are navy tiger cruise real

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Tiger Cruises

One of the true joys of returning from sea from a long deployment is to have a loved one join you on a short transit home to see what Dad, Mom, Aunt or Uncle does in the Navy. This post will be co-written by me and the NHF director of Events, Mr. Sam Hall, whose “Dadmiral” is Rear Admiral Garry Hall, USN (Ret.).

A “Tiger” is almost always a family member who is invited by a Sailor to sail with them from the final port of call on a long deployment to homeport. The Navy describes the purpose of a Tiger Cruise officially in the following way:

www.rso.navy.mil/chaps/tigercruise/tigercruise.htm

“The occasional embarkation of family members of naval personnel is intended to contribute to good morale and instill in servicemembers a sense of pride in the Navy and their ships. It also enhances public understanding of the Navy and increases community awareness.”

“Operation Tiger Cruise is the unclassified code name for a very special guest cruise program that includes two or more consecutive days underway. The primary purpose of a Tiger Cruise is for servicemembers to acquaint their family members with their ship and their shipboard duties.”

Sam Hall will jump in shortly to represent the Tiger perspective, but I wanted to share how great it was to have my step-father join me on four different Tiger cruises aboard the USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964)—twice—and once each on the USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Shiloh (CG 67).

My step-father Capt. Joseph E. Gould, USN (Ret.), was a USNA grad (class of ’43, but graduated in June of ’42) and was a Diesel submariner (WWII), Surface Warrior (Korea) and Naval Intelligence (Vietnam) officer. He had five afloat commands in his nearly 30-year career and knew a thing or two about my business. As a Navigator, he joined me for shooting morning and evening stars, actually shooting stars and reducing them to determine our position. These are not easy skills to master and imagine my intimidation that he did this 8 years after retirement. He added to my misery, I mean, professional development, when he encouraged me to obtain a 1000 (10 AM) sun line each morning so we could obtain a running fix from a local apparent noon calculation. At lunch in the wardroom, a young Sailor entered and presented to the Captain our twelve o’clock reports… “Sir the Officer of the Deck sends his respects and reports the approaching hour of 1200. All chronometers have been wound and compared and we have position fixes from a sunline/local apparent noon, SATNAV, Loran and Omega.” “Very well”, said Capt. Lee Kaiss. Our Commodore, Capt. John J. Gelke, was a Kings Point mariner of great navigational and engineering accomplishment as well.  Together they were apoplectic that our Nav-team was so accomplished, forward leaning and on top of the game. “Wow, Petty Officer Gallup (the leading Quartermaster) is really raising the bar these days, isn’t he?” opined the Old Man. The Commodore jumped into the conversation and brought the credit where it belonged—to my stepfather. This is when the Commodore metaphorically became my step-dad’s “bestie” and they shot stars together for the final four days of our deployment. My Quartermasters were elated as the small and always nearly empty chart room was jammed with two Captains, a Lieutenant, and the occasional Junior Officer needing some Personnel Qualification Standard signed off in what was supposed to be a chill and retiring ride home in an empty chartroom.

Sam—Over to you—

Thank you, Admiral—Sam here. As a young Navy kid, I never really knew that much about my dad’s work. His time on shore duty felt like he was at any other job with long hours a mom or dad might’ve had. My family and I said farewell and welcomed him back many times on different piers and hangars or he’d surprise me and my siblings and break us out of school, but I never really knew what his life was like on the boat. In late July of 1998, my perception of all of that changed as a young Tiger with my older brother, Garry. We met my dad in Pearl Harbor as the USS Tarawa (LHA 1), the Eagle of the Sea, returned from the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf, and different ports of Africa and the Pacific. I was lucky that year—I just made the age cut of 8 years old merely a month before the cruise.

Twenty-one years later, there’s still so much from that Tiger Cruise that I carry with me. I still feel giddy as I tell friends and colleagues of the rumble and boom of an M242 firing off into the distance with eyes fixed on the glow of tracers turning into splashes. The sound of ocean waves lapping into the immense well deck is still vivid in my mind. As a little guy then, I didn’t shoot much, but being on the Marine’s indoor range might’ve put a little hair on my chest. Whether it was sharing lunch with the crew and other Tigers or watching the awe-inspiring skill and tact of flight ops, I loved being on the flight deck most of all. 

In all honesty, being a Navy kid was tough at times. When a parent is on a deployment, it can feel like a lifetime. But being a lucky, young Tiger sailing home with Dad, seeing what he did day-to-day, and meeting the amazing men and women he served with—Those are memories I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Back to over to you, Sonny—

I have many more Tiger memories. One of my executive officer’s, Bob Williams, son Robbie was a whirling dirvish of activitiy and rowdiness—and went on to become Commanding Officer of Seal Team 3.  Then-Lieutenant Bill Keating’s Uncle John Ahern “tigered” with us many times and had his own seat in the Goat Locker (Chief Petty Officers’ Mess) complete with his own coffee mug. Then-Lieutenant Paul Schultz’ father, Paul Sr., came aboard with his Korean-War vintage DBF Dolphins (Diesel Boats Forever) and the best array of off-color sea stories ever told on a sailing vessel of any era.

What are your Tiger cruise memories either as a Tiger or host of a Tiger? What activities were most memorable? How did you or your parents fund the trip in tight budget situations? What did you learn about your Sailor Dad or Mom that you didn’t know before? How had your young son or daughter matured over the previous six to eight months that surprised you?

Wherever I find a Navy family, the Tiger cruise always comes up in conversation. Let’s start one now!

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Dave Kenney

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Sorry, but a "Tiger Cruise" Doesn't Involve Endangered Animals or Joe Exotic

Nov. 29 2020, Updated 9:31 a.m. ET

It's kind of hard to believe movies have any truth to them when "inspired by real events" flicks always end up being the furthest thing away from the truth when you go and actually investigate what really happened. (I'm looking at you, Cinderella Man .) So when the 2004 Disney Channel flick Tiger Cruise debuted that featured Hayden Panettiere and Bill Pullman, people wondered if a " tiger cruise " is actually a real thing.

So, is a "Tiger Cruise" a real thing? You betcha.

I know what you're thinking: Vacation cruises are scary and annoying enough as it is. Being on a boat filled with a bunch of gross strangers and crumby buffet food while you spend your days sloshing around the seas or chilling in a tiny cabin already sounds like a nightmare. Doing so with a bunch of dangerous, enormous feline killing machines sounds even worse.

But no, those aren't the kinds of "tiger cruises" we're talking about here, a TC refers to members of the Navy coming back home from a long deployment being allowed to have a family accompany them on their trip back home.

So why "tiger"? For some reason that's the code word for said family member of a sailor. The Navy Historical Foundation has quoted the Navy as describing the following phenomenon as such.

"The occasional embarkation of family members of naval personnel is intended to contribute to good morale and instill in servicemembers a sense of pride in the Navy and their ships. It also enhances public understanding of the Navy and increases community awareness," the foundation's website reads.

It continues, "Operation Tiger Cruise is the unclassified code name for a very special guest cruise program that includes two or more consecutive days underway. The primary purpose of a Tiger Cruise is for servicemembers to acquaint their family members with their ship and their shipboard duties."

It's really tough for family members of service women and men to be away from their loved ones for extended periods of time. Undoubtedly, a certain level of estrangement can develop between individuals, no matter how close they are. 

By better acquainting the "tigers" with the work that the service folks do on a daily basis, there's a hope that a greater appreciation, and hopefully, understanding of their duties can help strengthen those bonds.

Sam Hall, a self proclaimed "Navy kid" talked about how much his perception of his father's work changed when he went on a tiger cruise of his own.

"As a young Navy kid, I never really knew that much about my dad’s work," Hall explained. "His time on shore duty felt like he was at any other job with long hours a mom or dad might’ve had...In late July of 1998, my perception of all of that changed as a young Tiger with my older brother, Garry."

Sam continued, "Hanging out with that awesome crew was some of the most fun I had, especially when I could eat my weight in ice cream in their wardroom ... In all honesty, being a Navy kid was tough at times. When a parent is on a deployment, it can feel like a lifetime. But being a lucky, young Tiger sailing home with Dad, seeing what he did day-to-day, and meeting the amazing men and women he served with — those are memories I wouldn’t trade for the world."

My dad and I back on Tiger Cruise 2006. He was so proud that I served and I am so proud that he’s my father. Miss him everyday 🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/cWmQfTUhCk — Battle Born (@BattleBornThom) February 23, 2018

The Hallmark movie, 'USS Christmas,' has a tiger cruise plotline of its own.

Portions of the movie were shot aboard the USS North Carolina, a 40,000+-ton battleship docked in Wilmington, N.C. The film follows the very Hallmark-y love story of journalist Maddie (played by Jen Lilley) joining her navy pilot sister and mom on the vessel, where she meets another pilot by the name of Lt. Billy Jenkins, whose nickname is "The Grinch."

Guess why they call him that? The dude hates Christmas, but ultimately discovers his love for the holiday. Actor Trevor Donovan, who plays "The Grinch" said the first thing he did to research the role was "watch Top Gun ."

Maddie and Billy, while developing feelings for each other, work together to solve a decades-old love story about a couple who met on a tiger cruise during the Vietnam War.

Tonight!!! Tune-in to @HallmarkMovie for a brand new #MiraclesOfChristmas original premiere, #USSChristmas TONIGHT at 10pm/9c! #ad Tweet with us during the movie to win a fun Hallmark holiday package! Details here: https://t.co/nxgorobnXE pic.twitter.com/hDDECgPWMV — 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬 ✨🌙🔮🌌💫♏️ (@crazyadventures) November 29, 2020

USS Christmas debuted on Nov. 28, 2020 at 10 p.m. EST on the Hallmark Channel.

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Why Is A Tiger Cruise Called A Tiger Cruise

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Umeko Ritz

Introduction

Have you ever heard of a Tiger Cruise? It’s a term that often pops up when talking about naval travel, but what exactly is a Tiger Cruise? Why is it called a Tiger Cruise? In this article, we will explore the origins of the term and the significance behind it.

A Tiger Cruise is a unique experience offered to the family and friends of Navy personnel onboard a deployed ship. It allows them to embark on the ship for a short period of time, typically during the final leg of a deployment, and experience life at sea. But why is it called a Tiger Cruise?

The origin of the term “Tiger Cruise” is rooted in naval traditions. In the past, naval ships would sometimes host mascot animals onboard during longer deployments. These mascots would often be exotic or wild animals, such as tigers. The presence of these tigers onboard became a symbol of strength and camaraderie, and the term “Tiger Cruise” was born.

However, over time, the actual presence of live animals aboard Navy ships became impractical and potentially hazardous. Today, the term “Tiger Cruise” is used to refer to the experience of family and friends joining their loved ones on a deployment, rather than the presence of actual tigers.

A Tiger Cruise is more than just an opportunity for loved ones to reconnect with their Navy personnel. It is also a chance for them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the lives their loved ones lead while serving in the Navy. From witnessing daily routines to experiencing the unique challenges of life at sea, a Tiger Cruise offers a glimpse into the world of Navy operations.

Join us as we delve into the significance of Tigers in naval tradition, the activities and events that take place during a Tiger Cruise, and the impact these cruises have on both the naval personnel and their families.

The Origin of the Term “Tiger Cruise”

The term “Tiger Cruise” has its roots in the early traditions of the United States Navy. In the past, naval ships would occasionally have live animal mascots on board during long deployments. These mascots were often exotic animals, and tigers were particularly popular choices. The presence of tigers aboard the ships became a symbol of strength, resilience, and camaraderie among the sailors. It was during this time that the term “Tiger Cruise” was coined.

Having a live tiger on a Navy ship may seem unusual today, but it was not entirely uncommon in the past. Ships would often stop at ports around the world on their long journeys, and sailors would sometimes bring back exotic animals as souvenirs or mascots. These mascots, including tigers, would then become part of the ship’s identity during the deployment.

The presence of tigers as mascots not only served as a symbol of strength but also as a reminder of the adventurous and daring spirit of the sailors. Tigers are known for their power, agility, and fearlessness, qualities that resonated with the naval personnel who faced challenging conditions and dangerous missions at sea. The tiger mascots became beloved figures on board, offering companionship and boosting morale among the crew.

Over time, the practice of having live animal mascots on Navy ships became less feasible. The logistics and safety concerns associated with maintaining and caring for wild animals on a ship, especially during combat operations, made it increasingly impractical. Despite the discontinuation of having live tigers on Navy ships, the term “Tiger Cruise” endured and took on a new meaning in modern times.

Today, when referring to a Tiger Cruise, it no longer involves the presence of actual tigers on board. Instead, it relates to the experience of naval personnel’s family and friends embarking on the ship for a short period of time during a deployment. The term “Tiger Cruise” serves as a homage to the tradition of having tigers as mascots and embodies the spirit of strength, unity, and adventure that characterized those earlier times.

Through the generations, the term “Tiger Cruise” has become ingrained in naval culture, representing a unique and special opportunity for loved ones to share in the experiences of their Navy personnel. It has evolved into more than just a name; it carries the weight of tradition and symbolizes the bond between the sailors and their families. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of Tiger Cruises and explore the significance of this experience for naval personnel and their loved ones.

The Connection to Naval Tradition

The tradition of the Tiger Cruise goes beyond just the term itself. It is deeply rooted in the rich naval traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations in the United States Navy.

Naval tradition emphasizes the importance of unity, camaraderie, and family support. The sailors who serve in the Navy often spend a significant amount of time away from their loved ones due to deployments and assignments. The Tiger Cruise was born out of the desire to bridge this gap and provide an opportunity for naval personnel to share their experiences with their families and friends.

By inviting loved ones to join them on the ship, naval personnel can showcase the challenges, dedication, and pride that come with serving in the Navy. The Tiger Cruise fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made by the sailors and their families. It allows the families to witness firsthand the daily routines, duties, and responsibilities of their Navy personnel.

Moreover, the Tiger Cruise provides an insight into the unique lifestyle and culture of the Navy. From the strict discipline and adherence to protocols to the sense of teamwork and resilience, family members have the opportunity to experience the environment that shapes their loved ones into dedicated and honorable naval personnel.

Throughout history, naval ships have served as symbols of strength and power. Inviting family and friends on board for a Tiger Cruise not only strengthens the bond between sailors and their loved ones but also allows them to share in the pride and honor associated with being a part of the Navy.

The Tiger Cruise connects to other naval traditions as well, such as the Crossing the Line Ceremony. During long deployments, sailors participate in this ritual as they cross the Equator for the first time. Including family and friends in the Tiger Cruise gives them the opportunity to witness and be a part of these age-old ceremonies, thereby immersing themselves in the history and traditions of the Navy.

Furthermore, the Tiger Cruise reinforces the importance of support networks within the naval community. By experiencing life at sea and interacting with other naval personnel and their families, participants develop a sense of kinship and unity. This camaraderie extends beyond the Tiger Cruise and serves as a source of strength and support for both naval personnel and their loved ones.

The Significance of Tigers

Tigers hold a special place in the hearts and minds of those in the naval community, and their significance extends beyond their physical presence as live mascots on naval ships. Tigers symbolize strength, courage, and resilience, characteristics that align closely with the ethos of the United States Navy.

Tigers are majestic creatures known for their power and agility. They evoke a sense of awe and admiration, commanding respect wherever they roam. In many cultures, tigers are seen as symbols of authority, protection, and bravery. These qualities are highly valued in the naval community, where sailors face challenging environments and demanding missions.

The connection between tigers and naval tradition dates back to a time when live tigers were occasionally brought on board naval ships as mascots during deployments. These tigers served as morale boosters, representing the tenacity and fearlessness of the sailors. The presence of a tiger onboard was a visible reminder of the strength and unity of the crew.

Although live tigers are no longer permitted on Navy ships due to practical and safety concerns, the symbolism of tigers continues to be embraced. Tigers represent the spirit of adventure and exploration that characterizes life at sea, embodying the courage required to overcome challenges and navigate uncharted territories.

The significance of tigers in the Tiger Cruise experience lies in their representation of the values and qualities that naval personnel possess. Like the tiger, sailors are trained to be agile, adaptable, and decisive in the face of adversity. They are taught to protect and defend their ship and their fellow sailors, just as a tiger protects its territory and young.

Furthermore, tigers symbolize the bond between naval personnel and their families. Just as a tiger fiercely protects its cubs, sailors and their families support and protect one another through the challenges of military life. The Tiger Cruise serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by both the sailors and their loved ones.

Moreover, tigers evoke a sense of unity within the naval community. Like a pride of tigers working together to achieve a common goal, sailors rely on teamwork, cooperation, and trust to accomplish their missions. The Tiger Cruise provides an opportunity for family members to witness this unity firsthand and understand the tight-knit bonds that exist among naval personnel.

Ultimately, the significance of tigers in the Tiger Cruise experience transcends their physical presence. Tigers embody the spirit of strength, courage, and unity that defines the naval community. They serve as a powerful symbol of the dedication and resilience exhibited by naval personnel and their families. Join us as we delve into the unique experiences and activities that take place during a Tiger Cruise.

The Experience of a Tiger Cruise

The Tiger Cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for family and friends of naval personnel, giving them a glimpse into the unique and challenging world of Navy deployments. From the moment they step aboard the ship, participants are immersed in the daily life and routines of their loved ones.

Embarking on a Tiger Cruise is like stepping into a different world. Participants have the opportunity to observe firsthand the intricate operations and responsibilities that come with serving in the Navy. They witness the dedication, discipline, and professionalism of the sailors as they carry out their duties at sea.

During the Tiger Cruise, participants are encouraged to engage with the crew and learn about various aspects of naval operations. They can interact with sailors from different departments, from the bridge to the engine room, gaining insights into the wide array of roles and responsibilities that make a ship function smoothly.

Participants also have the chance to experience life at sea. They can explore the ship and witness the impressive technology and equipment onboard. From the towering masts to the well-organized mess halls, every aspect of the ship offers a glimpse into the intricacies of naval life.

Throughout the cruise, participants can attend various demonstrations and informational sessions. These range from fire drills and damage control exercises to navigation tutorials and flight deck demonstrations. These activities provide a hands-on experience that deepens the understanding of the challenges and skills required to operate a naval vessel.

Additionally, the Tiger Cruise often includes special events and activities. These can range from sports competitions and talent shows to tours of foreign ports and cultural exchanges. These events allow participants to connect with naval personnel on a personal level and build lasting memories that strengthen the bond between sailors and their loved ones.

One of the highlights of a Tiger Cruise is the opportunity to witness military demonstrations. Depending on the ship’s capabilities, participants may observe aircraft takeoffs and landings, missile launches, or submarine operations. These displays showcase the technological prowess and firepower that define naval deployments.

Moreover, the Tiger Cruise fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie among the participants. As families and friends of naval personnel bond with one another, they share unique and insightful conversations, exchanging stories, experiences, and perspectives. This networking enables them to build connections with others who understand the joys and challenges of having a loved one in the Navy.

Overall, the experience of a Tiger Cruise is transformative. It grants participants a profound appreciation for the sacrifices, dedication, and professionalism of naval personnel. It allows them to witness the sheer scope of naval operations and the teamwork required to keep the ship and its crew safe and operational. From witnessing military demonstrations to forging new friendships, the Tiger Cruise is an unforgettable experience that strengthens the bond between naval personnel and their families.

Activities and Events on a Tiger Cruise

A Tiger Cruise is filled with a multitude of activities and events designed to provide participants with an engaging and immersive experience. These activities offer a unique glimpse into the world of the Navy and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the challenges and responsibilities faced by naval personnel.

Ship Tours: Participants have the opportunity to embark on guided tours of the ship, allowing them to explore different areas and compartments. They can visit the bridge, where they can witness the commanding officer and the navigation team in action. They can also explore the mess halls, living quarters, and various other departments, gaining insights into the daily lives of the sailors onboard.

Flight Deck Operations: Depending on the type of ship, participants may have the chance to witness aircraft takeoffs and landings on the flight deck. This showcases the precision and coordination required for flight operations at sea. Observing aircraft in action is a thrilling experience that highlights the advanced capabilities and firepower of naval deployments.

Damage Control Demonstrations: Sailors conduct damage control exercises to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew during emergencies. Participants can witness these demonstrations, observing how sailors respond to simulated crisis situations such as firefighting, flooding control, and medical emergencies. These exercises showcase the rapid response and teamwork required to maintain the well-being of the ship.

Military Demonstrations: Depending on the itinerary and ship capabilities, Tiger Cruise participants may have the opportunity to witness military demonstrations. This could include missile launches, gunnery exercises, or submarine operations. These displays not only highlight the technological prowess of the Navy but also provide a sense of the scale and capabilities of a naval deployment.

Informative Sessions: Naval personnel often conduct informational sessions for Tiger Cruise participants. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including the ship’s history, navigation techniques, and the roles of different departments. These sessions offer valuable insights into the workings of a naval vessel and the responsibilities of the sailors on board.

Sports Tournaments and Talent Shows: To foster camaraderie and friendly competition, sports tournaments and talent shows are organized during a Tiger Cruise. Participants can engage in various sports activities, such as basketball or volleyball, competing against sailors and other families. Talent shows allow participants to showcase their skills and entertain the crew, creating a fun and interactive atmosphere on board.

Cultural Exchanges and Port Visits: Depending on the deployment schedule, Tiger Cruise itineraries may include visits to foreign ports. These port visits offer participants the opportunity to explore different cultures, interact with locals, and learn about naval operations in a global context. These cultural exchanges create lasting memories and broaden the participants’ horizons.

Family Time and Quality Bonding: One of the most significant aspects of a Tiger Cruise is the chance for family members and friends to spend quality time with their loved ones who serve in the Navy. From shared meals to leisurely conversations, these moments allow for personal connections and strengthen the bond between sailors and their families.

The wide variety of activities and events on a Tiger Cruise ensures that participants have a well-rounded and engaging experience. These opportunities provide a unique window into the world of naval operations, fostering understanding, and forging lasting memories for both naval personnel and their loved ones.

The Impact on Naval Personnel and Families

The Tiger Cruise experience has a profound impact on both naval personnel and their families. It serves as a catalyst for strengthening the bond between sailors and their loved ones and offers a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and dedication required in Navy life.

For naval personnel, having their family and friends on board during a Tiger Cruise provides a much-needed connection to their support system. It offers a sense of comfort, knowing that their loved ones can witness firsthand the challenges they face and the sacrifices they make while serving at sea. This shared experience helps reinforce the sailors’ commitment to their duty and boosts morale as they see the pride and support in the eyes of their family members.

The Tiger Cruise experience also allows naval personnel to showcase their skills and responsibilities to their families. By witnessing naval operations and the daily routines of their loved ones, family members gain a deeper sense of the dedication and professionalism required in Navy life. The bonds formed during a Tiger Cruise create a stronger support network for the sailors, as their loved ones gain a greater understanding of their unique role and the sacrifices they make.

For families, the Tiger Cruise provides a rare opportunity to experience the challenges and daily routines faced by their naval personnel. This firsthand experience fosters empathy and appreciation for the hardships encountered during deployments. It strengthens the familial bonds, as families witness the dedication and bravery exhibited by their loved ones in service to their country.

The impact of the Tiger Cruise extends beyond the immediate family. It also creates a sense of community among the families of naval personnel. Participants on the Tiger Cruise connect with one another, sharing stories, experiences, and the unique challenges they face as Navy families. This networking and camaraderie offer a support system that extends beyond the cruise, providing a sense of belonging and unity.

Furthermore, the Tiger Cruise experience allows for quality family time and the creation of lasting memories. It provides an opportunity for sailors to reconnect with their families, strengthening the family unit and creating cherished moments that sustain them during future deployments.

The Tiger Cruise also has a positive impact on the overall morale of naval personnel. Knowing that their loved ones have gained insight into their duties and the challenges of Navy life reaffirms their sense of purpose and dedication. It boosts the sailors’ morale, knowing that their families witnessed firsthand their commitment and the significance of their service.

Overall, the impact of a Tiger Cruise on both naval personnel and their families is immeasurable. It deepens mutual understanding, strengthens familial bonds, and fosters a sense of community among Navy families. For naval personnel, the Tiger Cruise provides validation, support, and motivation to continue their dedicated service. For families, it offers a unique chance to connect, appreciate, and support their loved ones who serve in the Navy.

A Tiger Cruise is more than just a chance for family and friends to join naval personnel on a deployment; it is a glimpse into the world of Navy life, steeped in tradition and held dear by all who participate. From its origins rooted in naval history to its significance as a symbol of strength, the Tiger Cruise offers a transformative experience for both naval personnel and their families.

The Tiger Cruise connects naval tradition and the present, allowing family and friends to immerse themselves in the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by sailors. It reinforces the values of unity, camaraderie, and support that underpin life in the Navy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by all who serve.

Activities and events on a Tiger Cruise provide a well-rounded experience, offering participants an insider’s view of naval operations. Ship tours, military demonstrations, and informative sessions create opportunities for engagement and learning, while cultural exchanges and family time foster connection and lasting memories.

The impact of the Tiger Cruise on naval personnel and their families is profound. It strengthens familial bonds, connects Navy families in a network of support, and boosts the morale of sailors who see their loved ones understanding and appreciating their service. The Tiger Cruise creates a sense of unity and community, reinforcing the importance of the Navy’s core values.

In conclusion, the Tiger Cruise is a remarkable experience that brings naval personnel and their families closer together. It bridges the gap between the Navy and civilian life, providing insight into the sacrifices and dedication required for service. Through its activities, events, and invaluable family time, the Tiger Cruise leaves a lasting impact, fostering a deeper understanding, and creating indelible memories of a shared journey at sea.

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Why Does the Navy Call It a Tiger Cruise?

By Michael Ferguson

The term “Tiger Cruise” is often heard in the Navy community, but what does it mean? Why is it called that way?

The origin of the term Tiger Cruise

Tiger Cruise is a tradition that dates back to the 1930s when families of sailors were allowed to join their loved ones on board for a short cruise. The term “Tiger” was used to refer to children who accompanied their parents on these cruises. This was because, at that time, military dependents were referred to as “tigers” due to their energetic and adventurous nature.

What is a Tiger Cruise?

A Tiger Cruise is a unique opportunity for family members or guests of sailors to experience life on board a Navy ship. It typically takes place at the end of a deployment or training exercise and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

During the cruise, guests are given an exclusive look into the day-to-day operations of a Navy ship. They get to witness firsthand the various tasks and activities that sailors perform, from flight operations to gunnery exercises. Guests are also treated to various events and activities like tours of different parts of the ship, onboard entertainment, and meals with service members.

Why are they called Tiger Cruises?

The name “Tiger Cruise” has stuck over the years because it symbolizes the spirit of adventure and excitement that comes with being on board a Navy ship. It’s also an homage to the tradition’s origins when military dependents were affectionately referred to as “tigers.”

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Nightly news, discovering ship life aboard the navy’s tiger cruise.

After an eight-month deployment in the Persian Gulf, the USS John Stennis picked up the sailors’ family and friends for a six-day cruise from Hawaii to San Diego. NBC’s Miguel Almaguer reports. May 2, 2013

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USS Theodore Roosevelt Celebrates Naval Aviation on Tiger Cruise

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The ship is on its way to its home port at Naval Air Station North Island , California, after a seven-month deployment. More than 600 family members and friends embarked aboard the Theodore Roosevelt for a "Tiger Cruise" during a port call to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, April 27-May 1.

Navy Capt. Carlos Sardiello, the commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and Navy Capt. Gus Ford, the commander of Carrier Air Wing 17 , spoke of how naval aviation relates to navies, both past and present, during the celebration hosted by the ship's Naval Heritage Committee in the hangar bay.

"Aircraft carriers have come a long way," Sardiello said. "The USS Pennsylvania started with a wooden deck with sandbags for arresting gear. Here we are a little over a century later with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier."

The captain emphasized the necessity of today's aircraft and aircraft carriers in operations around the world.

"The importance of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to our nation's defense lies in the fact that it is the only platform that can deliver air power from the sea in a sustainable fashion," he said.

Family Support

It’s important for the Navy that embarked families and guests of the sailors and Marines understand life aboard an aircraft carrier, Ford said.

"Our Navy and the aviation aspect, together, is an essential part of our military," Ford said. "We keep the waters open for trade, have a strong projection of power throughout the world, and protect the interests of countries throughout the world."

CVW-17 hosted an airpower demonstration for the ship’s guests, which displayed skills such as low-altitude passes and turns, high-speed fly-bys, combat maneuvers, and the detonation of live ordnance. The demonstration ended with 15 aircraft flying in formation over the flight deck.

Sailors, Marines and their guests watched as F/A-18F and F/A-18E Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F/A-18C Hornets, MH-60S and MH-60R Sea Hawks and an E-2C Hawkeye performed in the skies above the carrier.

Carrier Air Wing 17

While embarked aboard Theodore Roosevelt, CVW-17 flew 1,164 combat sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Additionally, CVW-17 flew more than 8,319 hours and operated approximately 70 aircraft during its 2017-2018 deployment.

The legacy of Navy aviation continues to grow, said Tiger Cruise attendee Jim Kooyer, a former petty officer who served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock.

"The same can be said about today's Navy as the Navy back during the Vietnam War," he said. "An immediate line of defense and the ability to be any place at any time is critical to accomplish any mission. This carrier, other naval vessels and the air wing all make that possible."

Naval aviation has played an integral part in supporting America's maritime strategy, from the wooden decks of the USS Pennsylvania to the unforgiving non-skid surface aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

CVW-17 is comprised of Lemoore, California-based Strike Fighter Squadron 22 , Strike Fighter Squadron 94 and Strike Fighter Squadron 113 ; Beaufort, South Carolina-based Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 312 ; Whidbey Island, Washington-based Electronic Attack Squadron 139; Point Mugu, California-based Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116 ; San Diego-based Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 , Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6 ; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 .

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Search form, staff perspective: tiger cruises and navy families.

Fast-forward 20 years and much has changed with Navy ship deployments.  These days, the deployment dates and most ship movements are no longer public knowledge and OPSEC (operational security) means dates aren’t advertised.  Families only have a general idea when ships will return and it isn’t confirmed until a couple weeks before the ship pulls in.  Port visit dates and locations are subject to change and it is no longer common to see large, organized groups of spouses flying to meet the ships in overseas locations.  Obviously, much has changed in the world and in the post-9/11 military.

Over time, military families have adjusted to these changes and many don’t have first-hand knowledge of how it used to be.  What hasn’t changed is the stress associated with deployments and the anticipation that return from deployments brings.  Every deployment experience is different – where you live, how old your children are, how long the deployment lasts, the amount of support you have in your community.  These are just some of the factors that impact how a family (and a Service member) navigates the time they are separated by a deployment.  Success managing the challenges of a previous deployment doesn’t ensure that the next one will be smooth – they almost never are. 

A few months ago, my husband returned from his most recent deployment.  Just as I have every time before, I told myself “This was the hardest deployment I’ve ever been through.” If I’m honest, I don’t feel like it was actually harder than any other before, but I think I had allowed myself to forget what it’s like because it has been almost five years.  I anticipated that this deployment would be easier because my two sons are now teenagers and more self-sufficient; one of them even drives.  I thought it would be less stressful since I wouldn’t have to find child care if I wanted to go out or have to drive them to soccer games, birthday parties, and play-dates as I had done in the past. 

What I hadn’t fully anticipated was the impact that having their father gone would have on my boys.  They missed him in a way that was somehow different than before.  Even now with the Internet to stay connected, they really missed having him physically present to talk to, help with their homework or go see the newest Star Wars or Marvel movie. (I wouldn’t know a Jedi from an Avenger.)  It was definitely harder than any of us had anticipated and made me regret the ‘been there, done that’ attitude I went into the deployment with.

Towards the end of the deployment, we found out the ship would be hosting a “Tiger Cruise” for friends and family members.  A Tiger Cruise is an opportunity for civilians (with the exception of spouses) to ride a ship the last few days of deployment.  Usually, the ship pulls into a port near their homeport, picks up the “Tigers” and then the families get to experience shipboard life and see what their loved ones do for a couple of days. 

My sons had the opportunity to meet the ship in Mayport, Florida and ride back to the homeport of Norfolk, VA – a short trip only lasting three days and two nights.  When I met the ship in Norfolk, it was amazing to see how meaningful those few days had been for them.  Even though they had lived their whole lives around the Navy, living on military bases and moving every few years, they told me they felt like they really had “no idea” what their father did when he went to the ship every day.  When they got back, they shared with pride what it was like seeing all the Sailors on the ship working together each day.  They couldn’t believe it when they saw the amount of responsibility given to Sailors not much older than they are. It gave them a new perspective on the Navy.  Seeing dolphins following the ship, watching the guns shoot, and having the chance to watch as the ship pulled alongside the oiler to refuel are experiences they’ll never forget.

Something about that experience made our family reunification much smoother.  We didn’t experience the somewhat awkward moments that sometimes occur when reconnecting with a loved one you haven’t seen in many months.  As with every deployment, we were all slightly changed from the experience but this time, my boys felt like they had played a bigger part in supporting their father.  They weren’t simply watching and waiting on the pier, as they had many times before. This time they were on the ship observing the focus, concentration, and teamwork needed to get a 10,000-ton ship safely into port, plus the excitement that comes with returning home from months overseas.

Whether the Tiger is a son, daughter, father, mother, brother, or sister of a Sailor, they all come back with an incredible appreciation of what its like to be at sea, even if only for a few days.  It is almost a cliché among Service members that people who haven’t been on deployment or downrange can’t begin to understand what it is like.  The Navy is probably unique among the services that civilians are able to experience a small piece of the deployment by participating in a Tiger Cruise.

So while Navy ships don’t actually have tigers onboard, if you’re fortunate enough to experience a Tiger Cruise for yourself, it can make the reunification after deployment a whole lot easier and create a special connection that will last a lifetime. 

The opinions in CDP Staff Perspective blogs are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science or the Department of Defense.

April Thompson, LCSW , is a clinical social worker currently working as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trainer at the CDP at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU) in Bethesda, Maryland.

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USNS Richard Byrd Hosts MSC’s First Post-COVID Tiger Cruise

Photo By Sarah Cannon | Family members of Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E.... ... read more read more

Photo By Sarah Cannon | Family members of Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) pose on the bridge of the ship during a Tiger Cruise from Bremerton, Wash., to Portland, Ore. The Tiger Cruise was the first for Military Sealift Command since the 2020 COVID restrictions were put into place to protect ships’ crews from the virus.   see less | View Image Page

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Story by sarah cannon  , military sealift command pacific.

Family members and friends got the opportunity to experience life at-sea on a Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship as the participated in a Family Cruise, also known as a Tiger Cruise, onboard the MSC dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) in the Pacific North West. Fifteen Tigers boarded the ship in Bremerton, Wash., and sailed with them over two days to the Vigor Industrial Shipyard in Portland, Ore. During the trip, the ship sailed through the Puget Sound and down the Columbia River, where the Tigers were able to see a variety of natural wildlife, including Orcas, or Killer Whales. Below deck, Tigers were treated to tours of work spaces, with the most popular being the Engineering Department, where they saw the big motors that power the ship up close. Evenings included a pizza and movie night. “Having family and friends onboard your ship to see what you do when you are away at-sea, is a real moral boost for everyone,” said Capt. Lee Apsley, Byrd’s civil service master. “This Tiger Cruise was really fun, and I’m really looking forward to the next one. The Byrd Tiger Cruise is of special note, as it is the first time an MSC ship has embarked family and friends since the 2020 COVID restrictions were put into place to protect ships’ crews from the virus. “We are very happy to support this special request,” said Capt. Kendall Bridgewater, commander, Military Sealift Pacific. “Family is important, particularly the families of our civilian mariners who spend long periods away from home in support of our Navy. Being able to give families the opportunity to spend time onboard our ships, to be with their loved ones, and see what they do while at sea, is a special opportunity.” According to the Navy, Tiger Cruise is the unclassified code name of a guest cruise program that includes two or more consecutive days underway. The primary purpose of a Tiger Cruise is for service members to acquaint their family members with their ship and their shipboard duties, and is intended to contribute to good morale and instill a sense of pride in the Navy and their ships. It also enhances public understanding of the Navy and increases community awareness.

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Navy Tiger Cruise: What To Bring

October 6, 2022

Bringing a camera is a must on a Navy tiger cruise . Many families like to purchase a disposable camera for each person in the family, so everyone can snap away. Other popular items to bring include: binoculars, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, snacks and drinks, and comfortable walking shoes. Of course, each family has their own unique traditions and items that they like to bring on a tiger cruise, so be sure to ask what others in your group are bringing.

Tiger Cruises run for three days. It is entirely up to the individual. With our freedom in the balance, it is the sailors who are working hard to keep it safe. If you want to learn more about Admin Paul’s Tiger Cruise in 2009, his blog is a great place to start. In this context, you will gain a sense of what you will be expecting. Make certain that your valuables are securely stored in your duffel, and that they are kept under lock and key when not in use. When the wind is 40 to 50 knots off the deck, an extra blanket will keep you warm.

During a Tiger Cruise, civilians are allowed to board a ship the day before it is scheduled to leave for a deployment (with the exception of spouses). Families usually visit the ship near their homeport as soon as it pulls into port, picks up the “Tigers,” and then they have the opportunity to see what their loved ones do on the ship.

Tiger cruises allow deployed sailors and Marines’ families to see the ship’s daily operations from the comfort of their own homes.

Tiger Cruise is a Disney Channel Original Movie that aired from August 6, 2004 to April 6, 2005. (*) Bill Pullman and Hayden Panettiere are the stars of this film. Tiger Cruise ( movie)Tiger CruiseOriginal release date: August 6, 200416 more rows

How Long Does A Tiger Cruise Last?

A tiger cruise is a cruise that typically lasts around two weeks. It is a great way to see different parts of the world and meet new people.

Are Navy Tiger Cruises Real?

So the short answer to your question is yes, navy tiger cruises are definitely real! For those who may not be familiar, a tiger cruise is basically a pleasure cruise that allows family and friends of service members to come aboard and experience life at sea. These cruises typically last around 3-5 days, and they visit various ports of call. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to show support for your loved ones in the military, a navy tiger cruise is definitely something to consider!

It is an excellent way to demonstrate our support and gratitude to our sailors and their families. We can also raise community awareness about the Navy and its work by taking this cruise. We sincerely hope that everyone who participates in this event has a great time and learns something new.

How To Get On A Navy Tiger Cruise

Assuming you would like tips on how to make the most of a navy tiger cruise: A tiger cruise is a great way to see first-hand how the navy works and get a feel for life on a ship. Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience: – Talk to as many people as possible. There are a lot of interesting people on board with a wealth of knowledge and experience. – Get involved in activities and events. There is always something going on during a tiger cruise and it’s a great way to meet people and see different parts of the ship. – Explore the ship. Take some time to walk around and check out all the different areas of the ship. You’ll be surprised at how big it is! – Take plenty of pictures. A tiger cruise is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure to document it.

Navy Tiger Cruise Cost

The average cost of a Navy tiger cruise is around $1,500. However, the price can vary depending on the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the specific ship you are sailing on. Tiger cruises are a great way to see the world and experience life on a Navy ship .

A total of 278 people took the tiger cruise from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to San Diego. There are 30 passengers on board the ship, which is on its way to Everett, Washington. A gift bag costs $40, and the trip costs $70 between San Diego and Everett, with food costs $10 per day and transportation costs $10. During a Tiger cruise, friends and family of deployed sailors and Marines can experience the sea on a ship. Spouses will still be able to visit the base if they meet the requirements of the off-base housing allowance. Some Navy ships are being tested with contract workers to perform slicing work. Communication and special mission functions can be carried out on some Navy ships with a small military component.

Members of the crew or embarked personal of an aircraft are eligible as well as their family members. Spouses, significant other, fiances, fiancées, girlfriends, and/or boyfriends are not eligible. Tiger Cruise is a fictitious story about the real-life experiences of the US Navy ‘s Constellation (CV-64).

Navy Tiger Cruises: A Tradition For Sailors And Their Loved Ones

Tiger Cruises are not included in Navy ships, but if you’re fortunate enough to participate, you can make the reunification process a lot easier and create a special connection that will last a lifetime. It is an iconic Navy tradition to host Tiger Cruises for sailors and their families, which were originally intended to bring friends and family closer to the sailors. These tours allow sailors and their families to experience all aspects of Navy life, from shipboard duty to shore leave. Tiger cruises are not permitted to host spouses for two main reasons. They can be irritating in that they divert the sailors’ attention. The second rule states that sponsored civilians are limited to one person. As a result, if you want more than that, you must find other sponsors for your child.

How Long Is A Navy Tiger Cruise

A tiger cruise is a cruise taken by the families and friends of U.S. Navy personnel . It is typically around 10 days long and goes to various ports.

As a Navy mother, I joked that I wanted to see my son’s ship. The Navy has been able to keep families on board of its ships for nearly a century as a result of Tiger Cruises’ introduction. The US Navy provided us with a firsthand look at what it takes to be a fighter jet as we set out from Pearl Harbor. With the PELELIU setting out to sea, the flight deck hummed with activity. It is critical that all of the ship’s aircraft be ready to fly in the event of an emergency. Six AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft conducted the first air assaults on Afghanistan after 9/11. It was deafening to hear the sound of multiple helicopters being launched.

During their tour, the crew of the USS Detroit drank a lot of coffee. With the assistance of ten landing spots, the flight deck was constantly in use. For sailors, one of the few times they are guaranteed eight hours of sleep is on a rare day. To perform maintenance on the aircraft, a helicopter was lowered into the hangar bay via an elevator. A P-25 amphibious assault ship has 2,500 Marines and their entire city aboard. A LCAC, a high-speed amphibious landing craft similar to a hovercraft, is housed on the deck of the well deck. A total of 90 questions were asked to the tigers in a PQS.

The Tigers visited each department on the ship to ask questions. During a warfare demonstration, a Phalanx Close-In Weapon System was fired. While the ship was sailing at 20 degrees Celsius, we observed the Marines’ difficulty staying on treadmill beds. The pitch black Pacific was a haven for helicopters, as they could be seen from the flight deck only with the help of night vision goggles. The PELELIU was back at Camp Pendleton in California after a six-month deployment. A picnic for sailors and Marines was held on the deck of the well. Fire ships streamed water fountains to keep the ship under control as it sailed under the Coronado Bridge in San Diego.

When Was The First Tiger Cruise?

Tiger Cruise, an original Disney Channel film, debuted on the Disney Channel in the United States on August 6, 2004. The film is based on the novels of Bill Pullman and Hayden Panettiere.

Can Spouses Go On Tiger Cruise?

Cruises are not suitable for families because they can be a distraction for sailors, but children aged 8 to 12 are welcome. A person must have a sponsored identity in order to apply. In other words, if you want to pay more for your child, you must find other sponsors for them.

Does The Us Navy Still Do Tiger Cruises

The U.S. Navy does still offer Tiger Cruises, which are opportunities for family members and friends of Navy personnel to experience life aboard a ship. These cruises typically last around three to five days, and they offer a chance for visitors to see how the Navy operates on a day-to-day basis. While Tiger Cruises are not currently being offered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are typically available during the summer months.

Navy’s Tiger Cruise: A Reunion, A Voyage, And A Celebration

The Navy refers to a Tiger Cruise as a reunion cruise for a variety of reasons. The first thing you must do when traveling to Norfolk is to be patient. Furthermore, because the ship is only available for a limited time, family and friends are the only ones who can share in this experience. Third, when the ship comes back to its homeport, it is an exciting time for the crew and their families to gather. Tiger Cruises continue to be popular, despite the fact that there are no Navy ships today with tigers onboard; however, the tradition of a Tiger Cruise is alive and well, and many families enjoy sailing on one of these ships. Whether it’s a reunion cruise with family and friends, a trip to see new places for a new sailor, or a chance to show support for a shipmate while on deployment, Tiger Cruises are a unique and special experience that everyone should experience.

Submarine Tiger Cruise

A submarine tiger cruise is a great way to see the underwater world. You can see all sorts of animals, including sharks, dolphins, and turtles. You can also see the coral reef and the shipwrecks.

Tiger Cruise passengers are boarding a submarine. Chris Summers wrote Tiger Cruise. Here’s a little trip I took on my own Sub. My first stop on this trip was in San Diego, where I haven’t been in a long time. The submarine is 560 feet long and 46 feet wide, with a vertical draft of 37 feet. It is extremely rare to embark on a Tiger Cruise (the Navy term for a cruise with family members as guests on ballistic missile submarines) aboard a ballistic missile submarine. A day earlier, the Nevada had completed a two-year dry dock overhaul of its reactor and missile system, as well as a successful test launch of a Trianium missile.

There is only about 28 inches between the mattress and the bottom of the bunk above or the ceiling of the top bunk, which measures about the size of a camp cot, and they are roughly the length of a camp cot. On a submarine, each member of the crew holds two positions: one in the specialist area and one in the duty area, such as holding a watch in the command room. Even during the day, when it’s all sleeping, men line up four times a day for meals. On occasion, an entree of beef, chicken, pork, or fish was offered, as was an entree of beef, chicken, or pork. The captain of the party served as the head of the table, while officers sat at the other end of the table. Desserts ranged from fresh baked pies to cakes, and ice cream was typically packed with hard-to-fat ice crystals. The only time I ate in the Crew Mess was when I was invited to sit in the Ward Room of the officer’s ward.

Every night, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., pizza was served in the galley, and a movie was shown in the mess. They had two showers, a toilet near the bunking area, and several toilets. The Quarter Master, in charge of keeping track of the course on the charts, is next to me. In the Sonar room, I enjoyed spending time with three to four sailors who spent their shifts staring at computer screens with green and black dots and shapes slowly dropping from the top to the bottom. The operator could even tell how many blades a ship possessed by counting its beats out in a cycle. Aside from that, I was given the opportunity to test a make-believe Trident missile at the Country Bravo range. I purchased an electronic pad reading device just before leaving for my trip and downloaded several books.

In between missile tubes 14 and 16, I enjoyed sitting on the top deck. I found it amusing that such a place of solitude is so close to such destructive weapons. After completing their DOSA test launch deployment back to Tiger Cruise Group , SSBN 733 will return to US waters. I felt incredibly proud of him as I watched him as an OOD give orders or interact with the crew. The ship’s motto and cheer are “Battle Ready!” This is a battle cry that translates as “fight born.”

The Pros And Cons Of Joining A Uss Tiger Cruise

Those who are close to military personnel can use the USS Tiger Cruise to gain a firsthand look at their daily lives. Passengers have a unique perspective on life aboard the ship due to the ship’s military personnel’s constant movement. It is acceptable for civilians to own and operate a submarine, but they must be willing to pay a premium for it.

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Family members of Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) pose on the bridge of the ship during a Tiger Cruise from Bremerton, Wash., to Portland, Ore. The Tiger Cruise was the first for Military Sealift Command since the 2020 COVID restrictions were put into place to protect ships’ crews from the virus. 

• (photo by Sarah Cannon, Military Sealift Command Pacific)
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Family members practice man-overboard drills in dry suites during a Tiger Cruise. 

Family members of Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) pose with tools in the Engineering spaces of the ship during a Tiger Cruise from Bremerton, Wash., to Portland, Ore. The Tiger Cruise was the first for Military Sealift Command since the 2020 COVID restrictions were put into place to protect ships’ crews from the virus. (Photo by Sarah Cannon, Military Sealift Command Pacific)

USNS Richard Byrd hosts MSC’s first post-COVID Tiger Cruise

• By Sarah Cannon Military Sealift Command Pacific
• Feb 2, 2023

Family members and friends got the opportunity to experience life at-sea on a Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship as the participated in a Family Cruise, also known as a Tiger Cruise, onboard the MSC dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) in the Pacific North West.

Fifteen Tigers boarded the ship in Bremerton, Wash., and sailed with them over two days to the Vigor Industrial Shipyard in Portland, Ore. During the trip, the ship sailed through the Puget Sound and down the Columbia River, where the Tigers were able to see a variety of natural wildlife, including Orcas, or Killer Whales.

Below deck, Tigers were treated to tours of work spaces, with the most popular being the Engineering Department, where they saw the big motors that power the ship up close. Evenings included a pizza and movie night.

“Having family and friends onboard your ship to see what you do when you are away at-sea, is a real moral boost for everyone,” said Capt. Lee Apsley, Byrd’s civil service master. “This Tiger Cruise was really fun, and I’m really looking forward to the next one.

The Byrd Tiger Cruise is of special note, as it is the first time an MSC ship has embarked family and friends since the 2020 COVID restrictions were put into place to protect ships’ crews from the virus.

“We are very happy to support this special request,” said Capt. Kendall Bridgewater, commander, Military Sealift Pacific. “Family is important, particularly the families of our civilian mariners who spend long periods away from home in support of our Navy. Being able to give families the opportunity to spend time onboard our ships, to be with their loved ones, and see what they do while at sea, is a special opportunity.”

According to the Navy, Tiger Cruise is the unclassified code name of a guest cruise program that includes two or more consecutive days underway. The primary purpose of a Tiger Cruise is for service members to acquaint their family members with their ship and their shipboard duties, and is intended to contribute to good morale and instill a sense of pride in the Navy and their ships. It also enhances public understanding of the Navy and increases community awareness.

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Tiger Cruise or Family Day Cruise

• Created by NavyDads Admin (Paul)
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Information

Navy Tiger Cruise: For those lucky enough to have the opportunity to sail on a Family Day or Tiger Cruise --- Some tips and helps... and a little bit of bragging too!

Website: http://www.navydads.ning.com/group/tigerorfamilydaycruise Location: The High Seas Members: 250 Latest Activity: May 25, 2023

Tiger or Family Day Cruises

Some of us have been lucky enough to experience either a Tiger or Family Day Cruise. Whether you are in the planning stages for one or hoping to sail with your Sailor when they return from deployment. Share your hints and experiences here---
 but always remember, posting port dates or too many details about upcoming events can pose a security risk ....so use good judgment about what you post here!

Tiger Cruise Safety Video 


General Advice for a Successful Tiger Cruise by Thomas Dozier 


USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Tiger Cruise - (April 2009) Blogs and 
    Videos... 


Tiger Cruise Aboard a Submarine - by Chris Summers

Discussion Forum

Packing for a Tiger Cruise

Started by NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza. Last reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) May 4, 2019. 6 Replies 2 Likes

Potential Theodore Roosevelt tiger cruise

Started by paul murphy. Last reply by Frank Aquilonio Apr 23, 2018. 13 Replies 0 Likes

USS Nevada (SSBN-733) Tiger Cruise, March 2011

Started by Scott Henry. Last reply by Grant Miller Apr 10, 2017. 1 Reply 0 Likes

Tiger Cruise Aboard a Submarine

Started by Chris Summers. Last reply by Scott Henry Apr 10, 2017. 2 Replies 5 Likes

testing post

Started by NavyDads Admin (Paul). Last reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) Aug 19, 2016. 2 Replies 0 Likes

Stennis '07 Tiger Cruise Video

Started by NavyDads Admin (Paul). Last reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) Aug 9, 2016. 4 Replies 0 Likes

General Advice for a Successful Tiger Cruise

Started by E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin. Last reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) Jul 22, 2016. 6 Replies 2 Likes

Tiger Cruise Info

Started by Todd S. Last reply by Todd S Jun 13, 2016. 22 Replies 1 Like

A Sample Medical Screening Form for a Tiger Cruise

Started by NavyDads Admin (Paul). Last reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) Sep 9, 2015. 6 Replies 1 Like

USS Theodore Roosevelt Tiger Cruise, April 2009 (Blogs and Video)

Started by NavyDads Admin (Paul). Last reply by Mark Johnson Aug 20, 2015. 4 Replies 2 Likes

Makin Island

Started by jay stoddard Jan 16, 2015. 0 Replies 2 Likes

Place to stay near Pearl

Started by Jeffrey W Coon. Last reply by NavyDads Admin (Paul) Oct 30, 2014. 17 Replies 0 Likes

Tiger Cruise

Started by James Rhodes. Last reply by Paula C McNichol Sep 2, 2014. 4 Replies 2 Likes

hotelinMayport

Started by Robert Ford Oct 24, 2011. 0 Replies 1 Like

tiger cruise

Started by scott alan lonadier sr. Last reply by Wil Stoflet Nov 23, 2010. 3 Replies 0 Likes

Final On-Board Check-off (from TR's April 2009 Cruise)

Started by NavyDads Admin (Paul) Aug 7, 2009. 0 Replies 0 Likes

General Safety Info for a Tiger Cruise (from TR's cruise, April 2009)

Comment wall, you need to be a member of tiger cruise or family day cruise to add comments.

Hello: My wife will be coming to San Diego to meet the Roosevelt when she returns home . Does my sailor need to get her on some sort of list ?  Thanks very much

Looks like the tiger cruise aboard the Theodore Roosevelt is on . I am on the list . Talked to my sailor last evening . Don't want to post details here but very interested in speaking with anyone who may also be going . Looking to get some info on details regarding where to stay the night before and how the process works  I have reviewed the many helpful post in this group ....Also interested in the process of meeting the ship as it arrives in home port. My wife will be coming out to meet us . Thank you in advance 

the key will be your sailor getting the forms for you as quickly as possible once they are available. It's been years since I went on the tc so I forget how much notice but it was more than a month for sure. Maybe 2 or 3 I forget. Keep in close contact with your sailor, make sure he/she finds out when the forms are available at which time the dates should be known so you could make travel plans. good luck

I may be able to attend a tiger cruise on the Theodore Roosevelt sometime this spring . Interested in any and all info that folks might care to share. I have read the post here and they were very helpful. Sounds like I may not be able to make travel pla

ns until ~ a month before the date ?  

Hi James, hope to meet you on the cruise.Sign up sheet said there would be airport transportation. Try to put everything you bring into a carry-on size suitcase and you will be fine. if you need a printed list of what you will need let me know. thanks Richard

getting ready for the Stennis Tiger Cruise this will be my third one and its great getting to spend time with my son at his job. Just wondering if any of you other dads are friends of Bill W.

You got it Jim. I promise to post a report upon our return.

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Tiger Cruise: Where to Watch & Stream Online

Tiger Cruise is a Disney Channel Original movie that was released in 2004, set on the historic USS Constellation of the US Navy. The fictional events of the movie intertwine with the real-life events of the September 11 attacks and follow Commander Gary Dolan and his teenage daughter Maddie aboard the naval ship during the tragic incident. Read on to find out how you can stream this movie online.

Here’s where you can watch Tiger Cruise online.

Where can you watch and stream Tiger Cruise?

You can watch and stream Tiger Cruise on Disney Plus.

Watch Tiger Cruise Right Here

Directed by Duwayne Dunham, Tiger Cruise stars Hayden Panettiere as Madeline “Maddie” Dolan and Bill Pullman as Commander Gary Dolan in the lead. Others include Bianca Collins as Tina, Nathaniel Lee, Jr. as Anthony, Mercedes Colon as Grace, Mehcad Brooks as Kenny, Jansen Panettiere as Joey, Lisa Dean Ryan as Diane, Troy Evans as Chuck Horner, Ty O’Neal as Danny Horner, Chris Ellis as Captain Anderson, Gary Weeks as Lieutenant Tom Hillman, Barbara Niven as Kate Dolan, Jennette McCurdy as Kiley Dolan, E. Matthew Buckley as Pilot Brown, and Mark Christopher Lawrence as Pop.

How to watch Tiger Cruise and stream online

Tiger Cruise is streaming on Disney Plus and you can watch it by subscribing to one of the following plans that the streaming service currently offers:

A monthly plan (with ads) for $7.99/month

A monthly plan (ad-free) for $10.99/month

An annual plan (ad-free) for $109.99/year

However, please note that Disney Plus will increase the price of the ad-free monthly plan to $13.99 per month, starting from October 12, 2023.

The official synopsis for Tiger Cruise reads:

“On its last leg homeward, from Pearl Harbour (Hawaii) to San Diego, the USS Constellation hosts a jolly ‘tiger cruise’ for USNavy, Marines and USNAF relatives, mainly minors (‘Navy brats’). Attitudes and emotions vary from simple joy to open frustration, the worst brat being XO commander Gary Dolan’s daughter Maddie, who wants him to refuse a promotion to command for a shore job. Then the news of the WCC terror crisis changes everything, as the crew is recalled to war footing.”

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The post Tiger Cruise: Where to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More .

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The real US Navy Top Gun fighter school is nothing like the movies

You can be the best of the best. But you’d better not use that phrase

There was a gap of nearly four decades between the two Top Gun blockbuster films – but it appears that cinemagoers may have a shorter wait before their next fix of US Navy fast jet shenanigans.

Following the roaring success of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ in 2022, the script for a potential third instalment is already said to be in production.

Any link between the Paramount Pictures films and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm appears, at first blush, to be tenuous.

But it’s closer than you might imagine.

Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Glenn Powell and fellow cast members portray the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor programme as competitive, populated by hefty egos and, well, mavericks.

In the first movie, pilots under instruction at Top Gun have time to go drinking in the evenings, have a stab at karaoke and oil up for a rowdy game of beach volleyball.

While military personnel often watch war films cradling their heads in their hands in despair at the inaccuracies, Top Gun is at least related to what takes place in reality, even if some of the flying scenarios swiftly rocket into the realms of pure fantasy.

Naturally the real students are far more serious and professional, as you might expect when you’re flying a F-18 Super Hornet or F-35C fifth generation stealth fighter , which you borrow from your squadron and fly to Naval Air Station Fallon. Back when the original movie was filmed, the Fighter Weapons School was based at the then Naval Air Station Miramar, close to the beaches of San Diego. In 1996, however, it moved 200 miles from the sea to the Nevada desert, where NAS Fallon sits amid huge aerial tactics ranges.

Top Gun is the very pinnacle of leading-edge naval aviation tactical training .

When its band of chosen students aren’t flying, attending debriefs or lectures, they’re probably going for a stress-relieving run or catching up on some well-deserved rest.

Those who attend are competitive but there is an emphasis on teamwork, and the pilots are given the ultimate education in their art on the understanding that all they’ve garnered is passed on to others. A Top Gun graduate is not merely a better strike fighter pilot, but an expert instructor in tactics and weapons, with a mission to make their fellow pilots better.

Top Gun was hatched during the Vietnam War, when US Navy crews flying the F-4 Phantom found themselves flailing as they fought an adversary flying small, agile MiG-17 and MiG-21s. The first course took place in 1969.

I once visited the carrier USS George H W Bush in the Western Approaches to the English Channel and watched as F-18 after F-18 was catapulted into grey, summer skies. It was a steely, sobering show of pure military might, and brought home just how much power is at the disposal of a carrier strike group. But that power, to be effective, must be directed with great skill.

The Top Gun course lasts for 13 weeks, with the highly classified training constantly evolving to maintain up-to-the-minute relevance.

Alongside academic lectures, there is a flight training plan which begins with one-on-one dogfighting, before evolving into more complex missions involving four jets. Air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks are simulated, as pilots fight their way to targets, then extract themselves. After each sortie there’s a lengthy debrief, during which the hour’s flying is unpicked in minute detail and lessons learned.

Instructors playing the enemy, known as ‘red air’, fly F-5, F-16 and F-18 Legacy aircraft, as well as the F-35C.

Those who pass will usually go on to instruct at the two Strike Fighter Weapons Schools on the west and east coasts or at a Fleet replenishment squadron. Others stay on to teach at Top Gun itself.

They will then join an operational squadron as the unit’s weapons and tactics expert, infusing its pilots with all they’ve learnt at Fallon.

Top Gun was the highest grossing film of 1986, making $357m. Top Gun: Maverick was the second highest grossing of 2022, with £1.5bn worldwide. It was the most financially successful film Tom Cruise has ever starred in.

Paramount paid £11,000 per hour to the US Navy to use F-18E (single seat) and F-18F (dual seat) piloted jets for filming. The service happily assisted, knowing that the end products are the ultimate recruiting tool.

Which brings us to the British naval fast jet story.

The Royal Navy’s Sea Harrier was withdrawn in 2006 . It was the only Harrier variant with a targeting radar – thus the only one which could be used as a fully capable air-to-air fighter. Thereafter only GR7/9 ground attack Harriers were available, with very limited air-to-air capability.

Royal Navy fast jet capability suffered another severe blow when Prime Minister David Cameron controversially decided to axe all remaining Harriers as part of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review . Fleet Air Arm Harrier pilots were made redundant and all Royal Navy fast jet training halted that morning.

It is said that Cameron regretted his decision to cull carrier strike mere months later. This would not be surprising as by that point Britain was involved in air strike operations over Libya. When Britain wanted to make a strike, RAF jets had to fly in all the way across the sea from Italy or Cyprus – or indeed, in not a few cases, all the way from the UK.

Meanwhile French jets were catapulting off their carrier close by the Libyan coast and arriving over the battlefield in a matter of minutes, spending almost all their expensive flight time doing useful work rather than mostly trundling along above the sea (or France) as Britain’s were. Italian and US Harrier carriers were also in action off the coast.

But Britain did have a plan for new carriers, and they did eventually arrive. The United States Navy agreed to blend British sailors into its own training programme as preparation for this.

The first of our aviators to arrive there was then-Lieutenant Stephen Collins RN. After coming top of his class in his initial training, Collins was sent to fighter attack squadron VFA-14 “Tophatters” at NAS Lemoore, California, then on to learn aggressive dog-fighting tactics.

A seven-month deployment in Nimitz-class supercarrier USS John C Stennis followed, flying close air support sorties over Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Piloting an F-18 Super Hornet, Collins took part in air strikes in support of troops fighting on the ground. His callsign, awarded by his fellow aviators, was ‘Lothar’ – which stands for Loser Of The American Revolution.

Lothar did so well that he not only was picked to go to Top Gun, he came top of his course there too. Only a small percentage of US Navy pilots graduate the course and wear the Top Gun patch. Coming top, to use a phrase familiar from the films, makes Collins the best of the best indeed. Now a Commander, he is a major asset for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm .

Over 40 British pilots have now completed flying training in F-18s with the Americans, at about half the cost of conducting it here. Others have done well too, and Top Gun last year suggested that a second Fleet Air Arm pilot would be a suitable candidate for its world-famous course. The Royal Navy confirms that pilot will be attending.

British carrier strike has had its issues, including flood, fire and having to spend millions fixing ships’ propellers .

Yet the Fleet Air Arm, training alongside our friends and allies in the US, has shown that British naval pilots are among the best of the best – and consistently out-perform their RAF and Army colleagues.

So far, so good.

But there’s only so much cosying up that can happen between the military and Hollywood.

Despite its close involvement in the development of both films, there is one boundary that can never be crossed at Top Gun.

Anyone quoting from the movies is immediately awarded an on-the-spot $5 fine.

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