Cruise Ship Research Articles

An improved coupled beam method for predicting longitudinal bending behaviour in luxury cruise ships

ABSTRACT This paper describes an improved coupled beam method, designated as MBS-CB, that estimates elastic response in the longitudinal bending of a cruise ship. Initially, the ship structure is discretised into beams, and the coupling relationships between adjacent beams are analysed. Secondly, connector elements with equal stiffness constraints are refined to simulate the coupling behaviour between adjacent beam elements. Meshed beam sections are introduced to simplify the beams involved in total longitudinal bending. A spatial beam system model of the ship structure is established to predict the interaction between adjacent beams and to characterise the longitudinal bending behaviour of the ship. Ultimately, the accuracy of the method is validated through instance analysis. Furthermore, the method is employed to investigate the longitudinal bending characteristics of a large passenger ship, and the participation of different superstructures in the ship's longitudinal bending is obtained through moment distribution coefficients and length proportions.

Where are the cruise ships? mobility and immobility of cruises under COVID-19.

The aim of this study is to reveal the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of the static and dynamic distribution of global cruise ships, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed the global cruise network from "lines" to "points". This study collected trajectory data for 292 cruise ships and data for 789 cruise ports worldwide from March 2020 to July 2021. Based on the relationship between port and navigation, port management rights research, and port geography theory, we analyzed the spatial distribution and spatiotemporal migration of cruise ships with ArcGIS tools. It was found that, compared with normal times, the distribution of cruise ships in regional markets, countries, and ports showed stronger spatial agglomeration characteristics and formed four types, which were mainly influenced by differences in cruise operators' fleet scale, positioning, and itinerary. With the improvement of the epidemic, cruise ships trended to gather at the cruise home port. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an obvious separation between the epidemic prevention country, flag country, and operator country. Operators were inclined to berth their cruise ships in the countries where cruise ships were registered, countries of operators, and ports with high integration. Rather than simply emphasizing the static state of the cruise shipping network, the global cruise geography under the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the right relationship between ports, cruise ships, and companies. This study provides a methodological framework for analyzing the cruise shipping network at the port level and has practical implications for micro-interpretation of the dotted cruise shipping network during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use - Two Cruise Ships, November 2022-July 2024.

Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use - Two Cruise Ships, November 2022-July 2024.

Innovative Research on Talent Cultivation Models for the International Cruise Ship Management Major

This study aims to explore innovations in the talent cultivation model for the international cruise ship management major. By analyzing the current development status of the international cruise industry and the challenges faced by talent cultivation, this study proposes a brand-new talent cultivation model. This model combines theory and practice, focusing on innovations in curriculum design and teaching content, reforming practical teaching and internship models, and strengthening the construction of the teaching faculty. Through empirical analysis and case studies, the effectiveness and feasibility of this innovative model are verified, providing new ideas and methods for cultivating talents in international cruise management.

Research on Strategies to Enhance the Employment Competitiveness of Students Majoring in International Cruise Ship Management

With the rapid development of the cruise tourism industry, enhancing the employment competitiveness of students majoring in International Cruise Ship Attendant Management has become particularly important. This study aims to explore effective ways to improve the employment competitiveness of these students, thereby helping them better adapt to market demands and increase employment rates. Through an in-depth analysis of the current situation of the major, the job market conditions, and the challenges faced by students, this paper proposes targeted improvement strategies and elaborates on various aspects such as curriculum design, practical training, professional quality, and career planning. These strategies are designed to comprehensively enhance students' overall qualities and make them more competitive in the market.

Impact of infectious diseases associated with passenger ships on ports: a systematic review

Abstract Background In an enclosed ship environment, close contact between passengers and crew members is inevitable. As a result, passenger ships can be a suitable environment for the transmission of infections between people. In this context, it is essential to establish effective prevention and control measures to protect the health of passengers and crew members while ensuring that shipping minimizes its contribution to the global spread of disease. The aim of this review is to provide knowledge on the impact of infectious diseases on board large passenger ships on the port, the port community and other land-based operations to better understand the effectiveness of the prevention, mitigation and management (PMM) measures implemented, in particular ship-to-shore communication. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, searching three databases and including additional articles from hand searches up to November 2023. Peer-reviewed studies of infectious disease outbreaks on large passenger ships that described ship-shore interaction, port preparedness, impact on the port community, and impact on other modes of transportation were included. Results A total of 555 publications were initially identified. Finally, 22 articles were included. Most studies reported on COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships; other communicable diseases reported were influenza, gastroenteritis and varicella. The articles highlighted the importance of comprehensive management plans and proactive risk assessment during infectious disease outbreaks. Conclusions Effective stakeholder collaboration, ship-to-shore communication, and coordination of medical transport, isolation, and quarantine measures are essential components of infectious disease PMM in maritime passenger shipping and ship-to-shore operations. The findings suggest that further research is needed to improve the evidence and knowledge about this important issue. Key messages • Proactive risk assessment, comprehensive management plans and effective collaboration are critical to preventing, mitigating and managing infectious diseases on passenger ships. • Overall, very little evidence of effective practices and capacities related to the interaction of passenger ships with land-based operations, stakeholders and port communities.

Research on A Task-Based Teaching Model for Cruise Ship Professional English

This paper aims to explore a task-based teaching model for cruise professional English. By analyzing the development of the cruise industry and the current status of cruise professional English teaching, it reveals the existing problems and challenges in teaching. Based on this, a task-based teaching model is constructed, and the theoretical basis, task analysis and design, and specific implementation steps of the model are elaborated. The effectiveness of the teaching model is verified through empirical research, and targeted teaching suggestions are proposed. This study aims to provide new ideas and methods for cruise professional English teaching to improve teaching quality and effectiveness.

Two Outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease Associated with Outdoor Hot Tubs for Private Use - Two Cruise Ships, November 2022-July 2024.

Legionnaires disease is a serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. During November 2022-June 2024, CDC was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires disease among travelers on two cruise ships; eight on cruise ship A and four on cruise ship B. CDC, in collaboration with the cruise lines, initiated investigations to ascertain the potential sources of on-board exposure after notification of the second potentially associated case for each ship. Epidemiologic data collected from patient interviews and environmental assessment and sampling results identified private hot tubs on selected cabin balconies as the most likely exposure source. To minimize Legionella growth, both cruise lines modified the operation and maintenance of these devices by removing the heating elements, draining water between uses, and increasing the frequency of hyperchlorination and cleaning. Hot tubs offer favorable conditions for Legionella growth and transmission when maintained and operated inadequately, regardless of location. Private hot tubs on cruise ships are not subject to the same maintenance requirements as are public hot tubs in common areas. Given the range of hot tub-type devices offered as amenities across the cruise industry, to reduce risk for Legionella growth and transmission, it is important for cruise ship water management program staff members to inventory and assess private balcony hot tubs and adapt public hot tub maintenance and operations protocols for use on private outdoor hot tubs.

Ruby Princess case study: a systems thinking analysis of COVID-19, cruise ships and Australia’s response

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic tested leadership in chaos and complexity and resulted in many lessons learnt in the process. One such opportunity was the cruise ship Ruby Princess “mishap” in Australia which resulted in the failure to quarantine the virus onboard the cruise ship thus allowing transmission into the Australian community. The purpose of this paper is to use the Ruby Princess as a case study and apply a systems thinking analysis to it.Design/methodology/approachWhilst many inquiries and commissions have documented the failings of the agencies or “systems” involved in the Ruby Princess, the Ruby Princess case study provides a suitable example for the application of systems thinking analysis. The paper proceeds by identifying the various agencies either directly or indirectly involved in the Ruby Princess disaster and groups them based on the system they represented (state; federal; international or cruise-based system). These systems were mapped providing a visual representation of the complexity of the landscape in which police and public safety agencies had to operate in to respond to the Ruby Princess.FindingsOver 30 agencies were found to be either directly or indirectly involved in the Ruby Princess. Following the application of systems thinking analysis, it was clear that the various systems were operating in silos, thus failing to fully exploit the interconnections between and within all the systems which ultimately resulted in the Ruby Princess.Practical implicationsThe results of this analysis have informed a series of recommendations for leadership development within similar contexts, including embracing a systems thinking approach.Originality/valueUsing the Ruby Princess as a case study, this article presents a novel approach through the application of systems thinking and how it can enhance a leader’s ability to navigate the current “new normal” operating environment. It highlights the importance of public safety leadership moving away from an insular systems focus towards more of a public sector partnership which is an imperative for police and other public safety agencies to navigate through times of complexity and chaos.

Noise pollution from Arctic expedition cruise vessels: understanding causes, consequences and governance options

Significant increase in shipping in the Arctic has caught international and national attention. The rising presence of touristic expedition cruise vessels might describe a special case for noise as a marine pollutant while they seek exclusive opportunities to experience the Arctic first-hand. This interdisciplinary study develops a conceptual framework to investigate context-specific vessel noise cause-effect dynamics and how this knowledge can assist policymakers and industry in increasing environmental safety. The study comprehensively reviews noise-emitting activities from Arctic cruise expeditions and potential adverse consequences for Arctic endemic marine mammals. It further discusses governance options for mitigating these consequences. Internationally, legal adaptations in the shipping conventions MARPOL and SOLAS should recognise noise as harmful energy. This could facilitate the uptake of noise-level-based certification schemes in the Polar Code. These legal actions can be strengthened by extended collective self-governance and through introducing economic incentives at the port level.

Categorization of Hokkaido Ports for Cruise Ships

Categorization of Hokkaido Ports for Cruise Ships

Acoustic Black Holes ceiling for noise control on board cruise ships

Entertainment is one of the principal noise sources on board cruise ships. To ensure high comfort standards in cabins located above public areas, ceilings made by rockwool and honeycomb panels are used as acoustic insulation. Engineers are searching for new solutions to substitute the traditional system, as the rockwool presents health concerns. Acoustic metamaterials are among the candidates for new products in this field. This paper aims to verify the feasibility of an innovative ceiling design with enhanced Acoustic Black Holes (ABH). The proposed solution is compared with the traditional ones, using the Sound Reduction (R) as Key Performance Index (KPI). Traditional solutions are experimentally tested, and the data are used to assess an acoustic Finite Element Method (FEM) model, which is then used to simulate the acoustic properties of the proposed ceiling.

Assessing the reliability of a ship energy performance simulation tool through on-board data

To mitigate the environmental impact of shipping on climate change, it is nowadays urgent to explore energy efficiency and cost-effective measures by means of reliable digital tools. These are becoming essential for assisting the design of new ships and the refurbishment of the existing ones, as well as for assessing and optimizing the energy performance of a ship during its entire life-cycle. This paper focuses on the verification of the reliability of a novel ship energy dynamic simulation tool, developed for the calculation of the energy, economic, and environmental performance of large ships, the design and optimization of energy system layouts and operational logics, as well as the definition of design and management guidelines for ships. The reliability of the developed model was verified through the use of data measured onboard an existing sample cruise ship. The verification procedure is conducted for assessing the reliability and for exploiting the potentiality of dynamic analysis for a more precise evaluation of ships energy loads, temperature levels, and necessary sizes of possible saving technologies. The validated tool will enable reaching two different goals: i) to evaluate different energy system layouts and to define the optimal one for achieving the present imposed targets and constraints, ii) to obtain a large amount of data for allowing the implementation of the digital twin approach in the maritime sector. The model validation was successfully achieved and very low or negligible deviations, lower than 4%, of numerical data vs. measurements were observed. Through the validated simulation tool approximately 23.4 GWh of primary energy from polluting fuels over two weeks is computed. In addition, the model provided insights into the flow rate, temperature levels, and energy flows of the ship energy system, necessary for identifying the amount of thermal energy to be recovered as well as potential solutions to enhance the energy efficiency of the entire system.

Why does family motivation occur and matter? Evidence from hotel and cruise ship employees

Supporting one’s family can be a powerful motivator for employees to work hard. However, very few research has been done and has explored the reasons why family motivation matters and how it occurs. Drawing on prosocial motivation theory and action identification theory, we propose that family motivation positively influences employee resilience, particularly when intrinsic motivation and challenge stressors are low. Additionally, perceived organizational support for families enhances family motivation, which in turn bolsters employee resilience. We have collected data from hotel and cruise ship employees to test these hypotheses. Our findings suggest that family motivation significantly strengthens employee resilience, especially in the absence of intrinsic motivation and challenge stressors. Furthermore, perceived organizational family support plays a crucial role in fostering family motivation, which mediates its positive impact on employee resilience. Based on these insights, we recommend that hotel and cruise ship companies cultivate resilient employees by reinforcing family motivation and implementing family-friendly practices.

Improvement of simultaneous prediction using principal components approach

Prediction has a fundamental role both in linear regression analysis and in many applied sciences. The predictions of actual values or mean values of the response variable were obtained separately, earlier than defined the target function. It has been attracting a lot of interest because obtaining simultaneous predictions both of the mean values and actual values is more reasonable in many applied studies since the target function was reported. This paper purposes to improve the simultaneous prediction with the target function when the problem of multicollinearity exists in the linear regression model by defining new predictors based on the principal components estimator, which is more resistant to multicollinearity than the ordinary least squares estimator. The comparisons of proposed predictors are done theoretically by using the mean squared error of predictions. Then theoretical results are supported by an exhaustive simulation study. Also, performance comparisons of the newly suggested predictors are made for two real-life data sets, real estate valuation and cruise ship info. The findings show that the use of the proposed predictors will make a crucial contribution to applied studies in obtaining better predictions.

On the lightweight design of laminated insulating glass units in cruise ships

ABSTRACT Modern cruise ships employ many large windows to enable passengers to enjoy the marine environment. Most windows are insulating glass units (IGUs) consisting of laminated glass and a hermetically sealed cavity. These laminated IGUs exhibit three physical effects under bending: (1) geometric nonlinearity of the glass panes, (2) shear transfer in the laminated glass, and (3) load sharing due to the hermetically sealed cavity. The Authors have previously studied the (1) and (3) effects on the window mechanical behaviour and glass pane thickness determination. Hence, this paper investigates through optimisation how all these effects together lighten the IGUs, and how the shear transfer affects the IGU mechanical behaviour with the optimised thicknesses. All three combined effects have positive effects on the IGU weight. These results are more pronounced for large and thin IGUs subjected to high design loads. For example, the choice of interlayer material is less important (for optimum weight) for small windows subjected to a low design load. Since all the effects are important, using the finite element method is recommended to achieve a lightweight window design.

The limits of White hospitality in Marie Darrieussecq’s La Mer à l’envers

In Necropolitics (2019), migratory politics figure as one of the primary manifestations of the enmity Achille Mbembe considers characteristic of our time. It is within this context that we will discuss Marie Darrieussecq’s novel, La Mer à l’envers (2019), in order to probe the potential of the French protagonist’s relationship with a Nigerien migrant as a path towards founding “a relation with others based on the reciprocal recognition of our common vulnerability and finitude” (Mbembe 3). The novel explores the possibilities and limits of hospitality through the chance meeting between a White, middle-aged French woman, Rose, and a teenage Nigerien migrant, Younès, who is brought aboard her cruise ship after the shipwreck of his vessel. The author does not shy away from ambivalence as she interrogates the affective and cognitive difficulties felt by the non-exemplary French woman. By examining the conditions of hospitality presented by Darrieussecq and the role of the author-protagonist-readership trio’s Whiteness, we will discern the novel’s potential for illuminating a new way of relating to one another, beyond the projection of fears and the violence of borderization.

Practical Research on Project-Based Teaching of Cruise Ship Professional English

Practical Research on Project-Based Teaching of Cruise Ship Professional English

A Self-Learning Hyper-Heuristic Algorithm Based on a Genetic Algorithm: A Case Study on Prefabricated Modular Cabin Unit Logistics Scheduling in a Cruise Ship Manufacturer.

Hyper-heuristic algorithms are known for their flexibility and efficiency, making them suitable for solving engineering optimization problems with complex constraints. This paper introduces a self-learning hyper-heuristic algorithm based on a genetic algorithm (GA-SLHH) designed to tackle the logistics scheduling problem of prefabricated modular cabin units (PMCUs) in cruise ships. This problem can be regarded as a multi-objective fuzzy logistics collaborative scheduling problem. Hyper-heuristic algorithms effectively avoid the extensive evaluation and repair of infeasible solutions during the iterative process, which is a common issue in meta-heuristic algorithms. The GA-SLHH employs a genetic algorithm combined with a self-learning strategy as its high-level strategy (HLS), optimizing low-level heuristics (LLHs) while uncovering potential relationships between adjacent decision-making stages. LLHs utilize classic scheduling rules as solution support. Multiple sets of numerical experiments demonstrate that the GA-SLHH exhibits a stronger comprehensive optimization ability and stability when solving this problem. Finally, the validity of the GA-SLHH in addressing real-world decision-making issues in cruise ship manufacturing companies is validated through practical enterprise cases. The results of a practical enterprise case show that the scheme solved using the proposed GA-SLHH can reduce the transportation time by up to 37%.

An Optimization Method for Location-Routing of Cruise Ship Cabin Materials Considering Obstacle Blocking Effects

This study examines the challenges related to the storage and distribution of cabin materials on board during the construction of cruise ships. The construction process of cruise ships involves the assembly of various cabin materials, which are temporarily stored and transported in a complex deck environment with multiple obstacles. These processes can be viewed as location-routing problems (LRPs). However, existing solutions for LRPs do not account for the obstacles commonly encountered in deck environments. Therefore, this paper introduces a new variant of LRPs, termed as the BE-LRP (blocking environment location-routing problem). Initially, by considering the optimization objectives of minimizing the distribution distance and the number of vehicles required, the paper develops an optimization model for the location-routing of on-board materials while taking obstacles into consideration. Subsequently, a method for estimating blocked distances is proposed. This method utilizes Gaussian process regression to predict blocked distances and enables the rapid estimation of distances obstructed by obstacles between different destinations. Lastly, a hybrid obstacle blocking distance processing HO-NSGAII algorithm is formulated to address the BE-LRP. Experimental comparisons demonstrate that the distribution scheme derived from this research method does not necessitate modifications to the delivery distance when compared to the traditional NSGAII algorithm, and better aligns with the actual deck conditions. With an equivalent number of delivery vehicles, the scheme results in shorter delivery distances. The delivery distance can be reduced by 3–17% under varying circumstances. These findings are advantageous for enhancing the efficiency of cruise ship construction and mitigating the impact of warehousing and distribution on construction progress.