ad – This content was created on a press trip (similar to those travel agents and journalists take). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to sail on the Norwegian Aqua before the fare paying public got onboard for the inaugural transatlantic sailing.
This trip from Lisbon, Portugal wasn’t without its problems. The weather was so bad we weren’t even sure whether Aqua would be able to dock in Lisbon so that we could embark!
Luckily I did manage to get onboard -although the Aqua stayed docked in Lisbon until the worst of the storm had passed.
When, later on the trip we sailed back from Bruges, the ship needed to use it’s foghorn because of the thick fog.
It was quite an eery sound, but luckily I couldn’t hear it from inside my cabin.
In this post we look at cruise ship foghorns, why and when they are needed, and what you can expect.
What Is A Foghorn And Why Do Ships Use Them?
The cruise ship fog horn is an essential safety feature. They are designed to prevent maritime accidents in low visibility conditions.
They use a compressed air system. The horns emit loud blasts that will travel through thick fog, letting other nearby vessels know of the cruise ship’s presence.
Listen to Norwegian Aqua’s foghorns in this video:
Sound carries better, and ships at sea can’t rely on visual sightings of other ships in fog.
Other ships can then navigate safely and make sure they maintain adequate distance. This reduces the risk of collisions and accidents.
Even though cruise ships have become more sophisticated with state-of-the-art GPS navigation systems, low visibility is still an issue for cruise ships.
While foggy conditions may make it too dangerous for berthing, cruise ships can generally navigate in low visibility by relying on an array of sophisticated equipment, including radar and electronic charting systems.
In open waters, that’s done frequently, though the captain will reduce speed for safety reasons when a ship is sailing through heavy fog.
The English Channel (between England and France) where we were sailing is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
At the narrowest point of the English Channel, the Straits of Dover, there is an incredible amount of shipping traffic. Over 500 vessels pass through here daily.
Ships are required to sound their horns in heavy fog, so don’t be surprised to hear your ships deep, baritone foghorn at regular, even intervals.
The Rules: What Maritime Law Says
Since 1972 the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) has set out the navigation rules to be followed by ships and other vessels at sea. These rules help prevent collisions between two or more vessels.
Moving vessels must sound one prolonged blast every two minutes in restricted visibility. This is exactly what the Norwegian Aqua did when I was onboard.
These laws apply to passenger ships like ferries and cargo ships as well as cruise ships.
How Loud Is It?
Typically, cruise ship fog horns can produce sound levels ranging from 115 to 130 decibels. This makes them capable of being heard over the sound of rough seas.
Cruise ships typically have their foghorns located at the front of the ship, usually above the bridge. If you have a cabin at the front of the ship, the sound you hear may be louder.
What It’s Like Onboard During Fog
Passengers may experience a low, baritone sound, every two minutes that is especially noticeable at night when all is quiet.
When I was onboard the Norwegian Aqua the fog horn sounding didn’t disturb me, I couldn’t really hear it inside the cabin – but I always pack earplugs when I travel, in case I end up in a noisy location.
Is It Dangerous to Cruise in Fog?
It isn’t dangerous to cruise in fog.
- Cruise ships are well equipped to deal with fog.
- They have Radar, GPS and a well trained crew to deal with the situation.
- The foghorn is used as a precaution
- It is not a sign of imminent danger, so there is no need to worry.
- Foggy conditions are reasonably rare on cruises.
- Some locations in the world are more prone to fog than others – and the crew will be aware of that and act accordingly.
Does Fog Make It Unsafe To Dock?
When docking in a port of call, cruise ships usually have at least one pilot on the bridge. This pilot is an expert in local maritime navigation, who will see the ship into dock.
If the pilot thinks the berthing conditions unsafe they won’t board the cruise ship. If there is no pilot, the ship won’t be able to dock. Cruise lines trust the pilots decision and expertise.
While closing a port is technically a Coast Guard decision, when pilots determine conditions are not suitable for safe navigation, ports may be shut.
The port at Lisbon was shut before Aqua docked – not because of fog, but because of a bad storm.
Captains, too, can decide conditions are too risky to berth and will cancel the port call if they see fit.
Before You Go
Find out about the very rocky transatlantic voyage I took on Queen Mary 2. I was very grateful I was onboard the last Ocean Liner at sea, rather than a regular cruise ship!
8 Days From New York To England – Fun, But Never Again!
Find out if you get any compensation if your ship has to miss a port – due to weather conditions or any other reason here:
Do You Get Compensation For Missed Cruise Ports?
Book a Cruise (I’ve Launched My Own Travel Agency)
I’ve spent the last 10 years creating cruise content online and over that time I’ve learnt that having a great travel agent makes a HUGE difference.
That’s why in 2026, I launched my own agency and built a team of real cruise experts who love cruising as much as I do.
We combine great prices with personal service. Just click the button below and we’ll find you the perfect cruise. No request is too big or too small, we’re here to help.