10 Must-Watch Cruise Ship Documentaries
Cruising has become an increasingly popular way to vacation in recent years, offering travelers a unique and relaxing way to explore different destinations around the world. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a cruise ship?
Or how these massive vessels are built and operated? If so, then cruise ship documentaries might be just what you’re looking for.
In this post, we’ll be discussing 10 of the best cruise ship documentaries available to watch today. From the history of cruising to the day-to-day operations of a modern cruise ship, these documentaries offer a fascinating glimpse into this unique industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, these documentaries are sure to entertain and inform. So sit back, relax, and get ready to set sail on a journey of discovery through the world of cruise ships.
Benefits of watching cruise ship documentaries
Watching cruise ship documentaries can be a great way to gain insight into the fascinating world of cruising. Here are a few benefits of watching these types of documentaries:
- Learn about the history of cruising: Many cruise ship documentaries explore the history of cruising, from the early days of transatlantic travel to the rise of modern cruise lines. By watching these documentaries, you can gain a better understanding of how cruising has evolved over time and how it has become the popular vacation choice that it is today.
- Discover the engineering and design of ships: Modern cruise ships are marvels of engineering and design, and watching documentaries about them can help you appreciate just how much work goes into creating these massive vessels. You’ll learn about everything from the propulsion systems to the onboard amenities and get a behind-the-scenes look at how these ships are built.
- Explore the day-to-day operations of a cruise ship: Cruising is a unique experience, and watching documentaries about life onboard a cruise ship can give you a better understanding of what it’s like to live and work at sea. You’ll learn about the different roles that crew members play, from the captain to the entertainment staff, and get a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of working on a cruise ship.
- Experience the sights and sounds of different destinations: Many cruise ship documentaries focus on the different destinations that cruise ships visit, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to Alaska. By watching these documentaries, you can get a sense of the sights, sounds, and cultures of these different regions and start planning your own cruise itinerary.
By watching cruise ship documentaries, you can gain a better understanding of the cruise industry and the experiences of those who work and travel on cruise ships. So if you’re a fan of cruising or just curious about this unique way of travel, be sure to check out some of the documentaries on our list.
Top 10 Cruise Ship Documentaries
Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of 10 must-watch cruise ship documentaries. Each of these documentaries offers a unique perspective on cruising and is sure to entertain and inform:
1. How Engineers Construct Cruise Ships – cruise ship documentaries
The documentary “How Engineers Construct Cruise Ships shows the construction of the Meraviglia, a cruise ship that required an army of engineers, 300,000 pieces of steel, and six million work hours to build.
The ship was built at the San Jose shipyard in France and was equipped with the latest technology and high-performance simulation calculations. The ship was designed to be eco-friendly and reduce energy consumption by 20% compared to ships in the same category.
The ship also had a strict deadline for completion to avoid penalties for delay. The video shows the different stages of building the ship, including the cutting of metal sheets and the design of the hull and propellers. The ship is one of the most ecological liners ever built and is a giant of the seas, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and a weight of 80,000 tons.
2. CRUISE SHIP Harmony Of The Seas
Documentary about the world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, which can accommodate 8,000 people and cost 1.5 billion euros to build. The ship has a personal butler for guests staying in the suites, and 6 giant diesel engines that run around the clock to propel it forward.
The ship has a shopping mall, bars, restaurants, and shops, and each guest can buy a “wow band” for easy purchases. The ship has super-fast satellite internet coverage and digital signs to help passengers find their way.
The head of the ship’s kitchen has to cater to over 8,000 people every day and needs to pay close attention to logistics to ensure everything is ordered correctly.
The ship travels through the Western Mediterranean Sea and is fully booked with all 2,744 cabins occupied. The ship is controlled by Captain Gus Anderson and has three propulsion nacelles called azipods, which can reach a top speed of about 45 kilometers per hour.
3. Dark Seas: What happens when cruising goes wrong?
The documentary “Dark Seas: What happens when cruising goes wrong?” discusses the dangers of cruising, especially regarding passenger safety and health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show features a panel of experts discussing issues such as high rates of assault and falling overboard, COVID-19 outbreaks on ships, and the need for independent oversight of health protocols.
While the cruising industry has implemented new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some passengers have still contracted the virus due to lax enforcement of rules. Despite its risks, cruising has become a popular vacation industry with over 25 million passengers worldwide.
4. MSC Seaside, Life Onboard One Of The Biggest Cruise Ships
The documentary is about the MSC Seaside, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and what life is like on board. The ship has more than 6,500 people and is home to 2,000 guest rooms and 800 staff cabins.
The ship’s crew must work together to ensure a smooth operation, especially on “turnaround day,” when the ship needs to be transformed for a new set of passengers.
The video explores the ship’s hidden secrets and the hard work that goes into making sure everything runs smoothly, including the i-95 secret crew passage, catering on a massive scale, and the ship’s four giant engines.
The ship has 9 restaurants, 11 bars, shopping plazas, a gym, a spa, a nightclub, a bowling alley, a full-size basketball court, and one of the biggest water parks at sea.
5. Mighty Cruise Ships Norwegian Breakaway
The documentary “Mighty Cruise Ships Norwegian Breakaway” features the maiden voyage of the Norwegian Breakaway, a brand-new cruise ship worth $900 million.
The ship is the largest cruise ship ever to call New York City her home and carries 4,000 passengers and 1,600 crew members. However, during the voyage, the crew encounters several problems such as the Asian restaurant not being ready, two swimming pools not functioning, and a poorly installed panel.
The crew is under immense pressure to ensure that the ship is ready for its first-ever passenger voyage. Additionally, the video shows the enormous amount of provisions required to stock the ship, and the final challenge of getting ready for Norwegian’s first-ever fireworks show at sea.
6. Mighty Cruise Ships MSC Meraviglia
The documentary showcases the MSC Meraviglia, the biggest ship ever launched by a European-based cruise line. The ship has 19 decks and features a water park, a ropes course, a 262-foot-long LED screen, and a $23 million theater lounge that hosts the first-ever series of Cirque du Soleil shows at sea.
The ship is captained by Rafaela Pontecorvo, who is leading his crew of 1,500 through their first few cruises. The ship sails from Genoa to neighboring Italian ports of Naples and Messina, followed by a visit to the island of Malta, and a day at sea before finishing up in Barcelona.
The documentary also shows the challenges the captain faces when maneuvering the ship in a narrow harbor, and the rush to provision the ship and prepare it for the next leg of the journey.
7. The Unsinkable Titanic
This is a documentary about the Titanic, which sets off on its maiden voyage in 1912 and sinks five days later, killing over 1500 people. The documentary discusses the reasons behind the disaster, including technical miscalculations, human error, and bad luck.
The Titanic was designed to be unsinkable, but it sank after colliding with an iceberg. The film uses forensic analysis of the wreck and historical records to reveal the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
The film also discusses the public inquiry that was set up after the disaster, and the widespread practice of sealing plates manually with wrought iron rivets, which made the ship more vulnerable to iceberg collisions. The documentary includes interviews with relatives of passengers, as well as footage of modern-day missions to the site of the disaster.
8. Inside The Queen Mary 2 | Mighty Cruise Ships
The documentary “Inside The Queen Mary 2 | Mighty Cruise Ships” showcases the largest and most sophisticated ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2. The liner is about to make the first transatlantic crossing of the season, and it is crucial for the ship to run on time.
The billion-dollar floating hotel has 14 passenger decks, 1300 staterooms, 10 restaurants, and 5 swimming pools. During a turnaround day, 2600 passengers must disembark and get replaced with new ones in 10 hours. The food and beverage manager loads approximately 150 tons of food, including 65,000 fresh eggs.
The QM2 will consume 1,850 tons of diesel oil and 1,000 tons of fuel for the gas turbines during its transatlantic journey. The engineers have a few hours to do a check-up on the four gigantic diesel generators and two gas turbines before the QM2 sets sail.
The passengers get a photo ID that doubles as a room key and charge card, which they will use onboard since they do not accept cash. The QM2 senior officers face challenges in plotting the best route to Southampton to avoid the storm.
9. The Deadly Costa Concordia Cruise Ship Disaster
This is a documentary about the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster that happened on January 13, 2012, off the island of Giglio in Italy. The ship ran aground and caused the deaths of 32 people. The ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, ordered a sail by the salute of the island, but the ship hit rocks that were not shown on the charts.
The ship’s systems failed, and it began to list to the left, ultimately sinking. Many of the passengers and crew were stranded on the island for hours until they could be rescued. The disaster was caused by a series of blunders and mistakes. The documentary includes interviews with survivors and people who witnessed the events.
10. Disney’s Newest Ship | Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled their newest ship, the Disney Wish, in a virtual tour. The ship will be the fifth in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet and is set to sail in the summer of 2022.
The ship includes fairy tale-inspired spaces such as a three-story atrium and a Kingdom of Arendelle dining experience. The ship will also feature immersive worlds based on beloved Disney stories and characters such as Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel’s Super Heroes, and Mickey Mouse.
The virtual tour was hosted by Ashley Long, the Cruise Director, and Captain Minnie. Bob Chapek, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, also spoke and announced that the company will be donating $1 million to Make-A-Wish on World Wish Day.
Conclusion
Cruise ship documentaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of cruising, from the history of the industry to the day-to-day operations of modern cruise ships. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just curious about this unique way of travel, these documentaries are sure to provide you with hours of entertainment and education.
Our list of 10 must-watch cruise ship documentaries has something for everyone. And with options for streaming, purchasing, or renting these documentaries, it’s easy to find the ones that interest you the most.
So why not grab some popcorn, settle in, and set sail on a virtual voyage through the world of cruising with these top-notch documentaries? Happy watching!
