Ship time on a cruise refers to the concept of maintaining a specific time zone on a cruise vessel. This differs from the local time of the ports of call visited during the voyage. For instance, on a cruise from Miami to the Caribbean, the ship may maintain Eastern Standard Time throughout the journey, despite visiting islands that observe different time zones.
Ship time is beneficial for maintaining a consistent schedule and reducing confusion among passengers and crew. It also simplifies navigation and coordination with other vessels and port authorities. A significant historical development in ship time occurred in the late 19th century with the establishment of standardized time zones, ensuring greater accuracy and safety in maritime navigation.
