Why Do Ships Skip Deck 17? The Superstition Behind Missing Deck Numbers
Discover why many ships, especially cruise liners, omit deck 17 due to superstition and cultural beliefs, mainly influenced by Italian traditions.
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Superstition and cultural sensitivity are key reasons why you might not find a deck 17 on ships, particularly cruise ships. Similar to how buildings in some countries skip the 13th floor due to superstition, the number 17 is considered unlucky in some cultures, notably in Italy where the number, written as XVII, can be rearranged to 'VIXI', which in Latin means 'I have lived', implying death. To avoid offending or unnerving passengers, shipbuilders may choose to omit this number, jumping directly from deck 16 to deck 18.
FAQs & Answers
- Why do some ships skip deck 17? Many ships skip deck 17 due to superstition, particularly influenced by Italian culture where the number 17 is considered unlucky because its Roman numeral can be rearranged to mean 'I have lived', which implies death.
- Are there other numbers skipped on ships or buildings for superstition? Yes, like how many buildings avoid floor 13 due to Western superstitions, some ships omit deck 17 to respect cultural beliefs and avoid passenger discomfort.
- Is omitting deck numbers common on cruise ships worldwide? Yes, cruise ships often omit certain deck numbers like 17, especially when catering to diverse passengers, to respect cultural sensitivities and maintain a positive guest experience.