What are sea trials?
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Sea trials are a series of performance tests conducted late in the construction of cruise ship.
Like an automobile test drive, the purpose of the sea trials is to see how well the new ship works. Naturally, this knowledge is important to the buyer who wants to see whether the new ship meets the specifications in the contract between the shipyard and the cruise line as well as all applicable legal requirements. It is also important information for the shipyard, which wants to see what else needs to be done. Others, such as the carrier that will insure the new ship, are also interested. Among the tests typically performed is a test to see how fast the ship will traverse a measured mile. Another tests is to see how long it takes for the ship to go from forward to a dead stop. Yet another example of the tests typically performed is to see whether the ship can recover from being put into a severe list. This latter test can sometimes be a problem because some ships are built with such inherent stability that it is hard to throw them into the required list. The sea trials also have a public relations role. Often the first photos the public sees of a new cruise ship at sea are photos taken during the ship's sea trials. Following the sea trials, the ship returns to the shipyard. There any problems identified during the sea trial can be addressed. If the problem is severe enough, the ship may go through a second set of sea trials to see whether the problem has been resolved. |
Above: Carnival Mardi Gras during her sea trials. (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line).
Below: Majestic Princess during sea trials. (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises). 
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Cruise ship FAQs - - What are sea trials?