Muster drill needs improvement

[monkeyinhat]

I depise the muster drills. Have rarely been fortunate enough to be indoors let alone have a seat during drills. I cant breathe , being short, standing in the middle of the pack and heat and smells and such. I fully understand why they are necessary . Agree with previous poster I feel in case of a real emergency most of these people would have no idea what to do.

 

Not that I am advocate of it and God Forbid Royal looses revenue, but if the bars weren't open until after muster, I bet people would be an hour early standing there ready to muster to get the bars open.

 

The fastest muster ever was the Hawaii Cruise where apparently the entire ship spoke English and Muster was only one language. I have been on some where 3 languages were spoken.

[skiiergirl]

For many years we went early so we could lean on the wall. However, for the last few we have decided to wait until later to go. We aren't so,late that folks glare at us....but we are there in plenty of time to be counted but not have to hang out for an eternity. We always grumbled about the time it took until we realized we were part of the problem....we created it ourself by getting there'd too early. So now we are "on-time".

 

I like the idea of a penalty....but I don't agree with it for several reasons. First, if it is the old "state your cabin number" and it gets checked off on the clipboard your name may be missed even though you are there. Sometimes even the seapass scans aren't accurate.

 

Also....new cruisers are some times the problem...and don't mean to be. We just sailed with a couple that had a different muster station than us. At dinner they were telling us they were late and were scolded. We felt so bad because we had not given them a clue. Once they told us what happened, we understood. The announcements started about 1/2 hr before as usual and were being repeated. Each announcement said "when the alarm sounds proceed directly to your muster station". So they stayed in their cabin until the alarm sounded. At the sound of the alarm they headed to their muster station and were "mildly scolded" by crew all along the way for being late.

[nelblu]

We do show up a few minutes early so I can get the wall. I have purchased a camp chair for the next cruise. I plan to sit in it until the drill starts. I sail mostly on the Grandeur and know they have enough inside spaces to hold the muster. Even if the inside muster was done in cold or extreme hot weather, it would be helpful. I like the $100 surcharge for showinf you 5 minutes late!

 

For those ships that are not Q or O, I wait till the last minute, always on time, because many times, especially in San Juan, that the crew will move you to the back and since I'm claustrophobic, it is not a good feeling.

[Kesali]

Also....new cruisers are some times the problem...and don't mean to be. We just sailed with a couple that had a different muster station than us. At dinner they were telling us they were late and were scolded. We felt so bad because we had not given them a clue. Once they told us what happened, we understood. The announcements started about 1/2 hr before as usual and were being repeated. Each announcement said "when the alarm sounds proceed directly to your muster station". So they stayed in their cabin until the alarm sounded. At the sound of the alarm they headed to their muster station and were "mildly scolded" by crew all along the way for being late.

 

If the announcement says to proceed to your muster station when the alarm sounds and people do - how are they late? What am I not understanding?

 

Our family will be cruising for the first time in 2017. Lots to learn!

[Diver2014]

Muster drills are not meant to be comfy and convenient. If a fire breaks out or ships collide, you'll be glad you looked at your life vest, tried it on, learned how to tie it and where to go for a lifeboat. Period.

[sjb317]

If the announcement says to proceed to your muster station when the alarm sounds and people do - how are they late? What am I not understanding?

 

Our family will be cruising for the first time in 2017. Lots to learn!

 

I don't understand that either, they are telling you to go when the alarm sounds which is what would happen in a true emergency. We always wait until the alarm begins sounding, then quickly go. I've never been "scolded" but I do feel a few "glares" from people.:D

 

Sherri:)

[Mark-Sheffield]

We sailed on Indy a few years ago and attended the muster drill, this was the year after Costa Concordia and it appeared very efficient. It appeared that every one turned up. I am trying to recall that the staff did have lists of passengers and were checked off. Is that still the same ?

[George C]

Totally agree that this process can be improved, but length is mostly caused by a few idiots who show up 15 mins late. But why does RCCL do some of these in lounges and most outside standing??

[Clarea]

We sailed on Indy a few years ago and attended the muster drill, this was the year after Costa Concordia and it appeared very efficient. It appeared that every one turned up. I am trying to recall that the staff did have lists of passengers and were checked off. Is that still the same ?

Some ships are still using manual lists, and some ships use SeaPass scanners.

[mjldvlks]

I agree with Merion Mom that wearing the life jackets would be -- on the whole -- a good idea.. The crew telling folks how to put them on and how to tuck the straps to prevent tripping hazards was a good thing and would help in an actual emergency [whether you end up wearing a jacket from your cabin or from the muster station.

 

On the other hand, in my opinion, the biggest benefits of muster drills are (1) the passengers getting familiar with moving en masse to the muster stations, and (2) the crew getting familiar with their duties during the move. This "rehearsal" can be helpful even if some of the stations are inaccessible in an actual emergency.

 

Several have mentioned Costa Concordia. There had not been a muster drill for at least some of the passengers on that cruise. You never know, but if there had been, perhaps the migration to muster stations [even though I believe part of the problem was the Captain's long delay in ordering muster/evacuation] would have been more efficient.

Edited October 8, 2015 by mjldvlks

[impatientlywaiting]

Last month on the Jewel we actually had muster in Portofinos (that was a first for me). We got to sit at tables with table cloths and everything. Everyone showed up on time - it was awesome (especially since there were several disabled people in the group and it would have been a hardship for them to have been standing outside)! But when muster was over the staff hurried us out quickly so they could get ready for dinner! LOL

[negc]

Last month on the Jewel we actually had muster in Portofinos (that was a first for me). We got to sit at tables with table cloths and everything. Everyone showed up on time - it was awesome (especially since there were several disabled people in the group and it would have been a hardship for them to have been standing outside)! But when muster was over the staff hurried us out quickly so they could get ready for dinner! LOL

 

On Radiance class ships many of the muster stations are inside (schooner bar, Chops, Giovanni's Table (or Portofino). Much better and I think it is much easier to pay attention to the instructions when you are not distracted by outside weather conditions. Some outside stations still exist but our staterooms usually include an inside muster station assignment.

[TubbyMrT]

The newer ships like Oasis and Allure don't make you wear the life jacket, and you just meet in a lounge to watch a short video.

 

The short video is fine. Its all the blah blah blah prior to and after the video that can be eliminated. The captain likes to make a little speech and we can never hear what he is saying so why waste our time. Lets Go!

[negc]

I don't understand that either, they are telling you to go when the alarm sounds which is what would happen in a true emergency. We always wait until the alarm begins sounding, then quickly go. I've never been "scolded" but I do feel a few "glares" from people.:D

 

Sherri:)

 

I believe that the persons who are being criticized are those who stroll casually into the muster station fifteen or twenty minutes after the alarm sounded. It shouldn't take that long to get to the muster stations from even the farthest corners of the ships.

It has been a number of years since wearing life jackets has been a requirement on any RCI ship.

[Fat Paul]

A bit off topic but, last year on the Indy at muster we were treated to the drunken foolishness of two mid twenty year old boys. Stumbling, obnoxious and loud. When they started acting somewhat aggressive toward fellow passengers (my wife anmyself included), I quietly let them know that it was not going to be tolerated and they became apologetic. The crew did nothing and it was very obvious what was going on.

[mcatmcat]

I think that the problem is that some people start the drill before the actual drill. I don't have the compass with me or the exactly words but I think they say that go to your stateroom to watch a video or something like that at 4pm( I'm just making the time)I don't think that's mandatory or anything but they tell you that you can watch the safety video and everyone go to the stateroom. Then I believe they say you should go to your station when you hear the long alarm and stroke light on your stateroom, unless I'm doing it wrong that's when I think we should go to the station and not before .

 

Can anyone clarify this for me, after the long alarm sound should we be heading to the drill station or are we suppose to be on the station by that time ?

 

Thanks everyone !!!

[Fouremco]

I believe that the persons who are being criticized are those who stroll casually into the muster station fifteen or twenty minutes after the alarm sounded. It shouldn't take that long to get to the muster stations from even the farthest corners of the ships.

It has been a number of years since wearing life jackets has been a requirement on any RCI ship.

That raises an interesting question: what would be the time required from the furthest point? Would an elderly person at one of the more remote cabins on one of the highest decks be able to navigate the hallways and stairs and arrive at the muster station within the expected time frame? There are many passengers who don't have a disability per se but are not capable of moving quickly.

 

I realize that these are not the ones being singled out for criticism, but I do wonder if their delayed presence might be part of the overall issue.

[TBone2K]

...The announcements started about 1/2 hr before as usual and were being repeated. Each announcement said "when the alarm sounds proceed directly to your muster station". So they stayed in their cabin until the alarm sounded...

 

We have noticed the printed instruction about the muster drill say something like that. Surprised they haven't fixed it. But the announcements have always said that the drill would start at exactly X and please be there promptly.

[BillOh]

Is it me or do the cruise lines need to improve the muster drills as far as wait time to the drill is concerned. My wife and I get to the muster station early so I can lean against the wall due to back problems. I have been on 8 cruises and we have waited anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes before the drill begins. The last drill was 40 minutes in 102 degree heat. One person passed out due to the heat and a few others including myself were hanging on.

We stood out in subfreezing temps and 20 mph winds one time in New Jersey for 35 minutes! The only time there was no hassle was on the Explorer of the Seas. We met in the theater in sections. I may have to do what some have suggested, wait until the last minute and be the last people to the drill.

 

Having had back surgery, I fully understand. I did develop a technique for being the last people there but not holding anyone up. I've done this one on all of the ships I've been on that require an outside muster. I wait in the air conditioned landing of the stairwell out of the way where crew members don't notice me and we stay there until the last people trickle down the stair wells, We go with them and even if we get stuck in the back we weren't spending 30 minutes there.

 

I did have one cruise on Jewel were our muster was inside. I've had two cruises on Allure were our Muster was in the aquatheater, so my strategy there is to get there early to get one of the comfortable seats on the aisle so I can make a quick getaway for sail away.

[BillOh]

That raises an interesting question: what would be the time required from the furthest point? Would an elderly person at one of the more remote cabins on one of the highest decks be able to navigate the hallways and stairs and arrive at the muster station within the expected time frame? There are many passengers who don't have a disability per se but are not capable of moving quickly.

 

I realize that these are not the ones being singled out for criticism, but I do wonder if their delayed presence might be part of the overall issue.

 

I think most people can spot the ones you are talking about. I did see a guy show up on a Majesty cruise 20 minutes late, drink in hand, and the first thing he did was yell, "Lets get this party started" Security gave him his own private muster lecture.

[BillOh]

On Radiance class ships many of the muster stations are inside (schooner bar, Chops, Giovanni's Table (or Portofino). Much better and I think it is much easier to pay attention to the instructions when you are not distracted by outside weather conditions. Some outside stations still exist but our staterooms usually include an inside muster station assignment.

 

That was the only time I was ever late. I've been standing out in the Miami heat for 30 minutes waiting for people, but on our 2nd Jewel trip our station was in the Schooner Bar. The alarm sounded my wife was headed to our cabin door and her contact popped out. I swear to god, she picked it up, washed it properly, put it back in, and we proceeded to Muster, I swear we were delayed no more than 2 minutes. We walked at the proper pace to our station and were told we were the last ones there and they have been calling our name :o

[BillOh]

A bit off topic but, last year on the Indy at muster we were treated to the drunken foolishness of two mid twenty year old boys. Stumbling, obnoxious and loud. When they started acting somewhat aggressive toward fellow passengers (my wife anmyself included), I quietly let them know that it was not going to be tolerated and they became apologetic. The crew did nothing and it was very obvious what was going on.

 

That happened once to me on Majesty and the crew reacted very quickly and escorted the guy away. Over the years I've seen quite a few people drunk by the time muster happened. I thought the drink packages might make that worse, but in my one cruise since them that didn't seem to bad. My one experience above was a 4 day spring break cruise of course.

[rolloman]

I agree with Merion Mom that wearing the life jackets would be -- on the whole -- a good idea.

 

Several have mentioned Costa Concordia. There had not been a muster drill for at least some of the passengers on that cruise. You never know, but if there had been, perhaps the migration to muster stations [even though I believe part of the problem was the Captain's long delay in ordering muster/evacuation] would have been more efficient.

 

I do not think dragging a life jacket to the drill is a good idea at all. I for one am glad they have softened the rule. In the event of a real emergency you are not going to race to your cabin to grab a life vest. If you are in your cabin at the time of the event, sure grab it. In most other cases you will instead get to your muster station in an orderly fashion and be given a life vest stored in a nearby locker or on your lifeboat.

 

I also like the idea of having muster stations away from the life boats. Recent events have shown it is not uncommon assigned stations are not operable.

 

I agree the muster drill is more for the crew than passengers. I feel they should practice more with the actual dropping of the boats in the water as there has been documented cases of failures to accomplish this.

 

Having been a sea going sailor in the US Navy and veteran of tens of cruise ship sailings my biggest fear is panic from fellow passengers during an emergency situation. It is up to the crew to keep people calm and assured. So again, crew training for muster drills is most important. If you are really concerned about operation of a life vest. Turn the TV on embarkation day and watch the video which shows step by step procedures, in the event you are still unsure of how the vest works, ask your cabin steward to demonstrate.

Edited October 8, 2015 by rolloman

[negc]

I do not think dragging a life jacket to the drill is a good idea at all. I for one am glad they have softened the rule. In the event of a real emergency you are not going to race to your cabin to grab a life vest. If you are in your cabin at the time of the event, sure grab it. In most other cases you will instead get to your muster station in an orderly fashion and be given a life vest stored in a nearby locker or on your lifeboat.

 

I also like the idea of having muster stations away from the life boats. Recent events have shown it is not uncommon assigned stations are not operable.

 

I agree the muster drill is more for the crew than passengers. I feel they should practice more with the actual dropping of the boats in the water as there has been documented cases of failures to accomplish this.

 

Having been a sea going sailor in the US Navy and veteran of tens of cruise ship sailings my biggest fear is panic from fellow passengers during an emergency situation. It is up to the crew to keep people calm and assured. So again, crew training for muster drills is most important. If you are really concerned about operation of a life vest. Turn the TV on embarkation day and watch the video which shows step by step procedures, in the event you are still unsure of how the vest works, ask your cabin steward to demonstrate.

 

Where's the like button?

[negc]

I think that the problem is that some people start the drill before the actual drill. I don't have the compass with me or the exactly words but I think they say that go to your stateroom to watch a video or something like that at 4pm( I'm just making the time)I don't think that's mandatory or anything but they tell you that you can watch the safety video and everyone go to the stateroom. Then I believe they say you should go to your station when you hear the long alarm and stroke light on your stateroom, unless I'm doing it wrong that's when I think we should go to the station and not before .

 

Can anyone clarify this for me, after the long alarm sound should we be heading to the drill station or are we suppose to be on the station by that time ?

 

Thanks everyone !!!

I think that as soon the alarm begins to sound, you should begin heading to your muster station and not wait until the final, long alarm sounds. I understand that mobility issues can make a quick arrival at the muster station unlikely but the muster drill is not intended to completely mirror what would happen in a real emergency. If that were the case they would not announce, in advance, when the drill will be held, so if you think you will have problems arriving at the muster station in a timely manner, by all means head there early so that you can settle in and pay good attention to the information being disseminated. The people being complained about are not mobility impaired as far as I could observe, but are simply oblivious to the fact that their leisurely compliance with the requirement negatively impacts their fellow passengers.