Passengers removed from ship for failure to muster

[George C]

I remember seeing them take attendance at the life boat drills to be sure that every one was there, but have not seen that on any recent cruise

[jtl513]

It's not Spring Break' date=' or anything like that. So, [b']I gathered this sailing had a lot more older clientele[/b] rather than young people with children.

As has been pointed out, this was a Jazz charter, not your normal January 7-day cruise.

 

Besides, since you don't list any HAL cruises in your signature, how would you know what normal clientele looks like?

Edited January 31, 2012 by jtl513

[Boytjie]

Oops - sorry, somehow I posted this to the wrong board. I didn't mean to post about dogs on a thread about lifeboat drills!

 

That's funny. I couldn't quite figure out how that off-topic tangent came about. :)

[bcd2010]

Hi Cherie; they, the sweep teams, look for any passengers onboard the vessel not physically located on boat deck where the drill is taking place. They "sweep" all passenger area's while the room stewards check the interior of their assigned cabins. When/if pax are located, they are directed to the boat deck and the drill. If they refuse, a meeting takes place with the chief officer at the front office, in which they are once again directed to take part in the drill. If they still refuse, they are directed to pack/get their bags and disembark

 

Okay, I understand "different strokes for different folks" but I can't imagine anyone going through all this without acquiescing and just going to the drill. It's almost as if this/these passenger(s) want to be thrown off the ship.

 

Once you get to the front desk, you're already most of the way there (to the muster station). And I don't think you're going to get your money refunded - I sure hope not. So what principle, giving the benefit of the doubt that there is a principle involved, would a person be defending? Or is it a sense of entitlement or being above the rules? What kind of thinking (?) goes on in their minds?

 

When I got the email from Stein Kruse, I wanted to email back and address this very issue - so glad they're doing so without my input ;) but I agree with another poster, too bad it took a tragedy...

Edited January 31, 2012 by bcd2010

[3rdGenCunarder]

Okay, I understand "different strokes for different folks" but I can't imagine anyone going through all this without acquiescing and just going to the drill. It's almost as if this/these passenger(s) want to be thrown off the ship.

 

Once you get to the front desk, you're already most of the way there (to the muster station). And I don't think you're going to get your money refunded - I sure hope not. So what principle, giving the benefit of the doubt that there is a principle involved, would a person be defending? Or is it a sense of entitlement or being above the rules? What kind of thinking (?) goes on in their minds?

 

When I got the email from Stein Kruse, I wanted to email back and address this very issue - so glad they're doing so without my input ;) but I agree with another poster, too bad it took a tragedy...

 

I think that's a lot of it. "You can't make me, I don't wanna, I'm the center of the universe and you can't tell me what to do, it's my DAM vacation..."

[ATL-Cpl]

Good....it needs to be serious...

 

I wonder if these were the cabin numbers that were repeatedly called before sailaway....

 

 

I heard it on the Port Everglades webcam also. They kept referring to a room (something)75. I don't think much of it until I saw this thread. It was quite a topic for about 10 minutes.

Edited January 31, 2012 by ATL-Cpl

[topcop]

Why was the Broward County Sheriff's office called?

 

Usually Holland has older passengers' date=' doubt very much they would cause a scene.

;)[/quote']

 

Not ALL passengers are seniors, not by a long shot. On a recent HAL cruise there was a teenager with his family. He was walking around, for a couple of days, in a T-Shirt with the the king vulgarities word (cannot even indicate the first letter of the word or the CC Moderator will ban me from posting) in large print. I reported it was offensive to my wife and I and thought it to be offensive to most people. Security took care of the matter. So HAL cruisers may not all be serene, courteous and respectful.

 

I am sure the Deputies were standing by to make sure this/these clown(s) didn't cause a problem and help expedite the departure.

 

As for BTBs, on our cruise in 2011, we were not required to attend the second life boat drill and on the first one there was no roll call taken. So, on the turn around day we were lounging at the pool during the lifeboat drill. No one questioned us, though I was expecting someone to ask. I wonder if these sweep teams mentioned in an earlier post are something new?

Edited January 31, 2012 by topcop

[Copper10-8]

Cuffs on or cuffs off?

 

Hope all is well with you. Good sailing!

 

Stephen

 

Hi Captain! Cuffs off this time;)

Couple more FYIs: Names/Muster are once again taken by the boat commanders; that's how it becomes known if pax have not reported to their boat station, since they are not checked off the muster roll

Repeaters/those in transit, are no longer excempt from attending their 2nd muster, even if they have attended their first a week, or so, earlier. Everyone needs to be there, including those on their 2nd/3rd/4th voyage on the same ship

Lifevests/jackets are not required to be worn at the drill due to a history of passenger accidents occuring at the conclusion of same. Assistant boat commanders & helpers will demonstrate how to put the vests on properly as part of the drill complete with step-by-step commentary by the cruise director over the p/a sustem; it is illustrated in the "captain's welcome aboard/things to know" booklet distributed in every cabin, plus it is shown on one of the pax in-cabin TV channels

[kazu]

Hi Captain! Cuffs off this time;)

 

Couple more FYIs: Names/Muster are once again taken by the boat commanders; that's how it becomes known if pax have not reported to their boat station, since they are not checked off the muster roll

 

Repeaters/those in transit, are no longer excempt from attending their 2nd muster, even if they have attended their first a week, or so, earlier. Everyone needs to be there, including those on their 2nd/3rd/4th voyage on the same ship

 

Lifevests/jackets are not required to be worn at the drill due to a history of passenger accidents occuring at the conclusion of same. Assistant boat commanders & helpers will demonstrate how to put the vests on properly as part of the drill complete with step-by-step commentary by the cruise director over the p/a sustem; it is illustrated in the "captain's welcome aboard/things to know" booklet distributed in every cabin, plus it is shown on one of the pax in-cabin TV channels

 

Thanks Copper:D

[sue117]

When I was a freshman at college I remembered a story my older brother told me about when there was a fire drill at his college he stayed in his room and didn't bother to go. This seemed like a good plan for me too...so the first time the fire alarm went off I stood in my closet door...I did NOT expect the floor director to open my door to check to make sure my room was empty!

 

I took a step back and held my breath...I didn't get caught, but I was freaked out...and NEVER skipped a fire drill after that. It just wasn't worth my angst and stress! (not to mention it's a SAFETY issue! lol).

 

So yeah, I'm not sure why someone would deliberately skip it and if caught would still deliberately not go!

[bcnvcanada]

Maybe Holland America will begin to scan cruise cards at the drill, like some of the other lines. It makes it so much faster. It also makes it easier on the crew. Also last year on a Holland American ship out of San Diego, our drill was not held until the Fourth day. Coast Guard was on the ship to sailing time. Next day at sea, the seas were too rough, the third day we were in port and so on the fourth day the drill was held. However, when we got a new captain, in the middle of journey, another drill was held. It was a thirty day cruise.

[hrhdhd]

I think it's less important for all passengers to attend muster drill than for the captain not to be a showboating (ha!) idiot. :rolleyes:

 

(Please note the "less" above.)

 

Good to see that taking roll and sweep teams are (back) in place. People should certainly take the drill seriously. But in an actual emergency, less rational behavior will be rampant.

[Amuse Bouche]

Hi Cherie; they, the sweep teams, look for any passengers onboard the vessel not physically located on boat deck where the drill is taking place. They "sweep" all passenger area's while the room stewards check the interior of their assigned cabins. When/if pax are located, they are directed to the boat deck and the drill. If they refuse, a meeting takes place with the chief officer at the front office, in which they are once again directed to take part in the drill. If they still refuse, they are directed to pack/get their bags and disembark

 

It's simply baffling that someone would be so adamant about not attending that they would forego their vacation. I'd really like to just be able to take a look at these people. I want to know what an actual buffoon looks like! :D

For us, the drill is part of the experience. I have lots of funny pictures of my family putting on their vests in the cabin. It's also nice to take mental note of who will be getting on that lifeboat with you!! The buffoon laughing and joking with a souvenier cup of alcohol? We figure we'll do his wife a favor and knock him out and toss him in during an emergency. :D Like you Copper, hubby is a big guy well trained in how to do that without hurting him too much. ;)

So, on our last years cruise on the Oosterdam, we were back on board settling in for dinner, and over the PA, they started calling for 4 pax. Over and over...then we left an hour late. I heard they had to check with the excursion operator to find them, but they didn't have them. They still kept announcing for them for another hour. They were in a cabin close to ours, and we saw them being escorted, who knows where. Turns out, they were able to get back on without scanning their cards. I REALLY want to know how they did that! I was so impressed with the diligence the crew used to account for them tho. I guess no system is perfect, but at least the crew is efficient.

[sail7seas]

 

 

<snip>

So, on our last years cruise on the Oosterdam, we were back on board settling in for dinner, and over the PA, they started calling for 4 pax. Over and over...then we left an hour late. I heard they had to check with the excursion operator to find them, but they didn't have them. They still kept announcing for them for another hour. They were in a cabin close to ours, and we saw them being escorted, who knows where. Turns out, they were able to get back on without scanning their cards. I REALLY want to know how they did that! I was so impressed with the diligence the crew used to account for them tho. I guess no system is perfect, but at least the crew is efficient.

 

 

 

The fact the four you describe did not answer the page on the first call is, of course, not acceptable but the fact they were on board without their card having scanned may not have been their fault.

 

DH and I returned together to the ship from whatever port and we both scanned on as always.

 

At sailaway time, we heard DH's name paged. We were in our cabin so he called the extension they had directed. They were confirming he was aboard and not being left behind due to, NO FAULT OF HIS OWN, his card did not scan properly but no one said anything to inform him at the time.

 

There was no way for him to have known they showed him still ashore.

 

I certainly don't know if the same thing happened to the four you describe but am advising it is possible.

 

Edited January 31, 2012 by sail7seas

[Amuse Bouche]

The fact the four you describe did not answer the page on the first call is, of course, not acceptable but the fact they were on board without their card having scanned may not have been their fault.

 

DH and I returned together to the ship from whatever port and we both scanned on as always.

 

At sailaway time, we heard DH's name paged. We were in our cabin so he called the extension they had directed. They were confirming he was aboard and not being left behind due to, NO FAULT OF HIS OWN, his card did not scan properly but no one said anything to inform him at the time.

 

There was no way for him to have known they showed him still ashore.

 

I certainly don't know if the same thing happened to the four you describe but am advising it is possible.

 

 

Oh definitely!! I'm sure it wasn't their fault. It was an Alaskan cruise, they were Asian, so maybe they didn't speak English, and maybe their name was being mispronounced. The crew checked their cabin, so they might have been off in a part of the ship where the PA isn't clear.

 

I know they couldn't possibly have gotten back on without being scanned. I don't know how anyone can do that.

 

I was seriously impressed at the efforts to locate them, and the fact the ship left an hour late because they were missing. You read so much on here about passengers missing the boat. I think an hour was very generous!

 

Sorry if anyone thinks this is off topic, since accounting for passengers, and the cruise lines efficiency off accounting for passngers and the notion of scanning them at muster is on topic.

Edited January 31, 2012 by Alaskan on HAL

[Krazy Kruizers]

We're just off Ryndam and muster was held before we could even depart the port. We were held up by several passengers who did not report and the ship was not allowed to leave until they were located. Had they not shown, they would have been put off the ship. The muster is now taken much more seriously by all.

 

I am starting to like hearing about new policies -- actually old ones -- being enforced.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I remember seeing them take attendance at the life boat drills to be sure that every one was there, but have not seen that on any recent cruise

 

The last couple of years we have had Roll Call only on one cruise -- Amsterdam -- last June -- Alaska.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Maybe Holland America will begin to scan cruise cards at the drill, like some of the other lines. It makes it so much faster. It also makes it easier on the crew. Also last year on a Holland American ship out of San Diego, our drill was not held until the Fourth day. Coast Guard was on the ship to sailing time. Next day at sea, the seas were too rough, the third day we were in port and so on the fourth day the drill was held. However, when we got a new captain, in the middle of journey, another drill was held. It was a thirty day cruise.

 

I have read about those scanner on other cruise lines -- I really like that idea.

There were a couple of times when Roll Call was taken we would hear only one person answer for cabin and we wondered if he/she was sailing solo or only one person from the cabin came to the life boat drill.

Using the scanner withsome watching -- each person would have to scan their own card.

[Winters in NZ]

Information from a friend who works at Port Everglades for the Sheriff's Office, this past weekend on a HAL Jazz Cruise, several passengers failed to appear for muster. They were located and removed from the ship, including the engineer for one of the jazz bands. Serious stuff...finally!

Thanks for posting this information. The 2 most useles "lifeboat drills" that I have ever experienced in my total of 27 cruises, and which I found to be quite troubling, were both held aboard the Costa Atlantica, 2009 and 2010.

 

It's due time that lifeboat drills were treated with appropriate seriousness .

 

Lifejackets must be worn. Passengers must congregate at the required muster station. Attendance must be taken. You are not on a carnival ride. You are aboard a ship.

[GatorV]

The thought that a stupid person refusing to attend a muster could cause me or mine to be injured, delayed or killed is mind blowing.

They will be the ones screaming the loudest, not knowing where to go and crying for help...whch in turn slows it all down.

The ones that show up with drinks, and talk are now on my list, and you can bet I will be the one that now speaks up to a crew member.

I take the time to always do the drill, I have been greatly bothered they do not take roll any longer (just off the Maasdam in Dec.) but note changes now. I also take the time during my cruise to know where my station is from several different locations on the ship.

I will not die because of someone elses misguided, slack minded intentions. Yes, I have strong opnions about passenger/crew saftey.:cool:

[m steve]

where people talk on their cell phones during the entire time as if they had special rights and showed no concern for others. And others just talked to each other.

[Straughn]

We are on the Westerdam sailing leaving next Sunday and I am curious as to what changes will occur. This is only my second HAL cruise, the other being 4 years ago. On my most recent cruise (Dec 2011) on Celebrity, I was appalled at how the muster/safety/emergency drill was handled. My group met in a small lounge and the way the room was laid out, not everyone could see the crew member doing the life jacket demo. They did call cabin #'s, but nothing was done, to my knowledge, about the ones that were not there. There were a number of passengers standing (and complaining because they got there at the last minute and all the seats were taken); a number had beverages of the adult and soft varieties, several people checking and sending e-mail and texts, and a few talking among themselves. The actual emergency drill information lasted maybe 10 minutes max, the remainder was a commercial by the cruise director on the specialty restaurants and the shore tours.

 

I remember years and years ago, on one of our first cruises on RCCL, an incident that occurred during the muster drill. We were wearing our jackets, lined up on deck, by our assigned lifeboats. The cruise director is making the speech over the PA system, when all of sudden, in mid sentence he stops. There is silence for 10-15 seconds. The captian comes on and says that he has been notified that some passengers' felt that their personal conversations were more important than the emergency drill, so he was stopping the drill to give these passengers time to finish their conversations. There was total silence for about 60 seconds. Then the cruise director came on and started the whole announcement all over again. Obviously one of the muster stations was not listening and it was reported to the bridge. Our group was not the problem, but we all stood there for the remainder of the drill afraid to look right or left, hiccup or sneeze.

[erewhon]

erewhon

 

It was the Volendam.

 

Thank you for your reply.

[NattilyAttired]

We were on Eurodam last week (January 21 sailing). Muster was held at 4:15, as others have stated. No lifejackets worn, as they cause problems when going up and down stairs. Roll was taken. Those not answering were skipped until the end, then called again. Every name was called. We had been told (in writing, and in ship PA announcements) that failure to attend would result in removal. We all assembled on Promenade Deck (3) at our assigned lifeboat, not in a lounge. Roll-call was done by boat. It went quickly. Then a demonstration from crew about how to put on a lilfevest, then we were done. Those around us were quiet and orderly, but I cannot speak to all of the groups around the deck. We appreciated the seriousness in which this was all done.

[DFD1]

Natttily....That's the way I think it should be done. Glad to hear that Eurodam got the message.

 

Your experience was much better than ours on Eurodam, Jan 7, when no roll was called and no prior announcement about the seriousness of the muster was given.

 

So, changes are being made. Lives could be saved down the road.

Edited January 31, 2012 by DFD1