5 Cruise Ship Superstitions Explained
Even on a luxurious cruise where everything is designed for comfort and relaxation, a surprising number of passengers still carry a quiet sense of unease. It’s not the waves or the weather, it’s the lingering whispers of old nautical superstitions that have been passed down for generations. From unlucky symbols to traditions sailors once swore by, these beliefs can make even the most excited traveler second-guess certain moments of their journey. Whether you believe in them or not, they add an intriguing layer of mystery to life at sea. In this article, we’ll explore the five most common cruise ship superstitions and what they mean for modern-day travelers.
1. Never Set Sail on a Friday
This is one of the oldest and most widely known maritime superstitions. Traditionally, sailors believed that departing on a Friday would bring bad luck to the voyage. Some trace this belief back to religious associations with Good Friday, while others point to centuries of storytelling among seafarers who claimed that Friday sailings usually ended in disaster. While modern cruise lines operate on tight schedules and absolutely do sail on Fridays without issue, the superstition still lingers in the back of some passengers’ minds. If you ever notice a slight hesitation when booking a Friday departure, now you know why.
2. Don’t Whistle on Deck
It may appear harmless to whistle a tune while enjoying the ocean breeze, but according to maritime folklore, whistling on deck is said to “whistle up a storm.” Sailors once believed that the wind could be summoned through sound, and whistling at random times might invite rough weather or even a full-blown storm. Ironically, whistling was sometimes used by crew members to signal for wind when ships were stuck in calm seas, but only under controlled circumstances. So while your cruise ship isn’t going to hit a storm because you whistled your favorite song, you may still get a playful warning from someone who knows the superstition.
3. Renaming a Ship Brings Bad Luck
In maritime tradition, a ship’s name is thought to be permanently recorded by the gods of the sea. Changing it without following the proper rituals was believed to anger these forces and bring misfortune to the vessel and everyone onboard. In the past, elaborate ceremonies were performed to “erase” the old name before introducing a new one. Even today, when cruise ships are transferred between companies or rebranded, renaming is handled with a sense of ceremony and respect. While it’s more tradition than fear nowadays, there’s still a quiet nod to this superstition behind the scenes.
4. Bananas Are Bad Luck
This quirky superstition dates back to the 1700s, when ships carrying bananas were often lost at sea or experienced strange mishaps. Some believed the fruit spoiled too quickly and forced ships to rush, while others thought it attracted dangerous pests or released harmful gases. Over time, bananas became associated with bad luck, especially among fishing crews. While you’ll absolutely find bananas at your cruise buffet today (thankfully), the superstition still pops up in maritime culture—and might just make for a funny conversation starter over breakfast.
5. Seeing a Red Sky Can Predict Your Voyage
You might’ve heard the old saying, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.” This long-standing maritime belief suggests that the color of the sky can predict upcoming weather conditions. A red sky at sunset is thought to signal calm seas and fair weather ahead, while a red sky in the morning could mean rough conditions are on the way. While modern cruise ships rely on advanced weather forecasting technology, this superstition still captures the imagination of passengers who find themselves gazing out at those dramatic ocean sunsets and sunrises. It’s one of those traditions that blends a bit of science with a whole lot of storytelling.
Other Lesser-Known Superstitions in the Cruise Industry
Beyond the well-known superstitions that most travelers have at least heard of, there’s a whole other layer of lesser-known beliefs quietly woven into maritime culture. These are the kinds of traditions you will not usually see posted on a cruise itinerary, but they still find their way into conversations, habits, and even a few personal rituals among seasoned sailors and curious passengers alike. Some are surprisingly specific, others feel a little eerie, but all of them add a unique sense of mystery to life at sea. Let’s take a closer look at some of these lesser-known superstitions that continue to drift through the cruise industry.
1. Tossing Coins for Good Luck
Before a ship sets sail for the first time, there’s a long-standing tradition of placing coins under the mast or somewhere within the ship for good luck. This dates back to ancient times when it was believed to provide protection from the sea and ensure a prosperous voyage. While modern cruise ships don’t use luck to navigate the waters, ceremonial coin placements still happen during ship christenings as a nod to tradition.
2. Avoiding the Number 13
Like in many hotels and buildings on land, the number 13 is often considered unlucky at sea. Some ships skip labeling decks or cabins with the number altogether, while others quietly include it but avoid drawing attention. Passengers who are a bit superstitious might even steer clear of booking a cabin with that number, just to be safe while out on the open ocean.
3. Dropping a Hat Overboard Means Bad Luck
Losing anything overboard is inconvenient, but dropping a hat into the sea is said to bring particularly bad luck. In old maritime lore, it was believed that the sea “claiming” a personal item like a hat could signal misfortune ahead. Today, it is more about not wanting to lose your favorite cap, but the superstition still lingers.
4. No Flowers Before Departure
It may look like a sweet gesture to bring flowers on a ship before a voyage. But in maritime tradition, it’s considered bad luck to do so before it departs. Flowers were historically associated with funerals and remembrance, which made sailors uneasy about bringing them aboard a vessel at the start of a journey. Once the ship is underway, flowers are perfectly fine.
5. Stepping Onto the Ship With Your Right Foot First
Some might call it odd, but a few veteran travelers would usually step onto the ship with their right foot first for good luck. People believe that this small ritual can set the tone for a smooth and enjoyable voyage. It’s simple, harmless, and honestly, if it gives you a psychological boost before vacation officially begins, it might be worth doing.
6. Avoid Saying the Word “Drown”
Certain words are thought to carry negative energy at sea, and “drown” is one of them. Sailors traditionally avoided saying it out loud, believing it might tempt fate or invite misfortune. While modern passengers do not usually think twice about vocabulary, you might still notice crew members choosing their words carefully in certain situations.
7. A Calm Sea at Departure Can Be a Bad Sign
Interestingly, leaving port on perfectly calm waters was once considered a bad omen. Some sailors believed that an unusually still sea meant something unnatural was at play, possibly signaling trouble ahead. Today, most cruisers appreciate smooth sailing, but it is fascinating how older beliefs interpreted things differently.
8. Never Look Back at the Port While Departing
There is an old belief that looking back at the port as your ship departs can bring bad luck or even prevent your safe return. The idea is that focusing on what you are leaving behind might somehow interfere with the journey ahead. Whether you follow this or not, it is a poetic reminder to stay present and look forward to the adventure.
9. Harming a Seagull Brings Misfortune
Seagulls have long been seen as sacred by sailors, often believed to carry the souls of lost seafarers. Because of this, harming one was thought to bring terrible luck to the ship. While modern cruise passengers are more likely to deal with seagulls trying to grab snacks, the superstition still carries an eerie sense of respect.
10. Hearing Unexplained Knocking Sounds Is a Bad Omen
Strange noises on a ship are not uncommon since you are on a massive floating structure surrounded by water. In maritime folklore, unexplained knocking or tapping sounds were sometimes interpreted as a warning sign of trouble ahead. Today, these sounds are usually part of the ship’s normal operations, but they can still make your imagination wander, especially late at night.
You Don't Need Luck When Booking Your Cruise Trip Through Travel With Brigitte
Don’t let superstitions stop you from booking the cruise of your dreams. Work with Travel With Brigitte if you need professional assistance with your booking process. Our team of expert travel agents can also help you search for amazing cruise deals, helping you get more out of your booking. If you have a specific cruise in mind you’d like to check out, you can always talk to us, and we’ll do our best to give you the right answers.
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