Imagine setting sail on a nine-month-long cruise, a journey promising relaxation, adventure, and the freedom of the open sea.
This is the reality for Marc Sebastian, a TikToker who joined the South America-Antarctica segment of Royal Caribbean’s extensive voyage. His experiences, shared with his online audience, offer a unique glimpse into life on a cruise ship, including its unexpected rules and traditions.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sebastian’s journey is the revelation of an unspoken rule aboard the cruise ship: the taboo of mentioning the Titanic.
In a recent video, Sebastian recounted an incident where he casually mentioned to fellow diners that their vessel was only 100 feet longer than the infamous ship. The reaction was immediate and dramatic. “Utensils dropped, waiters gasped, dead silent,” he described.
It was later explained to him that discussing the Titanic is frowned upon, a restriction not officially stated in any handbook but deeply ingrained due to the historical context of the Titanic disaster.
This revelation sparked varied reactions online, ranging from disbelief to comparisons with other superstitions, such as the theatrical curse associated with mentioning “Macbeth.”
One commenter even likened speaking of the Titanic on a cruise to “screaming about a bomb at an airport,” highlighting the sensitivity of the subject.
Sebastian’s journey on Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise isn’t just about following a strict set of rules; it’s also about embracing the traditions of the sea.
One such tradition is the concept of ships having ‘Godmothers.’ For their cruise ship, the role is symbolically held by Whoopi Goldberg. Sebastian showcased a framed photo of her onboard, illustrating her importance in bestowing good fortune and protection on the vessel.
According to Cruise Critic, a ship’s godmother traditionally inaugurates the ship’s service by christening it with champagne during the launch and naming ceremony. In modern times, with the size of cruise ships being immense, this act is often performed with the press of a button.
The life on a cruise ship, especially one as long as a nine-month world cruise, is a blend of modern luxury and age-old maritime traditions.
Passengers like Marc Sebastian experience a unique lifestyle, where days are filled with the vastness of the ocean, the camaraderie of fellow travelers, and the adherence to certain maritime customs and superstitions. These experiences offer a break from the bleak winter months or the routine of long, hot summer evenings, providing a chance to explore the world in a way few others can.
For regular cruisers and those new to the experience, the allure of a cruise is not just in the destinations but in the journey itself. From the majestic Suez Canal to the remote Falkland Islands, each segment of the journey offers a new adventure.
A modern marvel akin to a floating town, provides a comfortable and entertaining environment, whether one is looking for a good book to read, a friendly chat at a town hall meeting, or simply a quiet moment to reflect on the vastness of the sea.
Marc Sebastian’s experience on the Royal Caribbean cruise highlights the unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and adherence to maritime traditions that make cruise vacations so appealing. The unspoken rule about not mentioning the Titanic is just one example of the intriguing world that awaits those who choose to embark on these lengthy voyages.
Whether it’s for the entire 274-day trip or just a segment, a cruise offers a chance to step into a world where the rules of land don’t always apply, and the mysteries of the sea are just waiting to be explored.
Watch his full video of what he learned on his journey below.
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@marcsebastianf someone get whoopi on the line girl i have some goss for her #ultimateworldcruise #worldcruise #serenadeoftheseas #cruisetok #cruise #9monthcruise #titanic ♬ original sound – Marc Sebastian
