3 'Secret Codes' You Really Don't Want To Hear On A Cruise Ship And What They Actually Mean

There are certain 'secret codes' that passengers on a cruise ship never want to hear. And that’s because the meanings behind them can be seriously frightening.

Cruises were once seen as a getaway mostly for older travelers, but that’s changed a lot over the years. These days, cruise vacations offer something exciting for people of all ages.

In fact, some people go all in. One couple made headlines for selling everything they owned just so they could live permanently on a cruise ship. And they’re not alone—many others are trying similar ways to save money while seeing the world.

Still, no matter how appealing the cruise lifestyle might seem, it’s important to know that ships have their own set of secret codes. And if you’re planning a trip at sea, it’s definitely worth knowing what they mean.

Operation Rising Star/Operation Brightstar

If you hear either of these phrases while onboard, it's a clear sign that something pretty serious has happened.

To break it down, Operation Rising Star is the code used by cruise staff when there has been a death on board. On the other hand, Operation Brightstar is commonly announced during medical emergencies on cruise lines like Disney and Carnival.

As per The Independent, Cody Candee, CEO of travel luggage company Bounce.com, explained: "If you hear Operation Rising Star, there is no need to be alarmed."

There are many secret codes to keep in mind Getty Stock Photo

"The cruise staff will have already informed who the deceased was travelling with before making an official announcement to the rest of the passengers. Cruise ships also have international regulations and standards they must adhere to, including the legal requirement to have a morgue on board in case of fatalities."

Echo, echo, echo

This is one of those phrases you really hope you never hear while sailing. According to Candee, if you ever hear “echo, echo, echo,” it’s time to brace yourself—literally—as it typically means a collision could be about to happen.

The travel expert added: "Another signal you don't want to hear on a cruise. Normally repeated three times, 'echo, echo, echo' can mean 'brace for collision'."

"This could indicate an impact with another ship or land, as well as dangers posed by strong winds or drifting while in port."

'Echo, echo, echo' is the last thing you want to hear on a cruise ship CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Oscar, oscar, oscar

When cruise staff shout this particular code on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, it means that someone has fallen overboard, according to The Independent.

Candee mentioned: "When this happens, the ship will typically stop and launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. This process includes deploying lifeboats and activating onboard safety procedures to locate and recover the individual."

"If you happen to hear this code while on deck, stay vigilant. And if you spot someone in the water, immediately inform a cruise worker."

Of course, anyone who’s ever boarded a cruise will remember the safety drill that happens at the very start of the trip. It's done so that everyone knows what to do in case something unexpected happens, and it prepares you for the possibility of hearing one of these serious codes.