The cruise industry, undoubtedly one of the most captivating sectors, is enriched by timeless cruise traditions. These traditions, steeped in history, not only continue to shape but also significantly enhance today’s cruising experience.
A Brief Timeline
Before the twentieth century, cruise ships were primarily used for transportation. It wasn’t until 1900 that the Hamburg America Line launched the first purpose-built pleasure cruise ship, offering exclusively first-class cabins. P&O Cruises and Cunard quickly followed, marking the beginning of cruise tourism.
The First and Second World Wars brought significant losses to the industry, but in the 1950s, the Golden Age of cruising was ushered in again. Cruise ships became social hubs for the elite, featuring games, drinking, and dancing. In 1950, Cunard hosted an all-American star cruise with guests like Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Walt Disney, and Rita Hayworth.
Over the next fifty years, the cruise industry expanded rapidly. Modern cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, founded in 1966, made cruising accessible to the masses. Today, hundreds of cruise ships traverse the world’s oceans daily.
With a century-old heritage, the cruise industry has developed a set of traditions that endure today.
Let’s explore some of these fascinating customs…
Bottle Smashing
One of the cruise industry’s beloved traditions is christening new ships with a bottle of champagne. This practice originated from sailors sprinkling seawater to bless ships before their maiden voyage. In 15th-century England, it became customary to use wine, with a representative of the King drinking from a goblet, sprinkling the remainder on the deck, and throwing the goblet overboard.
By the 18th century, the Royal Navy switched to using bottles of wine due to the high cost of goblets. Champagne became the drink of choice in the late 19th century, with the Royal Navy first using it to launch HMS Royal Arthur in 1891. Queen Victoria’s act of smashing a champagne bottle against the ship’s bow set a precedent that continues today.
Interestingly, some shipbuilders suggest that cheap Cava might create a more spectacular display due to its bubbliness.
Coin Laying
During the keel-laying stage of a ship’s construction, shipbuilders place custom-minted coins under the ship’s base. This practice dates back to Greek legend, where sailors believed they needed to pay Charon, the carrier of souls, to cross the river Styx to the afterlife. In ancient Rome, coins under the keel provided funds for potential repairs.
Today, coins can be permanently welded to the keel or temporarily placed and later displayed on the ship.
Referring to Ships as "She"
It’s common to refer to ships as “she” and to describe them as having “sisters” when built to similar designs. This tradition stems from several reasons. The Latin word for ship, “navis,” is feminine. Ships have been seen as mysterious, like Mother Nature, and their function to carry and protect mirrors a mother’s role.
Historically, ships featured figureheads resembling women or goddesses to protect the vessel and crew. Sailors often named ships after women they loved and missed. Many famous ships, like Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria, were named after female figures. Cunard’s ships, for example, are named after queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne.
While most ships are referred to as “she,” the German Navy uses “he,” and Chinese sailors often use gender-neutral terms.
Godparents
Another long-standing tradition is appointing a godparent for new cruise ships. In ancient Rome, sailors called upon gods to bless their ships. Today, cruise lines appoint godparents, usually women, to sponsor new vessels. This practice generates publicity and excitement for new ships.
Queen Elizabeth II was named the godmother of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O’s Britannia. On June 3, 2024, Cunard announced Liverpool as Queen Anne’s godparent, with five prominent Liverpool figures representing the city.
- Spice Girl and author Melanie C,
- Broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu
- Local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood
- Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey,
- British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thomson
Cartoon characters like Dora the Explorer have also served as godparents, adding a fun twist to the tradition. The godmother’s primary role is to attend the christening ceremony, officially name the ship, and smash the champagne bottle against the bow.
Sailing Through History with Timeless Cruise Traditions
These timeless cruise traditions add a rich layer of history and charm to the cruise industry, making each voyage a part of a storied legacy. They celebrate the legacy and spirit of the sea, from christening a ship with champagne to laying coins during construction, each carrying a story that connects us to the past.
As we set sail on modern cruises today, these traditions offer us a glimpse into the rich history that defines the cruising experience. They remind us that while much has changed, the essence of the sea’s spirit remains timeless.
