Without the power of a propeller, large cruise ships would drift aimlessly over the sea. The options for power are diesel, electric, or gas turbine engines for propulsion.

The larger the ship, the greater the need for electric power. We discuss how a cruise ship propeller works in moving these mammoth cruise ships through the water.

How Does a Cruise Ship Propeller Spin?

Older cruise ships may use a reciprocating diesel engine for propulsion. Transmissions influence the propeller’s revolutions in the same manner that transmissions transfer engine RPM to manageable speeds to power a car’s rear wheels.

However, modern cruise ships use either diesel, electric, or gas turbine engines for propulsions. The bigger the cruise ship, the larger the demand for electric power. Some cruise ships may even use two different sources for power, with one for propulsion and the other exclusively for generating electrical power.

Aero Derivative Gas Turbines

These engines create heat that goes from mechanical energy to electrical power. To do this, compressed air becomes ignited in the combustion chamber, while hot exhaust becomes forced over turbines that spin to drive a shaft mechanically. Then, the power is used to spin an electrical generator.

Diesel Electric

These engines operate in the same manner yet utilize a direct drive system rather than a turbine. Their output shafts connect to electrical generators, producing electrical power. The faster pistons located on an engine go up and down, making the propeller shaft turn quicker. The ships then, in turn, move faster.

On mid-sized and smaller vessels, the concept of motion isn’t dramatically altered. They use similar mechanics, but the difference rests in the creation of power.

Steam in these vessels is no longer used to make the pistons move. Instead, fuel ignition generates pressure, pushing the pistons down and up while turning a crankshaft that’s connected to the propeller shaft.

Both types of engines require a great deal of fuel. An example of this is the Queen Elizabeth 2, which uses 433 tons of fuel each day – 18 tons per hour – while traveling at 28.6 knots. It carries adequate amounts of fuel to sail without stopping for 12 days. However, the iconic vessel has since retired from sailing and remains in Dubai.

Cruise ships will fill up with fuel while visiting various ports. They use fueling barges, which are like a floating gas station for cruise ships. A lower-grade diesel fuel is often used that doesn’t burn as cleanly as ones designed for a diesel-powered car. When gas prices rise, these vessels feel the financial pinch.

One advantage of direct drive diesel systems is being able to use a shaft generator (a device that uses a circular motion of a propeller shaft to create electricity used for hotel services like cooking and lighting).

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These are only used when the vessel is moving at a constant speed. If the shaft isn’t moving, then the generator isn’t working, which means no energy is being created.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Powered

Carnival Corporation announced in June 2015 that its contract with Fincantieri was established to create four LNG-powered cruise ships for its largest passenger capacity. The four newly constructed ships created the industry’s first LNG-powered cruise ship in a hybrid engine.

Gas in the ship is consumed and generates all the power necessary while at sea. Its engines are not exclusively composed of this product, but rather follow a dual fuel model that provides natural gas and liquid marine fuels. The design itself was genius in reducing storage space used for fuel.

LNG is 90% methane and 10% ethane. Cooled down to -160°C, it moves from a gas to a liquid. The volume decreases 600 times, making distribution efficient. This gas reduces bad emissions from sulfur oxides and soot. It also reduces fuel costs.

Azipod Propulsion Systems

This contains three components. The propulsion motor drives or produces thrust. The propeller is moved by an electric motor. Supply transformers reference the power created by generators. This is 6,600 KV. A frequency controller changes the frequency of the supplied power. This allows a rotating motor speed to be better controlled.

These types of propulsions combine propulsion and steering systems. They use a two-stroke engine with a shaft, which passes through the stern tube and the shaft tunnel. It then connects to a propeller outside the ship’s hull located in the stern, aft. Steering is done by a rudder.

Since the propulsion is compact and located in the engine room, the saved space is often utilized for cargo.

Propellers in this system turn in a variety of directions. This helps with crash maneuvering, which is significantly better than conventional methods. Propulsion systems are located below a cruise ship’s height for greater efficiency.

Should a ship have a large breadth, two-plus systems that operate independently can provide subtle maneuverability. It also has lower fuel consumption, lower lube oil, lower vibration, and low emissions.

This type of system is commonly used on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.

ABB propulsion is used by Crystal cruise ships, which are powered by two units of an Azipod D. Each Star Cruise Global Class contains three of them. This type of system tends to be seen with the designer MV Werften, which is a German shipbuilder. Most of his large-sized vessels, ice-class cargo, and icebreaking ships contain this propulsion type.

What Does a Propeller Do?

Propellers push ships through water. Often called screws, they slice through water and give reverse and forward motion.

Unlike an airplane propeller, which requires a tremendous amount of speed to advance forward, a ship’s propeller isn’t required to turn as quickly.

A ship’s propeller relies on brute power or torque instead of RPM (high speeds) to move. This is what causes them to rarely move over 30 knots.

Cutting-edge vessels are now using azimuth thrusters. These are pods that house propellers that can rotate 360°, allowing them to maneuver optimally in the sea. They have replaced rudders and are believed to have benefits over a conventional screw-like propeller system.

The benefits to this are greater fuel efficiency, increased ship safety in bad weather, and decreased distance required for stopping. They can be used for both types of engines.

How Fast Does a Cruise Ship Propeller Spin?

Since its engines turn the crankshaft at exceptionally quick speeds (hundreds or even thousands of revolutions each minute), a ship’s engine connects to propellers through a series of gears. Propellers turn more slowly (250-800 revolutions/minute or less).

Gearing allows an engine to move at a more efficient and faster speed. It allows propellers to move at slower, efficient speeds.

How Large Is a Ship’s Propeller?

The largest cruise ships have propellers up to 20 feet tall. Referred to as azipods, each cruise ship contains three of these propellers to maneuver them through the waters and into ports. These massive propellers spin at 250 revolutions per minute.

Largest Ship Propellers Globally

The following ships have the biggest propellers in the world.

1. Royal Caribbean Oasis Class – These vessels are the largest in the world. The Allure of the Seas and Ocean of the Seas contain propellers with a diameter of six meters. Propulsion is generated by 26,800 horsepower Azipods.
2. Queen Elizabeth 2 – This floating hotel was created for Cunard Line. Since 2018, it has been a floating hotel operating in Dubai. Its two large variable pitch propellers have a diameter of 22 feet. Each propeller weighs 43 tons and is fitted using grim wheels. Grim wheels are blades that spin freely, and each is fitted behind a main propeller. They are used for recovering thrust and reducing consumption of fuel.
3. Carnival Cruise Line Fantasy Class Cruise Ship, Elation – Service speed on this vessel is 22.3 knots. It is the first to use an electric azimuth Azipod system for propulsion. The difference with this system is the cruise ship is pulled rather than pushed using the propeller. This ship has two 14 MW Azipod units for propulsion.

Summary

To move a large, weighty cruise ship, the propellers need to be very large. These cruise ship propellers are powered by a variety of fuel sources, ranging from diesel to energy efficient methods or dual fuels.

Dual fuels move toward a cleaner emission and are increasingly environmentally friendly. While there are numerous advantages to this, not all cruise ships have come on board with the notion.

Read Also: How Much Does a Cruise Ship Weigh?

These ships generally use diesel-electric, diesel-electric units, or gas turbines to power the engine and move the propeller. These engines power each of the cruise ship’s components by attaching to the propeller. From there, a crankshaft moves the ship forward. This crankshaft allows them to move at 250-800 revolutions each minute.

Maybe you’re wondering about the components of a cruise ship beyond the deck where you lounge beside the pool, or maybe you simply appreciate knowing the location of essential items.

Becoming familiar with basic terminology can be helpful if this is your first time sailing on a cruise ship. We outline the different parts of a cruise ship in detail to help you navigate when on board.

The Basics of a Cruise Ship

Prior to 1920, the purpose of huge passenger steamships in the cruise industry was to transport the affluent and immigrants. Cruising simply for pleasure was unheard of. When new immigration laws changed the industry, shipping lines were forced to market to an entirely different consumer.

Advertisements soon followed, inviting people to enjoy traveling aboard comfortable, stylish cruise ships. Cruise line companies were soon sending guests to picturesque areas all over the world. This enabled people to experience the world like never before, all in luxury.

Worth Reading: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cruise Ship?

Today’s cruise ships are much different than historical passenger lines. They contain a complete array of modern amenities like media rooms, fitness areas, and infinity pools.

Yet if you were to examine a cruise ship’s diagram from its golden years, you would discover the same terminology used to describe various areas.

Common Terminology: Words That Have Stuck Around

Here are common words that are still used today to describe cruise ships. Becoming familiar with them will help you effectively navigate the expansive ship.

• Aft: Close to the ship’s stern, found at the back of the ship.
• Bow: The front of the ship.
• Bridge: Usually found in the bow, this is the area where the captain and their crew manage and control the cruise ship.
• Cabin: A private stateroom that’s like a smaller version of a hotel room.
• Deck: Cruise ships are arranged in various levels including upper decks, middle decks, and lower decks.
• Galley: The kitchen.
• Hull: The main body of the ship.
• Lido deck: A commonly used phrase indicating the location of the pool and additional amenities like bars, restaurants, and fitness centers.
• Midship: The middle of the cruise ship.
• Port: The left side of the cruise ship when facing the bow.
• Starboard: The right side of the cruise ship when facing the bow.
• Stern: The extreme back end of the ship.

If you have ever wondered where these terms originated, some go back to the early days. Many of them were used when sailors required a steering oar to be able to control the vessel. Since most were right-handed, steering oars were placed over or through the right side of the stern.

The right side became known as the starboard (steering side), which combines “steor” (steer) and “bord,” meaning the side of the boat.

Cruise Ship Sizes

Cruise ships take people to desirable places around the globe, ranging from the romantic to the dramatic. But not all cruise lines provide the same experience.

The size of a ship can impact the type of adventure. Here are the various sizes and what to expect:

• Large – This size of ship carries over 3,500 passengers. It features a variety of entertainment and restaurants. Large ships stop at popular ports all over the world. They are unable to fit into smaller, hidden harbors, so passengers can only go to more popular destinations.
• Medium – Medium-sized ships carry 800-2,500 passengers at a time. They provide a mix of well-traveled ports and unique ones. Since these cruise ships carry over 1,000 passengers, the ambiance is similar to that of larger ships.
• Small – Small vessels carry no more than 350 guests. They are great for those who are interested in exploring hidden areas and remote islands where only smaller cruise ships can dock. These cruise ships offer a less crowded and intimate experience than larger vessels.

Spaces on a Cruise Ship

There are three types of spaces on a cruise ship. They include:

• Public Space – This includes all areas where guests can enjoy themselves, like the fitness center, pool, restaurants, and the library.
• Crew Space – A private area designated for cruise ship crew members and staff like housekeepers, the captain, and chefs. Crew members reside on the lower deck with staff inhabiting the upper. The captain and officers reside in private staterooms located close to the bridge.
• Stateroom – This is a guest’s private space. It is where you relax, sleep, and prepare for daily activities. The rooms will vary depending on the cruise line. They can be minimalistic or spacious in design.

Additional Terminology

The previously discussed terms were just a part of the basic terms used for navigation and the cruise ship’s areas. When it comes to a cruise line, there are other words that are commonly used to describe items or areas onboard.

Cabin Types

There are three distinctive types of staterooms. They include inside rooms, suites, and oceanview rooms. Guests can expect the basics, including bathrooms, closets, phones, televisions, and a bed. Yet each cabin type provides a different experience that should be considered.

• Suites: These passenger cabins provide seating areas along with multiple rooms for larger families or groups. They offer more space than other cabins. Suites come with perks like plush bathrobes, flowers, and other items, making them more luxurious.
• Inside cabins: Located in the middle of a cruise ship, they do not contain balconies or windows. These are more budget-friendly rooms. They are similarly sized to oceanview rooms and contain similar amenities.
• Oceanview rooms: Also known as outside cabins, oceanview rooms line the cruise ship. They feature balconies or windows and allow natural light to pour into your cabin. Guests can watch the scenery from their room in the comfort of their own designated private space.

Itinerary

Itineraries illustrate your daily schedule, including each port of call or destination throughout your journey as well as days at sea. Sea days are when you are in open waters without any scheduled stops. They are as follows:

• One-way – This journey begins at a certain departure port and finishes at a different one. One-way trips provide additional time to explore several destinations during a single voyage. It may be referred to as “open-jaw sailing.”
• Round trip – This journey leaves from and returns to the same port. It is ideal for those who can drive to their departure port and would like to avoid traveling by air.

Shore Excursion

Shore excursions are organized activities available at each port. They can be booked in advance through your cruise line. While you can explore the ports by yourself, taking tours can provide a memorable experience and be a great way to become immersed in nature, history, or culture.

Final Thoughts

While many people don’t see the value in it, it is wise to know the parts of a cruise ship. In general, individuals cannot recall where the starboard, port, or stern is located. This is common lingo aboard a cruise ship.

Read Also: What Is a Lido Deck? It’s More Than You Think!

Becoming familiar with what different terms mean will allow you to easily locate areas on the cruise ship and find essentials. Acclimating yourself to your environment is never a bad thing.

Whether you are a seasoned cruise planner who’s been around the world or you are planning a cruise for the first time, there are always things to be learned.

Many details go into cruise planning. If you aren’t aware of them, you can get caught off guard. We go through the most common mistakes people make and let you know how to avoid them.

Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Cruise

Mistakes happen innocently enough. Sometimes, it is due to inexperience. If this is your first cruise trip, you may not know what to expect or how to go about navigating all the details.

You may not know someone who can guide you through the process to help you make the best decision or to inform you of what pitfalls to avoid.

Even the most experienced travelers still make mistakes. Sometimes, details are forgotten, things are left behind, or items are overlooked. Whether this is your first cruise or your thirtieth, we go over what some of the most common mistakes are, how to avoid them, and how to fix them, if possible.

Selecting the Wrong Cruise Ship

There are over 350 cruise ships and counting for you to choose from each season. It can be overwhelming to find one that is perfect for you and your cruise itinerary.

Cruise ships aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of experience. Before you begin planning your cruise, consider what you want in a cruise ship and what your expectations are.

For example, a young couple on their honeymoon may not want to be on a family cruise with children running about. They may want something more romantic, secluded, and serene. Noisy children may detract from the romantic experience of sailing on the open seas and watching the sunset with cocktails in hand.

You need to be realistic as to what type of experience you are looking for. With so much variety, there are cruise lines to suit everyone’s needs, and they are continually expanding to suit their clientele better, including uncovering niche markets.

Booking the Wrong Cabin Type

The staterooms on a cruise ship are different from hotel accommodations. They are smaller in size and are created for efficiency rather than opulence. There are ships that offer larger staterooms with additional space, but they tend to cost more.

If you are new to cruising, think about booking an ocean view stateroom, which would allow you a view of outside in the event you become somewhat claustrophobic.

Cruise lines will outline dimensions for their staterooms directly on their website. Some will post images or allow you to take a virtual tour of the space.

You can select your cabin’s location so you can see how far it is from the stairs or elevator. You should also consider booking cabins that are located near activities that you’ll enjoy.

Cabins located on higher decks and those in the middle tend to cost more. If you book a suite for added space, these may still not be as large as those in hotels.

When booking a room, be sure there is ample room for everyone in your group. This is especially true for families. If you are taking your family, be sure to book early so you can get a large enough room. If you are splitting up cabins, make sure you are all in close proximity.

Not Booking Excursions Prior to Boarding

Excursions are a big part of the fun of being on a cruise. They allow you to explore new destinations, experience the culture, have fun, and even learn something new.

While at a port of call, you need to have a plan of where you want to go. This involves booking shore excursions. These often involve adventure experiences like kayaking, snorkeling, city/historic tours, beach breaks, water-based adventures, food tours, and other fun experiences.

Each cruise line has a list of different activities to participate in while at various ports of call. However, you don’t necessarily need to book with the cruise line. There are other local vendors and third parties that have similar or even better offerings. You’ll probably get a more intimate experience and better pricing this way.

However, this will involve budgeting and planning. If you forget to budget or plan for it, you may end up scrambling for something to do. Therefore, you may not fully enjoy each cruise destination.

Shore excursions, no matter if it is with the cruise line or a third party, should be booked prior to the trip. Waiting too long may mean that you miss out on an experience of a lifetime. The most popular excursions tend to sell out quickly. 

You don’t have to book at each cruise port of call, though. You may want to take a self-guided tour, visit a local beach, or relax on the cruise ship.

Waiting Too Long to Make Entertainment/Dining Reservations

Modern cruise lines offer Broadway-caliber shows. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience, containing specialty dining and a variety of other amenities. However, don’t think that just because a cruise line has a lot of great options for dining that you can easily get in.

For larger ships, cruisers will need reservations for some onboard activities and entertainment. There are also dining facilities that quickly book up. Always plan ahead wherever you can so that you don’t miss out.

Many times, reservations can be booked pre-cruise. Depending on which line you are booking with, reservations can often be made 90-120 days prior to boarding.

Worth Reading: Best Entertainment Options Onboard Cruise Ships

Keep in mind that prime times for dining and popular showtimes book up quickly. It is suggested that individuals reserve these times as soon as they are available using the online planner.

This not only goes for entertainment and food but for drinks as well. Purchasing a drink package beforehand may save you money prior to going on your cruise. Even some attractions may require reservations. It is always advisable to be proactive in your planning as much as possible.

Not Knowing What Is Included with Your Cruise

Cruises can offer amazing value for your money. One cruise fare set can provide access to a variety of dining venues, entertainment, fun, and onboard activities. However, you must consider that not everything is included in the price.

Contemporary cruise lines will include a small number of beverages and most dining venues. However, you will need to note that cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International don’t include lattes, soft drinks, or any alcohol in their fares.

There are specialty dining restaurants that have an extra cost on some cruise ships. If you eat at some of these locations, expect to pay extra.

While many amenities are free of cost, not all of them may be included. Most cruises offer water slides, sports courts, mini-golf, rope courses, and outdoor activities at no additional cost. However, if you want to go on a 3D ride simulator, go bowling, or ride go-karts, there is an additional cost involved.

Spa treatments and thermal suites have fees as well. Signature productions will also cost extra.

Therefore, knowing what is and is not covered in your fee is important. It allows you to plan for activities that are included and budget extra for things you may want to partake in.

There is nothing more disappointing than wanting to do an activity only to discover that you don’t have the money for it after thinking it was included.

Always be sure that you are well-acquainted with what is covered in the original costs. This way, you will never be disappointed.

Forgetting the Online Check-In

While preparing for the cruise, always remember to check in at home. It only takes a few minutes of your time to complete, and it’s easy.

Each cruise line tends to have a smartphone app that allows you to complete the check-in. The paperwork needs to be done up to three days prior to embarkation.

Basic information regarding your traveling party needs to be established, along with an account for any onboard spending. This process assigns you boarding times to regulate the passenger flow upon getting on board the cruise ship.

By completing this step ahead of time, you can avoid the obstacles that happen if you show up without completing it, making for an easier, more streamlined experience.

Not Planning to Arrive a Day Prior to Embarkation

Many people consider taking the first day’s flight the morning of the cruise. It makes sense in a practical way and in terms of budgeting. However, the largest mistake passengers commonly make is not properly arranging transportation to and from your cruise ship.

This is especially true if you are flying from a place where weather may affect your travel plans.

Most experts urge people to fly to the embarkation port a day prior to the cruise and book a hotel stay. The advantage is that you will not be rushing about during the day you are to leave. It also eliminates any chance of missing the ship due to disruptions in travel.

If you have ever traveled, you know that you have to expect delays. While we hope there are nothing more than minor blips, sometimes the trips will be rerouted or experience hour-long time gaps. As frustrating as that is, you need to plan for this possibility. Therefore, it is advised to leave early.

This way, even if there are delays, it won’t disrupt your whole trip. You will still reach the ship in plenty of time.

While on paper it may appear wasteful to rent a room for a night, would you rather spend the extra and arrive on time, or be out the money for the cruise ship because you missed it? Cruise ships have a schedule to keep, so they will leave without you.

Also Read: Tips to Embarking a Cruise Ship

When leaving the ship, do not book morning flights. Cruise ships are cleared between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. You will need to plan for an hour to get off the ship, plan for time to travel to the airport, and go through security.

These are just the basics when planning a cruise. They are the things that, in the back of our minds, we recognize but may forget about.

There are things that people may not know about, and these tips will come in handy as you plan for your trip. This opportunity should be enjoyable and be flawlessly executed for maximum enjoyment.