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Strange cruise rituals: Superstitions that still sail today

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Strange cruise rituals: Superstitions that still sail today preview image

Think of cruise ships as more than just floating resorts – they're keepers of maritime traditions passed down through generations of seafarers. From curiously missing deck numbers to silver coins hidden in secret spots, these massive vessels carry some fascinating old-world charm alongside their modern luxuries.

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, there's something magical about being part of these centuries-old traditions while enjoying all the comforts of a modern vacation.

Let's explore the quirky customs and time-honored traditions that still shape cruise life today.

On this page:

  1. The missing deck 13 (and sometimes 17)
  2. Ship godmothers: A blend of tradition and celebrity
  3. The champagne ceremony: More than just a celebration
  4. Whistles and wind: Old sailor's wisdom
  5. The coin ceremony: Ancient protection
  6. Ship names and Neptune's court
    A living maritime legacy

The missing deck 13 (and sometimes 17)

Ever noticed there's no deck 13 when you're in a cruise ship elevator? It's not a mistake—it’s actually an age-old superstition at work. Italian cruise lines like MSC Cruises even skip deck 17 too, as that number is considered particularly unlucky in Italian culture. Just like how many buildings pass on having a 13th floor, cruise ships keep this tradition alive.

Royal Caribbean also adheres to this superstition across its fleet, including its groundbreaking Wonder of the Seas. By skipping deck 13, these modern cruise ships weave superstition into their design, proving that even cutting-edge innovation can sail hand-in-hand with centuries-old maritime lore.

Ship godmothers: A blend of tradition and celebrity

Oprah christening Nieuw Statendam cruise ship

You get a cruise! You get a cruise! Everybody gets a cruise when Oprah's godmother 🚢🧚✨

Ship godmothers have come a long way from their ancient maritime roots, though their role of blessing and protecting vessels remains just as important. These days, anyone from Queen Elizabeth II who during her reign christened Cunard's Queen Elizabeth to Oprah Winfrey (Holland America's Nieuw Statendam) take on this special role, adding some modern star power to this timeless tradition.

Even Disney Cruise Line brings its own magical flair to the tradition, with Tinker Bell acting as the animated godmother for the Disney Wonder, showing how the role can be reimagined in creative ways.

The champagne ceremony: More than just a celebration

Breaking a champagne bottle against a ship's bow isn't just for show – it's actually an important blessing ritual that goes way back. Getting that bottle to break is crucial for good luck; if it doesn't, sailors consider it a pretty serious warning sign. Even the newest ships like Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seaskeep up this tradition, proving some customs never go out of style.

Similarly, Princess Cruises celebrated the launch of Enchanted Princess with a christening that included this age-old ritual, blending it with modern fanfare to honor both the ship's future and its maritime heritage.

Whistles and wind: Old sailor's wisdom

Sailor Whistling GIF

🚢👻😱 The forbidden whistle...

Here’s a curious one: sailors used to believe that whistling on board could summon storms, as if challenging the wind to unleash its fury.

While you won’t get in trouble for whistling on today’s cruise ships, many lines keep these colorful traditions alive. For example, Cunard often incorporates maritime lore into its enrichment programs aboard ships like Queen Mary 2, where guests can enjoy history nights and storytelling sessions that delve into fascinating nautical superstitions and traditions.

The coin ceremony: Ancient protection

Long before any cruise ship touches water, it gets its own lucky charm – a shiny silver coin tucked beneath its mast or keel during the early stages of construction.

This tradition dates all the way back to Roman times, and cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line have embraced this ancient practice, turning it into a celebratory event. During the coin ceremony for Carnival's Mardi Gras, executives, shipyard workers, and guests gathered to witness the coin placement, accompanied by speeches, blessings for safe travels, and photo opportunities.

By honoring this age-old ritual, Carnival ensures that even its most innovative ships are launched with a nod to maritime heritage and a wish for smooth sailing ahead.

Ship names and Neptune's court

Changing a ship's name isn’t taken lightly in maritime culture—it requires its own careful ceremony to avoid bad luck. When cruise lines refurbish or transfer ships, they honor this belief with renaming rituals that blend old-school tradition with modern branding. For example, Princess held a renaming ceremony for the refurbished Sun Princess, combining blessings, speeches, and festivities to symbolically mark the ship’s new chapter while respecting its maritime heritage.

And if you're lucky enough to cross the Equator, you might experience the Line-Crossing Ceremony, where "Pollywogs" (first-timers) become "Shellbacks" (seasoned sailors). Ships like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy keep this lively tradition alive, complete with costumes, playful challenges, and a ceremonial visit from King Neptune himself—a memorable nod to seafaring lore.

A living maritime legacy

These traditions aren't just for show – they're living links to centuries of seafaring culture. From missing deck numbers to hidden lucky coins, these customs add an extra sprinkle of magic to modern cruising. Next time you're on board, keep an eye out for these touches of maritime history mixed in with all the modern amenities.

Ready to experience these maritime traditions firsthand? Book your next adventure at sea with Cruisebound and let us help you find the perfect ship and itinerary – lucky coins and maritime magic included.

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