Reason cruise ship asks passengers to turn off lights and close curtains

Cruise ships often ask passengers to turn off cabin lights and close curtains at night for several important reasons:

1. Safety & Navigation

• Bridge visibility: Bright cabin lights can reflect off windows, impairing the crew’s ability to see radar screens, instruments, or potential hazards (like other ships or icebergs).

• Dark adaptation: Crew members (especially officers on watch) need their eyes adjusted to darkness for better night vision.

2. Wildlife Protection

• Sea turtles & birds: Many ships sail through eco-sensitive areas. Artificial light can disorient hatchling turtles or migratory birds, leading them away from natural paths.

• Marine life: Some species (like plankton) are drawn to light, disrupting ecosystems.

3. Energy Conservation

• Cruise ships rely on generators. Reducing unnecessary lighting helps lower fuel consumption and emissions.

4. Passenger Comfort

• Closing blackout curtains minimizes sunrise glare for early sleepers and keeps cabins cooler in warm climates.

5. Aesthetic Experience

• Darkened decks enhance stargazing and create a serene nighttime ambiance.

Pro tip: Some expedition cruises enforce strict “lights out” policies in polar regions to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Next time you’re asked, you’re helping the ship run smoothly and protecting the ocean! 🌊🚢