One more negative with back-to-backs...

[gvhafke]

With my back-to-back cruises coming up in a couple of months...and little left to do or plan for now, I was thinking a bit about the experience. After 45 prior cruises, this will be my first true back-to-back--same ship, same cabin. I usually book longer cruises in the summer--13-16 nights, butthey just weren't offering any that grabbed my attention...so this combo of alternating 7-nighters works.

 

So, while I was thinking about this, the following thought occurred to me:

 

I am going to have to suffer through not one but two MUSTER DRILLS! I hate muster drills. I usually joke that, after some large number of cruises, they should exempt you...but, of course, I understand the reasoning...

 

But, OTOH, for this situation, if I were on my usual 14 night cruise, I would only need to do one... Thesecond one here seems to insinuate that, after seven nights of cruising, maybe I'll forget where my muster station is...or how to put on a life vest (This is sort of like the chuckle I get when I board a plane and the flight attendant instructs me on how to put on a seat belt...like I haven't had one in my car since the1960s).

 

Wouldn't it be nice...and reasonable...if they could just waive the requirement for returning passengers on the second part of a back-to-back? Or do they? Again, I wouldn't know--first time I've done this...

 

Yes, I know it sounds a bit petty...but, seriously, I am not in a good mood today...I am wasting the day in the Jury Assembly Room on Jury Duty. And, before anyone tells me it's my civic duty and not "a waste of time", know that I've done this several times now and have never come close to being on a jury. I've been an attorney for almost 40 years...I know half the judges in this court house and many of the attorneys who might represent one side or another. I started my career as a prosecutor--and that gets me kicked off any criminal case by the defendant's attorney...and spent the bulk of my career representing major corporations, banks and a large insurer--and that gets me kicked off any civil case. So, here I sit in the Jury Room awaiting assignment to a court room so the judge can once again send me home...

 

Best thing I can do with my time here is dream about my upcoming cruises...and, thankfully, they have WiFi...

We did back to back cruises on the Epic last year - even changed cabins - and when we showed up for the second muster drill we weren't on the list. Happy not to have to do it again, but considering we had a different muster station for the second cruise I actually feel we should have been "on the list". That being said, the muster was just that - a muster. There was no drill or demo to speak of. We all just sat around until they got everyone's names checked off. Guess it will depend on the ship you're on, but you may get away with only one.

 

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[John&LaLa]

No. All Caribbean cruises.

Just saw a notice on FB that there will be a big delay when Radiance arrives in Hawaii. Same reasons I mentioned earlier.

 

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[Cuizer2]

I can only speculate, but have one issue and a friendly lawsuit attached to it and I would guess that rule will change.

 

Sometimes in large groups, providing exceptions causes more issues long term.

 

How many muster drills on the 30+ day cruises? Even The World only has the drill once per month.

[DrD]

I haven't gotten through most of this thread, but wanted to comment because the majority of replies are barking at the poster for being negative and complaining. I sincerely didn't read his post that way at all, and it sounded to me like he was just bored and kidding around, thinking about the mister drill and wondering why it's necessary to do it twice. Everyone is so quick to beat him up for thinking out loud, did I miss something? Geeze Louise.

 

 

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I think it's because many of us can only cruise a few days every few years or so, and here comes a guy talking about how his usual 10-14 days cruise didn't work so he has to do a back to back but oh no he has to do muster twice. It comes off as very boastful and insensitive.

[davekathy]

Just saw a notice on FB that there will be a big delay when Radiance arrives in Hawaii. Same reasons I mentioned earlier.

 

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Bummer...not saying it doesn't happen. Glad we have had positive experiences and no delays on TAD. If we did we would just roll with the flow.

[Cuizer2]

First world problem.

 

First world problem :)

 

 

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He lives in a first world country, has a high paying job, has the time to take long vacations, and likes to cruise, which is more or less a first world activity. What kind of problems would you expect him to have???

 

Very few people who cruise mention their outhouse, or the long walk to school, home, or work (uphill both ways of course). You are very unlikely to find people who have to get their water from a river that is two miles away posting on this board.

 

He doesn't have to apologize for studying hard in school and working hard so that he can enjoy his leisure time. He made his sacrifices early so that he could enjoy a comfortable life.

 

I've taken three night cruises and fourteen night cruises (and every number of night cruises in between). I also enjoy the longer cruise. I used to have four weeks vacation. Then I got laid off and now I only have two weeks vacation. Yes, I know, first world problems.

 

You live in a first world, what kind of third world problems do you have? Do you have a long drive to the store (uphill both ways no doubt) to get food? Did the clutch in your air conditioned car wear out (mine did - that was an expensive surprise)? Do you think your cable company charges you too much (I do)? Do you think your phone provider has bad customer service? Are you trying to figure out what to do with all your old phones and computers, or do you just put them out with the trash and let someone else take care of it for you? Do you go to sleep when the sun goes down because you don't have any electrical lights in your house?

 

Is there anyone that posts on the board that doesn't have first world problems? How many people that post on this board have third world problems?

[legaljen1969]

You sound like a person who is at their happiest when complaining about something of no importance. Since you have two such things to complain about today then you must be very happy indeed. Tomorrow I imagine will be less happy; maybe that gives you three things for today?

 

No doubt Mr. "Been an attorney for 40 years" would be the first one in line to sue the cruiseline if they didn't do a muster drill and the ship had a problem that required folks to actually evacuate the ship.

[legaljen1969]

And, again. to those of you who keep telling me I'm "petty" and repeating that "first world problems" mantra: Get real...I AM KIDDING a bit here... I thought this might be a bit of fun. Of course, I could have just started a dress code or smoking thread instead...

 

In light of this, I take back my comment about you being first in line to sue. Maybe not first, but I bet you know the way to get it done (collect damages) in the most efficient way IF you needed to do so. Just one of the benefits of having insider knowledge.

[pandaball]

And once again we're reminded that these boards are a No Fun Zone.

[John&LaLa]

Bummer...not saying it doesn't happen. Glad we have had positive experiences and no delays on TAD. If we did we would just roll with the flow.

We haven't had any issues on regular B2B.

 

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[tserface]

Sorry, it was a joke. I even put a smiley. OP was saying it was a bother to do two musters. I thought they were kidding. I don't know OP so I can't make any comments on their financial situation.

 

I apologize if I offended. It was not my intention. The first world problem meme is pretty popular and some of the examples are pretty funny! I can't imagine why anyone would be bothered by the mandatory safety drill. It doesn't take much time and safety is important. So, I thought OP was kidding around and I just went with it.

 

Tom

 

He lives in a first world country, has a high paying job, has the time to take long vacations, and likes to cruise, which is more or less a first world activity. What kind of problems would you expect him to have???

 

Very few people who cruise mention their outhouse, or the long walk to school, home, or work (uphill both ways of course). You are very unlikely to find people who have to get their water from a river that is two miles away posting on this board.

 

He doesn't have to apologize for studying hard in school and working hard so that he can enjoy his leisure time. He made his sacrifices early so that he could enjoy a comfortable life.

 

I've taken three night cruises and fourteen night cruises (and every number of night cruises in between). I also enjoy the longer cruise. I used to have four weeks vacation. Then I got laid off and now I only have two weeks vacation. Yes, I know, first world problems.

 

You live in a first world, what kind of third world problems do you have? Do you have a long drive to the store (uphill both ways no doubt) to get food? Did the clutch in your air conditioned car wear out (mine did - that was an expensive surprise)? Do you think your cable company charges you too much (I do)? Do you think your phone provider has bad customer service? Are you trying to figure out what to do with all your old phones and computers, or do you just put them out with the trash and let someone else take care of it for you? Do you go to sleep when the sun goes down because you don't have any electrical lights in your house?

 

Is there anyone that posts on the board that doesn't have first world problems? How many people that post on this board have third world problems?

 

 

 

 

 

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[ONECRUISER]

We did back to back cruises on the Epic last year - even changed cabins - and when we showed up for the second muster drill we weren't on the list. Happy not to have to do it again, but considering we had a different muster station for the second cruise I actually feel we should have been "on the list". That being said, the muster was just that - a muster. There was no drill or demo to speak of. We all just sat around until they got everyone's names checked off. Guess it will depend on the ship you're on, but you may get away with only one.

 

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Changing Muster station B2B, knowing where to go. Good point...

[ExpatBride]

Imagine how Mario feels.

 

:')

[hapster85]

After 45 prior cruises, this will be my first true back-to-back--same ship, same cabin.

 

We'll be doing our first B2B next summer, so I feel your pain. Lol

 

Seriously, though, it's been at least a little bit interesting for me, with my limited cruise history, to see the differences in how muster is conducted, from line to line, and ship to ship.

 

I actually fell asleep, sitting in the theater on Anthem; it had been a long day already. So I can see where it would become mundane after a while. 😎

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Actually, it gets even better...Because of the way in which I had to ticket the air flying over there, I have to check in and check my luggage and go through Security at LAX, then fly to SFO, collect my luggage from Baggage Claim, then check it back in again and go through Security again at SFO...

 

 

 

 

I take it you are nowhere near as old as me...My first car was a hand-me-down 1962 Dodge 440 Station Wagon...The seat belts on that thing...and, pretty much, ALL cars at that time were EXACTLY the same as the seat belts on the airplanes...It's just that, over the decades, the auto seat belts have been improved upon and refined. It's the airline industry that just refuses to evolve and improve...easier to maintain that 1962 level of technology. Us old folks have no problem with the airplane seat belts. Besides, when that guy in the seat in front of me reclines his coach seat, we really don't need a seat belt...that seat back in front should do the trick of keeping you solidly in your seat! ;)

 

As to most of the rest of you: If you really knew me, you'd realize I wasn't complaining...or committed to having an unenjoyable time...It was pretty much all in jest...You guys should really stop taking everything posted on these boards literally and in the worst possible light. Sometimes, some of us just post stuff for the irony, the sarcasm or just for the fun of it...

 

And, BTW, I have actually been on cruises where not everyone was at the muster drill. On a recent Princess cruise, they had the drill before about half the passengers had even boarded. Then, they had a make-up drill later in the evening to accommodate everyone who missed the first drill. They could actually exempt the back-to-back, same cabin passengers and still comply with the regulations since those passengers would still have done the drill at the beginning of THEIR time onboard. I would HOPE they might do that...but I don't expect it--since it is easier for them to just require everyone to attend each time...

 

 

OTOH, please all know that I fully expect to really enjoy my cruise...I do EVERY time...

 

That old wagon mist've been pretty well optioned out for it's day, as seatbelt were an 'option' purchase in 1964. BTW, I'd love to own that wagon today!

[ColoradoGurl]

I think it's because many of us can only cruise a few days every few years or so, and here comes a guy talking about how his usual 10-14 days cruise didn't work so he has to do a back to back but oh no he has to do muster twice. It comes off as very boastful and insensitive.

 

 

Hmmm, ok I guess I can see that. If his comment hit a nerve for people who are less fortunate (or slightly jealous maybe?) I didn't see it, but I suppose his comment could have seemed boastful to people who are struggling a bit to plan a year or two in advance for their 1 week. I really think he meant it jokingly though.

 

 

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Edited May 4, 2017 by ColoradoGurl

[traveler279]

In the spirit of the original post, here is my suggestion for the second Muster.

 

Wear your life vest. Blow the whistle at random times. Splash water on the little light thingy and see if can get it to turn on.

 

When they ask you what the #%}% you're doing, smile and tell them you're familiarizing yourself with the equipment. [emoji4][emoji106]

 

 

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[Cuizer2]

In the spirit of the original post, here is my suggestion for the second Muster.

 

Wear your life vest. Blow the whistle at random times. Splash water on the little light thingy and see if can get it to turn on.

 

When they ask you what the #%}% you're doing, smile and tell them you're familiarizing yourself with the equipment. [emoji4][emoji106]

 

 

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The only problem I see with your suggesting is, where is Steve going to get the water while at his muster station? :confused:

[knittinggirl]

The only way I got out of the second muster drill was by getting norovirus, and it's not worth it.

[Bruin Steve]

The only problem I see with your suggesting is, where is Steve going to get the water while at his muster station? :confused:

 

Well, if they just do the old traditional drill, where they line you up out on the open deck next to the lifeboats, I won't need water...just use the sweat dripping off everyone in that hot Mediterranean summer sun...

 

And the fun part is always the whistles...After they carefully make everyone slather their hands in Purell to try to prevent spread of Norovirus, all the kids and even some of the alleged adults start putting those whistles right into their mouths--the same whistles that have been hanging from those life jackets--and haven't been sanitized--since the ship's maiden voyage!

[kmorg1234]

Could be worse- an elderly couple was escorted off a Seabourn ship for refusing to attend the 2nd muster during their B2B.

[nyllrap]

Look at the bright side...it could be a grand jury! I just started my term as foreperson of a federal grand jury...once a week for 12-18 months. I am 62 and this will be my first jury experience ever. Thank goodness I am retired, although most people on the jury are not. I did just book a September cruise on the Oasis. I figure I will let the deputy foreperson handle it that week. Good luck, and keep on dreaming about that back2back.

Edited May 4, 2017 by nyllrap

[Cuizer2]

Well, if they just do the old traditional drill, where they line you up out on the open deck next to the lifeboats, I won't need water...just use the sweat dripping off everyone in that hot Mediterranean summer sun...

 

And the fun part is always the whistles...After they carefully make everyone slather their hands in Purell to try to prevent spread of Norovirus, all the kids and even some of the alleged adults start putting those whistles right into their mouths--the same whistles that have been hanging from those life jackets--and haven't been sanitized--since the ship's maiden voyage!

 

So, is this a first world problem or a third world problem? :confused:

[wheretonow?]

So, is this a first world problem or a third world problem? :confused:

 

I'd guess it would depend on what port you are sailing from ;)

 

OP - looking forward to hearing more about this trip. We are doing the Jewel Med B2B in 2018.

 

And on the bright side, I believe I read that in Europe you don't have to disembark and reboard the ship on turnaround day.

[Langley Cruisers]

Could be worse- an elderly couple was escorted off a Seabourn ship for refusing to attend the 2nd muster during their B2B.

 

How do you know this? Was it during your 2012 Seabourn cruise? Just curious. I can't understand why they would rather have left the ship than go through a (albeit redundant) second muster drill.