Cruising Myths And Superstitions

Cruising is a fascinating form of travel which dates back a long way, and is steeped in history and tradition. As a result, it has a multitude of myths and superstitions surrounding it. Here’s a few of the more bizarre and unusual to ponder ahead of your next cruise!

*Black luggage is regarded as bad luck for a seafarer, as black is the colour of death.

*Seafarers are advised to avoid people with red hair when heading for the ship to begin a journey, as redheads are thought to bring bad luck to a ship. The danger can be averted, however, by speaking to them before they speak to you.

*Also avoid flat-footed people when beginning a trip by sea. Like redheads, however, you can avert the danger by speaking to them first. 

*It is bad luck to step onto a boat using your left foot first. 

*Pouring wine on a deck will bring good luck before starting a long voyage, as it is regarded as an offering to the gods.

*Never look back once your ship has left port as this can bring it bad luck. 

*Cutting hair or nails at sea is said to bring bad luck, as they were used as offerings to Proserpina, and will make Neptune jealous!

*Never say the word “drowned” at sea as it will bring bad luck.

*It is bad luck to throw stones into the sea as it is disrespectful and will cause big waves and storms. 

*If you throw a stone overboard when a ship is heading out to sea, she will never return. 

*Flowers are believed by some to be unlucky onboard a ship, as they could be used to make a funeral wreath. They indicate that someone will die on the voyage.

*A stolen piece of wood built into the keel will make a ship sail faster.

*A silver coin placed under the masthead when the ship is being built will ensure she has a successful voyage.

*Handing someone a flag through the rungs of a ladder is believed to be unlucky.

*Repairing a flag on the quarterdeck is also said to bring bad luck.

*Church Bells heard on ship mean someone will die on board.

*Black cats are considered good luck for seafarers, and will bring a sailor home safely from the high seas. 

*Swallows spotted at sea are a good omen, as they are a land-based bird, and imply that land and safety are near.

*Dolphins swimming with a ship are a sign of good luck, as they are considered a sacred friend of seafarers and offer protection.

*It is unlucky to kill an albatross or a gull as they are believed to host the souls of dead sailors, and are an omen of bad luck at sea.

*A shark following the ship is a sign of death. 

*A sailor who died from violence or was lost at sea was said to go to “Davy Jones’ Locker”.

*A sailor with over 50 years of service goes to “Fiddler’s Green” when he dies.