Why is the bottom of a Cruise Ship RED?
Modern cruise ships tower 15 storeys above the ocean, carrying thousands of guests, swimming pools, and massive superstructures. So why don’t they tip over? In this video, we go below the waterline to explore the hidden engineering keeping these massive vessels stable. From 200-ton Azipods and concrete-weighted hulls to the secret physics of draft depth and bulbous bows, here is what really happens under the surface. - How cruise ships maintain their center of gravity - The hidden mechanical spaces below deck - Why bow thrusters and Azipods replaced traditional rudders - The real reason ship hulls are painted red — 📚 Buy my books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/ 👕 Buy cruise merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/ 🛳️ My Maritime History Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/ — 🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE (AUS/NZ): https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame From a childhood voyage on Cunard’s QE2 to becoming a leading voice in maritime history, Chris spends many days each year at sea, with a front-row seat to how the cruise industry operates. When it comes to booking his own family cruises, he turns to Travel Masters and The Travel Studio. In Chris’ words: “Their team doesn't just navigate complex, long-distance itineraries; they have even secured cabins that many major booking engines can't find. They’ve been my secret weapon for many years, providing human expertise that I’ve never seen matched. I recommend them to friends and family without hesitation.” This is an affiliate link. By using this booking referral page Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. — 🎥 EQUIPMENT WE USE TO MAKE VIDEOS: Camera - DJI Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/4sG6nc7 DJI Lav Mic: DJI Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/4klRgBA DJI Roaving Mic Transmitter: https://amzn.to/3Qji62Q Voice Over Mic: Audio Technica: https://amzn.to/4ij8myg Apple Ear Buds: https://amzn.to/3QJq0ms MacBook Air: https://amzn.to/3QJqby8 iMac: https://amzn.to/4n8GS26 These are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission from any sales. These are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission from any sales. — 🗺️ CUSTOM CRUISE MAP: Made using AIS (satellite ship-tracking) data, The Cruise Maps show the exact route. Select your cruise, give your map a title, and we'll do the rest. Use my code "ChrisFrameOfficial" for 10% off at: https://thecruisemaps.com/chrisframeofficial This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. — 🌍 THE CRUISE GLOBE: Map your own cruises at: https://thecruiseglobe.com?fpr=chrisframe This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. — Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgk7SzYDkiXWWBfMqXYH0cA/join — Chapters: 00:00 What's under the waterline? 00:40 Ship design features 01:01 Technical elements of the ship 02:06 The draft for stability 02:43 Ocean Liner Draft 03:03 What do the hull markings mean? 03:53 Propellers or Pods? 04:33 Anti Fouling Paint 05:25 Inside the ship: Engines and Stores 05:52 Passenger spaces below the waterline 06:24 Conclusion — Image References: Collections: Henderson & Cremer Collection - Historic P&O Imagery Luke Morrison @TwoAussieAvgeeks Vicki Cross - Costa Victoria Thumbnail of QM2: James D Morgan / Cunard. CC BY: USS United States Keel - Public Domain (USA): https://tinyurl.com/0CVA58 Queen Mary Under Construction - Public Domain (UK): https://tinyurl.com/yckx5jvh Mary Rose Sinking Engraving - Public Domain: https://tinyurl.com/ytb7z4p2 Mary Rose Painting - Public Domain: https://tinyurl.com/maryrose223re Imperator (Various) - Public Domain / Library of Congress: https://tinyurl.com/4twpycwz ; https://tinyurl.com/4fe6tsh7 ; https://tinyurl.com/3z5dtbee ; https://tinyurl.com/8whjx85f ; https://tinyurl.com/imperator-eagle Imperator Interior - Public Domain : https://tinyurl.com/2fwvxtpd Pods No. 1: Public Domain (USA): https://tinyurl.com/36k8ca77 Pods No. 2: A nice view of the azipods of the Mackinaw - Peter Markham - CC BY Attribution 2.0: https://tinyurl.com/ddmbhtjj Cleaning USS Bonhomme Richard - Public Domain (USA): https://tinyurl.com/yp23snwy Ponant Blue Room - Ponant: https://tinyurl.com/ponantship Tags: #cruiseship #cruisenews #propeller #pods #azipod #qm2 #qe2 #queenmary2 #cruiseline #oceanliner #engineroom #maritimehistory