Upon the vast, open ocean, aboard a majestic cruise liner, there’s an unspoken rule that might catch first-time cruisers off guard.
This unwritten clause in the cruising handbook, as discovered by one particular passenger, is an unexpected taboo related to the world’s most infamous maritime disaster: the Titanic.
A Passenger’s Unforeseen Revelation
Marc Sebastian, a TikTok user who boarded Royal Caribbean’s nine-month-long cruise, made an unexpected discovery during his voyage.
The unspoken rule? Never mention the ‘T’ word. Yes, you guessed it, Titanic. The mere mention of the ill-fated ship could cause quite the stir among fellow passengers and crew members.
Sebastian, who only intended to experience the South America-Antarctica leg of the journey, shared his insights about cruise life with his followers.
However, one revelation stood out, causing a ripple effect in the TikTok community.
The Titanic Taboo
Sebastian casually mentioned the Titanic during a lunch conversation, comparing the size of their modern ship with the iconic vessel.
The reaction he received was nothing short of theatrical. Utensils clanged onto plates, waiters gasped, and a dead silence filled the room.
A friend soon leaned over and whispered the unspoken rule into Sebastian’s ear: “You’re not allowed to talk about the Titanic.”
“I brought up to an entire room of people having lunch that our ship is only 100 feet longer than the Titanic. When I tell you that, utensils dropped okay. Waiters gasped dead silent.” – Marc Sebastian
Sebastian was taken aback.
This rule wasn’t mentioned in any handbook he received. His revelation struck a chord with his followers, leading to a lively discussion on the topic. Some found the rule amusing, while others thought it would spoil their cruising experience.
Cruise Ship Superstitions
This unexpected rule isn’t isolated to Sebastian’s cruise alone. It’s rooted in the long-standing maritime superstitions that sailors have abided by for centuries.
Terms like ‘drown’, ‘good luck’, and ‘goodbye’ are traditionally seen as bad omens and are often avoided. The Titanic, being a symbol of one of the gravest maritime disasters, naturally fits into this category.
Cruise Traditions: The Godmother
Sebastian’s TikTok journey didn’t just reveal the unspoken Titanic taboo. He also discussed other interesting traditions observed on cruise ships.
One of them is the concept of a ‘Godmother’ for the ship.
This honorific title is bestowed upon a chosen individual who is said to bring good luck and protection to the vessel.
On Sebastian’s cruise, the celebrity Godmother was none other than the renowned Whoopi Goldberg.
During the ship’s launch and naming ceremony, the Godmother traditionally blesses and names the vessel, often smashing a bottle of champagne against the hull.
In modern times, this is usually done via a button, considering the colossal size of today’s cruise ships.
Fun and Games: Ducking
Another modern tradition that keeps cruise life interesting is ‘ducking’.
This charming game involves passengers hiding rubber ducks around the ship for others to find.
According to Sebastian, duck hunting can get quite intense, with people going crazy about finding these hidden treasures.
It’s just one of the many ways passengers keep themselves entertained during long voyages.
While Marc Sebastian’s revelation about the Titanic taboo might have taken many by surprise, it’s just one facet of the rich tapestry of traditions and superstitions that make cruise life so unique.
From the Godmother’s blessing to the amusing game of ducking, the cruise experience is about more than just enjoying the open sea and stunning views.
It’s about becoming part of a community, with its own unique customs and unspoken rules.
And as for the Titanic taboo, it’s a stark reminder of the respect seafarers have for the ocean’s unpredictable nature.
So next time you’re about to embark on a cruise, remember, there’s one word you may want to leave on shore.