What is the tall thing on cruise ship?

The cruise ship's most iconic feature, the funnel was first introduced in the steamship days, when oceangoing ships made the transition from sail power to coal-fired engines.



The "tall thing" on a cruise ship is usually the Stack (or Funnel). While they traditionally served to vent smoke and exhaust from the massive engines, in 2026, modern funnels are high-tech structures that house Scrubbers—advanced filtration systems that remove sulfur and soot to meet environmental regulations. They are also used as iconic branding elements; for example, Carnival's "Whale Tail" or Disney's red funnels. Aside from the funnel, you may see a Mast at the very top, which holds the ship's radar equipment, navigation lights, and satellite communication "domes" (Radomes). On some ultra-modern ships, you might even see a "North Star" (a glass observation pod on a giant arm), but if it looks like a smokestack, it is the vital lungs of the vessel's propulsion system.

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A funnel is the smokestack or chimney on a ship used to expel boiler steam and smoke or engine exhaust. They are also commonly referred to as stacks.

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A bulbous bow is a protruding bulb at the bow (or front) of a ship just below the waterline. The bulb modifies the way the water flows around the hull, reducing drag and thus increasing speed, range, fuel efficiency, and stability.

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That trend continues today, when cruise lines are keeping the look of the larger funnel and personalizing these ship funnels to match their brands. Carnival Cruise Line's distinctive red funnel is shaped like a whale tale and can be spied miles away; it has been patented as a brand identifier.

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Around 10% of a cruise ship is below the water. Some of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships, have a height above the waterline of around 72 metres (236ft 11in), and a draft below the water of around 9.3 meters (30ft 6in).

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(Answer) The “Whale-Tail” is a funnel design used on Carnival cruise ships. It is actually a Carnival patent. The wings are functional as well as eye-catching. Made of a fiber glass composite, the wings are designed to help direct the flow of exhaust gases from the diesel engines, generators and other equipment.

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Here's what you can expect.
  • Oceanview rooms: Oceanview rooms, also called outside cabins, line the ship and typically feature a window or balcony. ...
  • Inside cabins: Inside rooms are in the middle of the ship. ...
  • Suites: Suites typically offer seating areas and may have multiple rooms or more space than a regular cabin.


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Crew Pools and Jacuzzis You might have wondered what that area is with the jacuzzis or small pool down below near the ship's bow. This is an area where the crew can head on out for some fresh air. When off-duty they can relax in the pools as much as they want and enjoy the stunning ocean views.

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Cruise ship pools are usually filled with saltwater which has been chemically treated. On some cruise ships, you will find freshwater pools but these are less common. It is possible to have a cruise ship where some pools are fresh and some saltwater, this is very common on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

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The amount of experience, the level of education, the grades they received, location, and company all can determine the year's salary. In general, a cruise ship captain salary ranges between $54,000 and more than $100,000. This may seem like a low pay scale considering the responsibilities that come with the job.

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At sea, cruise ships survive hurricanes by avoiding them. The seas are rough, the weather is predictably bad, but otherwise not very predictable.

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Cruise ship rubber ducks, explained Cruisers often bring rubber ducks on cruises in an effort to have a bit of fun by hiding them throughout the ship. The ducks usually have information cards attached to them bearing the names of the people who hid them and where those passengers are from.

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If you wonder whether cruise ships have jails, the answer is yes. Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed.

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Aft of the ship The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.

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A cruise lanyard! I resisted for a while, but now make sure that I always travel with cruise lanyards to carry my cruise card. Since you'll need to carry your cruise card everywhere you go, a cruise lanyard (or an alternative) will ensure that you never misplace or fumble for your cruise key card.

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