DADADEL
Cruises have long been synonymous with luxury, relaxation, and the adventure of traversing open waters. Many dream of hopping aboard these floating resorts to explore exotic destinations while indulging in lavish amenities. For some, cruising becomes a way of life, with travelers living on ships for extended periods to embrace the unique lifestyle. Yet, a recent video shared online has unveiled a chilling reality about cruises that could make you think twice about boarding one. It reveals the eerie emptiness and profound darkness that envelops cruise ships at night, offering a stark contrast to their daytime allure.
In a YouTube Shorts video by @planetcruise, viewers are given an unsettling glimpse of what it feels like to be on a cruise ship after dark. The footage begins inside a cabin, where everything seems ordinary. But stepping onto the balcony reveals a startling sight—or lack thereof. Outside, the ship is surrounded by a vast expanse of pitch-black darkness. The ocean and sky merge seamlessly into an intimidating void, giving a harrowing sense of isolation.
“It’s a total blackout on the other side of the rail,” narrates the video’s creator. The only hints of light come from nearby cabins and the illuminated top deck, offering faint markers of orientation. This profound darkness can leave even seasoned travelers unnerved, especially those unprepared for the stark solitude of nighttime at sea.
As the video pans across the deck, the ocean appears eerily still, void of visible waves or movement. The only signs of life are faint glimmers of light reflecting off the ship’s surfaces. This absence of activity, combined with the blackened horizon, evokes an unsettling reminder of how small and vulnerable one feels in the middle of an expansive sea. For many viewers, this eerie stillness is deeply discomforting, stirring fears of isolation and helplessness.
The passenger’s description in the video perfectly encapsulates the unsettling experience: “Being on a cruise at night is like being engulfed in total darkness, with absolutely nothing to see.” This haunting imagery can trigger fears for those with thalassophobia—a fear of deep water—or claustrophobia. The sensation of being surrounded by endless blackness is enough to leave even the bravest feeling vulnerable.
The video has sparked widespread conversation online, particularly on TikTok, where users discussed their fears of cruising at night. One commenter painted a nightmare scenario: “Imagine falling overboard at night. You survive the fall, but nobody saw it. The ship sails away, leaving you alone in the dark ocean.” This grim possibility resonated with many, tapping into primal fears of being lost and unseen in a vast, unfeeling sea.
@planet_cruise What it’s like on a cruise at night… Ever wondered what it’s like on a cruise ship at night? Looking out into the pitch black night sky with just the sound of the waves is an experience. #cruise #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruiselife #cruiser #cruiseshiplife #planetcruise #travel #traveltiktok #luxury #luxurycruise #travelgoals #wanderlust #travelvlog #Exploretheworld #seavoyage #cruisevacation #travelinspiration #oceanviews #bucketlisttravel #adventureatsea #cruiseaddict #shiplife #cruiseexperience ♬ original sound – Planet Cruise
This collective unease speaks to one of humanity’s deepest fears: being alone and powerless in the face of nature’s immensity. While cruises promise comfort and luxury, they are, at their core, small vessels adrift in an infinite ocean. The nighttime setting strips away the illusion of security, reminding travelers of their vulnerability.
However, not everyone finds the darkness of a night cruise unsettling. Some viewers see beauty and adventure in the experience. A YouTube commenter described being on the top deck at night as mesmerizing: “There’s nothing to see except the massive screen and people dancing. Amazing, loved it.” For these individuals, the midnight void enhances the cruise’s appeal, offering a sense of escape and detachment from everyday life.
Still, for others, the darkness remains a source of dread. One TikTok user chillingly remarked, “Now imagine being on the Titanic with no moonlight…” This reference underscores how terrifying it would have been to face such conditions without today’s safety measures and navigation tools. It’s a sobering thought that might prompt even the most adventurous travelers to reconsider the romanticism of a cruise under the stars.
While the video has divided opinions, it undeniably highlights an overlooked aspect of cruising. Whether you find the dark sea haunting or exhilarating, the nighttime view from a cruise ship is a stark reminder of the ocean’s vastness and our small place within it.
