93 Ship Tattoo Design Ideas for Men and Women

In the 21st century, ship tattoos are not necessarily a thing just for sailors. The symbolic meanings they carry are seen almost in all cultures. In human consciousness, they are deeply ingrained.

These tattoos are popular mostly among men. Primarily, they signify adventure, hope, journey, discovery, courage and last but not least, the desire to explore the unknown. Ship tattoos can be shown with a variety of nautical symbols such as waves, anchors, swords, pirates and many more. Stick around as we are about to walk you through all of them.

 

Ship Tattoos Designs

We have gathered over 90 unique ship tattoo designs for you to go over, each one with their own symbolism. Please note that you do not necessarily have to copy the whole design we have shown you here. Let your creativity run free and make your own adjustments to the designs.

Now without further do, let’s get started, shall we?

 

Traditional Ship Tattoo

By getting a tattoo that is traditional, you are respecting the art form and keeping the tradition alive. Here are some cool traditional ship tattoos for you to go through:

 

1. A Way of Life

traditional-ship-tattoo--1
Source: kmacktattoos

Tattoos don’t always need a lot of detailing in order to look stylish and this tattoo of a ship is a prime example of that. You can also change the colors used in this design to suit your needs.

 

2. New Beginnings

traditional-ship-tattoo--2
Source: adamfortunetattoos

These tattoos are also known for symbolizing new beginnings. This is important because it gives us the chance of starting over and knowing our worth once again.

 

3. Monochrome

traditional-ship-tattoo--3
Source: myke.tattooer

Some tattoos look quite good only in black ink and this is one of them. For more complexity, you can throw in some more elements into the tattoo if you want.

 

Viking Ship Tattoo

These tattoos typically stand for recklessness and bravery. Viking ships looked like there were always going to be some raids and battles that followed.

 

4. Heart Full of Courage

viking-ship-tattoo--1
Source: westend.tattoo_wien

The artist has done an exceptional job at making this tattoo design come to life because a tattoo just cannot look any more realistic than this. An ideal choice for a realistic ship tattoo.

 

5. Bravery

viking-ship-tattoo--2
Source: owen_the_massachusite

Some of these tattoos also look quite good on the thighs and just on the thighs, especially if they’re minimalistic in nature. It does look very simple but that’s what makes the tattoo look elegant.

 

6. Recklessness

viking-ship-tattoo--3
Source: neotokyo_edinburgh

Viking ship tattoos are known for representing recklessness because the people themselves possessed that kind of quality. An individual having the same kind of character trait may find this design appealing.

 

Sunken Ship Tattoo

The tattoos in this section symbolize the risks and dangers one might face when they lead a life at sea. Some of these tattoos can also be used to honor the lives lost at sea.

 

7. Falling Apart

sunken-ship-tattoo--1
Source: jademarinera

Another great example where only the black ink gets the job done. The image of a ship that is just about to sink has been captured here quite beautifully.

 

8. Troubled Waters

sunken-ship-tattoo--2
Source: ringsandneedlesworcs

A tattoo looks best when the perfect amount of detailing has been put in and this ship tattoo strongly supports that statement. If you’re looking for a tattoo that is quite noticeable, this is the one.

 

9. At Wit’s End

sunken-ship-tattoo--3
Source: ringsandneedlesworcs

This tattoo design symbolizes the dangers and perils of life at sea. The tattoo can also serve its purpose as a commemorative symbol for those people who lost their lives at sea.

 

Clipper Ship Tattoo

Clipper ships were actually renowned for their grace, beauty, and speed. In their day, these ships indicated the highest level of shipbuilding. Below you’ll find some head-turning clipper ship tattoo designs:

 

10. Honor

clipper-ship-tattoo--1
Source: dquinn.tattoo

This tattoo design stands for honor and glory. With honor comes dependability and trust and it is what defines you to others. Again, you could change the colors of the tattoo if you want.

 

11. Call To Adventure

clipper-ship-tattoo--2
Source: timchildstattoo

If you compare this tattoo design with the previous one, you will notice that this one is more comprehensive because of the inclusion of the clouds and the sun at the back. The color combination is perfect too.

 

12. Spiritual Voyage

clipper-ship-tattoo--3
Source: sidespaceireland

This tattoo design of a ship represents an individual’s spiritual voyage. It could refer that a person with this tattoo is probably heading toward their own enlightenment.

 

Rocket Ship Tattoo

Rocket ship tattoo designs express the desire to travel and explore. They signify a man’s thrust beyond the earth, technology, and science. Check some of them out below!

 

13. Explorer

rocket-ship-tattoo--1
Source: amydooz

“Vibrancy” is the first word that typically comes to one’s mind when they see this tattoo of a rocket ship. As with any other tattoo, you can use other colors in this one as per your choice.

 

14. Shooting For the Stars

rocket-ship-tattoo--2
Source: jam.martel.poke

The phrase in the caption is not meant to be taken literally. It means to aim high or to set one’s ambitions or goals super high. A person with high ambitions may be able to relate to this tattoo on a spiritual level.

 

15. Aesthetically Pleasing

rocket-ship-tattoo--3
Source: kelpiebat

This tattoo concept of a rocket blasting through space is actually pretty cool. This is one of those tattoo designs where there is no logical interpretation for it but visually, it just seems aesthetically pleasing.

 

Ship Wheel Tattoo

The wheel of a ship represents a journey. It also stands for a lot of other things such as destiny, purpose, discovery, and life’s path. Scroll down to find some of the best-looking ship wheel tattoos:

 

16. Guidance

ship-wheel-tattoo-1
Source: timbecktattoos

This tattoo design can symbolize an individual trying their best to find their way through life. It reminds the tattoo bearer that right or wrong, we all must choose a path.

 

17. Finding Oneself

ship-wheel-tattoo-2
Source: Source:

The tattoo etched on the man’s forearm kind of symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. The design is also pretty realistic because that’s what a ship’s wheel usually looked like: old and wretched.

 

18. Purpose

ship-wheel-tattoo-3
Source: kharjorias

Of all the wheel tattoos we have looked at so far, this one is probably the most simple-looking but it allows you to come up with your own powerful interpretation, so get creative with it!

 

Ghost Ship Tattoo

Ghost ships are actually worn and torn-down vessels in which there is no living crew. Tattoos on such ships typically give off an ominous vibe. People get them mainly because they just look cool and stylish.

 

19. Red Alert

ghost-ship-tattoo-1
Source: arclighttattoo

Skull tattoos, in general, look quite cool. But who would have thought a skull tattoo combined with a tattoo of a ship will look even better?

 

20. No Mercy

ghost-ship-tattoo-2
Source: poho.art

This is what a combination of a skull and a ship tattoo looks like from the side. Vertical tattoos such as this one look best on people’s arms so take that into account as well.

 

21. Bloodthirst

ghost-ship-tattoo-3
Source: ssdillontattoos

This tattoo is somewhat related to pirate tattoos. Pirates were violent in nature and would not show any mercy to their enemies. Therefore, the red-colored sea symbolizes their thirst for blood.

 

Loose Lips Sink Ships Tattoo

This phrase was first used in the Second World War. It means that careless talks and conversations can create huge problems by passing on useful pieces of information to enemies.

 

22. Consequences

loose-lips-sink-ships-tattoo-1
Source: tattoosbyheathervenable

This tattoo might be referring to a tight-lipped individual who is really good at keeping secrets and can be trusted almost with anything.

 

23. Brute Force

loose-lips-sink-ships-tattoo-2
Source: expression_tattoo

The tattoo design shown in the photo above is a true work of art as the detailing here is absolutely on point. The inclusion of the Popeye cartoon character also adds some edginess to it.

 

24. Hope

loose-lips-sink-ships-tattoo-3
Source: expression_tattoo

The tattoo etched on the girl’s thigh in the picture above is a remarkable example of a good color combination that also goes well with the vibe the design is giving off.

Kraken Ship Tattoo

Some people believe that these tattoos are a sign of fear and power. Some people also believe that they represent the unknown. The interpretation actually depends on the person wearing the tattoo.

 

25. Terror

kraken-ship-tattoo-1
Source: robertcat_tattoo

The tattoo above represents an individual who has the capacity to strike intense or overwhelming fear into someone else with their words or actions.

 

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Source: artbylillian

 

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Source: artofwarroy

 

Sailing Ship Tattoo

 

28.

 

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Source: valebubu_libh

 

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sailing-ship-tattoo--2
Source: hh_tattoo

 

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Source: sarasempreverde

 

Sailor Jerry Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: chabelozipper

 

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sailor-jerry-ship-tattoo--2
Source: seanbarrytattoos

 

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Source: mellizo_tattoo

 

Small Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: gypsyeyestattoo__

 

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Source: tarkantattoo

 

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Source: theblack__rooster

 

Trad Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: reap_and_sow_tattoo

 

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Source: b.c.tattoo

 

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trad-ship-tattoo--3
Source: garethdaviestattoo

 

Navy Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: zaza_del_rey

 

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navy-ship-tattoo--2
Source: zaza_del_rey

 

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navy-ship-tattoo--3
Source: salvationtattoo

 

Old School Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: vinzentgrote.tattoo

 

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old-school-ship-tattoo--2
Source: donari.art

 

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Source: adriano_locote

 

Space Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: tashaterror

 

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Source: kattantka_tattoo_art

 

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space-ship-tattoo--3
Source: anaartesanatattoos

 

Burning Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: elloytattoos

 

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burning-ship-tattoo--2
Source: skindependent

 

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burning-ship-tattoo--3
Source: enterthedragontattoo

 

Ship Wreck Tattoo

 

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Source: tightlinestattoocollective

 

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Source: goldenwavetattoo

 

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Source: paigelouisetattoo

 

Tall Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: ryangagnetattoo

 

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tall-ship-tattoo--2
Source: bennyhannya

 

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Source: toeknee_swt

 

Anchor Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: unbroken.crue

 

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Source: hassamrabaj

 

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anchor-ship-tattoo--3
Source: vojtabalejtattoo

 

Octopus Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: axel_mercier

 

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octopus-ship-tattoo--2
Source: luisramireztattoos

 

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octopus-ship-tattoo--3
Source: tall_garrett_tattoos

 

Ship Anchor Tattoo

 

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Source: call_me_lulu_

 

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Source: miskolegastattoo

 

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ship-anchor-tattoo--3
Source: wredeklooftattoo

 

Ship Steering Wheel Tattoo

 

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Source: zengertattoo

 

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Source: captain.kipper

 

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Source: papertoskin.ttt

 

Planet Express Ship Tattoo

 

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Source: morbid.kitten.tattoos

 

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planet-express-ship-tattoo--2
Source: squidinxtattoos

 

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planet-express-ship-tattoo--3
Source: archer.tattoos

 

Ship Helm Tattoo

 

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Source: jakitatu

 

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ship-helm-tattoo--2
Source: sharpieninja

 

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ship-helm-tattoo--3
Source: tek_tattoo_collective

 

Skull Ship Tattoo

 

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skull-ship-tattoo--1
Source: edko0102

 

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skull-ship-tattoo--2
Source: hectorortegatattoos

 

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skull-ship-tattoo--3
Source: mutineer_bay

 

Abstract Ship Tattoo

 

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abstract-ship-tattoo--1
Source: pomelotattoo

 

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abstract-ship-tattoo--2
Source: joetattooz

 

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abstract-ship-tattoo--3
Source: inkyourdesire

 

Ship Forearm Tattoo

 

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ship-forearm-tattoo--1
Source: lewis_davies_tattooer

 

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ship-forearm-tattoo--2
Source: vankirk_tattoo

 

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ship-forearm-tattoo--3
Source: kotoe_ink

 

Minimalist Ship Tattoo

 

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minimalist-ship-tattoo-1
Source: little.sam.ttt

 

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minimalist-ship-tattoo-2
Source: cosmoink_

 

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minimalist-ship-tattoo-3
Source: pribondotattoo

 

Ship Chest Tattoo

 

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Source: jasoncrawford127

 

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ship-chest-tattoo--2
Source: kevmitch

 

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Source: society.studios

 

Odin Viking Ship Tattoo

 

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odin-viking-ship-tattoo--1
Source: dirtyink479

 

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odin-viking-ship-tattoo--2
Source: louloutatoueur

 

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odin-viking-ship-tattoo--3
Source: yulita.tattoo

Conclusion

That will be all for now! These were some of the most unique and striking tattoo collections we had in store for you and we hope this article has made things easier for you in choosing your next tattoo design .

The next step can be a bit overwhelming but if you’re looking for the perfect tattoo design of a ship, you must do it. You’re going to have to go through all of the designs one at a time and pick the ideal design you would want to get etched onto your body. Once you’ve completed that, it’s all smooth sailing from there.

The last and probably the easiest step will be to consult your local tattoo artists and make sure they get the job done perfectly. After that, you’re definitely going to be ready to get the tattoo design. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does a ship tattoo mean?

Ship tattoo designs are typically associated with new journeys or beginnings, good luck, direction, a way of life or even a troubled past.

 

What does a sinking ship tattoo mean?

These tattoos symbolize the dangers and perils one faces at sea.

 

What does a ship symbolize?

Spiritually, a ship signifies the voyage of life.

 

What does a ship in a bottle symbolize?

For associating oneself with the maritime domain, ships in bottles are a great way to do so.

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