muster drills

[saatuk]

Just to add to the different variations, last year on the Maasdam Atlantic Adventure those of us who boarded in Civitavecchia were the only ones who had to go to the drill there, and since there were only 80 of us, all the port side people went to one lifeboat, no matter which one assigned, and the same for those with starboard lifeboats.

 

Yes, there are different ways of doing it . . .

[3rdGenCunarder]

for all the ships throughout their corporate entities. Because of the laxity of one Costa ship thousands of passengers are made to stand at the outside muster stations while others are directed to an interior lounge area. Makes no sense.

 

It's difficult to standardize because ships vary in layout. For example, it's easy to do indoor muster on QM2 because the promenade deck, where boats would be loaded, surrounds lots of public spaces. So I think pretty nearly everyone musters indoors on that deck, maybe there's an aft group one deck lower. I like the idea of an indoor muster, as it keeps passengers away from the deck where, in an emergency, crews would be busy lowering lifeboats.

 

But on other ships, the larger public areas are not close to the promenade deck, and so it would be a longer trip to get from muster stations to lifeboats. HAL's new system of telling you to wait in your cabin is a variation on indoor muster, although some people are several flights of stairs from their stations.

 

During muster drill, cabin stewards (and probably other staff) do a "sweep" to make sure everyone attends the drill. In a real emergency, they would do the same "sweep" to make sure everyone is prepared and identify anyone with potential problems getting to the lifeboat station, should that step be necessary.

 

The fact that lines do differ in policy is another reason to go to the drill.

 

Don't blame Costa if you don't like standing on deck for 20-30 minutes. WAY before Concordia, I stood at outside muster stations on cruises--HAL, NCL, RCCL. In fact, the only ships where I know I didn't outside were QE2 and QM2.

[Storylady]

Everyone always talks about how a princess does the muster inside. Can all the passengers on a Princess ship even fit on the decks outside?

 

If the crew can do a muster once a week so that the routine is automatic to them. We should be able to do it once every 14 days. I too would want to know exactly what I need to do without thinking about it in case of emergency.

 

What I don't understand is when adult are told "no talking", they feel that they have to talk thus delaying the muster because people can't hear.

 

In rare cases, HAL does muster inside. The wind was so strong the day we left Imuijden that the Starboard side mustered inside.

 

And for those of you that haven't sailed recently, as another poster mentioned, the whistles for an emergency or in this case a drill have changed. They don't want everyone out on deck as soon as the emergency drills starts. Because of the changes, there is more reason for us to do the drills.

[SeaBands]

Have each passenger report to their muster stations between specified times and get checked off by the crew person in charge and then get released and they can watch this on the channel 24 that is on the TV when you get to your cabin. The Captain and the cruise director can then give their information. Being outside doesn't instill the information any better than hearing it inside and you don't have to wait for stragglers or try to hear the instructions over the people who refuse to shut up when the announcements are made.They could even have it on the screens in all the bars showing it and they could make it profitable for the ship. If there's a giant screen on deck it could be part of the sail away.

Edited September 16, 2015 by SeaBands
typo

[CruiserBruce]

Have each passenger report to their muster stations between specified times and get checked off by the crew person in charge and then get released and they can watch this on the channel 24 that is on the TV when you get to your cabin. The Captain and the cruise director can then give their information. Being outside doesn't instill the information any better than hearing it inside

 

I disagree. There is a common saying: "You fight the way you train".

 

The difference with Princess and their lounges is that Princess doesn't assign you to a lifeboat based upon your cabin, you are assigned to a lounge. If abandoning ship is required, you will be taken to the next available lifeboat, not a particular lifeboat. We were OK with this on Dawn Princess, we were assigned to the Vista Lounge (aft) and the 4 most aft lifeboats were the larger, twin hulled tender type lifeboats. These bob around less than the single hulled lifeboats, and would be more comfortable (slightly) in the case of emergency.

Edited September 16, 2015 by CruiserBruce

[dakrewser]

Have each passenger report to their muster stations between specified times and get checked off by the crew person in charge and then get released and they can watch this on the channel 24 that is on the TV when you get to your cabin. The Captain and the cruise director can then give their information. Being outside doesn't instill the information any better than hearing it inside and you don't have to wait for stragglers or try to hear the instructions over the people who refuse to shut up when the announcements are made.They could even have it on the screens in all the bars showing it and they could make it profitable for the ship. If there's a giant screen on deck it could be part of the sail away.

 

And do you want the cabin stewarts to do a sweep to make sure you're watching the show on TV???

[donaldsc]

? I thinks having to do it several times on a cruise as a B2B or Collectors is unnecessary since you are in the same cabin and have the same muster location.

 

So you have to suffer through muster drill twice. Is it really such a big deal?

 

DON

[kazu]

So you have to suffer through muster drill twice. Is it really such a big deal?

 

DON

 

It's not that big of a deal but it can be. Let me play devil's advocate here.

 

All muster drills are NOT in Fort Lauderdale. If you are in Civatecchia, that means cutting your trip to Rome short, In Tilbury, your trip to London short, etc.

 

Not everyone is on a cruise to get on and off. Some are on to explore the ports and the turnaround days are days in port for them and the port days are shortened.

 

I actually remember many years ago on Princess where we did just confirm and then could watch the muster on TV after we returned from our port.

 

In several ports it's no biggie like FLL, but in ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. it can mean an additional 45 minutes lost in exploring.

 

Not arguing - just explaining :)

 

edited to say - actually HAL should re run it on T.V. those in the back can't see the life jacket demo.

 

and stragglers should be fined. The whole thing would be painless if people would come on time.

 

End of vent

Edited September 16, 2015 by kazu

[3rdGenCunarder]

Have each passenger report to their muster stations between specified times and get checked off by the crew person in charge and then get released and they can watch this on the channel 24 that is on the TV when you get to your cabin. The Captain and the cruise director can then give their information. Being outside doesn't instill the information any better than hearing it inside and you don't have to wait for stragglers or try to hear the instructions over the people who refuse to shut up when the announcements are made.They could even have it on the screens in all the bars showing it and they could make it profitable for the ship. If there's a giant screen on deck it could be part of the sail away.

 

I see several problems with this. First, there's no way to know if people actually watch the emergency info on the TV. Second, part of the drill is taking the route you would use in an emergency, and this often involves using crew staircases, where there are stair guides to direct you. If they spread out the reporting times, the guides would have to hang around in the stairways for passengers who take the "correct" route. And a lot of passengers wouldn't go that way. If someone is told to report at 3:40, he/she is not likely to take the crew stairs, but will just stroll along Promenade deck and say hello to the person taking names. Finally, standing around for 20 minutes reinforces that, yes, this is important and you have to follow procedures.

[Hawkeye1946]

I have issues with standing for any length of time. Last spring on the Veendam I was advised to check in with the muster station leader and then told to go to the Atrium for the duration of the drill. The instructions were heard on the PA system. Also, two crew members were there and demonstrated the life jackets for us.

I hope it's the same plan on the Oosterdam....I'll find out on Sunday!

Sue

[ymsullivan]

What I noticed that was different on our muster drill on the Amsterdam last week is that the person who called the cabin numbers had on his cap, Communicator and he spoke English as his primary language.In the past, I had heard passenger complaints that understanding the number called was difficult. Afterwards, I asked the Boat Commander if HAL was going to go to scanning of the cards - he said no. Just reporting.

 

We were on the Amsterdam twice this summer. The first time we couldn't understand the guy calling names. I like the communicater idea. They used the singers and dancers and probably other English speaking crew members.

[Oceanwench]

I remember this discussion before, as it relates to people with disabilities.

 

While some here insist that there is a special muster drill for those pax, we have been told over and over by HAL that there is not.

DH is in a power wheelchair and he has a hard time going over the threshold on the Promenade Deck. He once watched as a man in a scooter almost tipped over going out, and then he refused. We were escorted to another doorway where the threshold was not as high, and he went out.

 

However, coming back in is always a hassle.

We have to wait for the crowds to diminish so he doesn't run anyone down.

(There are no brakes on a wheelchair, and people in a hurry to get somewhere don't look where they are going all the time.)

 

All the HAL crew is dismissed as soon as drill is over, so we have to rely on friends to come help him get back in - or kind passengers who are lagging behind. It usually takes two people to get him over the threshold.

 

We have gone to the concierge and asked him/her if there could be an exception made - and we are always told no. We are also assured there is no "special" muster he can attend.

 

Only once in our more than a dozen cruises has there been a special muster for passengers with special needs - and it was wonderful.

[RuthC]

We have gone to the concierge and asked him/her if there could be an exception made - and we are always told no. We are also assured there is no "special" muster he can attend.

I have attended that "no special muster" many, many times over the years. All have been on the S- and R-class ships; I never tried on the Vista/Signature classes. Perhaps that explains the differences in our respective experiences?

 

Now that I use a scooter on board, I see no reason for me to attend the special muster, but did learn the hard way that it's almost impossible to get over the threshold, and always dangerous to try.

On my last several cruises my muster station was immediately next to the door to the Lower Promenade Deck. I drove up to the threshold, parked inside, and checked in from there.

 

If you are fortunate enough to have a muster station by the doorway, and can't locate the "no special muster", then I suggest staying on the inside of the barrier.

HAL needs to make a reasonable accommodation without passengers relying on the kindness of strangers.

[Lizzie68]

There is indeed a "special muster" on the Vista ships too. You have to report to your muster captain first and then go to wherever they have designated the gathering spot to be (usually the atrium). The front office or the concierge will have that information. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter, then you attend the regular one as you are able to sit. Hope that helps.

[Krazy Kruizers]

So you have to suffer through muster drill twice. Is it really such a big deal?

 

DON

 

Guess you don't have any medical conditions (like we have) and don't mind standing out in the heat and hot sun for 1/2 hour or more.

There was a time when we were able to stand out there and not have any problems -- but life gets tougher for some of us older people.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Our Boat Commander on the Amsterdam last week, in my conversation with him, indicated in the future we may have more than one muster drill during a voyage.

 

 

Oh -- I hope not.

We are deliberately going to chose cruises of 21 days where we don't go back to the embarkation to start a second part of a cruise.

DH was informed by his neurologist that he should take more medication for his Parkinson's because his balance is getting worse. He refused because the medications make him sleep a lot.

Standing in the sun and hot, humid weather for 1/2 hour or more will not be good for him and I don't want to have to worry about him (and I) being put off the ship if he passes out (or maybe something worse).

[Topsham]

Say there is a brand new cruise line and they have a brand new ship. Two thousand passengers book on the cruise for the inaugural and in a port no one has ever been for.

 

You will 200 from HAL, 200 from Crystal, 200 for Cunard, 200 from NCL, 200 from Seabourn, 200 from RCI, 200 from Costa, 200 from HAPAG, 200 from Princess and 200 from Celebrity.

 

What do you do for musters?

 

Well for a start.... the emergency signals are exactly as the same. Next thing to do... PAY ATTENTION and DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD TO DO! Does not matter a jot how many cruises have been before and on how many ships.... PAY ATTENTION and DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD TO DO.

 

It is all for your own safety and for everyone else on board... passengers and crew.

 

30 minutes for your safety? I know here I am going in an emergency and I'm not going to wait for someone to come and look for me!

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Oh -- I hope not.

We are deliberately going to chose cruises of 21 days where we don't go back to the embarkation to start a second part of a cruise.

DH was informed by his neurologist that he should take more medication for his Parkinson's because his balance is getting worse. He refused because the medications make him sleep a lot.

Standing in the sun and hot, humid weather for 1/2 hour or more will not be good for him and I don't want to have to worry about him (and I) being put off the ship if he passes out (or maybe something worse).

 

Several folks on these boards have mentioned, there is an area for people to go for muster drill who have issues or cannot stand for periods of time. Can you look into this for your future cruises. Even I, who am relatively OK for a 71 year old, have difficulty standing for the 30 minutes of the muster with no place to lean against. That is why I like Princess' method of sitting in a public area.

[Topsham]

Several folks on these boards have mentioned, there is an area for people to go for muster drill who have issues or cannot stand for periods of time. Can you look into this for your future cruises. Even I, who am relatively OK for a 71 year old, have difficulty standing for the 30 minutes of the muster with no place to lean against. That is why I like Princess' method of sitting in a public area.

 

 

Of course there will be problems and I am quite certain that all you need to do is ask someone as soon as you arrive on board and ask when the routine. Ask your steward or anyone... they will ask.

 

The thing is, this is a Muster Drill for Emergency purposes. Whatever works for Princess may not work for HAL and may not work for NCL. You just have to listen what they are telling and where to go. There are always the 'traffic people'. "I have a problem with standing. Where can I go?" They will help as you need.

[3rdGenCunarder]

A comment somewhere about the inconvenience of returning early for drill when you're on a b2b got me wondering. What happens with late departures, like 11 PM? In cases like that, people may check in, then go back ashore for sightseeing, dinner, etc. You wouldn't have everyone on board at 3 PM or a time like that. Do they hold drill just before sailing in those cases?

[SeaBands]

and they had to take me to the medical facility so I didn't get to hear all the instructions and then had to attend one again on a B2B. I have also had another passenger pass out right next to me on another cruise. Just too long in the heat. I worry that this could happen again. I was billed over $500 for medical tests because of this and luckily I had insurance that paid it. Medicare refused to cover it.

[Topsham]

Best things is that everyone just sit in their cabin... their air conditioned cabin and just listen to the alarm and then listen to the wide screen and hear everything to said from the captain. Good?

 

How many people have ever bother to listen the notice on the door in the cabin?

 

Should some accident happen to the ship I bet everyone will scream and shout, " They didn't tell us! Sue!"

[Oceanwench]

There is indeed a "special muster" on the Vista ships too. You have to report to your muster captain first and then go to wherever they have designated the gathering spot to be (usually the atrium). The front office or the concierge will have that information. If you have a wheelchair or a scooter, then you attend the regular one as you are able to sit. Hope that helps.

 

We have been told repeatedly, by the concierges - who should know this stuff - there is no special muster drill for people with disabilities.

I have pleaded with people at all levels to let him stay inside - he has MS and heat really affects him and makes him woozy.

They won't listen. I tell them of the dangers of getting over that threshold. It falls on deaf ears.

I have written about it on comment cards and surveys.

DH does not benefit from the drill, as the heat usually makes him doze off.

Plus - HAL has crew assigned to people with disabilities in case of an emergency. DH would be attended to by the crew member assigned to him.

(I found this out when I interviewed a Hotel Manager for a story.)

[Oceanwench]

Ruth,

 

We sail the bigger ships - except once we sailed on Volendam.

I am thinking maybe that is the one time we had a separate muster inside the ship.

[RuthC]

Ruth,

 

We sail the bigger ships

The last time I sailed one of the larger ships was the first time I used a scooter, so I didn't go looking for the separate muster station. That was the time I went over the threshold and discovered just how dangerous it was going out---and impossible to get back in with no one there to assist.

 

My next cruise will be on another larger ship, and will have four musters. I am not taking my life in my hands trying to get over the threshold. I will either find the location for the separate muster, or I will park in a doorway and they can check me in from there.