How Do They Drive a Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ships are massive vessels that transport thousands of passengers around the world for leisure, and they’re powered by some of the most advanced technology available. So, how do they actually drive a cruise ship?

Well, it all starts with the ship’s engine room.

This is where the main propulsion system is located and it’s responsible for generating enough power to move the enormous vessel through the water. The engines are connected to propellers that create thrust and push the ship forward. Some cruise ships also have additional thrusters located at the bow and stern which can be used to help steer the ship.

Once the power is generated, it’s then sent to an onboard computer system called an Integrated Bridge System (IBS). This system controls all aspects of navigation including directions, speed, and turning. The IBS allows multiple people to operate various functions at once which makes navigating a large cruise ship much easier.

The actual driving of a cruise ship is done by two people – a helmsman and a navigator. The helmsman stands at the wheelhouse or bridge of the ship and uses a steering wheel or joystick to control its direction. The navigator monitors charts, GPS systems, and other navigation instruments to make sure that the vessel stays on course.

In conclusion, driving a cruise ship requires skill, experience and knowledge of maritime rules. It takes years of training for someone to become a qualified captain who can safely pilot such an enormous vessel around ports and through seas. Even with all this technology on board, it still takes careful judgment from experienced personnel in order to get passengers safely from one destination to another.