How Do Cruise Ships Have Electricity?

Cruise ships require a significant amount of power, carrying around 3000 passengers and 500-1000 crew members at any time. The main source of power for cruise ships is diesel engines, which generate electricity through generators connected to an electrical switchboard. There are three methods: direct drive, diesel electric, and solar panels or wind turbines. Cruise ships rely on marine diesel engines connected to an alternator for electricity generation, with some ships using solar panels or wind turbines to supplement.

Energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED and motion-activated lighting, are used to minimize electricity consumption. Shipboard power is generated using a prime mover and an alternator working together, using an alternating current generator on board. Most modern cruise ships are diesel-electric, with big-ass diesel engines producing electricity. Some of this electricity goes toward propulsion, while the rest is sent to electric motors that power the propellers and move the ship. Around 85% of the power goes towards the propellers.

Ships must generate their own electricity, which is used to run hotel services, run lights, chill food, operate equipment, and power various onboard services. Power is transmitted from an on-shore transformer to the ship through five flexible electrical cables. While ships are at berth, they still need energy to run lights, chill food, operate equipment, and power other onboard services.