10 Cruise Ship Traditions: From Steel Cutting to the Maiden Voyage

From the moment the first sheet of steel is cut to the exciting day the first guests step on board, every new cruise ship goes through a series of long-standing maritime traditions. Some are ceremonial, others are essential safety and engineering tests, and a few stem from centuries-old superstition. Together, they mark the transformation of an empty shipyard into a ship ready to cruise the world.

Below, we explore 10 key traditions behind the launch of any new cruise ship, including what a maiden voyage is, what sea trials involve, and what is traditionally smashed against the side of new ships.

1. Steel cutting

Every new cruise ship begins its story with the ceremonial cutting of steel. While it may seem like a simple engineering task, this event symbolises the official start of the ship’s construction. Representatives from the cruise line and shipyard often gather to witness the very first laser-cut piece of metal, marking the launch of what will often be a multi-million-pound project taking two-to-three years to complete.

2. Keel laying and coin ceremony

One of the most significant early milestones is the keel laying. The keel acts much like the backbone of the ship, and lowering it into the dry dock marks the moment the ship begins to take physical shape.

Alongside this step is the coin ceremony. Traditionally, one or more coins are welded beneath or within the ship’s structure for good luck. This practice dates back centuries and remains a beloved superstition in shipbuilding today. Many cruise lines also invite VIPs or long-serving crew to take part in the ceremony.

3. Site visit

As the ship gradually comes to life, cruise line executives, industry partners and media representatives are often invited for exclusive site visits. These tours reveal the ship in its rawest form – exposed beams, unfinished staircases, dangling wiring, and cavernous spaces waiting to become restaurants, theatres, and staterooms. Hard hats and sturdy shoes are a must! These visits generate excitement and allow the cruise line to share behind-the-scenes progress with the public.

4. Float out

The float out is a major turning point in a ship’s journey. This is when the dry dock is flooded for the first time, allowing the ship to come into contact with water. It’s a symbolic event welcomed with celebration and blessings.

It is during the float-out or christening that a bottle of champagne (or similar) is traditionally smashed against the side of new ships. This act is believed to bring good fortune and safe sailing. The practice – one of the most recognisable maritime traditions – can be traced back hundreds of years.

5. Sea trials

Before a ship can welcome passengers, it must prove that it is seaworthy – and that’s where sea trials come in. If you’ve ever wondered what sea trials are, think of them as the maritime equivalent of a test drive.

During sea trials, the Captain and a team of engineers take the ship out to open water to test it thoroughly:

• Manoeuvrability
• Speed and propulsion
• Stability
• Safety systems
• Fuel efficiency
• Noise and vibration levels

These trials are crucial, and the ship cannot be certified for service until it successfully passes all tests. It’s one of the most scrutinised phases in a ship’s construction, involving intense monitoring from both the cruise line and the shipyard.

6. Handover

Once construction is complete and sea trials are passed, the ship is officially handed over from the shipyard to the cruise line. This ceremony sees the shipbuilder’s flag lowered and the cruise line’s flag raised in its place, symbolising the ship’s entry into the fleet. A logbook, similar to the paperwork you receive when buying a new car, is also exchanged during the handover as a formal record of transfer.

7. Shakedown

Before paying guests board, the ship usually hosts a shakedown cruise, sometimes called a preview, test, or pre-inaugural sailing. Travel agents, media representatives, and industry insiders are invited aboard for a short cruise designed to test real-world operations.

Crew members use these sailings to identify and fix any last-minute issues. It’s not uncommon to see finishing touches being added during a shakedown cruise, from freshly laid carpeting to new pieces of artwork being hung.

8. Inaugural voyage

The inaugural voyage is the ship’s first official sailing under the cruise line’s ownership, but does not yet involve paying guests. For many ships built in Germany or Italy, this journey involves repositioning to the region where the ship will begin its first full season, known as the maiden season. 

9. Christening

Often considered the crown jewel of a ship’s launch celebrations, the christening ceremony introduces the ship to the world under her official name. A chosen godmother conducts the ceremony and presses the button that releases the famous bottle of champagne onto the hull.

Though rare, if the bottle fails to break, tradition considers it bad luck – although history shows that ships surviving an unbroken bottle typically go on to long, successful careers at sea.

10. Maiden voyage

Finally, the most anticipated moment arrives: the maiden voyage. If you’ve ever wondered what a maiden voyage is, it refers to the ship’s very first sailing with paying passengers on board. This is the moment guests get to experience the brand-new ship exactly as designed: gleaming décor, new dining concepts, first-of-their-kind entertainment spaces, and a full crew eager to deliver unforgettable service.

A maiden voyage is a bucket-list experience for many cruisers. Guests enjoy the excitement of being first, often receiving commemorative gifts and participating in special events created exclusively for this debut sailing.

Set Sail on Your Own Maiden Voyage with Bolsover Cruise Club

From the first slice of steel to the excitement of a maiden voyage, every new cruise ship is steeped in tradition and ready to deliver unforgettable experiences. Now, it’s your turn to be part of the story.

Book your next cruise with Bolsover Cruise Club and secure your spot on a brand-new ship for a journey you’ll never forget. Whether it’s a luxurious Caribbean escape, a scenic European adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime maiden voyage, contact Bolsover Cruise Club to make it happen.