Do Cruise Ships Have Steering Wheels?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship, you may have wondered how such a massive vessel is controlled and steered through the water. Do cruise ships have steering wheels? The short answer is no, but let’s dive deeper into how these massive ships are operated.

How do Cruise Ships Navigate?

Cruise ships use a combination of advanced technology and skilled crew members to navigate the open sea. The ship’s bridge is where all navigation occurs, and it’s equipped with various systems that allow the crew to safely steer the ship.

What is a Ship’s Wheel?

Before we get into how cruise ships are actually controlled, let’s talk about what a ship’s wheel is. A ship’s wheel, also known as a helm, was traditionally used to steer ships. It consisted of a circular wheel that was turned by hand to change the direction of the ship.

How are Modern Cruise Ships Controlled?

Modern cruise ships use something called a “bridge control system” to steer the ship. This system consists of multiple components that work together to control the ship’s engines and rudder.

The captain and officers on the bridge use joysticks or trackballs to control the movement of the ship. These devices are connected to an electronic system that controls the rudder angle and speed of the engines. The system also includes sensors that provide information about wind speed, water depth, and other important factors that affect navigation.

Other Navigation Equipment

In addition to the bridge control system, modern cruise ships also use other advanced navigation equipment. This includes radar systems that detect other vessels in the area, as well as GPS technology that provides real-time location information.

In Conclusion

So there you have it – while cruise ships don’t have traditional steering wheels like you might see on smaller boats or bygone vessels, they do have advanced systems in place to ensure that they can be safely navigated through the open sea. From joysticks and trackballs to GPS and radar technology, modern cruise ships are marvels of engineering that require skilled crew members and cutting-edge equipment to operate properly.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • Cruise ships do not have traditional steering wheels or helms.
  • Modern cruise ships use a bridge control system consisting of multiple components.
  • The bridge control system is operated by skilled crew members using joysticks or trackballs.
  • Cruise ships also use advanced navigation equipment such as radar and GPS systems.