One Word 'Banned' on Cruise Ships, According to Passenger Who Said It

Marc Sebastian, a passenger on Royal Caribbean's nine-month Ultimate World Cruise, learned this unwritten rule firsthand. During a meal, he mentioned that their ship was only 100 feet longer than the Titanic. This remark led to an immediate and uncomfortable silence among fellow diners, with utensils dropping and waitstaff gasping. A friend later informed him that discussing the Titanic aboard a cruise ship is generally avoided, as it's considered bad luck and can cause unease among passengers.

The reluctance to mention the Titanic stems from maritime superstitions. Many believe that referencing past maritime disasters, especially the Titanic, invites bad luck. This superstition is akin to the theater tradition of avoiding the name "Macbeth," referring to it instead as "The Scottish Play" to prevent misfortune. Similarly, on cruise ships, avoiding the mention of the Titanic is seen as a way to maintain a positive and safe atmosphere.

Reactions to this unspoken rule vary. Some passengers are surprised, finding the restriction excessive, while others understand the rationale, acknowledging that such discussions can be unsettling. As one commenter noted, mentioning the Titanic on a cruise is "equivalent to screaming 'bomb' at an airport," highlighting the potential anxiety it can cause among those at sea.