It's a water salute. It's typical for arriving or departing a port for the first or last time and is most often used for the arrival of a brand new ship.

When you see tugboats or support vessels spraying massive plumes of water around a cruise ship, you are witnessing a maritime tradition known as a "Water Salute" or "Fireboat Salute." This is a ceremonial gesture used to honor or greet a ship during a significant event. The most common occasions include a ship's inaugural voyage (maiden call) into a new port, the retirement of a long-serving captain, or the ship's final departure from a homeport. The water is sprayed from the tugboats' high-powered fire monitors, creating a grand, celebratory arc that is a favorite for photographers and guests on deck. Beyond the ceremony, there is a practical side: it serves as a way for the tugboats to test their firefighting equipment and ensure their water cannons are fully operational in case of an actual emergency. This tradition is the maritime equivalent of the water arches performed by fire trucks over airplanes at airports. In 2026, it remains a symbol of respect and festivity within the global shipping community, welcoming new "queens of the sea" to their various ports of call with a spectacular liquid display.