You’d think modern cruise ships with stabilizers, satellite navigation, and more engines than a small airport, would be the last place for superstitions.
But cruising has deep roots in centuries-old seafaring traditions, and some of those beliefs still weave their way through your vacation in little, subtle ways.
Today, we’re taking a look into the quirky and the downright mystifying nautical superstitions that shaped sailing long before the buffets, balcony cabins, and 24/7 ice cream machines existed.
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🧭 Why Ships Are Loaded With Superstitions
Before cruising was about cocktails and Caribbean sunsets, sailing was risky business.
Life at sea meant unpredictable weather, long voyages, and no way to phone home if something went wrong. Superstitions seemed like a way to bring control or at least comfort to an environment that had very little.
So sailors created rituals, rules, and beliefs meant to protect them…and some of those survived into modern cruising in their own little ways.
🍌 The “Bananas Are Bad Luck” Rule
This one sounds ridiculous, until you hear why sailors believed it:
Bananas often carried spiders (the big ones).
They spoiled quickly, making cargo runs risky.
Fast banana shipments meant less time to fish, so sailors blamed the fruit for “bad catch days.”
Even today, some fishing boats and charters still ban bananas onboard.
Thankfully your cruise buffet has no such rule, otherwise breakfast would look very different.
🚫 No Whistling on Deck
According to old seafaring lore, whistling was believed to “call the wind.”
Good if you needed more wind… terrible if you were already in storm season.
Modern sailors still joke about this one, especially when the breeze picks up.
So if you hear a crew member jokingly say, “No whistling!” now you know why.
🔢 Why Some Cruise Ships Skip Certain Numbers
Ever noticed a ship that jumps from Deck 12 to Deck 14? Or avoids cabin numbers containing a 4?
That’s not a layout mistake, it’s superstition meeting customer comfort.
13 → Western superstition
4 → Considered unlucky in some Asian cultures
17 → Skipped on some Italian-influenced lines
Some ships simply avoid numbers that might bother guests. Call it superstition…or smart marketing.
🐱 Ship Cats = Good Luck (Yes, Really)
Historically, cats onboard kept mice away from food stores and ropes, so they were considered guardians of the ship.
Some captains even believed cats could detect shifts in weather before humans.
While you won’t find cats roaming your cruise hallways today, the imagery lives on in maritime logos, mascots, and good-luck icons.
🌊 The “Red Sky” Saying That’s Actually True
You’ve probably heard:
“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.
Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.”
This one is not a superstition, it’s real meteorology.
A red sunset indicates stable weather moving in.
A red sunrise suggests storms coming from the west.
It’s folklore with a scientific backbone.
You may have seen these without realizing their origins:
Champagne smashing during naming
Coins placed under the mast during construction
Bells rung in traditional patterns
The captain rarely clapping during performances (a naval tradition)
Have you heard of any of these superstitions?
If you have a friend that might find this type of information interesting, (or other cruise related info) please forward them this email. Thank you so much for your support!
Until next week,
Tara
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