What Does Dreaming of a Ship Mean?
Traditional Interpretation
In the tradition of Ibn Sirin and Nabulsi, a ship is interpreted as salvation and safety — a vessel that carries a person from hardship to security across the vast sea of life. A ship reaching harbor safely points to attaining one's wish, to relief and deliverance from distress; a ship tossed in a storm or sinking may signal turbulence in one's affairs or a trial to be endured.
Psychological View
In modern psychology, a ship can symbolize the self journeying through the depths of the subconscious (the sea) and the inner voyage advancing through life's uncertain waters. A ship with the helm firmly in hand can point to the desire to steer one's own destiny and a sense of control; a drifting ship may reflect being carried by life's current, or a search for direction during a period of transition.
By Context
Boarding a Ship
It can point to stepping into a new chapter of life, making a decision and setting out, or joining a group and turning toward a shared goal. In tradition it is counted as reaching safety and the herald of a secure journey.
For Singles
A ship sailing on calm seas can point to setting sail toward a partner or a serious bond with whom life will be shared; a ship anchored in still water may point to a beginning that has not yet started, but is near.
For Married People
The ship can represent the home the family sails together and their shared course. A ship on a steady course points to continuing peace and abundance; a ship on rough seas may signal a passing trial to be overcome together.
A Ship in a Storm / Sinking, Per Ibn Sirin
A ship shaken by a stormy sea can point to a period lived between fear and hope; surviving a sinking ship can point to safety arriving after great hardship, and to purification through repentance.