Cruise ships are true floating cities, packed with technology, luxury, and a complex operation to ensure thousands of people have an unforgettable experience. But behind the glitz and entertainment, there are many curiosities most passengers don’t even imagine.
Get ready to discover some surprising facts about these giants of the seas!
1. They Have a Full Hospital Onboard
Yes, cruise ships are not just equipped with a basic infirmary. Many have fully functional hospitals, with doctors, nurses, X-ray equipment, laboratories, and even intensive care units. This ensures that any medical emergency can be treated quickly.
2. The Crew Comes from Hundreds of Different Nationalities
It’s common for the crew of a large cruise ship to be made up of people from over 70 or even 100 distinct nationalities. This cultural diversity creates a unique and enriching work environment, but also requires effective communication (usually in English).
3. They Produce Their Own Fresh Water
Most cruise ships do not store all the fresh water they need. Instead, they produce it onboard through seawater desalination systems. This allows them to have a constant supply for showers, kitchens, and swimming pools.
4. There’s a “Jail” Onboard
While not a traditional prison, cruise ships have detention cells called “brigs.” These are used to isolate passengers or crew members who have committed serious crimes or pose a threat to safety, until they can be handed over to authorities ashore.
5. The Food Served is in Gigantic Quantities
Imagine the amount of food needed to feed thousands of passengers and crew for days or weeks! A large ship can consume tons of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits on a single voyage, in addition to thousands of eggs, liters of milk, and freshly baked bread daily.
6. There’s a Secret Code for Medical Emergencies
Have you ever heard an announcement like “Code Alpha” or “Code Bravo” over the ship’s public address system? These are secret codes that the crew uses to communicate emergencies (usually medical or security) without alarming passengers. Each code has a specific meaning.
7. They Have a Huge Industrial Laundry
With thousands of sheets, towels, uniforms, and passenger clothes to wash daily, cruise ships operate gigantic industrial laundries, often running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
8. Recycling is Taken Seriously
Modern ships have strict recycling programs. They separate garbage, plastics, glass, and metals, and many even have incinerators and compactors onboard to reduce the volume of waste before disposing of it in an environmentally responsible manner at designated ports.
9. The Bridge is the Ship’s Nerve Center
The bridge is where the captain and navigation team control everything. It’s a high-tech location, with radars, GPS, communication systems, and propulsion controls. Most passengers only see it from afar, but it’s the brain of the ship’s operation.
10. Some Have Funeral Facilities Onboard
While it’s a delicate topic, with thousands of people onboard, especially older passengers, fatalities can occur. For this reason, some larger cruise ships have facilities to handle deaths, including a morgue, ensuring the situation is handled with dignity and respect.