Safety on the High Seas

[shadbrew]

We have three upcoming cruises planned. After many, many years of cruising, never thought anything about safety until these recent days regarding ISIS. Anyone concerned about cruise ships getting attacked?

[gr8.guy]

I think there are areas of travel that should be avoided such as those areas where extremism is allowed and could be considered the norm. Over the past few days incidents of violence such as those in France pushes terrorism to the forefront and the media will always be there to cover each and every detail. I'm of the opinion that these extremist groups want us to fear them and from that fear we will decide to not go to a venue or even take a cruise because something "could" happen. Anything could happen, you could have an accident crossing the street on the way to the market. Why should we bury our heads in the sand and give up our vacations because some people want us to fear them and to stay at home?

 

I think there is a lot of safety onboard the Royal Caribbean fleet, in much of the waters sailed, military protection is just a radio call away and is relatively close at hand. I hate to imagine someone going on a cruise just for terroristic reasons but as we all have seen, these people don't care because it is their mission to become a martyr for their religious beliefs.

 

The point is, anything could happen but don't let recent events prevent you from enjoying a well deserved vacation. Additionally, I don't think Royal Caribbean will place its assets in volatile regions without taking precautions first.

[Blondynka]

Let's not give them any ideas.

[OCruisers]

Feel sure most who cruise do know it could possibly happen to a cruise ship or anyplace ... but will continue to go about doing what we normally do which includes cruising.

[jonbgd]

No

since the ships are flagged in countries, that don't have a team in this fight, I'm not sure there is enough reason to be targeted

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

I'm not stressing it. If we let them start dictating what we do and where we go because of fear, they have won and gotten what they wanted. Unless and until we are locked in our homes by the government, I'm not altering my plans.

 

Of course, I also believe that when it's your time, it's your time and that will happen regardless of where you are. I also believe the leading cause of death is life - I'm not going to let fear get in the way of living.

[MikeandConnie]

I'm not stressing it. If we let them start dictating what we do and where we go because of fear, they have won and gotten what they wanted. Unless and until we are locked in our homes by the government, I'm not altering my plans.

 

Of course, I also believe that when it's your time, it's your time and that will happen regardless of where you are. I also believe the leading cause of death is life - I'm not going to let fear get in the way of living.

 

Thinkin' the same !! :)

[time4u2go]

No

since the ships are flagged in countries, that don't have a team in this fight, I'm not sure there is enough reason to be targeted

 

I would doubt that the terrorists care (or know) where a ship is flagged. I would think they are looking for targets that simply contain a lot of people from the U. S. or Europe.

[broberts]

The fact this thread exists is a victory for the perpetrators of the events in Paris a few days ago.

 

It seems to me that most of us have a far higher chance of encountering extreme violence strolling around an urban neighborhood. None the less, the events do give one pause.

 

I do think that a cruise ship, especially one at sea does not offer the same potential for an extreme media frenzy as a larger urban center.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

The fact this thread exists is a victory for the perpetrators of the events in Paris a few days ago.

 

It seems to me that most of us have a far higher chance of encountering extreme violence strolling around an urban neighborhood. None the less, the events do give one pause.

 

I do think that a cruise ship, especially one at sea does not offer the same potential for an extreme media frenzy as a larger urban center.

 

Amen to what I have bolded. In the past two weeks, I've had to post statuses and tweets to friends that I was NOT on my regular subway at expected times as one time there was a multiple stabbing on the exact train I take home from school (I teach) and just yesterday there was a shooting at another station my regular train stops at. I'm about to start taking other if longer options than the C train - but that is because I KNOW the crazy in the area, and I know how easy it is to be caught in the crossfire (one of the men shot yesterday was a completely innocent guy just trying to get on the train).

[perditax]

The fact this thread exists is a victory for the perpetrators of the events in Paris a few days ago..

 

 

So much THIS.

 

P.s., folks, if one of your Facebook friends posts an Isis "kill list" / list of cities, please head on over to Snopes before you pass it around.

[alaskawdw12]

First of all, a cruise ship already was hijacked in 1985 by Palestinian terrorists, who hijacked a cruise ship off the shore of Egypt. So as far as terrorism on the high seas "that ship has sailed".

 

As everyone has said, the point of terrorism is to terrorize. Changing plans and living in fear is exactly what they want you to do. There's a much bigger chance of dying in a car accident than a terrorist attack.

[papaflamingo]

All baggage is x-rayed coming on board so smuggling guns or explosives would be difficult. When the ship leaves or enters ports in the U.S. they are under Coast Guard escort, so a bomb laden boat should be intercepted. Now in Caribbean ports it's a different story. But it seems very unlikely that a cruise ship will be attacked in the Caribbean as it wouldn't be seen as a strike on the U.S. or one of the European nations. Hijacking a ship with 6000 passengers and 2,000 or so crewmembers would be difficult.

My guess is that a cruise ship really isn't a good enough target. Blowing a plane up is very dramatic and a lot easier to do. Attacking a city like they did in Paris is also very "dramatic." I feel very safe on the ships. I also, like others have said, won't let the terrorists win. I won't live my life in fear, and won't stop or change my plans to travel. I am an International Airline Pilot so I travel every week. I will not be intimidated, or they win.

[Flatbush Flyer]

No

 

since the ships are flagged in countries, that don't have a team in this fight, I'm not sure there is enough reason to be targeted

 

 

A "flag of convenience" often has little to do with ownership nationality. Find and read "The Outlaw Sea" for an accurate understanding of high seas shipping (passengers and goods) and the perils involved (e.g., piracy, inspection scams, etc)

[Krazy Kruizers]

I am not worried about cruising.

And I do remember the the Achille Lauro being hijacked.

[chengkp75]

Unless the ship is US flag, it's flag or country of ownership is of little regard. What would be important is a strike at one of the perceived luxuries of the decadent west, and to strike as many US citizens as possible.

 

Cruise ships entering and leaving US ports are not always under USCG escort. A lot of that depends on the remaining budget for the month at the particular Captain of the Port office (USCG).

 

Getting a number of guns and ammunition onboard to make much of a "statement" would be very difficult. Getting enough explosive to sink a ship would also be very difficult. Some intent on terror might not know how hard it is to sink a ship.

 

Remember, in the US, there is not only the security that the passengers go through, but that the port area is a restricted, secure zone, and anyone entering it must hold a TWIC card, which requires an FBI background check. While TWIC is not found in foreign ports, the IMO requires that all countries' port areas be secure areas as well, and must meet specific guidelines.

 

A security expert I saw on TV a few days ago said it just right. The sophistication of the ISIS attack in Paris is its lack of sophistication. So, they now rely on small explosives and small arms, and a lot of them to make an impact. Finding any one weapon coming on a cruise ship would cause a lockdown on the assumption that there would be more.

[Cruzin RN]

We traveled 6 weeks after 9/11. (got some really good rates [emoji3]). Other than the national guard at the ports with AK 47s, just your typical cruise!![emoji12]

[LuvSeaDayz]

I've been thinking about this for a while now. A great soft target for terrorist with lots of people. I pray otherwise.

[perditax]

Unless the ship is US flag, it's flag or country of ownership is of little regard. What would be important is a strike at one of the perceived luxuries of the decadent west, and to strike as many US citizens as possible.

 

Cruise ships entering and leaving US ports are not always under USCG escort. A lot of that depends on the remaining budget for the month at the particular Captain of the Port office (USCG).

 

Getting a number of guns and ammunition onboard to make much of a "statement" would be very difficult. Getting enough explosive to sink a ship would also be very difficult. Some intent on terror might not know how hard it is to sink a ship.

 

Remember, in the US, there is not only the security that the passengers go through, but that the port area is a restricted, secure zone, and anyone entering it must hold a TWIC card, which requires an FBI background check. While TWIC is not found in foreign ports, the IMO requires that all countries' port areas be secure areas as well, and must meet specific guidelines.

 

A security expert I saw on TV a few days ago said it just right. The sophistication of the ISIS attack in Paris is its lack of sophistication. So, they now rely on small explosives and small arms, and a lot of them to make an impact. Finding any one weapon coming on a cruise ship would cause a lockdown on the assumption that there would be more.

 

Thank you for the sanity check, especially this last paragraph.

[BecciBoo]

There are warnings on the state dept. page online for certain countries, but nothing concerning the recent events in Europe.

 

Heard today that threats have been perceived for Rome, specifically the Vatican and some other tourist spots, the square in Venice.

 

That wouldn't deter me. But common sense should serve everyone well in these uncertain times. Just avoid large crowded venues onshore and keep your wits about you. Travel in groups with friends, not alone.

 

I feel confident the cruise lines...all of them...will be mindful of safety first for passengers.:)

[Hlitner]

The reality of our world is that nothing is absolutely safe. All travel, be it around your own block, or to Europe has some risk. For those that have a very low risk tolerance, you are doomed to either stay at home or probably worry yourself to an extent that it might spoil your trip. Is there a risk to cruising? Absolutely. Many of us accept risk as part of life and just move on with things without ruminating about all that can go wrong. Others let risk/safety drive a good part of their life. In our society it is your choice.

 

Hank

[Karysa]

We have three upcoming cruises planned. After many, many years of cruising, never thought anything about safety until these recent days regarding ISIS. Anyone concerned about cruise ships getting attacked?

 

With two cruises booked my answer is yes. I think that the ship is a fairly easy target from watching it being loaded on a whole lot of occasions at various ports and it would affect the industry tremendously if a ship was attacked by ISIS and that is exactly what they are looking to do.

[chengkp75]

With two cruises booked my answer is yes. I think that the ship is a fairly easy target from watching it being loaded on a whole lot of occasions at various ports and it would affect the industry tremendously if a ship was attacked by ISIS and that is exactly what they are looking to do.

 

Not sure what you are seeing. At all ports, the stuff coming into the dock area is documented and at least for passenger ships it is searched. At US ports, Homeland Security is there with dogs every time the ship is loaded.

[SuperdudeAbides]

Oddly, I think the Joker in The Dark Knight said it best.

 

"Nobody panics when things go according to plan. Even if the plan is horrifying. If tomorrow I tell the press that like a gang banger, will get shot, or a truckload of soldiers will be blown up, nobody panics, because it’s all, part of the plan. But when I say that one, little old mayor will die, well then everyone loses their minds!"

 

Same applies here. The terror attacks that have been perpetrated over the past several years while horrible, violent, traumatizing, are in fact dwarfed by the lives lost in battle, lives lost via accidents (whether they be auto, train, boat, plane, helicopter, etc.), lives lost by domestic violence (gang bangers, car jacking, drive bys, petty theft, break ins, family violence, etc) or even by stepping off a curb at the wrong time or standing too close to the edge of the grand canyon to get the perfect selfie. We barely bat an eye when we hear a story about some crazy guy that kills a family of 6 that was innocently camping, but we loose our minds worrying about what might happen due to terrorists.

 

As the old saying goes, you can die any day any time, you don't have to put yourself in a compromising position to get hurt or killed. It's part of being human. We are actually quite easily hurt, very soft and squishy.

 

There's no reason to purposefully run into a stupid situation like say booking a trip to the middle east or something like that. But equally there's no reason to stop living and doing what we do. As stated before, if you do go run and hide, the bad guys win.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. "Well, I certainly hope this little incident hasn't put you off flying, miss. Statistically speaking, of course, it's still the safest way to travel." I would think that's not too far off the truth about cruising....Right?

[Haoie]

A number of cruise passengers were killed earlier this year in Tunisia while onshore - did everyone forget about that one?