1900 and the ship . ... spoilers. . .***

The ship was schedueled to be blown up. He knew this. To him, being onboard the ship (the only 'land' he had ever known) when that happened was preferable to him than learning to live on dry land.

I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker.

What I don't understand is what was he eating or getting water from while the ship was being emptied and being put of our service. That's a process that would have taken weeks if not months.