Ever wondered how to score a seat at the Captain’s Table, or whether it’s worth splurging on a balcony suite or premium drinks package? We’ve got you covered with these answers to some of the most common questions about cruising. In ancient times, ship launches were marked by special ceremonies, such as animal sacrifice, by which it was hoped to attract the favour of the gods and ensure the safety of both vessel and crew. In medieval Europe, the spilling of blood was replaced by the sprinkling of holy water in an echo of the Christian rite of baptism.
The appointment of a ship’s godmother has similar religious origins. Later, as religious ceremonies declined, other liquids were used, particularly wine, which was spilled on the deck. Champagne was introduced relatively recently, some say at the launch of HMS Royal Arthur by Queen Victoria in 1891.
Champagne soon caught on, no doubt because of its associations with prestige and celebration, and more explosive visual impact. Superstitious sailors consider unchristened ships unlucky. Titanic wasn’t christened, but then again nor was any ship of the White Star Line, many of which served long and successfully.
Champagne bottles are relatively difficult to break. The launch of the USS Los Angeles in 1974 required 13 goes. In 2007, the then Duchess of Cornwall failed to break her champagne bottle over Cunard’s Queen Victoria, and the British press gleefully reported a subsequent norovirus outbreak among passengers as the .