Life Boat Drill

[TonyFred]

Well at least our harsh words made you change your mind. Your first post said "I AM ATTENDING THE DRILL" while your last one said you are attending.

Good for you for coming to your senses.

[JWestShuh]

Have you thought about Buspar or Ativan to help you? My mom is claustrophobic and I think she would have a hard time with it. I was in the front of the line on our first cruise, but all the people behind me were stacked like sardines.

[kittygrace]

Well at least our harsh words made you change your mind. Your first post said "I AM ATTENDING THE DRILL" while your last one said you are attending.

Good for you for coming to your senses.

 

Correction: In my first post I said "I AM NOT ATTENDING THE DRILL". Please don't pat yourself on the back for this one TonyFred, it's not because of your rude words, it's because I would have really gone all along and felt miserable because that's just how I am. Now I will go and be on the look out for folks like you and that just might get me past my panic.

[kittygrace]

Have you thought about Buspar or Ativan to help you? My mom is claustrophobic and I think she would have a hard time with it. I was in the front of the line on our first cruise, but all the people behind me were stacked like sardines.

 

Yes I have tried anti anxiety meds but I prefer not to use them unless I'm desperate. They make me so tired, I'd sleep through the rest of the cruise! And you're right about the sardines, that's just how they do it and just when you think you couldn't possibly get any closer to the folks around you, they tell you "ok, now take a step back" and you are now up against the wall. But this time, I'll take charge and ask to be in the front row. I think confessing to the crew person running the drill will give me my best options.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Kittygrace most station leaders arrive about 15 min before the drill starts at there station so just show up 15 min early, check in so they won't wait for you but also so you now know where your station is then say your not feeling well and you will go watch the safety video in your cabin during the rest of the drill. He shouldn't have a problem with that I believe.

James

[DAGVBSB]

And to those of you who couldn't think of one single constructive or supportive thing to say, I hope you're not on my ship either as I'm pretty sure you'd be the kind of person that would push, shove and trample people to get yourself to the front of the line to be the first off.

 

But you can sit there and call people drunks and that is ok?? What a hypocite.

 

I certainly hope you are never on one of my cruises.... there are enough fools out there who think they are better than everybody else and are above the rules and use ridiculous excuses for why not to do something that is mandated. (oh, and before anyone jumps on me about picking on a panic attack lady...I am very claustophobic as well and have never been that way during a simple, common, lifeboat drill. Get real....)

[JWestShuh]

But you can sit there and call people drunks and that is ok?? What a hypocite.

 

I certainly hope you are never on one of my cruises.... there are enough fools out there who think they are better than everybody else and are above the rules and use ridiculous excuses for why not to do something that is mandated. (oh, and before anyone jumps on me about picking on a panic attack lady...I am very claustophobic as well and have never been that way during a simple, common, lifeboat drill. Get real....)

My husband has had panic attacks before. He thought he was dying of a heart attack, so did I. Very scary thing and a very real anxiety disorder. I hope you never have one since you have claustrophobia. I am going to jump on you for picking on the "panic attack lady". Experience it once and that will be enough for you. Show a little empathy.

[JWestShuh]

Dont go on the cruise if you cant stand up to a darn muster drill. I have no sympathy for you at all and would not want to be on the same boat as you.

You are mean. That is all.

[salty dingo]

You are mean. That is all.

 

That was kind of mean, but the point was valid - muster drills are for everyone, like it or not, disability or not.

 

It's a coast guard requirement, and it is not there for any reason other than your safety, and everyone should respect that.

[Hockey19]

Let me get this straight. Standing on a deck for 15 minutes with a life vest on while some one tells you what to do to save your life throws you into a panic attack? What do you do when the flight attendant says the mask will fall if pressure drops? Do you put your fingers in your ear and hum? If a muster drill panics you, in all honesty -why do you sail? You will be on water- it is unlikely you will need to know what to do, but they run the drill for a reason. Watch that Kate and Leonardo movie-it's cute, a bit long but things can (rarely) happen. Anyone who goes onto a vessel understands they put life vests on for a reason...you may need them.

[JWestShuh]

That was kind of mean, but the point was valid - muster drills are for everyone, like it or not, disability or not.

 

It's a coast guard requirement, and it is not there for any reason other than your safety, and everyone should respect that.

What was mean was the "I have no sympathy for you" comment. I don't know. I guess working with people with "disabilities" all day kind of makes me sensitive to others being such a-holes to people with one - and yes, it in fact is one. Call me crazy, but I think empathy goes a long way.

[Bennett'sCruise]

Whoa ... the meanies are out in full force today.

The panic in panic attack occurs when you are stuffed into a line surrounded by people in a sea of life vests ... claustrophopia. It's a true medical condition and you CAN NOT talk yourself out of it. I wish it were that easy. :o

I have asked to be placed on the edge of the mass of people, I have been asked to stand in front, etc. The crew don't want you to suffer needlessly.

I'm not sure telling the crew member that you were *ill* and needed to be dismissed is a good thing. You might get reported as being sick and then quarantined. :cool:

 

Yes, you need to attend ... I think speaking up for yourself is the answer. You'll be fine. Have a great cruise!

 

~d

[Down-Unders]

It's mandatory. The lifejackets have cabin number on them so officiers at each muster station checks off each attendee on list. The muster drills will not be dispersed until everyone has been accounted for. If you don't show up, they'll come looking for you and call for you, and other pax will be pissed off with having to wait for you to show up.

 

Kitty, is it your first cruise? The muster drills are nothing to worry about - the pax are taught what to do if there is an emergency and you'll be happy knowing where to go and what to do.

 

It takes place 30 mins before sailing and lasts a few mins - if all pax show up in time.

 

Just think about this ... if the drill is for REAL, what would you do??!! If going to a muster drill really scares you what would you do if the drill is for real? Think about the MV Explorer ...

 

Anyway, here's a picture ...[/quote

 

The first part of this post is false please check your facts before posting.

" They will come looking for you " :( :confused: :mad: :o :confused:

[salty dingo]

It's actually pretty common for them to pack people 5 or 6 deep on the outside decks during the muster drill. The decks just are not that wide and they have to get you near your life boat so they can verify everyone knows where to go.

 

I have seen people overcome and almost fainting, mostly elderly people. They always escort those people to the front of the line where there is plenty of fresh air and view, and no one standing in front closing you in.

 

Ask someone during the drill if you need help. They will give it to you.

 

I think maybe the reason the empathy is lacking is due to the way the thread was opened with a defiant statement that the OP was not going to the drill and seemed to feel justified in doing so.

[NorthernNeighbour]

My wife has been on many cruises, but cannot stand for extended periods of time, due to an inner-ear imbalance that causes dizziness. If the drill is to be held outside, when we board she reports to the purser's office and explains why she cannot attend the drill. She has never been thrown off a ship -- they just note her name and cabin as someone needing special assistance in the event of an emergency. When I attend, if they ask me why she is not there, I tell them she reported to the purser's office, check with them.

 

So, anyone with a disability (including panic attacks) only needs to report it to the proper authorities on-board. One time my wife took a chance and went to the (outdoor) drill. After standing there for 20 minutes, she finally fainted -- and believe me it was more of a bother to the ship's officers than just reporting to them why she cannot attend.

 

If they hold it inside (as they do increasingly these days), it is not a problem and she attends.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Guys I can understand what the OP meant to say (I think). Sometimes things like that can be hard for people. I had to leave a drill once because I was about to pass out. Could of been lack of food with the close people..the heat etc. I just think it came out a little wrong.

[kittygrace]

Settle down people. All I wanted to know is if there really were consquences for not going to the life boat drill. I know how they work, I've been on many cruises. I would have found my muster station for reference. But I WILL be going. You're right, I should go and I will go. I didn't know if they search the cabins, make you go the next day, kick you off or what, if you didn't go. On all my past cruises, we go early to try to avoid the rush of people, making it a little easier for me, but what that leads to is getting put in the back row and being crushed up against the wall and yes, I'm sorry, it seems I'm always next to someone who's been drinking and is being loud and obnoxious making it even more uncomfortable for me. I was always afraid of people thinking I was being rude by stepping out and moving to the front of the "pack", but that's what I'll be doing this time as well as informing the crew person in charge of the drill. So that's it, that's the plan. "Thanks", to those of you that helped me out here and offered support. To those of you that chose to reply in another manner all I can say is "whatever". We can let this thread go now and move on to happier territory... I'll be leaving in less than 2 weeks so I've plenty of other things to worry about now!

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Kittygrace most station leaders arrive about 15 min before the drill starts at there station so just show up 15 min early, check in so they won't wait for you but also so you now know where your station is then say your not feeling well and you will go watch the safety video in your cabin during the rest of the drill. He shouldn't have a problem with that I believe.

James

 

Now that I think about what I said a little more I'm sure they won't have a problem with that.

[Down-Unders]

Settle down people. All I wanted to know is if there really were consquences for not going to the life boat drill. I know how they work, I've been on many cruises. I would have found my muster station for reference. But I WILL be going. You're right, I should go and I will go. I didn't know if they search the cabins, make you go the next day, kick you off or what, if you didn't go. On all my past cruises, we go early to try to avoid the rush of people, making it a little easier for me, but what that leads to is getting put in the back row and being crushed up against the wall and yes, I'm sorry, it seems I'm always next to someone who's been drinking and is being loud and obnoxious making it even more uncomfortable for me. I was always afraid of people thinking I was being rude by stepping out and moving to the front of the "pack", but that's what I'll be doing this time as well as informing the crew person in charge of the drill. So that's it, that's the plan. "Thanks", to those of you that helped me out here and offered support. To those of you that chose to reply in another manner all I can say is "whatever". We can let this thread go now and move on to happier territory... I'll be leaving in less than 2 weeks so I've plenty of other things to worry about now!

 

 

 

I have just been released from Marion State Prison, I got six months for missing the lifeboat drill and barred for life from NCL. Enjoy your cruise there are lots of lovely positive people you will meet on board! :) :)

[xomegxo]

Okay ill be cruising for the first time this July, u have me scared whats so bad about the drill?? what exactly do you do?

[WinnieinWA]

I have just been released from Marion State Prison, I got six months for missing the lifeboat drill and barred for life from NCL. Enjoy your cruise there are lots of lovely positive people you will meet on board! :) :)

 

 

I too missed my first lifeboat drill (medical reason)and I have been reliving it every night when I try to sleep. I go to sleep like a normal person and then out of the walls of my mind comes a man in a white uniform with bars and stripes on his shoulders...........OMG.... I think I am in heaven!!! ;)

 

NOT!!!! :eek:

 

He, the beautiful one with stripes, escorts me to an auditoriam type place that is filled with thousands of people. He introduces me as "THE ONE AND ONLY" I get very excited.. I am the ONLY ONE! How cool is THAT?

 

Not too cool!

 

I am booooood....I am called the scum of the earth! I am a plague among rule obeyers. I must surely walk the plank! :eek: I am a scourge among the people. I should be eliminated!

 

Why?

I didn't show up for Muster...

 

How DARE I, a little peon, must be a pervert, to make so many people disrupt their dream, expensive vaction lives so very much? THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK YOU DON'T COUNT....SEE........THE FOLLOWING:

 

BECAUSE THIS IS MY VACATION AND I DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING I DON'T WANT TO :

 

Well... let me set you all straight! Go to the Muster and get it over with. You are NOT special!

 

If you don't BOTHER it just makes it more difficult for the other passengers and expecially the crew.

 

Don't be so damned selfish....JUST GO!

 

Thanks so much for your rapt attention! :)

 

Enjoy Sailaway after Muster...........

 

Winnie

[DMRick]

Okay ill be cruising for the first time this July, u have me scared whats so bad about the drill?? what exactly do you do?

You put on your life jacket and go to a certain meeting place (you'll be directed depending on where your cabin is). Sometimes in an inside area, often out on the deck in the hot sun. Our past two cruises on NCL were inside in the air conditioning. When they are outside, everyone only fits, if they put you in lines, about 6-8 deep and keep asking people to back up, until us short people are squished (on HAL, it's men in the back, woman in the middle and kids in the front). It doesn't start until everyone is there (or they finally give up)..they keep taking attendance. The life jacket is hot and if you are outside in the sun, it's even hotter.

I don't care for them, especially if we have to wait..I wish they would just take attendance when it starts, and do whatever they do to those not on time (hang them, fine them, forgive them, whatever)..it would cut the time for the rest of us. That said, if I had a problem with it, I would go early, let them check that I know how to put my jacket on correctly, and find out which lifeboat is mine, and ask if I can take off my jacket, and stand away from the crowd.

[Cosmopolitan]

I don't care for them, especially if we have to wait..I wish they would just take attendance when it starts, and do whatever they do to those not on time (hang them, fine them, forgive them, whatever)..it would cut the time for the rest of us. That said, if I had a problem with it, I would go early, let them check that I know how to put my jacket on correctly, and find out which lifeboat is mine, and ask if I can take off my jacket, and stand away from the crowd.

 

We now do NOT go with the crowd.

 

We wait about 15 minutes before heading out to it as we are ALWAYS stuck there waiting for people who are 1/2 hour late or are "no-shows".

[WinnieinWA]

We now do NOT go with the crowd.

 

We wait about 15 minutes before heading out to it as we are ALWAYS stuck there waiting for people who are 1/2 hour late or are "no-shows".

 

Perhaps it is people like you who WE who show up on time are waiting for? I think people who are non shows should walk the plank!

 

Muster is one thing to NOT be fashionably LATE for.

Show up on time and suck it up ...... don't think you are better than others by being LATE by 15 minutes.

[DMRick]

We now do NOT go with the crowd.

 

We wait about 15 minutes before heading out to it as we are ALWAYS stuck there waiting for people who are 1/2 hour late or are "no-shows".

Thank you..much appreciate being in the hot sun waiting for you. Although we've never waited a half hour. Usually about 10-15 minutes, which is a long time in the hot sun in addition to the actual time the muster takes.

Like I was saying..we have stood around in the hot sun because we listened to the instructions that had a clear time (and announcement) of when we are supposed to be there. I think they should start on time, and let those who are wait miss their plans the next morning, or whatever, to make it up.