Sunset pictures from Cruise boat

[wonton]

I am going on a cruise to the mediterranean next year and would like to take some pictures from the cruise ship of the sun setting on some of the cities. I am fairly new at picture taking and know that I need to leave the shutter open a bit longer but the ship is also moving. What would you guys suggest to avoid blurry pictures.

Any other suggestions for cruise pictures are welcomed! Thanks.

[MHP]

I worked on cruiseships for 4 years as a photographer. depends on your camera, lens etc as to how much you can do, but use a tripod. A sunset image you usally have a heap of light still so I wouldn't worry about having to be too slow in shutter speed really, unlees it is after the sun has set. i have shot handheld at 1/15 @ 2.8 with no probs with a 28mm lens. The main thing i would concentrate on is having some of the ship in the image, a shot of the city from the water is nice, but to have one where you're looking along the side of the ship is even better, it creates a story and gives composition. and keep an eye on the light and how it hits the ship, being on the side of the ship that it reflects on can give some superb images.

Goo luck with it nd have a nice time on your cruise. if it an NCL ship then pass my regards to the photographers on there..