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40 Interesting Cruise Ship Facts that Will Surprise You

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If you’re new to cruising, or even if you’re a little more seasoned, you may be surprised to find out some of these interesting and fun cruise ship facts. Cruise ships are more than a floating resort. In fact, many cruise ships run like small cities.

In this post, you’ll find 40 things about cruising that are pretty awesome , and in some cases even a bit strange.

Fun, Interesting and Strange Cruise Ship Facts

Optional cruise trivia.

These facts, figures and tidbits of information about cruise ships make great cruise trivia. Why not test your knowledge and give yourself 1 point for each cruise fact you know?

At the end, if you’re playing, calculate your score and write in the comments below.

Cruise Ship Trivia Quiz (1 point each)

1. cruise ships have a morgue on board.

Perhaps this cruise ship fact isn’t a fun one, but it’s true. Many people wonder if cruise ships have a morgue on board, and they do.

This isn’t something cruise lines publicize, but of course people can die anywhere, even on a cruise vacation. So, all cruise ships sail with a morgue, usually located on the lowest decks away from passengers.

2. There’s no dentist on board

On your cruise ship, there will be a medical staff (usually a ship doctor and nurse). However, should you have a dental emergency, you’re kind of stuck. You’ll have to wait until you arrive at your next port to go see a dentist.

3. There’s a water filtration plant on your ship

Seriously, I just find this amazing! On my first cruise, it surprised me how a cruise ship runs like a small city, with a water filtration plant right on board. Water is 100% safe to drink on a cruise ship. The process is pretty incredible.

4. Waste disposal on the ship

Now, while some cruise ships have gotten into some trouble with this over the years, overall they do a pretty good job at handling lots of waste disposal on a big cruise ship. It’s pretty surprising! They actually have an entire waste disposal facility right on board.

5. Each week a large cruise ship goes through 20,000 ice cream cones!

Despite most cruise lines doing away with the midnight buffet a few years ago, there is still sooooo much food being served and eaten on a cruise ship!

During a 7 day cruise, a large ship will use over 45000 eggs, 1800 pounds of coffee and 9000 pounds of lettuce! I can only imagine how much pizza they go through!

6. The average cruiser gains a pound a day

You’ve probably heard that the cruise food is amazing, and in turn many people gain as much as a pound a day on a cruise. I will say from experience that this is probably true. Some cruisers will say it’s even more!

The reality is that on a cruise, we do eat and drink differently than at home. While many people do gain weight on a cruise , there are ways to avoid doing major damage. Taking the stairs, using the gym and the jogging track can help , otherwise it could be even more!

7. The crew have their own bars and buffet on the crew decks

Although the crew works so hard, they definitely have a good time while working on a ship. Cruise ship staff tell us they’ve got a pretty fun and active life on the lower decks, with some fun crew parties. Keep in mind, this area is off limits for cruise passengers.

8. Deck 13 is missing

Due to cruise ship superstitions , some cruise ships don’t have a deck 13. It’s a bit funny to be in the elevator and see numbers 11, 12, 14, 15 ect. Funny enough, while many cruise ships skip deck 13, MSC Cruises, doesn’t have a deck 17 due to a similar Italian superstition.

9. There’s a naughty room

That’s what many passengers call it when they are called down to a special room when the ship’s crew has found something “naughty”  in the luggage that has to be confiscated . It might be alcohol that you’re not permitted, an iron or something else.

It’s actually not the end of the world, but if you’d rather not end up there, best not to try to sneak in any alcohol on (which seems to be the most common reason).

10. There is a cruise ship jail or brig

This is a true fact. Cruise ships have a sort of lock-up room, just in case they need to keep someone who is unruly or is suspected to have committed a crime until they arrive at the next port.

11. Cruise cabin walls are metal

This cruise ship fact surprises many cruisers – yes, cruise cabin walls and doors are usually metal. Cruise cabin walls are metal for numerous safety reasons, including fire safety.

However, there are advantages to metal walls. A genius cruise cabin hack is to bring magnet hooks and clips to add extra storage to your stateroom.

Read more:   50 Must-have Amazon Cruise Essentials

12. You can’t bring an iron or steamer on board

While experienced cruisers know this, many first time cruisers ask about bringing an iron or steamer on board. Of course, cruise lines take fire safety very seriously, which is why you can’t bring this item onto the ship .

Cruise tip: If you’re concerned about having wrinkled clothing on a cruise , one of my favorite cruise packing tips  is to bring along a travel size Downy Wrinkle Release.

Read more:  10 Things NOT to pack for a cruise

13. Cruise ship Internet isn’t like internet on land

This may go without saying for seasoned cruisers, but this fact might surprise you if you’re cruising for the first time. Internet on a cruise just isn’t the same as at a land resort.

Wifi has been limited, slow and pretty expensive for years. However, this is changing and cruise lines are making strides. Many cruise lines are now using Starlink and cruise wifi packages are becoming better and more affordable.

Related:  15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid

14. There’s a dog kennel on some cruise ships

Awe, can you imagine bringing your family pet on your cruise? While it’s actually an ocean liner, you’re able to bring your dog on a cruise, or trans-atlantic crossing of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 . The QM2 has a kennel on board with limited space for small and large dogs.

15. Some people retire on a cruise ship

Oh, in my dream life, this will be me! All joking aside, there are a few people who have actually retired on a cruise ship , and claim that it’s more affordable than a quality senior’s residence.

16. Most cabins don’t really have queen or king size beds

Cruise cabins aren’t equipped with a queen or king bed. Instead, twin beds are usually pushed together those who want to sleep in a larger bed. So, the same cabin with two twins, will “convert” to a King.

Cruise tip : Cruise ships do have “egg-crates” or mattress covers available to make it more comfortable, however I suggest requesting this from your cabin steward as soon as possible.

17. Just who is Bill W. and Dorothy, and why do they have friends on every cruise?

Have you ever noticed in the daily planner or perhaps written on a billboard, that there may be a meeting or gathering for “friends of Bill W” or “Friends of  Dorothy”? Absolutely no judgement, but I wondered on my first few cruises just what that was about, so I figure some of you do too.

Friends of Bill W is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Friends of Dorothy are gatherings for those that are gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual.

18. Cabin door decorations may be sending a message

Cabin cabin door decorating on cruises is a thing to do, on some cruise ships more than others.

Being honest, I already over pack and just don’t need to bring more stuff. So my cabin door is as plain as can be. However, many attest to giving this thought and preparing stateroom door decorations which they bring on board.

Well, I recently found out that pineapples on a cruise cabin door actually have a meaning!! Who knew? Well, apparently other people lol. I’ll let you google that ;-).

Read more:   Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers

19. Not all cruises have “formal” nights

As much as some people love the idea of getting dressed up on a cruise for formal nights , some don’t. They may even hesitate to book a cruise, worrying they’ve got to be dressed to the nines.

While there are cruises where you can really get fancy (tuxes and gowns if that’s your thing) , many cruise lines are maintaining tradition while easing cruise line dress codes .

Examples of more relaxed dress codes include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle dress code and Celebrity Cruises modern Evening Chic dress code .

Cruise tip: Consider chatting with a travel agent who can go over your options and help to find the best cruise line for you.

Read more:  What to Wear on a Cruise Formal Night (and frequently asked questions)

20. The cruise ship pools are filled with sea water

I’m not sure why this surprises people, after all, the ship is at “sea” and it only makes sense that water is abundant. However, I had to add this as people ask about this frequently.

Sea water is used to fill cruise ship pools, however it does go through a filtering process to remove sand and other unwanted stuff. Some cruise lines also use a desalination process which gives a feeling of a freshwater pool.

21. Cruise ship iced tea is unsweetened

Now this cruise fact surprises many cruisers. As you take a sip of your iced tea, commonly served as an included beverage on a cruise , you may be shocked to find that it is unsweetened.

I was really surprised on my first cruise, but found that adding a lemon wedge and a packet of sweetener made it just perfect. If you prefer real sugar, this won’t dissolve in cold water so you’re out of luck if you prefer sweet tea.

Of course, you can always get hot tea and a glass of ice and make it the old fashioned way.

22. Cruise ships have God-Mothers

As tradition would have it, cruise ships are Christened and each has a God-mother.

Some pretty famous ones are Princess Kate for Royal Princess, Oprah Winfrey for Nieuw Statendam, Reba McEntire for Norwegian Epic, Sophie Loren for MSC Divina, Malala Yousafzai for Celebrity Edge ,  and Jennifer Hudson for Disney Dream… just to name a few!

Did you see this already? If you did, go ahead and give yourself a bonus point!

23. There are ice skating rinks on cruise ships

Although I would be exaggerating if I made it seem as though this is common, several of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships have actual indoor skating rinks where you can see a fantastic show. You can even “rent” skates and try it for yourself during certain hours.

In addition to this, there are many cool things on a cruise , including zip lines and ropes courses!

24. The Church of Scientology has a cruise ship

If you cruise to Aruba or Curacao, there’s a good chance you’ll come upon what looks like a small luxury cruise ship called Freewinds. This is the Church of Scientology ship and it makes some short cruise runs in the Southern Caribbean. I believe they are conferences, but truthfully haven’t looked into it.

I warn you, if you google it, you’ll go own a rabbit hole. Don’t say I didn’t warn you 😉

25. Passenger hallway carpets are there to help you

Did you know that many cruise ships have different colored or patterned carpets on the port side (left) and starboard side (right) of the passenger decks? This is so helpful as a cruise passenger when trying to find your cabin, especially in those early days of the cruise.

Read more:   The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary: 85 Terms You Need to Know

26. The largest cruise ship in the world (soon changing!)

As of today, the largest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, with a gross tonnage of over 228,000 tons, the massive cruise ship has 7 distinct neighborhoods.

However, in January 2024 this is changing! Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will take the title of the largest cruise ship in the world. At over 250,000 tons and 365 meters long, this giant cruise ship will be shaking up the cruise industry!

27. Cruise ships travel about 20 knots per hour

Cruise ships aren’t especially fast, which actually surprised me to find out. In fact, the average speed that a cruise ship travels is about 20 knots . Since 1 knot is equal to 1.15 miles, this is about 23 miles an hour.

Cruise ships can go faster, reaching about 30 knots an hour. An interesting fact is that cruise ships will slow down when seas are choppy or speed up when trying to outrun storms and rough seas.

28. Royal Caribbean is now the largest cruise line in the world

For many years, Carnival Cruise Line held the record for the largest fleet of cruise ships. However, in 2021 Royal Caribbean took the title of largest cruise line in the world (by fleet size). Royal Caribbean now has 28 cruise ships in its fleet.

Top 3 Largest Cruise Lines in the World (by fleet size)

• Royal Caribbean – 28 cruise ships
• Carnival Cruise Line – 24 cruise ships
• MSC Cruises – 23 cruise ships

29. Princess Cruises sets romantic world record

On February 11, 2020 Princess Cruises set a Guinness World Record’s title for the largest multi-location vow renewal. 1443 couples renewed their vows during simultaneous ceremonies onboard three Princess Cruise ships; Regal Princess , Royal Princess and Crown Princess.

Read more:  Princess Cruises: 15 First Time Cruise Tips

30. Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World” (or is it?)

While Florida boasts 5 cruise embarkation ports, Miami has held the title of “Cruise Capital of the World” for years! However, there is a rival Florida cruise port that is a contender for the title.

In 2022, Port Canaveral surpassed Port Miami by passenger numbers. In 2022, Port Miami welcomed 4,022,544 cruise passengers. Port Canaveral welcomed 4,072,396 cruise passengers during the same time period. This means that Port Canaveral beat Port Miami as the busiest cruise port by 49,852 guests.

Some say that Port Canaveral has now earned the title of “Cruise Capital of the World”.

That said, Miami is an amazing destination! In fact, there’s so much to do in Miami Beach for a pre and post cruise stay

31. Cruise ships have robot bartenders

Can you be served by a robot bartender on a cruise? You sure can, but only on a few cruise ships. While a bit of a novelty, some Royal Caribbean ships have the Bionic Bar, where you can be served by robot bartenders. This includes the Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean ships have robot bartender “arms”, in 2021 MSC Cruises went a step further. The MSC Virtuosa has Rob, the first Humanoid bartender. This robot bartender not only makes drinks, but makes jokes with the guests on the ship.

32. The world’s first roller coaster at sea

If theme parks and roller coasters are your thing, you may want to book the Carnival Mardi Gras or its sister ships. This ship has the world’s first roller coaster at sea, a seacoaster! With several fun and amazing features, this new cruise ship definitely debunks the cruise myth that cruises are boring.

33. MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately owned cruise line

In a time where most cruise lines are publicly traded and owned by parent companies, MSC has a different story. MSC Cruises is privately owned by the Aponte family, an Italian family of ship owners.

MSC Cruises is part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, a large container shipping operator. MSC is now the the 3rd largest cruise company, with 23 cruise ships, and the world’s largest privately owned cruise line.

34. You can literally travel the world by cruise ship

While Caribbean cruises might be the most popular cruises, a World Cruise is on many avid cruiser’s bucket list. World cruises are typically around 100 days or more and can be booked in segments if you can’t commit to the full voyage.

35. Princess Cruises’ Stanley the Bear mascot is named after a real person

If you’re a Princess Cruise fan, you may own a stuffed Stanley the Bear or have taken a picture with the famous cruise mascot. However it might surprise you to know it’s origin.

Stanley the Bear was named after the founder of Princess Cruises, Stanley B. McDonald. The bear mascot also made it’s debut on Princess Alaska cruises , where bear sightings were one of the most highly anticipated experiences.

36. Norwegian Cruise Line has 1 Ship Flagged in the USA

The Pride of America sails round trip from Honolulu, Hawaii and is the Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s only US flagged ship. Most cruise ships fly under foreign flags, for a variety of reasons. However, when they do they’re subject to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which requires ships to stop in a foreign port.

By being a US flagged ship, the Pride of America is able to offer 7 day round trip itineraries in Hawaii, something other cruise lines aren’t able to do.

37. Cruise Ship Anchors Weigh Tons

I wondered how much can a cruise ship anchor weigh. This can vary between 10 and 20 tons.

However, I was hoping for a real example. I asked Celebrity Cruises’ Captain Kate and was told that Celebrity Edge’s anchor weighs 15 tons.

38. You can go on a “Friends” themed cruise

You may be aware of theme cruises, which is when a cruise ship that has been chartered and there are special themed activities onboard. A new themed cruise that I have NEVER seen before is a “Friends” themed cruise . Yes, that “Friends” (Ross, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe).

Of course, there are other theme cruises as well, including Golden Girls, Abraham Hicks and an 80’s cruise.

39. Cruise Ships Are Becoming More Sustainable

A lot has changed in the cruise industry over the years. A big change is the emphasis on sustainability in cruise travel. A few examples include:

• Several cruise lines are transitioning to using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner fuel source for their ships.
• Cruise lines are investing in technologies that improve fuel efficiency, including optimized hull designs and advanced propulsion systems.
• Many cruise lines have eliminated or are in the process of eliminating single use plastics, such as straws and individual water bottles.

40. Over 30 Million People Went on a Cruise this Year

The cruise industry is growing, despite the shut down in 2020-2021. According to cruise industry statistics , over 30 million cruise passengers will sail the seas this year.

The number of ocean going cruise passengers is expected to rise to almost 40 million in 2027.

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Final thoughts: 40 Interesting and Fun Cruise Ship Facts

We went through 40 interesting cruise ship facts and figures, and fun things you may not have known about cruises. Cruises are not only great vacations, but are amazing floating resorts with so much going on behind the scenes!

How did you do with your cruise trivia? Were there any cruise facts that surprised you? Please share any cool things you know about cruise ships in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this post helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Share it on Facebook or Save for later Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

10 Comments

I’ve been on lots of cruises, and LOVE cruising. Being at sea is a freeing experience. I do have a complaint about a recent change I’ve noticed…I no longer have a cabin or even a stateroom, just a room. And the pursers desk is now the information desk. Don’t the cruise lines know that we cruise because we like the nautical experience of getting from here to there.

Hi Marlene,

I do love the nautical terms as well. I also remember the “pursers desk”. I haven’t heard cabins referred to as rooms, I don’t like that either. Rooms are in hotels, staterooms are on ships 😉

Thanks for taking the time to comment,

I got 23 out of 25 correct. I got # 14 wrong as I was not thinking of the trans-cruises that would have kennels for pets. The other one about the tea being unsweetened I just didn’t know, but am happy to find out as I drink unsweetened tea. By the what I watch all you tips and know how’s on your videos. (big fan lol)

Hi Deborah,

I know right? I think I’d visit the dogs on the TA trip!! They even have a fire hydrant – too cute!

Thanks so much for your kids words! I’m thrilled you watch my videos and read my blog posts :-)!

Keep a lookout for LIVES on YouTube which I’ll be starting hopefully next month. I’d love to catch you there.

I did not know about the Godmothers or the Scientology cruise ship. Very interesting stuff. Can’t imagine confining my dog TA. Wouldn’t a plane ride be faster/easier for the furry family member? Lol. Thanks for the interesting information. Nice to see something different.

Glad you enjoyed this. The TA is interesting, because the dogs actually get outdoor time and are in fairly spacious kennels. Owners can hang out and visit. Seems popular with those who are relocating to England. Interesting huh? You’re right though, perhaps a plane is more speedy.

Thanks for reading and commenting,

That’s some interesting insights and facts about cruise ships. I am amazed and fascinated with so many to them. Facts such as a morgue on board, No. 13 is missing deck, and the fact that cruise ships are Christened and have God Mothers were quite intriguing. ’Friends of Bill W’ or ‘Friends of Dorothy’ was fun to know as so does pineapples on a door! Ice skating rinks on cruise ships, roller coaster on a cruise are some facts remotely unknown to me. You post has ample information on cruises and so delighted to read through. The fact that Cruises has advanced to such great heights and offers so much more, one being a robot bartender is surprising, besides you can learn something as well while on a cruise. Awe-struck!

Glad you enjoyed the info!

This was fun! I did not know The Church of Scientology has a cruise ship.

It really looked different too!!

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11 Wild Cruise Ship Facts Most People Don’t Know

There’s no arguing, cruising is pretty crazy when you think about it.

Where else do you take five thousand people, take them hundreds of miles around in the water on a ship with go-karts, waterslides, and fine dining? And then at the end of the week, pick up a new five thousand people to do it all over again?

The logistics and dynamics of all of that are mind-boggling, and it leads to some very interesting things that you may not realize about cruising, even if you’ve sailed plenty of times before.

That’s not to mention some other interesting things about cruise ships and the industry that most people don’t know. With that in mind, here are nearly a dozen insane facts about sailing on a modern ship…

Most Cruise Ships Sail Above 100% Occupancy

Let’s begin with something most people don’t realize about the occupancy of cruise ships. You likely have seen Internet ads touting unsold last-minute cruise cabins selling for pennies on the dollar. In reality, during normal times (before the health crisis) cruise ships sail full. In fact, they sail above 100% occupancy.

For a ship’s occupancy, it’s calculated as each cabin times two people. So if there are 2,000 cabins and 4,000 passengers, that’s 100% occupancy. But before the pandemic at least, ships sailed well above that level. For instance, Royal Caribbean Group saw a yearly occupancy of 108.1% in 2019. And that’s not uncommon. All the major cruise companies have similar figures.

That means at least some cabins had more than two people in them, such as families sailing with kids. In other words, those ships can sail with even more people than you realized.

A New Ship Can Cost More Than $1 Billion

When you get on a new ship, it’s no exaggeration that it can feel like a five-star resort that just happens to float. That’s because it is. Everything from high-end dining to massive suites are included on a modern ship, not to mention the activities and entertainment on board.

All of that comes with a hefty price tag. Essentially the floor for a new modern cruise ship is $1 billion. Price tags for some of the largest ships are said to be closer to $1.5 billion.

In fact, the cost to even refurbish an older ship to where it’s updated and more in line with the newer-built ships can easily run $100-$150 million for a large ship.

The good news is that the lifetime of a ship is measured in decades, meaning that with constant sailing there is plenty of time to recoup that cost, so passengers don’t have to pay a fortune to sail.

The Biggest Ships Can Go Through 5,300 Pounds of Bacon in a Single Cruise

The logistics and scale of operating a cruise ship can be mind-boggling. For instance, feeding more than 6,000 passengers for a week on the biggest ships is no small task. It’s not just how many meals have to be made, but how much food is consumed.

Royal Caribbean released some statistics about dining for one of its largest ships , Symphony of the Seas. Over the course of a 7-day cruise, passengers on the ship eat 5,300 pounds of bacon . That’s more than 750 pounds per day.

It’s also in addition to 2,300 pounds of lobster tails, 5,000 dozen eggs, and 20,000 pounds of baked potatoes. The amounts are almost too large to comprehend.

Maybe that’s why Symphony of the Seas also has nearly 1,100 members on its culinary staff? That is a small army, all there to feed a small city.

Cruise Ships Continue to Get Larger

Gone are the days where a cruise ship was designed simply to be the vessel to get you from port to port. Today, the cruise ship is the destination.

For years there has been an arms race when it comes to ships. The major cruise lines — including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian — have competed to create ships that not only push their own fleets bigger, but also put them on par with their rivals.

That’s led to the largest cruise ships the world has ever seen… and a steady increase in average size over time.

Consider that from 1990 until 2000, most cruise new ships built were in the 70,000-80,000 gross ton range. But since then the size of ships has soared.

From 2015 until 2021, the average gross tonnage of a new cruise ship from the major cruise lines is 164,000 gross tons — more than twice the size of a ship built during the 1990s.

The Size of the Biggest Ships Peaked in 2009

Given the current trend, you might think that the biggest cruise ships will continue to increase in size in the future. That’s likely not the case. There does come a point where size becomes a negative instead of a benefit.

Consider that the Oasis of the Seas — the first of the largest Oasis-class vessels built by Royal Caribbean — was built in 2009, more than a decade ago. Since then, it’s had several sister ships built that have been marginally larger at most. However, there hasn’t been a significantly larger cruise ship built.

Instead, at least for now, this seems to be the upper limit for how large cruise ships will become. As ships get larger, so too do the logistical issues that come with them. Namely, not every port of call can handle the size and scale of the largest vessels.

In fact, Norwegian’s new Prima class ships are actually smaller than its last Breakaway-Plus class.

Most Cruise Lines Are Actually Owned by One of Three Companies

There are tons of cruise lines out there — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, and more.

But what most people don’t realize is that three large companies dominate the space .

Carnival Corporation is the parent of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America Line, AIDA, Costa, Cunard, and more.

Royal Caribbean Group is parent of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea Cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is owner of Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania.

Just like how many car brands are actually owned by larger companies, it’s the same for cruise lines. There are some independent lines out there, but if you are sailing a major line, chances are it’s owned by one of these few companies.

Despite Sailing From the U.S., Almost All Cruise Ships Are Foreign-Flagged

It’s easy to think of cruise lines as being American. For many, they are led by American executives, they have large shoreside operations in the United States, sail from U.S. ports, and their shares trade on American stock exchanges.

In fact, nearly every major cruise ship is “flagged” in a foreign country . Since ships are international in nature, it makes sense to register them in areas that are most friendly to their needs. This practice is what’s known as using a “flag of convenience.” It’s similar to the way that many corporations in the United States are located in Delaware, despite possibly having limited operations there.

Foreign-flagged vessels from certain countries can hire from less expensive foreign labor pools. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation that explored the costs of operating a foreign-flagged merchant ship versus U.S. merchant ships, the average daily crew cost for U.S.-flagged ships was approximately 5.3 times that of foreign-flagged vessels.

One ship that is U.S. flagged? Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. It sails the Hawaiian islands.

Cruise Ships Can Actually Move Pretty Fast (For Their Size)

Ok, no one would confuse travel by cruise ship with the speed of traveling by plane or jet. But considering that a ship is roughly as long as the Empire State Building is tall and has about as many rooms as The Mirage in Las Vegas, the fact they can move at all is impressive.

But when you add in the top speed, it’s mind-blowing. While speeds will vary from ship to ship, the top cruising speed of many ships is around 25 miles per hour . That may not seem like much, but many neighborhoods have speed limits of 25 mph. Next time you see a car drive by, imagine that a cruise ship was gliding by your house instead. Usain Bolt — the fastest man on the planet — reaches a top speed around 27 mph.

And at 25 miles per hour, if a ship were able to sail directly around the equator, it would take just about 40 days to go around the entire planet. That’s not bad for being able to carry an entire resort with guests and crew.

There’s an Entire World on the Ship You Don’t See

On the biggest ships it can take you a couple of days just to explore the areas that are for passengers. But beyond the places that passengers see is an entire other part of the ship that most people will never visit.

While passengers do get to enjoy the biggest and most luxurious spaces, facilities for the crew and ship operations are off-limits. Places like the engine room, navigation bridge, and crew quarters are closed off to guests.

Remember, there are “back of house” operations like the kitchens and laundry rooms, but also cabins, lounges, cafeterias for the thousands of crew members on board, medical facilities, and more. It’s an entire world that you just won’t get to see, unless you go on one of the behind-the-scenes tours offered on some ships.

Smile! You’re Likely on Camera

While they aren’t always easy to notice, if you are in any sort of public area, then you can expect that you are on camera.

Cameras are located all around the ship, from hallways to pools decks and more. You don’t have to worry about them being in private spots like your balcony, but if you are out and about on the ship, then it’s likely you’re being recorded.

This isn’t just for safety purposes, but it also helps in the health crisis. With the video surveillance, it’s much easier to do contact tracing should there be virus cases on the ship. The cruise line can see who someone was around and where they went to be able to test potential close contacts.

There Are Often Hidden Hints That Point Forward

Our last thing that many people don’t know isn’t a crazy fact about cruise ships, but something that could help you tremendously the next time you sail.

Cruise cabins are situated in long hallways that make it easy to forget which direction you are walking. There are no windows, and it is door after door that all look the same. It is not unusual to walk one way and then realize it is the opposite direction of where you wanted to head.

But many ships put in hidden clues to help you, if you know what to look for.

Norwegian Cruise Line has carpet with little fish in its cabin hallways. The fish are always swimming forward. And on Royal Caribbean, there are door signs with the ship that face forward, or a small arrow pointing forward. And if there is a “wave” sign on the cabin door, like with some older ships, then the peak of the wave is on the forward side.

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12 Strange (But True) Cruise Ship Facts That Captains Keep To Themselves

According to what we uncovered, cruise ships aren't just about fun in the sun and sailing the high seas.

Taking a cruise around the world seems like a pretty straight forward concept. For a fee, you hop aboard a colossal ship, enjoy amenities like pools, shows, arcades, and more, feast at different restaurants each night and hang out in faraway port towns during the day. While different cruise liners offer various destinations, the overall idea remains the same: sail, dock, enjoy.

What if there was a lot more to cruising than meets the eye? According to what we uncovered, cruise ships aren't just about fun in the sun and sailing the high seas. Check out these twelve strange (but true) cruise ship facts that cruise captains would much rather keep to themselves.

12 Hundreds Of Cruise Passengers Vanish Without A Trace In Short Spans Of Time

Occasionally we hear about people going overboard while cruising the seas, but what many people don't realize is that it happens more often than not. From the year 2000 to 2013, some two hundred cruise ship passengers vanished without a trace while aboard a luxury vessel.

11 You Could Be Asked To Donate Bodily Fluids

Cruise ships don't usually need to perform a blood transfusion; hence they don't stock the ship's infirmary with the bodily fluids. In the event that a passenger needs a transfusion, the travelers on the boat might be asked to give a little bit of their own blood for the cause.

10 The Country Flag Waving From The Ship Could Have A Shady Backstory

Cruise ships typically have a country flag waving from the bow, but that flag might have more meaning behind it than it might seem. Ships are sometimes registered with countries they never even come close to docking at. This process is all about cutting corners in one way or another.

9 Cruise Ships Have Morgues Just In Case...You Know

Sometimes travelers don't make it back home from their cruise, and they pass away at sea. Because death can happen at any moment, cruise liners must carry body bags on board at all times. They also have morgues aboard the ships that can hold a couple of corpses.

8 Someone Is Always Watching You

Think Big Brother on the High Seas.  Cruise ships carry so many passengers that they use tracking to manage all of that foot traffic aboard the vessel. Cameras are installed just about everywhere that you can think of. They assess popular dining times and peak times for certain ship activities, as well as the general flow of passengers.

7 Pirate Invasion Actually Does Happen On The High Seas

Cruises are meant to be relaxing and entertaining, not dangerous and scary. On a few rare occasions, pirates actually attacked cruise ships. In 2005, Seabourn Cruise Lines "Spirit" ship was threatened by pirates. Then in 2009, a ship had to undergo a ten-day "blackout" because of a suspected pirate threat.

Related:  10 Photos (Shared By Concerned Passengers) Of Cruise Ships With Serious Problems

6 Crew Codes Could Mean Something Is Very Amiss On Board

If it sounds like the cruise ship's crew has its own language, it is because they basically do. Crews aboard liners have "codes" that they communicate with. A "Code Bravo" or "Code Alpha" means there is a fire or medical emergency somewhere. "Code Adam" means there is a missing child, and "Code Oscar" means man overboard."

5 Toilets Back Up And Overflow More Than One Might Think

The last thing that any of us want to think about is being on a ship, in the middle of the scene, surrounded by stinky toilet water. Toilet backups on cruise ships are more common than you might think. The reason for this gross occurrence: people flush bizarre things down ship potties.

Related:  20 Things That Happen Behind The Scenes On Cruise Ships (Tourists Should Probably Know)

4 They Also Become Stranded More Than Anyone Would Like To Admit

While it is not common for cruise ships to sink to the bottom of the ocean floor, it is not unheard of that they become stranded at sea. Over the last couple of decades, nearly one hundred ships have run aground and become stuck. Famously, in 2019, the Viking Cruise found itself stranded at sea, leaving four hundred people needing to be rescued.

3 Cruise Ships Are Terrible For The Environment

Cruise ships are not great on the environment, and they leave a massive carbon footprint behind. The ships at sea produce hundreds of thousands of pounds of sewage every week. They also generate as much sulfur dioxide per day as thirteen million moving cars! Furthermore, air quality aboard ships is twenty times worse than it is in a bustling city.

Related:  10 Cruise Lines That Treat Their Passengers Poorly (According To Trip Advisor)

2 It Isn't Always Possible To Keep Food Fresh...Ew

People flock to cruise ships for many reasons, one being the vast array of dining choices. In truth, keeping all of that food nice and fresh is not very easy. Food poisoning happens fairly often. From 2008 to 2014, one hundred and twenty-nine thousand ship passengers fell ill with gastrointestinal ailments.

1 Cruise Cabins Are Hot Spots For Unwanted Pests Such As Bedbugs

Another thing ship captains don't want to tell you is that many cruise ships battle bed begs on the daily. Think about it: thousands of people board the ship with their luggage and personal belongings. When those people bring a few little critters along, a beg bed break out is bound to occur.

Next:  15 Little-Known Facts About The Lives Of Cruise Ship Staff

15 nightmarish facts that will make you never want to set foot on a cruise ship

• Cruise ships can be wonderful, but they aren't exempt from disturbing occurrences.
• Cruise ships are legally required to have morgues aboard.
• Overflowing toilets aren't as uncommon as you'd hope.

Cruise ships sound like a luxurious way to knock a few locations off your bucket list — at their best, they're paradisiacal wonderlands, filled with interesting people from all walks of life, mountainous buffets, and a plethora of activities.

But sometimes, they can go very, very wrong.

Some cruise ships have been given failing grades by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After reading reports about overflowing sewage, secret morgues, and bedbug infestations, you might think they sound more sinister than you had previously realized.

From sinkings to sewage, here are 15 horrible facts about cruise ships that may keep you firmly on land.

The chances of a ship sinking is slim, but it's not an impossibility.

In 2013, The New York Times reported that 16 cruise ships sank between 1980 and 2012.

The ships that sink generally either travel through rough waters — such as the Antarctic Ocean — or belong to smaller cruise lines. One of the most fatal ship sinkings occurred in 1994, when 800 people died on a ship that sank in the Baltic Sea, the Times reported.

One of the most famous sinkings in recent history was that of the Costa Concordia. In 2012, the Italian cruise ship hit rocks off Giglio Island, partially sinking and killing 32 people. Its captain was found guilty of manslaughter in 2015. He denied the charges.

In fact, the ship only partially sank and, more accurately, ran aground. This is a more common scenario, according to The New York Times' report. Cruise expert Ross A. Klein told the publication that 98 cruise ships ran aground between 1972 and 2011, or  about 2.5 ships every year .

What's more common than sinking is a ship getting stranded.

Though cruise trips are built with relaxation in mind, the journey isn't always smooth.

In March 2019, over 1,300 passengers were left stranded when the Viking Sky luxury cruise ship ran into engine troubles off the coast of Norway. Over 400 people had to be rescued from the boat , of which 28 people were transported to hospital. 

"Throughout all of this, our first priority was for the safety and well-being of our passengers and our crew," the cruise line said in a statement after the incident, according to USA Today . "We would like to thank the Norwegian Redningssentral and the Norwegian emergency services for their support and skill displayed in managing the situation in very challenging weather conditions."

Unfortunately, there have been reported incidences of deaths on cruises.

It sounds macabre, but it happens — and more often than you'd think. According to a 2023 report from  Newsweek , a study published in the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health found that there were 623 reported deaths on cruise ships between 2000 and 2019. 

The study concluded that, for passengers, falls were the most common cause of cruise deaths, followed by cardiac arrests and suicides. For crew members, suicide, murder, and falls were the leading causes of death.

Cruise ships are required to have morgues on board.

Cruise ships are legally required to carry body bags and maintain a morgue — they typically have space for three or four bodies, depending on the size of the ship, The Telegraph reported in 2015.

A Carnival spokesperson told Cruise Critic in 2020 that its cruise line also has a "Care Team" whose members are specifically trained to deal with grieving passengers.

The size of the morgue depends on the size of the ship. Should there not be enough space, crew members may have to get creative. In 2017, a person who identified themselves as a former cruise-ship employee on Reddit broke down what happens when someone on a ship dies.

"There were small refrigerators on the ships that, from memory, could take one or two corpses, but the contingency plan was to use a walk-in freezer," the poster wrote.

Overflowing toilets aren't uncommon.

Toilets can overflow on cruise ships. In 2017,  Reddit user Phantomsplit , who claims to have worked on cruise ships, wrote, "You would be amazed at what people will flush down the toilet. Pool noodles, t-shirts, shoes...pretty much anything that people don't want to pack with them when they leave."

According to the Daily Mail , in 2013, one Carnival cruise ship flew passengers home a few days into a voyage after it experienced a variety of complications, including overflowing toilets. Gregg Stark, a passenger who anticipated a week-long trip with his wife and children, reported that he saw what he described as "human waste" all over some of the ship's bathroom floors.

Carnival released a statement and referred to the toilet issue as an "interruption" to "restroom service." Passengers were refunded for three days of the trip and given a 50 percent discount for their next trip with the cruise line.

Cruise ships dump huge amounts of sewage into the ocean.

While many cruise lines have installed advanced wastewater-treatment systems, according to a 2022 report by environmental organization Friends of the Earth, the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that a 3,000-person cruise ship emits 150,000 gallons of sewage each week, which amounts to over 1 billion gallons of sewage a year across the cruise industry. 

Sewage can be harmful to both humans and sea creatures. According to the organization's report , "Seafood consumers, beachgoers, surfers, and water sport enthusiasts can contract illnesses, gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea, ear nose and throat problems, vomiting, hepatitis, and respiratory diseases, when exposed to sewage- contaminated waters or seafood."

Further, marine life "can suffocate due to surplus nitrogen and phosphorous from ship sewage that can promote excessive algal growth which reduces available oxygen levels in the water," according to the report.

In addition to polluting the ocean, cruise ships emit pollution into the air.

Many cruise companies have made attempts to institute more eco-friendly practices, but a 2016 report by German NGO NABU said European cruise ships were pumping out 3,500 times more sulphur dioxide than vehicles on land, The Telegraph reported.

Daniel Rieger, a researcher at NABU, told the publication that cruise ships are "damaging global climate and human health."

NABU also found that air quality on cruise ships can be around 20 times worse than air in a busy city center .

Fires and explosions can — and have — happened.

According to a 2015 report from research firm G.P. Wild, approximately 60 people per year are injured on cruise ships due to "operational mishaps," which can range from small fires on the ship to actual explosions, collisions, and ships sinking or getting stranded.

In 2022, part of a Carnival cruise ship erupted into flames while it was docked in Grand Turk island. Soon after the incident, Carnival's public relations manager, Matt Lupoli, announced that all passengers and crew members were safe.

Keeping food fresh can be tough.

Cruise ships must feed thousands of people multiple times a day, and do so with food that's stored on board for the duration of the cruise.

Nearly 200 passengers on board one of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships  contracted a gastrointestinal illness after indulging in the "bottomless brunch" in December 2017.

In regards to the issue, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said, "We hope all our guests feel better. Meanwhile, we're taking steps like intensive sanitary procedures to minimise the risk of any further issues."

Around 129,678 cruise-ship guests contracted a gastrointestinal illness between the years 2008 to 2014, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

In the span of eight years, 150 people went overboard on cruises and ferries.

According to a report released for the Cruise Lines International Association in 2016 by G.P. Wild, between 2009 and 2016, an average of approximately 19 people go overboard on cruise ships and ferries each year. Over that period, there were 150 overboard incidents — and the person who went overboard was only rescued in about one fourth of incidents.

Cruise ships are certainly not exempt from crime.

Although cruises are supposed to provide passengers with an escape from reality, crime still occurs at sea.

In 2016 alone, 70 percent of alleged crimes on cruise ships were sexual assaults — there were 62 reported sexual assaults  out of 92 total alleged crimes, NBC News reported.

Pirate attacks aren't just in the movies.

While rare, pirate attacks do happen.

In 2005, a Seabourn Cruise Lines ship that had 150 passengers on board  managed to evade an attack by armed Somali pirates.

In 2009, the Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau claimed that pirates along the coast of Somalia had attacked a whopping 214 vessels that year , which resulted in 47 hijackings. 

According to The Telegraph, in 2017, passengers on the Sea Princess departing from Sydney were subjected to a 10-day dusk-til-dawn blackout to avoid a perceived pirate threat.

Bedbugs and other pests often find their way onboard.

"What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation turned into a nightmare!" Cruise Critic user gordon046 wrote after discovering bedbugs on their cruise in 2016.

Bedbugs aren't always the fault of the cruise line — according to Vance Gulliksen , a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Lines, bed bugs are often brought onto the a ship through passengers' luggage. 

When cruise ships lose power, it can affect the sewage system.

Power outages on ships can lead to various problems.

The Carnival Triumph cruise ship famously caught fire and subsequently lost power in the Gulf of Mexico in February 2013. For five days, passengers were subjected to raw, rising sewage after the plumbing system collapsed, propelling the media to nickname the debacle " The Poop Cruise ."

The 3,143 passengers aboard the ship reported scarce electricity, water shortages, dwindling food supplies, and "sewage running down the walls and floors." Eventually, the Triumph was towed to Mobile, Alabama.

According to Business Insider , Carnival offered passengers refunds, credits to put toward future cruises, and $500. 

Cruise ships can become hot spots for the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

With thousands of people living in close quarters, sharing amenities, and unable to escape the premises, the conditions of a cruise ship can be the perfect environment for the spread of contagious diseases. The CDC's website has a page dedicated to cruise-ship travel to warn prospective passengers of — and help them prepare for — the elevated risk of infection on the vessels.  

One of the first documented COVID-19 outbreaks occurred on a Carnival cruise ship. In February 2020, when little was known about COVID-19, Carnival Cruise's Diamond Princess ship became a vector for the spread of the illness . Ultimately, over 700 of the Diamond Princess' 2,666 passengers tested positive for the virus. 

On February 27, 2020, Princess Cruises put out a statement which detailed its proposed solution to the issue, saying it had hired a medical firm to provide care — including daily health checks, laundry, and meals — for passengers at a quarantine facility in Japan.

When the Centers for Disease Control began tracking the virus in the United States, one of its first reports stated that about 17% of known cases in the US were recent cruise passengers.

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15 fun facts about cruise ships.

Written by Kathrine Ott

Modified & Updated: 06 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Cruise ships have long captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. These floating marvels of engineering are not only a means of transportation but also an incredible hub of entertainment, luxury, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just curious about these magnificent vessels, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’re going to delve into 15 fascinating facts about cruise ships that will leave you amazed and itching to set sail on your next adventure. From mind-boggling ship dimensions to impressive onboard amenities and surprising environmental initiatives, cruise ships truly have it all. So, sit back , relax, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as we dive into the wonderful world of cruise ships.

Key Takeaways:

• Cruise ships are like floating cities, with their own power plants, medical facilities, and advanced navigation systems, offering a unique and memorable vacation experience for travelers of all ages.
• Cruise ships prioritize safety, sustainability, and passenger satisfaction, with state-of-the-art safety features, impressive recycling capabilities, and dedicated staff ensuring a fantastic voyage for all passengers.

Fun Cruise ships generate their own power!

Did you know that cruise ships have their own power plants on board? These impressive vessels have a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines that produce electricity to power everything, from the lights and air conditioning to the entertainment systems and propulsion.

Fun Cruise ships are like floating cities.

With their huge size and multiple decks, cruise ships are often compared to floating cities. And it’s not hard to see why! These magnificent ships can accommodate thousands of passengers and have a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, swimming pools, theaters, casinos, gyms, and even shopping malls.

Fun Cruise ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems.

In order to protect the environment, cruise ships are equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems. These systems treat and purify the ship’s wastewater before it is discharged into the sea, ensuring that harmful substances are removed and the water quality is maintained.

Fun Cruise ships have onboard medical facilities.

Cruise ships prioritize the well-being of their passengers and crew. That’s why they have fully-equipped medical facilities and trained medical staff on board. These facilities are capable of providing a wide range of medical services, from basic first aid to more advanced treatments.

Fun Cruise ships have their own navigation systems.

Cruise ships rely on advanced navigation systems to ensure smooth sailing and safe voyages. These systems include GPS (Global Positioning System), radar, and electronic chart displays, which help the ship’s crew navigate through the oceans and avoid potential hazards.

Fun Cruise ships produce a variety of delicious cuisines.

One of the highlights of a cruise ship experience is the incredible variety of delicious cuisines available on board. From international buffets to specialty restaurants serving gourmet meals, cruise ships offer an array of dining options to cater to every taste and preference.

Fun Cruise ships offer entertainment for all ages.

Whether you’re young or young at heart, cruise ships have something for everyone. From live shows and musical performances to water parks and kids’ clubs, these floating resorts offer a wide range of entertainment options to keep passengers of all ages entertained throughout their journey.

Fun Cruise ships have state-of-the-art safety features.

Cruise ships prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew. They are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including advanced fire detection and suppression systems, lifeboats and life rafts, and comprehensive emergency response plans.

Fun Cruise ships have dedicated areas for relaxation.

Who doesn’t love some relaxation during a vacation? Cruise ships ensure that passengers have plenty of peace and tranquility options with dedicated areas for spa treatments, yoga classes, and serene lounges where they can unwind and rejuvenate.

Fun Cruise ships are technological marvels.

Cruise ships are not just luxurious and entertaining; they are also technological marvels. These ships boast the latest advancements in engineering, including stabilizers that reduce motion, advanced HVAC systems, and even robotic bartenders.

Fun Cruise ships can accommodate unique onboard activities.

From rock climbing walls and zip lines to surf simulators and skydiving experiences, cruise ships offer thrilling and unique onboard activities that you might not expect to find on a floating vessel.

Fun Cruise ships have dedicated staff for passenger satisfaction.

Cruise ships strive to provide the best experience for their passengers. They employ dedicated staff members, including hospitality professionals and service-oriented crew members, who go above and beyond to ensure that every passenger’s needs are met.

Fun Cruise ships contribute to the local economies they visit.

When cruise ships visit ports of call, they have a positive impact on the local economies. Passengers often spend money on local tours, shopping, and dining, providing a boost to the tourism industry and supporting local businesses.

Fun Cruise ships have impressive recycling capabilities.

Cruise ships are committed to sustainability and have implemented impressive recycling capabilities. They have recycling programs in place to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and even cooking oil, reducing their environmental footprint.

Fun Cruise ships offer breathtaking views from their decks.

One of the best parts of being on a cruise ship is the stunning views. Whether it’s cruising through crystal-clear waters, witnessing beautiful sunsets, or approaching magnificent coastal landscapes, the decks of a cruise ship provide passengers with unforgettable panoramic views.

In conclusion, cruise ships are not only a mode of transportation but also a hub of excitement, luxury, and leisure. These impressive vessels are packed with fascinating features and amenities that make for an unforgettable vacation experience. From their immense size to their impressive engineering, there’s always something intriguing about these floating cities.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, these fun facts about cruise ships will surely pique your interest. From the largest cruise ship in the world to the incredible dining options and activities available onboard, there’s no shortage of surprises waiting to be discovered.

So, next time you set sail on a cruise vacation, impress your fellow passengers with these fun facts and enhance your cruising knowledge. Bon voyage!

1. How big are cruise ships?

Cruise ships can vary in size, but some of the largest ones can be over 1,100 feet long and accommodate thousands of passengers and crew members.

2. How many decks are there on a typical cruise ship?

A typical cruise ship has around 13 to 16 decks, including passenger decks, crew decks, and specialty decks for entertainment and amenities.

3. Can I bring my own food on a cruise ship?

Most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own food onboard, as they provide a wide range of dining options to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.

4. Are there medical facilities available on cruise ships?

Yes, cruise ships have medical facilities equipped with trained medical staff to handle any medical emergencies or minor illnesses that may occur during the voyage.

5. Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi?

Yes, most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi services for passengers to stay connected with their loved ones or browse the internet, although it may come at an additional cost.

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12 Captivating Facts about Cruise Ships

Cruise ships have become a popular way to travel and explore the world’s oceans and seas. With luxurious accommodations, endless entertainment, and exotic destinations, cruise holidays offer a unique and exciting experience for travelers of all ages.

Let’s get you in the mood to cruise with these 12 fun facts about cruise ships and cruise vacations:

1. The World’s Largest Cruise Ship

As of January 2022, the world’s largest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, which weighs over 236,850 tons and can accommodate up to 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members. It is 362m long and 64m wide. That makes the ship longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall!

2. Postage from the Middle of the Ocean

Did you know, cruise ships have their own post offices, so passengers can send mail from the middle of the ocean?!

3. The First Floating Swimming Pool

Of course, most cruise liners have swimming pools these days, but the first to feature a swimming pool was the Titanic.  It measured 30ft long, 14ft wide, and had a maximum depth of 6ft which by modern standards, is a bit small.

4. Flushed Away…

The average cruise ship produces around 140,000 gallons of sewage per day, which is treated and discharged into the ocean.

5. Where’s Wilson?!

Disney Cruise Line has its own private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay, which is exclusively available to its passengers.

6. A Power Trip

The power produced by a cruise ship engine can vary greatly depending on the size and type of the ship. However, it is not uncommon for a single cruise ship engine to produce anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 horsepower!

7. Energy Hungry

Lots of power means lots of energy! Cruise ships consume around 3,000 to 7,000 gallons of fuel per hour, depending on their size and speed.

8. The First Ever

The first-ever purpose-built cruise ship was a German steamship, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise, which set sail in 1900. She ran aground in unchartered waters in Jamaica in December 1906 and sank in 1907.

9. Let’s-a-go!

Norwegian Cruise Line has a go-kart track on its ship, the Norwegian Joy.

10. Ultimate Luxury

The Allure of the Seas is the world’s most expensive cruise ship.  It is reported to have cost around $1.4 Billion to build and features luxurious suites costing $20,000 a week!

11. Another First Ever

The first-ever water slide at sea was introduced by Royal Caribbean in 2006.

12. Another Largest Ever

The world’s largest cruise company is Carnival Corporation, which owns several popular cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.

FAQs about Cruise Ship Vacations

What are some popular cruise destinations.

Some popular cruise destinations include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Norwegian fjords.

What is included in a typical cruise package?

A typical cruise package includes accommodations, meals, entertainment, and access to on-board facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and spas. Some packages may also include excursions or other activities at ports of call.

How do cruise ships dispose of waste?

Cruise ships have waste management systems that treat and dispose of different types of waste, including sewage, garbage, and wastewater. These systems are subject to strict environmental regulations to ensure that waste is handled in a responsible and sustainable way.

Do you know any fun facts about cruise ships? Share them in the comments below!

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46 Fascinating Facts about Cruises

46 fascinating cruise facts.

Though cruises are now seen as the pinnacle of luxury vacation by many, the multibillion-dollar cruise industry was originally born out of necessity. Serving as the primary means of trans-continental passage in the early 1800s, cruise ships moved cargo and ferried immigrants across the Atlantic for years before modern cruise lines took shape.

As transport was initially the main objective, conditions were less than glamorous. In the early 1840s, one of the first "amenities" offered by Cunard's steamship, Britannia, was the addition of a cow that supplied passengers with fresh milk and three cats to keep the rats away. Later, faced with competition from air travel, cruise companies were forced to evolve; catering to passenger comforts and more emphasis on the voyage itself. Fast forward to today, wayfarers can opt to watch a movie in 4D, drink a molecularly-enhanced cocktail, or ice skate over the Mediterranean.

A recent outlook released by The Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA )  projects a significant increase in cruise travel next year, with an expected 25.3 million travelers worldwide, up from 24.2 million in 2016; and almost a 200% increase since 2007's 9.5 million. This continued growth shows no signs of decline in what is projected to grow to a $57 billion industry by 2027.

Often forgotten, an industry this big certainly has its own secrets and subculture. As we glide into fall, Stacker has dug up some of the most interesting facts about the industry, its evolution, and inner-workings. We've consulted cruise data, historical texts, and industry experts to compile the most interesting factoids that surround this thriving, niche industry.

#46. Cruise Ships Have Morgues

Most travelers don’t labor over the ominous possibility of death while booking a vacation, but as history has shown, death doesn’t discriminate. What happens to the suddenly deceased aboard cruise ships far from port? Some crews will use the phrase “Operation Rising Star” to signal the death of a passenger. According to Cruise Critic, by law all cruise liners are required to keep body bags onboard and maintain morgues to house the deceased until the nearest port is reached and the body can be repatriated in accordance with the docking nation’s laws.

#45. A Titanic Replica Is Set To Take New Passengers in 2019

Perhaps the most iconic cruise ship of all time, the RMS Titanic has been reimagined. The main attraction of the forthcoming Romandisea Resort in Sichuan, China, the replica’s designers have labored over the exact details of the original in an attempt to accurately depict everything from the light fixtures to the original European cuisine. Su Shaojun, one of the ship’s financiers told The China Daily, "Many blueprint fragments found their way into the hands of collectors or remained missing. We spent many years collecting the blueprints from many parts of the world and managed to obtain most of them." Passengers can expect to pay around $400 a night for an economy cabin and into the thousands for more luxury accommodations.

#44. Mark Twain Boosted The Early Cruise Industry

In 1869, Samuel Clemens (under the pen name Mark Twain) wrote the most notable book of his career, The Innocents Abroad, a candid depiction of his five month voyage from Europe to Jerusalem onboard the Quaker City. The release of the book changed the face of travel writing and sparked major interest in “pleasure cruising” after the American Civil War.

#43. Men Prefer Cruises

It’s hard to say why men are more often lured by cruise travel over women, but recent findings have shown this to be true. During a Statista study done in April of this year, regular travelers were asked, "How likely are you to go on a cruise in the next two years?" Of the 965 respondents, 41% of men answered “Very likely” compared to only 26% of women. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also released its consumer outlook which revealed that 74% of men showed general interest in cruising compared to just 54% of women.

#42. Don’t Forget Your Magnets

According to Cruise Critic, while the walls of your cabin may not look magnetic, they function like a big refrigerator door. Since a ship is essentially a sailing metal entity, passengers can stick conventional magnets around their cabin to display appointments, itinerary notes, or personal decor to make that cozy room feel more like home on longer voyages.

#41. Launching a Cruise Liner

Throughout history seafarers have sacrificed fine wine, animals and even their fellow man to invite good luck and safe voyage aboard new ships. In 1891, Queen Victoria smashed a bottle of champagne - the more aristocratic option - against the HMS Royal Arthur and it’s remained the tradition of choice ever since. Due to the pressure inside, it’s fairly difficult to smash a bottle of champagne, but failure to do so is often seen as a bad omen. In 2007, The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla) failed to break a bottle of champagne against the Queen Victoria and nearly 80 passengers came down with Norovirus during the ship’s maiden voyage, later coined the “The Curse of Camilla.”

#40. Talking In Code

 While each ship line has their preferred jargon, many crews share the same secret code names and terms for people, places, and events onboard. According to Cruise Critic, an FOD or “Friends of Dorothy” meeting is a covert invitation for members of the LGBTQ community to mingle with other like minded passengers aboard the ship. Coined after Alcoholic Anonymous founder William Wilson, “Friends of Bill” signals an AA meeting for cruisers seeking support and anonymity.

#39. The Amenities Keep Getting Bigger

While a small number of cruise companies dominate the market, it remains a competitive industry. Onboard amusement parks, ice rinks, and live concerts have become the norm, and each year new amenities and extravagances are added to up the ante. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has it’s very own planetarium, Carnival Vista has an-800 foot SkyRide cycling track, and this year Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of The Seas will introduce the first sky-diving simulator at sea.

#38. Rise of Celebrity Chefs

 As society has become increasingly food conscious, cruise ships have had to retire the troth-style dining days of ol’ in exchange for more gastronomic options. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) attributed a recent spike in cruise sales among millennials to the rise in celebrity chefs serving up their famous fares onboard. Some notable restaurateurs include Guy Fieri, Angelo Auriana and Jose Garces among others.

#37. Retiring At Sea

More and more seniors opt to spend their final days at sea as the cost of living is comparable to constant cruising. This year, the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed the average cost of assisted living facilities at $3,500/month, while permanent stay in a nursing home at around $7,000/month. A savvy cruiser can find voyages that average just $50/night, and while they don’t (yet) offer medical assistance, healthy seniors can retire at sea with fewer expenses than they’d have to maintain on land.  The World  offers permanent “residences at sea,” but this option comes at a cost; studios and apartments range anywhere from $1 million to $13 million.

#36. The World’s Largest Cruise Ship

 At 226,963 tons, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is the largest cruise liner in the world. Built in 2016, the mega-liner can hold around 5,000 passengers; boasts four swimming pools, a full-size basketball court, a ski rink, and a 1,400 seat theatre. Next Year, Royal Caribbean will go even bigger with the launch of Symphony of the Seas; coming in at 230,000 tons, it is set to steal the title from its sister ship.

#35. The Legend of “Posh”

While the origin remains unknown, many believe the word “Posh,” meaning elegant or luxurious, was coined by passengers traveling aboard cruise ships between Britain and India during the late 19th century. The etymology legend claims that the letters make up an acronym that refers to the best location on ships to avoid the harsh sun on those early voyages, Portside Out Starboard Home. The tale goes on to explain that since A/C had yet to make its grand debut, wealthy passengers would request “POSH” tickets to avoid the sun (as fair skin denoted high status) and receive cooler, more desirable accommodations.The term eventually took on a life of its own to describe all things upper-class. While the validity of the legend has been highly debated, with no proven origin of the word, many cruisers have adopted this etymology.

#34. Nude Cruising

According to the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), nude recreation is a $440 million dollar (per year) industry. With a built in market, it makes perfect sense for the cruise line industry to include disrobed voyages. The ships are fully chartered by third party companies that handle nude travel and tourism such as Bare Necessities and Castaways Travel. The level of nudity clearance is dependant upon each cruise but naked dining is almost always prohibited. Nude cruise forerunner, Bare Necessities struggled to break into the cruise industry when the company first started. Owner Nancy Tiemann told The Emerging Nudist, “When we first started calling cruise lines some would actually hang up on us thinking it was a phony call or some kind of joke.” The industry eventually came around to the idea and Bare Necessities has had major success; once a year, it charters a major vessel carrying 3,000 bare-skinned passengers, aptly named “The Big Nude Boat.”

#33. Cruise Dress Code

Not all cruises are created equal and neither are their dress codes. As every cruise is tailored to a different experience, etiquette rules vary by ship. According to the Smithsonian, cruise attire in the early 20th century was very formal and reflected the wealth of the passengers onboard. When the cruise industry opened its market to the middle class, casual attire became widely accepted, but many formal dining rooms of present day ships still flash to the formalities of the past. According to Cruise Critic, the largest cruise company (Carnival) explicitly states, “Shorts (including gym and basketball shorts), beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, caps and sleeveless shirts for men are the only items of clothing never permitted in the dining room during dinner,” but many cruisers adhere to one simple rule, “No shorts on the ship after six p.m.”

#32. Smart Ships

Later this year, Carnival is set to introduce wearable smart technology that could change the world of hospitality. Outfitted with Ocean Compass Technology, passengers of the Regal Princess will receive an Ocean Medallion, that will serve as a wallet, an ice breaker, and an app. According to  Cruise Critic , the token acts as a virtual concierge, collecting data to personalize each passenger's experience, “All participating ships...will undergo massive revamping from bow to stern to install a massive network of sensors and experiential computing devices. These will enable the Ocean Medallion and Ocean Concierge to interact as each passenger moves around the ship.”

#31. Eloping On Deck

Contrary to delusions inspired by “The Love Boat” and other misinformed media, ship captains can’t sporadically ordain a marriage. Many cruise lines do offer wedding packages, but only a few captains can legally officiate a ceremony, including those on Princess, Cunard, Celebrity, and Azamara cruises. An industry leader in wedding planning, The Knot polled 13,000 couples in 2016 and found that the average cost of an American wedding is $35,329. The good news? According to Cruise Critic, weddings at sea start as low as $1,500 and couples can live stream their ceremonies for their friends and family on land. Princess captains are alleged to be especially romantic, “On one particular cruise over Valentine's Day, the captain casually announced he'd conduct vow renewals for anyone who wanted them, and about a half-dozen couples showed up.”

#30. Illegal Dumping & Emissions

In 2014, Princess Cruise Lines  plead guilty  to seven felonies and was fined $40 million, the largest-ever penalty for the deliberate dump of toxic waste at sea. Royal Caribbean pleaded guilty in 1999 to the tune of $18 million for a similar crime. While the cruise industry has taken efforts to reduce emissions, a 200,000-ton vessel leaves a massive carbon footprint. In 2016, Disney was the only cruise company to receive an A grade on the  environmental report card  put out by Friends of the Earth. This summer, for the first time, the Tasmanian EPA will monitor air quality surrounding its cruise port.

#29. Crime & Punishment

Contrary to what many might think, American passengers are not afforded the same rights they enjoy on land during an international cruise. Passengers must adhere to the laws of the respective port cities or maritime law if crimes are committed at sea. There’s little information circulated in regard to criminal justice aboard cruise ships, and most companies employ their own security and pseudo justice systems. Coined “the brig” there are small cells onboard ships for passengers who are too dangerous to be confined to their rooms; until they can be handed over to port authorities.

#28. Celebrity Godmothers

A longstanding tradition, cruise ships have Godmothers handpicked by each line, and many are well known celebrities. According to Cruise Critic, P&O chose actress, Helen Mirren for the Ventura, Reba McEntire was chosen for Norwegian's Epic, and Sophia Loren has her hands full as she’s been elected Godmother for eight MSC ships.

#27. Women At The Bow

In 2007, Royal Caribbean named swedish navigator, Karin Stahre-Jason the captain of Monarch of the Seas. Long overdue, she is the first female captain employed by a major cruise line in the history of cruising. In 2015, Kate McCue took another first after she was named the first American female captain in the industry. Throughout history, women have had a tumultuous relationship with ships. For a time, many superstitious sailors banned women because they believed they were a bad omen that would enrage the sea. Adversely, many seafarers put naked women at the bow of ships to calm the sea and still refer to the vessels as “she” for added protection and luck.  

#26. Crazy Gripes

What’s the famous saying? Wherever you go, there you are. While cruise vacations are known for relaxation and exploration, things are bound to go wrong. Acceptable gripes over port cancellations, bad buffet food and overcrowding are to be expected. According to Cruise.co.uk, some passengers have taken high maintenance to the next level. The cruise site released a roundup of the most outrageous complaints they’ve received: A woman once complained that the topless sunbathing at a port beach ruined her stay because her husband spent all day staring at other women. Another passenger asked the captain to turn off the engine because it was too loud, and one woman believed that the ship’s photographer intentionally took bad photos of her to make her look ugly.

#25. Different Strokes For Different Folks

As the cruise industry amps up amenities there are also a number of niche options that offer specialized experiences for very specific audiences. For cat lovers who want to travel among fellow felo-philes cue the  Meow Meow Cruise.  Love haunted history?  Norwegian  offers a seven day ghost hunter’s cruise. In 2018, diehard fans of The Walking Dead can set sail alongside the cast of the popular television show.  The Walker Stalker  cruise even employs professional makeup artists to transform passengers into the undead.

#24. River Cruises

In 2016, according to the CLIA’s yearly outlook, river cruising was up by 7%. A growing industry, river riding caters to travelers looking for an intimate, port-intensive experience without all the extravagances offered by large ocean liners. In 2017, Condé Nast Traveler asked its readers which river cruise line they enjoyed most, and respondents chose Viking River Cruises as the king of narrow waterways. Another report released by The Travel Leaders Group in 2014, revealed that France and Germany are the most desired locations for river travel among U.S. respondents.

#23. Customer Satisfaction

An industry won’t survive without repeat guests or customer satisfaction. In 2017, Statista asked travelers to rate their overall cruise experience. It’s no surprise that the cruise industry has seen such growth, as 59% of respondents said their experiences have been “quite positive,” 2% rated “quite negative,” and not one cruiser chose the poorest rating, “very negative.” Who has kept passengers so satisfied? In October of 2016, Condé Nast Traveler asked 300,000 of its readers to rate major cruise lines. Disney took first place, while the award for the best mid-size cruise line went to Crystal Cruises and the best small-ship cruise went to Seabourn.

#22. Bananas Are Bad Luck

Dating back to the 1700s, many superstitious mariners believe that bananas bring bad luck. Although there is no concrete origin, some believe that the omen started when sailors noticed ships transporting bananas often wrecked or were lost at sea. Some sources trace the myth to poisonous spiders that hid in banana crates that would poison the crew, and other sources claim the haunting buoyancy of bananas; floating at the top of the water among pieces of wrecked ships.

#21. Norovirus

According to the CDC, “You can get norovirus from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis).” It’s believed that the Norovirus breeds in nursing homes, daycares, restaurants and cruise ships. Cruise ships are often cited as major hubs for the virus because health officials are required to track onboard illnesses so more cases are accurately reported. The CDC states that in reality, the virus is relatively infrequent onboard ships despite its notoriety. According to Cruiseable, many ships have recently adopted a “code orange,” and “code red” system to alert passengers of the illness. “Code Orange refers to early stages of a reported infection, where the buffet is no longer self-service but pools and public rooms remain open. Code Red refers to a wider outbreak of norovirus, which results in the closure of pools, whirlpools and self-service dining and requires the crew to scrub down all public areas each day.”

#20. Talk Like a Cruiser

Many cruisers have adopted sailing lingo in addition to slang that’s evolved onboard cruise ships over time. Cruise Critic created a glossary of terms to help new cruisers talk like sea vets. Some popular terms include, OBC: onboard credit added to your account, Tender: a small boat that ferries passengers from the ship to the shore and back, Open-Jaw sailing: a one way route that begins and ends in different ports, MDR: main dining room, and The Lido deck: the main pool deck.

#19. Intellectuals Invited

While many people have adopted the idea that cruising is for the lethargic and uninspired, Seabourn’s luxury line looks to contradict that belief. The company invites seasoned scholars and luminaries versed in a wide range of topics to facilitate meaningful dialogue during each voyage. The cruise line coined it, “ Seabourn Conversations ,” with the tagline, “On some ships, they lecture. On Seabourn, they join the conversation.” Upcoming conversationalists include fashion icon - Brad Goreski, Everest mountaineer - Paul Deegan, Apple co-founder - Steve Wozniak, and notable author - Sir Tim Rice.

#18. Concert Cruises

Sonic treats galore, the matrimony of music and the sea is commonplace among most leisure-focused vacations. Today, most cruises hire entire casts, performers, and engineers to entertain guests onboard ships. Hop on the Celebrity Summit for “ Blue Note at Sea ” to hear renowned jazz dreamed up by the genre’s forerunning label, Blue Note records. This year, diehard fans of Kiss can sail with the band and partake in all things related to the famous rockers onboard the Norwegian Pearl for the “ Kiss Kruise VII .” Do you really miss the 2000s, and wish you made it to one more Warped Tour? Have no fear, the Norwegian Pearl also hosts, “Warped Rewind at Sea,"  a flashback concert cruise to pop-punk’s heyday. 

#17. Nationality of Captains

Repeat passengers of Carnival cruises might notice that their captain is often Italian. According to Medium , certain cruise lines tend to hire captains of a specific nationality. It is believed that Carnival and Silversea commonly employ Italians, Celebrity’s captain’s are primarily Greek, and Royal Caribbean often opts for Scandinavians. While these hirings are historically commonplace, many companies have begun to widen their net in regard to nationality.

#16. Furry Friends

According to Cruise Critic, there is only one ship that currently accepts your four legged friends, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Expect to pay a hefty sum to bring your favorite pet, as “prices range from $500 to $1,000 per dog and from $1,000 to $1,600 per cat.”

#15. Most Popular Ports and Destinations

According to BREA, the US Maritime Administration, and the US Department of Transportation, Miami was the leading U.S. cruise port among U.S. travelers in 2015, with 2.35 million embarkations. Which comes as no surprise since a recent Statista study revealed that 85% of American travelers chose the Caribbean as their most desired cruise destination.

#14. Pirate Attacks

While pirates might seem like fictional characters, they still pose a very real threat to mariners. According to a Statista analysis, in 2016 there were 191 pirate attacks worldwide, 46 of which took place in Panama. The good news? The number of hostages taken by pirates has dropped from 802 crew members in 2011 to 151 in 2016. While most of these attacks exclude luxury cruise lines, they are not completely unheard of. According to Cruise Critic, “In more than a decade, there have been only six reported incidents of pirates attempting to attack cruise ships.”

#13. The Price of Being Single

According to cruise critic, until 2010 solo travelers were almost always charged the, “single supplement” fee; Forced to pay the price for double occupancy. While discounted options are still limited for solo cruisers, a few companies now offer cabins for one. The most popular among them, Norwegian offers “studios” that cater to the single mariner.

#12. Cruising With Kids

Every year Cruise Critic posts the results of its Cruisers’ Choice Awards, and this year Disney Cruises took first, second and third among parents traveling with children. The Disney Magic took first place with the option to see Tangled the musical, meet and greet with Marvel heroes, and superhero stunt shows.

#11. Milestones

In January of 2016, Windstar Cruises not only named its first female captain, but named the world’s first African American commercial cruise captain, Belinda Bennett of the MSY Wind Star.

#10. Seasickness

 A hand me down throughout history, cruisers and divers have long recommended green apples to avoid the dreaded “dock rock.” Cruise Critic also suggests booking a cabin in the middle of the ship in its natural balance point, in addition to a pinch of ginger extract to avoid sea sickness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fixing your gaze on one point may also help passengers regain a sense of balance.

#9. Missing Persons

While crime remains relatively low aboard cruise ships, according to Cruise Junkie, since 2000 nearly 300 people have gone missing at sea. Under Obama, new legislation was introduced to implement precautions and procedures to avoid such instances, but laws have yet to be enforced.

#8. People Are Willing to Spend

As the cruise industry continues to command leisure travel, potential wayfarers plan to spend. This year, Statista surveyed 316 travelers interested in booking a cruise in the next two years: 29% of respondents said they were willing to spend over $2,000 on a seven day cruise and 25% said they’d fork out a grand.

#7. The World’s Longest Cruise

In 2016, Mundy Cruises offered the “ World of Travel”  cruise that reached all seven continents, aboard seven different cruise ships in 357 days.

#6. The Love Boat

On air from from 1977 to 1986, The Love Boat ranked as one of the most popular sitcoms in the country. The television series was set on a cruise ship, and detailed the daily happenings of the captain and crew onboard. Previously reserved for affluent travelers, the show is often credited for introducing commercial cruising to a middle class audience.

Predicted to be one of this years premier cruising destinations among travelers surveyed in a recent Statista study, Alaska is expected to receive 1.06 million visits via cruise in 2017. According to the The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Alaskan tourism industry accounts for one in eight jobs within the state. In 2016, the cruise industry generated 19,842 jobs and $991 million in wages.

#4. Scuba at Sea

According to a Statista study, over three million Americans participated in some form of scuba diving in 2016, and the hobby has remained constant among adventurers since 2006. While many places offer Discover Scuba, a one day tutorial and quick dive experience for curious mariners, dive certification can be a lengthy and expensive process. This year, Royal Caribbean partnered with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors® (PADI) to offer the first dive certification course offered by a cruise line at sea.

#3. Don’t Forget to Tip

Tipping remains a controversial topic for cruisers. Many cruise employees rely on tips the same way hospitality workers do at home. Leaving out cruise lines that exclude tipping altogether, and assuming you’ve already opted in to the offered auto-gratuity offered by your selected ship, Cruise Critic suggests these additional tipping measures (that amount to around $84 a week): You should tip in-port baggage handlers $1-2 depending on the amount of luggage you have, tip stewards and butlers $15-20 at the beginning and end of your stay dependent on service, tip room service $23 a visit, tip your bartenders, sommeliers and waiters the same way you would at home - 15-20%. The site also warns against tipping cabin or ship officers as it may be translated offensively and they are appropriately compensated.

#2. Cruisers are Getting Younger

In recent years the cruise industry has looked to capture a younger audience, and according to the CLIA it’s worked. The current age of a cruise ship passenger is around 50-years-old, down from 56 in 2011. This year Statista captured cruiser demographics: while the majority (over 50%) of passengers were between the ages of 40 and 75, an encouraging 20% were between the ages of a 30 and 39, a number expected to go down in the coming years.

#1. Flags of Convenience

The cruise industry is known for registering ships outside of the United States, giving them the benefits of the reputation and port access of their registered country while also allowing circumvention of certain U.S. labor and safety laws. This positioning has long been a point of controversy for the cruise industry deemed “flags of convenience.”

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Amazing facts about cruise ships you might not know

18 February 2022

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25 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships

Here are 25 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships.

1-5 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships

1. In 1991, the cruise ship Oceanos sank off South Africa’s eastern coast. The crew abandoned ship, leaving the passengers behind. They were all saved by guitarist Moss Hills, who radioed for help and directed the rescue operation. – Source

2. There is a cruise ship named “The World,” where residents permanently live as it travels around the globe – Source

3. There is an abandoned Russian cruise ship roaming international waters since January 2013. – Source

4. There is a cruise ship that runs between Stockholm (Capital of Sweden) and Helsinki (Capital of Finland) with the primary purpose of purchasing and consuming cheap alcohol – Source

6-10 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships

6. In 2011, Big Boi of Outkast was arrested leaving a cruise ship for possession of ecstasy and Viagra. After his release, he tweeted, “Shiiiiit they said it was the Love Boat.” – Source

7. After extensive analysis of charts, currents, video, photographs, interviews, and witness statements, it was shown that the Star Princess, a Princess Cruise Ship, did not leave three men adrift in the sea. – Source

8. An Australian billionaire has made the decision to fund the building of a new Titanic cruise ship, which will set out from England in 2016. Advance ticket sales soon to follow. – Source

9. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ Tulane University put students and faculty in a cruise ship for the next semester – Source

10. The Cruise Ship “Oasis of the Seas” consumes more than 2400 US gallons of fuel per hour – Source

11-15 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships

11. There is an abandoned beached wrecked cruise ship in a remote bay of the Solomon Islands. “The world Discoverer. – Source

12. Since 2001, over 170 people have disappeared from cruise ships, and cruise lines are often self-serving and uncooperative in investigating such disappearances as they are governed by very few laws. – Source

13. It is legal for cruise ships to dump raw sewage into the ocean if they are at least 3 miles from shore – Source

14. On average 200 passengers die aboard cruise ships every year – Source

15. The largest cruise ship in the world is only 2 inches longer than the second longest ship. – Source

16-20 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships

16. The Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, uses enough electrical wiring to stretch across America, coast to coast – Source

17. Disney abandoned a half completed island resort near the Bahamas when they discovered that their cruise ships won’t dock close enough to the island. – Source

18. Cruise ships don’t carry blood stocks on board, but solely rely on passengers and crew members in an emergency. – Source

19. That World’s largest cruise ship ‘Oasis of the Seas’, which measures around four football fields, narrowly passed with about a 20 inch gap under the suspension bridge of Great Belt Fixed Link (a Denmark) by increasing the speed in order to lower the ship in water which is also known as ‘squat effect’. – Source

20. Many cruise ships have no deck number 13. – Source

21-25 Interesting Facts About Cruise Ships

21. On old luxury cruise liners, it wasn’t uncommon for the fourth funnel (chimney) to be non-functional and used only for storage. The fake funnel was added for aesthetics as a way to seem more prestigious and powerful. Among the ships to sport a false non-functioning funnel was the Titanic. – Source

22. The first cruise ship built in Finland is now owned by the Church of Scientology – Source

23. Disney (and other) cruise ships share a port with U.S. ballistic missile submarines in Florida. – Source

24. François Zanella (ex coal miner) constructed a 1/8th scale model of the “Majesty of the Seas” cruise ship. In addition to being a scale replica model, the mini Majesty is a fully functional canal boat – Source

25. Salvador Dali often traveled with his pet ocelot (wild cat), even bringing it aboard a luxury ocean liner. – Source

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Last Update: November 7, 2022

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7 weird things you'll only experience when you cruise

No method of seeing the world is wackier or more wonderful than a cruise. That's because there are certain things you'll only encounter when you embark.

From odd jargon like "bunkering," "I-95" and "poop deck" to strange superstitions like christenings and not toasting with a glass of water, cruises are different from any other kind of vacation.

To prove it, here are seven weird things you'll only find when you set sail.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Dining with strangers

Imagine you have dinner reservations at a land-based restaurant, and when you arrive, the host escorts you to your table ... where you find a group of strangers already seated and empty chairs awaiting your party. You would likely be confused or displeased.

Believe it or not, sharing tables is common practice on cruise ships. Especially if you've chosen assigned-time seating and you're a small group or someone traveling alone, you can expect to dine at the same table as people who aren't in your party.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

The concept might be shocking to some travelers, but it makes sense on ships, where the number of dining venues and seats is limited, and table placement can't be rearranged to accommodate that week's traveler groupings. As the crew must serve a lot of people in a finite amount of time, co-dining is necessary in some cases.

Paying with your room key

All payments on cruise ships are cashless. Before you sail, you'll receive a keycard, which functions not only as your room key and means of leaving and returning to the ship when it's in port but also your onboard charge card. Each passenger has to pony up a sum of cash pre-cruise to be loaded onto their card or connect a credit card to it in order to allow for charging privileges.

If you're staying at a hotel, you can charge on-property purchases to your room, but you always have the option of paying with a credit card or cash — something you can't do on a ship. So put your wallet in your cabin safe, and prepare to pay for everything from alcohol to casino play with the swipe of your room key. (Be sure not to lose your card by carrying one of these with you on every sailing.)

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on ships

Rooms with virtual windows

The most basic cabins on many cruise ships are inside cabins , which have no windows or balconies and, therefore, no natural light or access to fresh air. They're terrific accommodations for passengers on budgets, those who prefer total darkness when they sleep and anyone who plans to be in their room only to shower and catch some zzz's.

One of the weirdest types of inside cabins I've seen are those with virtual balconies (like the ones found on select Royal Caribbean ships) or "magic" portholes (which appear in certain cabins on Disney Cruise Line vessels). They broadcast either real-time virtual views via LED screens or ocean scenes with random visits from beloved Disney characters like Mr. Potato Head from "Toy Story" or Scuttle and Flounder from "The Little Mermaid." Although some of Disney's land-based resorts offer similar "windows," they originated on board the brand's ships.

Related: Ultimate guide to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship

Muster drills

Safety is key on any sailing, and in that vein, passengers must complete muster drills that familiarize them with where their muster stations are and what to do in case of an emergency. They're like the fire drills you had in school, minus the surprise element, and they're required at the beginning of every cruise vacation.

I can't think of a land-based vacation equivalent to the cruise ship muster. In rare instances, you might have experienced a blaring fire alarm during a hotel stay, but it's not the norm, and it's usually not a drill. Nor do you have to deal with safety equipment like life jackets or lifeboats. True, safety briefings happen before each flight you take, but they don't last nearly as long, and you don't have to move from your seat in order to attend.

Shops that only open after you leave the destination

Cruise ships offer plenty of places to spend money, including casinos and shops that sell things like toiletries, souvenirs and duty-free items. But did you know they aren't allowed to operate when the vessel is docked?

Due to regulations that aim to prevent passengers from spending money on board instead of ashore in most ports of call, retail shops and casinos can only open in international waters, which begin 12 miles from land. That means you can't shop or gamble on your ship until after it has sailed away from the ports you're visiting.

Related: 11 things you should never buy on a cruise ship

Formal nights

Formal nights have been a leisure cruise staple since the days of classic ocean liners. Personally, I can't imagine a better excuse to dress up , but many travelers can't understand why they should have to pack bulky formalwear and dress to the nines on what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway. Luckily for those folks, onboard dress codes have been relaxed quite a bit in the last several years, and formalwear is now optional on most cruise ships.

Assuming you don't violate standard "no shoes, no shirt, no service" rules, no other vacation type requires you to dress up or bans you from dining in the main restaurant if you refuse to comply, as is the case on ships with strict dress codes . Cruisers choosing not to meet the level of elegance required on some formal nights could find themselves forced to eat at the buffet or order room service.

In-house TV programming

Cruise ships offer televisions in each cabin, but due to copyright laws, broadcasting restrictions and the availability of reliable satellites, live channels are often limited to basic news like CNN, FOX, the BBC and a select few others, along with on-demand movies and a navigational channel that allows you to see where your ship is in real time.

However, one odd addition to the channel lineup is house-produced programming, which is recorded by the cruise line. It could include port talks, educational lectures, spa and jewelry seminars and even daily shows produced by the cruise director or other members of the entertainment staff. If you love catching up on cable shows when you're in hotels, be prepared for a different selection of shows when you cruise.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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Wow-Worthy Facts About Wonder of the Seas

The world’s largest cruise ship adds up to be the ultimate vacation..

Wonder of the Seas is the ultimate vacation for all ages. With 18 decks, eight unique neighborhoods, adventures of all kinds, a wide variety of food and drink, and jaw-dropping entertainment, the world’s largest cruise ship has something for everyone.

The fifth in the Oasis Class, Wonder is the next in a revolutionary lineup of ships known for the never-before-seen thrills and returning favorites featured across distinct neighborhoods—like Wonder ’s brand-new Suite Neighborhood. The newcomer is just about as long as four football pitches, and every inch offers an array of ways to make memories.

Curious about how the world’s newest wonder stacks up? We’ve gathered several of the most wow-worthy facts for you.

Click through this list for exclusive, fun details about Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.

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Celebrity Beyond Fun Facts: 40 Interesting Things About the Ship

It’s no secret we absolutely love Celebrity Cruises. This exceptional, trailblazing cruise line hooked us from our first sailing on Celebrity Apex. 

We had the chance to visit Celebrity Beyond for its North American premiere, and we were in awe of the ship’s spaces, the team that came together to design and build it, and the crew, led by a female captain, Kate McCue. 

While we were on the ship, we learned some Celebrity Beyond fun facts through various avenues, including a ship tour and a celebrity panel with Nate Berkus, Daniel Boulud, and Captain Kate McCue. 

We share them with you below, including restaurant, bar, crew, art, and architectural things you never knew about this phenomenal Celebrity Cruises cruise ship. 

Disclosure: This post has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Celebrity Beyond Fun Facts Behind the Scenes with Celebrities

Designer nate burkus, michelin-starred chef daniel boulud, and olympic gymnast simone biles.

1. Nate Berkus’s favorite public space onboard is the Sunset Bar, which brings together some of his favorite elements from beach and pool clubs from around the world. 

2. Berkus shared his favorite private space onboard, and his favorite of all on Celebrity Beyond is the crew bar. (Which is, of course, not open to guests!) 

3. The first time Berkus toured the finished Celebrity Beyond cruise ship, he rearranged the throw pillows as soon as he got to the Sunset Bar!

4. Working with the Celebrity Cruises team is the first venture into cruise ship design for Nate Berkus and into the cruising culinary world for Daniel Boulud. 

5. Daniel Boulud's first dedicated restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, is on Celebrity Beyond. The tables are within beautiful white “nets” that create an intimate setting, no matter where you’re seated. 

The cost to dine at Le Voyage is $139 with the wine pairing and $75 without the wine pairing. 

6. The menu at The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises Edge Class series ships, including Beyond and Apex, includes curated dishes from Daniel Boulud. 

7. The Godmother of Celebrity Beyond is the Greatest of All Time (the GOAT, as the kids say!) gymnast Simone Biles. She is a 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic Medalist.

She was at the cruise ship christening and naming, and guests enjoyed receiving copies of her inspirational book, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance .

Don't Delay Your Celebrity Cruises Vacation!

Celebrity Cruises is one of our favorite cruise lines, thanks to the sophistication and beauty of the ships and staterooms, friendly crew, shopping, entertainment, and delicious food + drinks.

Celebrity Beyond Fun Facts About Its Restaurants and Bars

8. Japanese-born expert restaurateur Chef Yoshikazu “Yoshi” Okada curated the menu for Raw on 5. We recommend the sushi; it’s delicious! (And we’re tough sushi critics!)

9. The Martini Bar, at the “hearth” of the ship, allows guests to sit 360 degrees around the central bar and sculpture. This is opposed to a ship like Celebrity Apex, where there is a wall behind the bar. 

10. Celebrity Beyond assigned a trained mixologist to each bar on the ship.

11. There are 24 sommeliers onboard who rotate through the restaurants. Celebrity Cruises ships are the most awarded ship by Wine Spectator. 

12. A 27-liter bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne christened the ship during its November 2022 naming ceremony. 

13. You can eat at a different venue each night. Some unique restaurant-specific items are on the menu at each restaurant, yet you can also get the same menu across the ship, no matter the restaurant you’re eating at. 

This is because of the Celebrity Beyond fun fact (and little secret), all the galleys onboard connect behind the scenes. So, for example, if you are in the French restaurant Normandie, but you want a Greek salad from the restaurant Cyprus, you can order one. 

14. One of Celebrity Beyond’s 14 cafes, bars, and lounges is its “World Class Bar,” where you will find specialty cocktails you cannot get elsewhere. 

One example of this is the American Pie Cocktail, made with Bulleit Bourbon. The bartender brûlées an apple slice to top the cocktail per drink order; the smell is as scrumptious as you can imagine! 

We also loved the Rose Water cocktail with the ingredient of the same name, Ketel One, watermelon syrup, and hibiscus salt. It was perfectly balanced!

Fun Facts About Celebrity Beyond’s Crew 

15. One of the ship’s captains is Captain Kate McCue, who has a combined social media following of over 3.4M from TikTok and Instagram. She is a true trailblazer! 

16. Her hairless cat, named Bug, is onboard with her when she captains the ship. Kate and her cat work three months on, then have three months off, as most cruise ship captains of large ships do. @BugNaked has a social media following of nearly 62K on Instagram! 

17. World-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz photographed three leading women on Celebrity Beyond: Captain Kate, 1st Officer Sahira Binte Shari Nurul, and 2nd Officer Gifty Adu Gyamfi. 

18. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, who worked with Captain Kate for 13 years at Royal Caribbean, promoted her to captain when Lutoff-Perlo was named CEO of Celebrity Cruises. 

During the Celebrity Beyond preview panel, she mentioned she recommended Kate for captain many times at Royal Caribbean. 

Lutoff-Perlo was told, “Her time will come,” thirteen years in a row, despite McCue’s stellar record as a leading crew member with Royal Caribbean. Her time came when she was promoted by Lutoff-Perlo in a groundbreaking move to name McCue as the first female captain of a ship that size in the United States. 

19. She wrote an email to Captain Kate about why she was being promoted, highlighting her exceptional qualities, so she could show the email to her parents to break the good news. 

Captain Kate showed the letter to her father (then to her mother) on Father’s Day the year she was promoted to captain! 

20. Just a week before the ship's naming and Celebrity Beyond’s North American debut, Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live was filmed on Celebrity Beyond. The filming occurred in Eden while the ship was docked at Cape Liberty US Cruise Port, just miles from New York City. 

Bravo’s Andy Cohen was onboard for promotional videos and to interview all five captains of the network’s famed Below Deck series. It was the first time all five captains were in the same room! 

Captain Kate, a celebrity in her own right, made an appearance during the episode as she read things that each captain had done in his or her lifetime. Andy had to guess which captain was associated with the memory. 

21. Celebrity Beyond’s 1,400+ person crew hails from 60 different countries. 

Celebrity Beyond Art and Architectural Facts 

22. Celebrity Beyond is 69 feet (or 21m) longer than Celebrity Apex. Beyond has 17 decks, unlike Apex or Edge’s 16 decks. The Sunset Bar is also 180% larger than the sunset bar on Apex and Edge. 

23. To make the ship larger, two 33-foot sections were added to the Grand Plaza. The Celebrity Cruises team, including Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, calls it the “Harri Stretch,” named after Harri Kulovaara, who is Royal Caribbean Group’s EVP of Maritime and Newbuild.

24. The Retreat’s main accent color on Beyond is red. One of the fun things about The Retreat on Celebrity Beyond that you don’t find on Celebrity Apex is that The Retreat pool deck connects to its Luminae restaurant. It also has a 40% larger sundeck.

25. You’ll find hand-painted motifs in several design elements at the Sunset Bar. They’re all inspired by Nate Burkus’s travels to his favorite pool and beach bars around the world. 

One example is the patterns from ancient Greece on the throw pillows. 

During the ship's design phase, Nate Burkus learned that the pillows needed to be crafted from materials that would dissolve in the ocean within a certain period of time should they fall overboard. This was a new learning for him during his foray into the cruise ship design world! 

26. Between $7.5M to $10M is invested in the art of Celebrity Beyond. This budget is typical of a Celebrity Cruises Edge Class ship.

27. Each ship has an art curator. Ally Millard of Peter Millard and Partners Ltd. was the design curator for Celebrity Beyond.  

28. The artists installed much of the art on the ship themselves.

29. Celebrity Beyond had the first NFT at Sea. The digital revolution, marrying Cryptocurrency and Celebrity Cruises’ leadership in art and innovation, presented guests with the opportunity to buy into an immersive art experience by world-renowned Brazilian-born artist Rubem Robierb, who splits his time between NYC and Miami. 

His “Peacemakers Blue Sky,” was inspired by worldwide protests for social justice. 

The 5 total NFT art pieces sold out within the first few minutes they were available. The buyers own these NFTs forever unless they resell to future generations of NFT art collectors. 

30. Odyssey is the famous hallway that leads from the shops to Blu and Eden on Deck 5. London-based Fredrickson Stallard designed it. They are famous for their organic sculptures, like the gold pieces you’ll find on Beyond.

Guests love the metallic sculptures and out-of-this-world feeling inside as they pass through the dark hallway whose light darkens and rises to a still-dim-level over a few minutes' time. 

31. Each guest room floor has photography with different themes. For example, our floor, Deck 10, was themed to the ocean. Other deck photography themes include India, Native Americans, and Australasia/Polynesia. 

Take some time to visit each deck with staterooms to gaze at the awe-inspiring photography. 

32. The first piece of stairwell art that Captain Kate recalls seeing on the ship was the colorful, glittery BEYOND painting between Decks 10 and 11. Inside each letter is a playful paint-by-number motif. 

This eye-catching art is by UK-based pop artist Benjamin Thomas Taylor.

33. Many guests sail on Celebrity Cruises specifically for the art program operated by Park West. Because of this fan base, there is a VIP invite-only art cruise.

34. One of the artistic design choices on the ship is the exposed hull in the hallway on Deck 3. You can see this behind vertical slats (also an art installation) along the wall between the casino area and the restaurants, towards the aft of the ship. 

35. Another cool design element is auditory. If you sit or lay down by the Maison du Chocolat area, by Mont Blanc and Blu (AquaClass restaurant) before you reach Eden, you’ll hear experiential sounds, like birds chirping. You cannot hear these sounds when you walk by…only when you are on the furniture, immersed in the space.

36. Chairs were all sat on by an executive (or two) and tested out before giving the thumbs up and final approval.

37. While some Celebrity Cruises ships have a theme and design throughout the ship, Celebrity Beyond has different art per venue.

38. A lot of sound engineering went into the ship’s design. The goal was to maintain sound for different venues, obtained through selecting carpets, wall materials, and furniture pieces. Keep your eyes peeled on the ship for unique ways the designers achieved this!  

39. Celebrity Beyond has 179 more staterooms than Apex. Of the 1,646 staterooms, 198 are suites. All of these suites are part of The Retreat. 

40. The coveted highest-level suite onboard is the Iconic Suite, and it’s the largest suite on any Celebrity Edge Class ship to date at 2,581 square feet. There are two onboard Celebrity Beyond. 

Prices for a one-week cruise vary based on the season, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 per week for two guests. 

Each suite features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, an outdoor lounge area, and a hot tub. It has phenomenal bow-facing views similar to what the Captain’s stateroom and navigation bridge see. 

41. Celebrity Beyond is registered in Malta.

Read this next:

• Celebrity Cruises Classes Explained: AquaClass vs The Retreat vs Concierge

Helpful Info about Luminae in The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises The Retreat Review: a Ship-Within-a-Ship Worth the Cost

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The Weird World of Cruises and Alleged Horror Stories

Cruises sound super fun and relaxing, right? If your answer to that question is "yes", then this article may make you rethink it. Because beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect getaway lies a dark and twisted world of eerie and unexplained occurrences. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, to be honest. From mysterious disappearances to tragic accidents, some of these events just defy explanation. To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, let's explore the weird world of cruises, and the alleged horror stories that have happened on deck.

Bizarre Deaths

If you go on a deep dive and explore the numerous bizarre deaths that have happened on cruises , I can guarantee you that you will reconsider your next voyage on sea. For example, in 2017, the seemingly peaceful Alaskan cruise was shattered when Kristy Manzanares was found dead in her cabin, surrounded by blood. Standing nearby was her husband, Kenneth Manzanares, equally covered in blood, who chillingly remarked, “She would not stop laughing at me.” And the weirdest part? Friends and family of the couple claimed that there have been no red flags in their relationship. No one could understand what drove the husband to commit such a heinous act.

Mysterious Disappearances

Next, let's talk about a disappearance that remains unsolved to this day. Amy Lynn Bradley was just 23 when she went missing off Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas on March 24, 1998. Amy was there with her family, who reported her missing at 6 am after a party-filled night spent with the ship's band. What made the thing even weirder was how the ship's crew reacted. They denied the request of her family to keep the ship at sea until Amy was found, which made them believe that she was a target of sex trafficking. 

Even though it has been 26 years since her disappearance, no one knows what happened to Amy, or if she ever made it out alive. A year after she went missing, a witness came forward saying he had encountered a woman in a brothel claiming she was Amy Bradley. And in 2005, a grainy picture of what appeared to be Amy in underwear also made headlines. Both leads were looked into but led to no specific evidence.

Abandonment by Captain

In case of an emergency on a ship, whose responsibility is it to make sure everyone on board is safe and sound? The captain's, right? Well, it should be. Unless the captain's name is Yiannis Avranas. Back in 1991, the Greek luxury liner Oceanos ship sank off South Africa. Luckily, all passengers and crew members were rescued. And you know who one of the first ones was to be saved? Captain Avranas and some of his fellow officers. Without feeling any guilt or shame, he let everyone else spend the night on HIS sinking ship during a stormy night. Of course, he had an excuse ready once the journalist arrived - he just wanted to "coordinate" the rescue from land.

The post The Weird World of Cruises and Alleged Horror Stories appeared first on Malorie's Adventures .

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Norwegian Cruise captain refused to let eight passengers who were late reboard ship

Passengers, who have since rejoined vessel, missed scheduled departure time from São Tomé and scrambled to reunite with ship

Eight cruise passengers had to scramble to reunite with their cruise ship after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The passengers, including a pregnant woman and a paraplegic traveller, missed their scheduled departure time from the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea, about 250km off the coast of Gabon, after disembarking the Norwegian Dawn to take a local tour.

Another passenger in her 80s was reportedly late to the ship because she was receiving emergency medical treatment on the island.

The vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, arrived in São Tome on Wednesday morning having departed Cape Town for the three-week cruise to Barcelona on 20 March.

The group’s private day excursions on the island ran overtime and, despite the efforts of the local coast guard, which motored the group to the ship before it set sail that afternoon, the captain would not allow the late guests to board.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from Garden City in South Carolina, described attempting to board the vessel after arriving late.

“We have never had an experience like this before,” Jill Campbell told ABC4 News .

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number. They said, ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails,’” Jay Campbell added.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way.”

The travellers’ passports were returned to them via port authorities. The group, which reportedly includes two Australians, had to leave their medication, bank cards and other belongings on board. The Campbells said they were the only members of the group with a Visa card and had paid more than $5,000 in their attempts to reach the ship.

They aimed to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in the Gambia the following Sunday but low tides prevented the ship from making the scheduled stop. The group reportedly travelled through six countries and eventually met the ship in Dakar, Senegal, the final west African port call of its journey, according to the cruise line.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included,” Jay Campbell told ABC15 . He described having to take a ferry to get into Senegal, and then a four-hour drive.

Australians Doug and Violeta Sanders were among the stranded passengers.

“It’s been the worst experience of our lives to be abandoned like that in a strange country, can’t speak the language,” Violeta Sanders told Seven’s Sunrise program.

“We have no money, our credit cards aren’t accepted.”

The 21-day cruise is due to end in Barcelona on 10 April.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said it was a “very unfortunate situation” and that it was the passenger’s responsibility to be back on board the ship no later than one hour before the ship’s scheduled departure time.

A Sydney travel lawyer, Anthony Cordato, said passengers needed to heed ships’ tight schedules.

“Terms and conditions would make returning to the ship on time essential,” he said.

“From a consumer’s perspective, it’s harsh but from a ship’s perspective, are you going to hold up the cruise for an hour or two because they were slow to get on board? Are you going to inconvenience 1,000 passengers for the sake of four?”

The cruise company said all eight guests had rejoined the ship.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time. While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol. Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol.

“While the eight guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia on April 1, 2024, unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority. We contacted these eight guests regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. As of this morning, all eight guests have rejoined the ship.”

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1,500 passengers trapped on cruise ship at port because of visa debacle.

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A cruise ship at a port in Spain has been forced to hold all 1,500 passengers on board, after a group from Bolivia failed to obtain the correct visa documents to enter the European border-free Schengen area.

According to reports, cruise ship MSC Armonia remains detained in Barcelona, with authorities scrambling to sort the situation.

The debacle, involving 69 Bolivian passengers, is preventing the ship from continuing its journey until the situation is resolved.

The voyage has traveled from Brazil to cover a route in the Mediterranean Sea, with the 69 Bolivians in question including families and children.

In a statement, MSC Cruises initially thought the visa documentation was correct and appeared to comply with the necessary requirements for travel.

However, upon further inspection, the visas were “not valid” for entry.

“The passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil,” the statement read.

“We have been informed by the authorities that the visas are not valid for entry into the Schengen area. As a result, passengers have not been able to disembark in Barcelona, which was their final destination.”

One Bolivian passenger, who spoke to local media under anonymity, said she was being treated like “a criminal [in a] prison” despite being assured by a travel agency her visa was correct and valid for travel.

Some family members of the Bolivian travelers on board the cruise ship told Spanish media that the 69 passengers had been victims of a scam.

According to the claim, as published in Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, an agency in South America had offered the visas online and charged up to $10,000 per person.

It is understood the ship will remain in port while it works with authorities while the investigation continues.

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