Ten curiosities about cruise ships, hotels on the water

They sail the world's seas while thousands of passengers relax by the pool, waiting to visit the next European city of art or small Caribbean island. The latest generation of cruise ships are veritable hotels on the water, equipped with every comfort. They allow those with limited time to visit multiple destinations without having to worry about transportation, and for this very reason, in 2024 they were chosen for their holidays by 34.6 million people (data from the Cruise Liners International Association ) of all ages and nationalities, heading to very diverse destinations (including expedition cruises to the Arctic and the Galapagos), as long as they are close to a port. Italy , in the Mediterranean, is the country with the highest number of passengers welcomed ; according to data from the annual Cemar Agency Network report, in 2024 there were 13.8 million, of which 3.5 million in Civitavecchia and 1.7 million in Genoa. Statista estimates predict that total cruise revenue will exceed €39 billion in 2025, over 2% of global tourism. The numbers are astronomical, the itineraries increasingly creative, and the ships increasingly larger and more technologically advanced. But how do they work? Who works on board, and what happens in times of emergency? Here are ten interesting facts about cruises.

The work of each crew member is crucial, especially given that the number of passengers, today often around 5,000, exceeds the number of inhabitants of 70% of Italian municipalities. In place of the mayor, the captain governs the ship in every sense of the word. In addition to approving navigation plans and supervising maneuvers , he or she is the figure of highest authority on board. In certain cases, he or she can even arrest a passenger or crew member, because every decision he or she makes is aimed at ensuring the safety of the personnel and passengers for whom he or she is responsible. The chain of command is then made up of officers and cadets, who participate in deciding routes, maintenance, and the ship's safety, while pilots and helmsmen maneuver the vessel during docking and navigation. Engineers and mechanics, under the Chief Engineer, are responsible for the ship's technical operation. The rest of the crew is dedicated to guest services: from cabin cleaning and catering to entertainment activities, shows, and all support services. The crew of a modern cruise ship can exceed 2,000 people , who live on board for several months at a time and work in shifts to ensure 24-hour service. For this reason, ships are equipped with dedicated decks with dining areas, bars, and recreation areas. These are less luxurious than those reserved for tourists, but essential for a bit of rest between shifts. Many companies even allow working couples to board the same ship and live together.

Modern cruise ships are giants of the sea, with displacements exceeding 200,000 tons. The hull, bulkheads, and deck structures are made of steel , capable of withstanding impacts and waves on the high seas. Interior linings are made of various materials, such as aluminum, wood, and composite materials (such as resins). The glass of the windows and panoramic windows is treated to resist water impacts in storms and temperature changes. Everything on board, including textiles, must comply with the fire safety regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Propelling the ship, at speeds exceeding 20 knots, are gigantic traditional or dual-fuel (diesel and LNG) diesel engines , but not directly. These engines generate electricity that is used both to run all the onboard electronics (navigation instruments, but also washing machines, refrigerators, pool pumps, lights, etc.) and to power the propellers. In recent years, hybrid and innovative propulsion systems have also become widespread, such as the one based on hydrogen cells still in the experimental phase, in an attempt to reduce environmental impact.

Cruises as we know them today originated in the 1950s and 1960s when, to avoid bankruptcy following the spread of airliners, some of the shipping companies known for their ultra-luxury ocean liners carrying passengers to and from America began offering leisure trips, mostly for the elite. The ships were smaller, carrying an average of about 1,000 passengers, and offered fewer amenities than today's. Voyages were long and relaxing, with gala dinners in tuxedos and small classical music concerts common. Then, in the 1980s, ships began to grow in size, and entertainment options exploded: shows, pools with slides, and mini-clubs for children arrived. Some ships today have go-kart tracks, ice rinks , Formula 1 simulators, skywalks with harnesses, carousels, and musicals. Passenger numbers increased, prices became more affordable, and the ships, naturally, grew larger. Today, on average, they carry 3,500-5,000 passengers and are over 200 meters long , but there are also much larger ones. With a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, the record belongs to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas , which is 365 meters long and has a gross tonnage of 248,663 tons.