WHY DOES A CRUISE SHIP BLOW ITS HORN?

When someone is on their first cruise, they can be often startled by a sudden, deep horn blast. They usually assume something has gone wrong. In almost every case, it’s actually routine.

COLREGS GOVERN WHEN SHIPS MUST SOUND THE HORN

Ship horns exist primarily as a safety and communication tool, governed by an international rulebook called COLREGS. Ships must sound specific signals in reduced visibility and when maneuvering in ways that could affect nearby vessels. These various protocols in place for the ships safety help ensure a smooth passage.

DIFFERENT BLASTS SIGNAL DIFFERENT THINGS

A single long blast typically signals departure from port. Different combinations of short and long blasts communicate specific maneuvers to other ships and harbor traffic control. Cruise ships are not the only ships who do this. In Norfolk, Virginia, we have a ferry that takes us to another city. As it backs out of port, it gives one long blast, then three short blasts. This tells other ships it is backing up and entering the river. Much like a construction or semi truck may give beeps when it backs up.

SOME LINES TURN THE HORN INTO A SIGNATURE MOMENT

Many cruise lines have their own recognizable horn tune, most famously Disney Cruise Line’s ships, which play a few bars of “When You Wish Upon a Star” on departure. Captains often sound a farewell blast partly for tradition. Many cruise travelers go to the top deck to see the city departing and the open waters ahead of them. It is an exciting day to embark upon your cruise.

Weather can also trigger horn use mid-sailing too. In fog or heavy rain, ships sound signals at regular intervals, which is why clients sometimes hear the horn in the middle of the night on open water. Hearing it is almost always a sign the crew is following procedure exactly as they should. I remember when we had heavy fog in Alaska, the ship’s captain came on to walk us through what the sounds meant. We felt very comfortable the entire time.

The Answer to the Question:

The answer is that cruise ship horns are required by international maritime law for safety, signaling departures, tight maneuvers, and reduced visibility conditions like fog, and many lines also use a horn as a signature departure tradition rather than a warning that something is wrong. We hope you enjoy the benefits of travel on your next trip and the many more to come!

Additional Resources:

Curious about another cruise detail worth knowing? Read “Why Is Travel So Important“. Ready for a luxury cruise to whisk you away? Reach out to us and let us make your travel desires come to life.