Before boarding a ship some cruisers like to place lucky objects about their person or perform strange rituals. Doing this, they feel, protects them from the untoward.
Well I don’t really hold with this nonsense. Today’s cruise liners are incredibly safe so such actions are unnecessary. When you go to sea, the best thing you can do is toss these mediaeval practices overboard, sit back and enjoy the voyage.
I often wonder what makes people do crazy stuff like this? Why do they put their faith in such unscientific thinking? It makes no sense.
On the other hand, who’s to say actions of this kind can’t bring you good fortune? In any case, can it really hurt to observe a few harmless superstitions? Yes, you could dismiss it all as baloney, but why take that risk?
Naked dancing
We all know stepping aboard a cruise ship more or less guarantees you’ll have a great vacation. But what if there was something you could do before embarking to make the experience even better?
For instance, suppose you noticed that every time you danced naked in the full moon you went on to have a fantastic cruise.
Wouldn’t you want to do that dance each time you sailed, just to be on the safe side?
Holiday mood
As long as it doesn’t get out of hand, indulging in a few of these rituals could be a good way to get yourself into the holiday mood. Well that’s my view, anyway.
While I wouldn’t call myself a superstitious cruiser, I find it important to follow certain set procedures.
To that end I always carry a list of simple actions I have to take before, during and after a cruise.
Strong start
For example, I like to get off to a strong start by insisting my holiday booking reference includes at least two of my lucky numbers while containing no unlucky letters.
On the cruise itself I tend to bring a lot of horseshoes with me. I generally place a few in my trouser pockets and ensure a couple are sewn into the lining of my jacket.
At the same time, having a rabbit’s foot and a four leaf clover on my person at all times, is pretty much mandatory. Obviously, if I forget them it’s no big deal, though when that happens I do tend to start hyperventilating.
Good luck
They say a dolphin swimming close to a ship can bring you good luck, but on a cruise you can’t always guarantee there’ll be one nearby.
So as a precaution I tend to pack a couple of dolphin soft toys in each suitcase. These guys are not small, so to make room for them I often have to leave a large part of my wardrobe behind.
But for the peace of mind it brings, it’s worth it.
Local superstitions
As you sail the world I find it pays to learn about local customs and superstitions. For example, did you know it’s unlucky to call a baby cute in Thailand. If you don’t want to upset it’s parents, you should say it’s ugly.
When you visit Iceland and have some knitting with you, don’t start working on it while standing on someone’s doorstep. Doing this will lengthen their winter.
If you step ashore in Taiwan and are asked to be a bridesmaid at two weddings, that’s fine. Just don’t accept a third invitation, because it would be considered inauspicious.
And always remember, no matter where you go, it’s unlucky to step on a crocodile.
Irrational behaviour
It seems to me some people can become over burdened by silly superstitions. If they’re not careful these practices could have a detrimental impact on their everyday life.
I’m pleased to say this will never happen to me. I’ll never succumb to such irrational behaviour, touch wood.
Well that’s enough from me. Let’s hear what Stevie has to say on the subject.
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