Whether it is a once-in-a-lifetime oceangoing getaway or a preferred escape whenever you need a break, a cruise vacation can be a relaxing, memorable way to travel. But what about when that travel that was so carefully planned and so longingly anticipated is dramatically altered?

Many different circumstances could disrupt a cruise vacation, but being prepared for possible changes can help every traveler enjoy each moment of their vacation, no matter what uncertainties may exist when they set sail.

What Could Disrupt a Cruise?

There are many different ways cruise travel could be disrupted, from simple delays or small itinerary changes such as changing the days certain ports are visited to much more aggravating changes, like a completely altered itinerary, a ship change, or more.

Port times might be shortened, canceling some popular shore excursions, or long lines could delay activities. Crew shortages or illnesses could cancel activities or entertainment options, supply chain delays could result in fewer food and beverage options, or local conflicts or civil disturbances could result in port cancelations.

Mechanical problems could also disrupt vacation plans, particularly propulsion issues that may change itineraries. Problems onboard might also close favorite restaurants, cancel production shows, close pools, or otherwise change what travelers may have expected during their cruise.

Larger events, such as global pandemics or disease outbreaks may result in onboard protocol changes or quarantines, or severe weather such a hurricanes could damage ports or docks, changing cruise routes completely, sometimes for months until repairs can be completed.

With so many things that might go wrong on a cruise, how can travelers be prepared to enjoy their vacation no matter what happens?

Setting Minimum Expectations

When planning a cruise in uncertain times, it is critical to be certain of the minimum expectations for the getaway. If a certain type of food, specific port of call, or one production show is really critical to the cruise experience, it is best to plan the vacation just to enjoy that one special element.

This may mean researching dining options onboard different vessels, booking the vacation when the weather is least likely to cause disruptions, or asking recent cruisers about their experience to be sure of current conditions.

Simplifying expectations does not mean giving up on everything that makes a cruise extraordinary, but prioritizing the most important experiences. In this way, travelers can take steps to protect the most highly anticipated experiences, so no matter what happens, the cruise will still be fun and memorable.

Control What You Can Control

While there are many circumstances out of cruisers’ control, being in charge of those circumstances that are controllable will help travelers feel more comfortable with cruise vacation plans.

For example, travelers cannot control whether a flight to the embarkation port may be delayed or canceled, but they can choose to fly in to the destination the day before, just in case of disruptions.

Similarly, no cruise passenger can control whether a hurricane may head for their favorite Caribbean port of call, but the Atlantic hurricane season only runs from June through November. Planning a cruise in February or March will visit the same amazing destinations, but without risk of tropical storms or hurricanes.

Travelers can also minimize the impact of disruptions by carefully researching cruise lines and choosing the line that will best meet their expectations.

Want to spend late nights in the casino? Don’t book with Disney Cruise Line or river cruises, as their ships don’t have casinos.

Interested in seeing different comedians? Carnival Cruise Line’s dedicated Punchliner Comedy Club is the best option.

Want more adventurous activities? Royal Caribbean International is the way to go with skydiving experiences, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and more right on board.

Researching different features, including the availability of children’s programs, the variety of specialty dining restaurants, or the types of shows onboard can also help travelers choose a cruise line or specific ship that will offer just the vacation they want most.

Looking a little deeper into the cruise line will also help travelers be prepared for the best vacation. Perhaps the perfect cruise line and ship just doesn’t serve a traveler’s favorite soft drinks or have their favorite snacks on board.

First, consider whether those drinks or treats are really necessary – with many bars and food options available all day long, familiar favorites may not even be missed.

If those treats are essential, however, considering bringing a case of soda or a few packs of snacks onboard (research the cruise line’s policies first, as different lines have different guidelines for bringing food or beverages onboard).

Finally, once a cruise is booked, set up necessary experiences right away. This might mean booking critical shore tours as soon as possible to reserve space, as popular tours often sell out even before the ship sets sail.

Spa appointments for massages and other pampering treatments can also fill up quickly, as can reservations for specialty restaurants, especially on formal nights or elegant evenings.

By making plans quickly, travelers can confirm reservations and won’t miss out on the experiences they are most looking forward to having on the cruise.

Plan for Uncertainty

Even with careful advance planning, disruptions can still happen on any cruise. It can be difficult to prepare for the unknown, but there are ways to create extra options in case of challenges.

For example, packing along games and entertainment, such as a portable DVD player, travel games (electronic or otherwise), a deck of cards, books, or toys can help travelers relax if there aren’t as many appealing activities on board.

This might happen if a port is canceled, or if poor weather might mean poolside activities are on hold. While cruise ship crews will certainly try to add more activities to the daily schedule, the new options may not be as appealing, or travelers may simply prefer some personal quiet time.

Likewise, it is always a good idea to plan for extreme conditions, such as being held up on the return home. This might happen if a ship were to have propulsion issues or become stranded, or if local conditions delay return flights or other travel plans. Having extra essential medications or an extra outfit or two on hand will help make any unexpected added days less stressful.

To be sure any arrangements at home can handle an unexpected delay, pack along contact information for family members, pet sitters, doctors, schools, and employers. This would allow stranded or delayed travelers to inform others of the hold up, so alternative arrangements or extensions can be made if necessary.

Ask for Help

When unexpected conditions happen on a cruise, travelers should always ask for help to resolve the situation. A travel agent can offer invaluable assistance and expert advice on all sorts of unusual situations.

Once onboard, asking crew members for assistance can be amazingly helpful.

Twist an ankle on the stairs, but don’t need medical attention? A crew member might be able to find a cane for easier walking.

Forget to bring along earplugs for quieter sleep? The engineering team has many of them and can likely spare a pair or two.

Forgot to report a food allergy? An attentive server on the dining team can help find safe and delicious dishes to enjoy.

Missed out on booking a dream shore excursion? The shore tour team can put travelers on a waiting list.

The guest services team on board can also be effective at solving all sorts of problems, from irregularities with shipboard accounts to maintenance issues in staterooms to tech issues with the cruise line’s onboard apps.

Whatever the issue, asking for help can result in solutions travelers may never have thought possible. The goal is always to have an enjoyable cruise vacation, and crew members onboard will always try to resolve problems and exceed expectations so travelers have a memorable vacation.

Consider Insurance

In very uncertain times, particularly when larger issues such as international conflicts, disease outbreaks, or personal challenges like medical conditions or family issues may disrupt a cruise, it is especially important to consider travel insurance.

Choose a policy carefully, and read the terms and conditions to understand what situations are covered, how much the policy may pay for, and how payment will work, whether it is upfront coverage or reimbursement.

While traveling, all important insurance documentation should be available, including contact numbers for different situations, including how to arrange assistance, whom to call for reimbursement, and what paperwork, receipts, or other information may be necessary for a successful claim.

Working through an experienced cruise travel agent can be very helpful for choosing the appropriate insurance policy for a cruise, particularly if the sailing will visit a wide variety of ports where procedures could be very different than expected.

Always Be Flexible

Now, more than ever before in the cruise travel industry, it is critical for cruisers to be flexible with their travel plans and cruise expectations. There is great uncertainty in different ports of call, and cruise lines have a number of unprecedented struggles both behind the scenes as well as visible to guests.

From supply chain disruptions to crew staffing shortages to changing port protocols to delays in refits, dry docks, and new vessel deliveries, cruise lines are coping with these uncertain times as best they can, and doing everything possible to continue making memorable vacations for passengers.

Cruise travelers should be equally diligent about planning for their cruise to be adaptable to different situations and still make the most of every moment of their oceangoing vacation. While these may indeed be uncertain times, what is certain is that every cruise can still be an enjoyable, amazing vacation.

Without a cruise ship engine, these vessels would be nothing more than a floating hotel. They would drift aimlessly at sea and would lack any form of propulsion. Looking at the sheer size of these vessels makes one wonder how large an engine needs to be to maneuver the ship successfully in water.

Older cruise ships may still use a diesel reciprocating engine to generate enough power to move them. Power is supplied to the ship through a transmission going to a propeller shaft. The transmission determines the revolution of the propellers.

Modern cruise ships use gas turbines or diesel-electric engines for their power source for propulsion. They also provide power for the ship’s systems as well. Many of the larger vessels depend on two sources of power: propulsion and electrical power.

How Does a Cruise Ship’s Engine Work?

Diesel engines are the most traditional type of cruise ship engine. In this engine, diesel fuels its crankshaft and pistons. These attach to a propeller, which advances the ship.

Gas turbine engines create heat that transforms mechanical energy into electricity. To achieve this reaction, compressed air fires into a combustion chamber. Hot exhaust is forced over a turbine, which spins to mechanically drive the shaft. Power can then be used to spin generators.

It works the same way in diesel-electric engines. This type of engine provides enough electricity to move the ship’s propellers and power the cruise ship’s appliances, lights, air conditioning, etc. Most ships will contain several engines connected to their generator.

These engines are very efficient, independent of speed. However, a direct drive system is used as opposed to a turbine. Output shafts are used to generate electrical power and are connected to the generators.

Both engines require a great deal of fuel. Larger vessels can consume about 250 tons of fuel daily. This is the equivalent of 80,000 gallons of fuel each day. Medium-sized ships will require 150 tons per day and as size decreases, fuel consumption does as well.

Worth Reading: How Big is a Cruise Ship?

A general rule of thumb is that the larger the vessel is, the more power is required for movement. This comes from fuel and engines.

Passengers will never see the magnitude of a cruise ship’s engine. Cruise ships require the heaviest weight to be placed at the lowest possible point. Therefore, engines are found close to the bottom of the ship. Since engines power ships through water, they can be quite large for mega ships.

How Big Is a Cruise Ship Engine?

A modern cruise ship doesn’t contain just a single engine. Cruise ships like the Oasis-class (Royal Caribbean) contain six engines, while many others have only four. Engine rooms are very large and can span several decks. Space is needed not just for engines, but for fuel tanks, generators, engine workshops, and the control room.

The number of engines range from five to six, and the power rating for each one is between 9-15 megawatts.

Since they are so large, they are placed in a separate compartment found in the cruise ship’s machinery space. This is known as the DG room. Modern passenger ships contain two DG rooms, which are forward and aft. They are separated by watertight bulkheads.

Each DG room contains its own independent fuel, air, lubrication, and cooling water supply systems. This is for the safety of the ship and for redundancy. It’s insurance for any emergencies like flooding and fire that can occur.

The largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, utilizes six marine-diesel sets, with each composed of three 16-cylinder Wartsila engines.

What Engines Are Used in Larger Ships?

Modern, larger cruise ships use two or three stroke, low speed, crosshead, or medium speed engines. Engines operating at higher speeds tend to be found on smaller vessels. Determining the type of engine that is installed on a new cruise ship involves examining the engine’s size.

When it comes to cruise ships, the typical engine is a two 16-cylinder Wartsila 16V 46D which is a common rail engine. They also use three 12-cylinder Wartsila 12V 46D engines to power the ship. Each one of these produces about 19,480 kw of water.

Where Are Engines Located?

In newer cruise ships, engines are found on the lower decks toward the aft. They are not completely to the back of the boat but are found in the mid-aft.

Independent of a cruise ship’s size, engines are extremely loud. Engineers compensate for the noise by incorporating sound reduction technology. They also keep the engine room well-insulated.

Insulation serves a dual purpose. It keeps out noise and reduces the heat generated by fully operating engines. It prevents this heat from escaping to adjacent decks. If it were to escape, guests would be extremely uncomfortable. The design is meant to contain this. 

To get an idea of how loud an engine is, it can have a range that exceeds 173 decibels. It is so loud that it is in the range where damage to hearing can quickly occur. However, thanks to proper insulation methods, they don’t appear to be that loud. 

How Much Power Is Needed for a Cruise Ship?

These massive vessels can consume power up to about 50,000 horsepower. One horsepower on these ships equals 746 watts. Engines are designed to move large propellers or produce enough diverted electricity to drive the propellers.

While cruise ships can move upwards of 34.5 miles per hour (30 knots), most will only travel at 23 miles per hour (20 knots). There are various reasons for speed variations which are outlined in detail in this article. 

With So Many Engines, Is It Possible to Experience Engine Failure?

Due to high specifications and standards, it is rare for a cruise ship to experience engine failure. The International Maritime Organization has a “Safe Return to Port” initiative.

This covers every ship constructed after 2010. It requires full redundancies, which include two engine rooms. If the main engine should ever fail, power to electrical services should still run.

Engine failure can occur, though, in the ship’s main engines, which are responsible for moving the ship. Improper maintenance, mechanical issues, and human error can all be factors in causing engine failure.

What Happens if This Occurs?

If it does happen, the captain consults the chief engineer to diagnose the cause of the malfunction. They will assess the severity and determine whether it is fixable. Modern cruise ships don’t rely on a simple diesel engine.

There are up to six engines in operation. It will be up to the captain and the chief engineer to determine if the vessel can continue if one of their engines isn’t working properly. If the captain feels the cruise ship will not be able to function, they will consider other options. This may involve sending signals for assistance while at sea.

If the waters are calm, cruise ships are safely towed to a nearby shore. In rougher seas, other options may need to be considered for the safety of those on board.

Abandoning the ship is only done as a last resort because moving guests from one ship to another over open sea can be dangerous. This is especially true if it is done in bad weather. This is the same if passengers are instructed to go into lifeboats.

It is up to the captain to determine the best option. Generally, the safest place to be is your current location at sea. The ship is seen as the lifeboat. The cruise industry guidelines comment that the safest method to returning large numbers of guests to a port is by using the ship itself.

Are Passengers Safe if There Is Engine Failure?

Most of the time, passengers are fully safe. The No. 1 priority of all cruise lines is to keep all their guests completely safe. If the unexpected happens, know that the cruise ship has backup plans. A well-trained crew knows how to properly handle the situation so you are in safe hands.

Generally, engine failure only generates a brief interruption before it’s fixed. In other instances, it may just slow the speed of the vessel. Cruise lines will never jeopardize the safety of guests nor put them at risk if the cruise ship is unsuitable for sailing.

In the event of an emergency, guests can be proactive by paying attention to the mandatory safety exercise.

This is where crews demonstrate how to safely use life jackets and outline a designated meeting point in the event of an emergency. Be sure you know where your life jacket is in your cabin in the event you should ever require one.

Generally, cruise ship engines run a long time before experiencing any difficulties. Regular maintenance by the chief engineer is conducted to make sure that they are running in top condition and to prevent any mishaps while at sea.

When we examine the sheer size of mega-ships, the fact that engines and engine rooms are built so large is understandable.

It takes numerous engines to move something that is so massive in size and weight. Combine that with the horsepower required to make it move, and you also appreciate the cruise ship’s knots.

Going aboard a cruise ship is a leisurely experience. They do not travel fast like motorboats, for example. These ships contain massive amounts of steel and other components, which contribute to its overall weight. It requires anywhere between five-to-six engines for it to function.

Read Also: How Long Does It Take to Build a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship engines are always kept in top functioning order. This is to ensure the safety of the guests. If one goes down, this is not a major concern as there are four to five others that can compensate. The ship may move slower, but passengers will safely return to port.

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).

Worth Reading: Ocean Liner vs Cruise Ship – What are the Differences?

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.