connection
The same company that makes the toilet systems for NASA also makes them for many cruise ships. These special toilets use strong suction and very little water. They can handle the movement of the vessel and save water at the same time. It’s space technology at sea!
Surprise crew tests
Cruise ship crews regularly practice emergency drills. Sometimes, fake passengers are planted to test how well the crew responds. These could be people pretending to be sick or causing trouble. It helps keep the crew ready for anything.
Onboard weddings
Many cruise ships have chapels where people can get married. The captain can often perform the ceremony. Some couples even invite guests to join them on the cruise for the wedding. It’s a unique way to combine a wedding and a honeymoon.
Cruise ship libraries
Most cruise ships have libraries onboard. These quiet spaces offer books, magazines, and sometimes computers. They’re great for passengers who want a break from the noise and activity. Some ship libraries have thousands of books in different languages.
Crew nationalities
The crew on a cruise ship often comes from many different countries. It’s common to have crew members from over 60 nations on one ship. This diversity helps provide service to passengers from all over the world. It’s like a mini United Nations at sea!
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