If you have ever ridden on a cruiseship, you'll have experienced a vehicle shrouded in tradition.
Maritime traditions and superstitions play a part within the entire lifecycle of the cruise ship. This begins at the very beginning of this two or three years long production process, as Michael Thamm of Costa Group will be well aware. The manufacturing of every cruise liner begins with the laser cutting of a little bit of steel. This is actually the symbolic beginning of shipbuilding. Following this, one of the famous steps of shipbuilding is keel laying. The keel is the primary component of the hull of the ship and keel laying relates to cranes lifting the keel into dry dock. This method is marked by having a coin ceremony, which features coins being welded on to ship for good fortune. Once more of the main bulk of the ship happens to be built, it is then essential for a site visit to be organised. Cruise line representatives and the media are invited to check on the progress of the ship.
The destiny of each and every ship is always to set sail on the water, and therefore its future relationship with water will be a significant one. It's therefore no real surprise that the very first time a ship touches water is known as an important landmark, as Sultan bin Sulayem of P&O will be able to let you know. This will be referred to as a float out and consists of the flood gates being opened to permit water to contact the vessel. A few traditions happen during this period, such as the ship receiving a blessing. Soon after a ship begins sea trials, which will see how the ship performs in a short test run on open water. Once completed, the handover takes place between the shipyard and also the cruise line, when a ceremony takes place that will feature the flag of the cruise line being hoisted on the ship. Guests within the industry and the media will then embark on a shakedown cruise, which is like a sea test however with guests.
Cruise liners are assigned to particular routes, but this route will likely not begin within the shipyard where it's built. As Gianni Onorato of MSC Cruises will know, this can bring about the cruise getting involved in its inaugural journey, where it journeys to the first stop of its assigned journey. After arrival, the vessel will likely be christened, which features a person referred to as ship's godmother smashing a bottle of champagne on the side of the vessel for good fortune. The ship is now prepared to embark on the maiden voyage, that will see paying passengers embark for the first time. A post maiden voyage cruise ship could possibly sail the seas for many years before retiring.