Why does DCL have us congregate inside the theater instead of outside by the lifeboats?

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

There are ships all over the place, and I believe that they are all required to assist if they see or hear a distress call. It's really unlikely to be that long.



Virgin America has a truly funny safety video, and now United does, too, at least on some of United's flights. I pay attention to both of them. Humor helps!

Air New Zealand has some good ones they did with Peter Jackson that involve things with Lord of the rings and the Hobbit.

 

[Angie789]

Nope. At some point in the recent past, this topic has come up a few times. I can think of at least 1 or 2 legit reasons on why a family on or families would miss the muster drill. Usually because the flight was late or the transport they were using was late. As an example, on our last cruise on the Fantasy, after the muster drill and at 515 just before the last lines were dropped at PC, I personally saw at least 2 families running onto the pier, escorted by DCL terminal employees to board the ship. They were last minute transfers from the Magic, who had canceled 2 cruises due to her late drydock issues. My fil and I were talking trying to figure out why we were still in port after the Sailaway celebration. We found out later that cruise we had taken on quite a few transfers from the Magic and most of the passengers were coming from Miami.

Someone else about 1 or 2 years ago, posted a letter that was left for them, under similar conditions. It was basically a 1 page summary of the drill.

I will be cruising DCL for the first time in three weeks, but I know that on other lines if you don't show up to the scheduled muster drill, they do a "make up" drill later that evening or early the next morning that you are required to attend. We were travelling with friends once and one of our party skipped it because she was dealing with a migraine. It was a few years ago, so I don't remember the specifics of the letter she received, but it was politely firm that failure to attend the make up session would jeopardize her ability to stay on the cruise.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I will be cruising DCL for the first time in three weeks, but I know that on other lines if you don't show up to the scheduled muster drill, they do a "make up" drill later that evening or early the next morning that you are required to attend. We were travelling with friends once and one of our party skipped it because she was dealing with a migraine. It was a few years ago, so I don't remember the specifics of the letter she received, but it was politely firm that failure to attend the make up session would jeopardize her ability to stay on the cruise.

I can only report that once the muster drill became mandatory, I know that Holland America did put some people off the ship for not attending. At least at first, don't know for sure whether they still are.

 

[ASchwa]

Realistically, I cant think of anywhere onboard other then in the infirmary where someone could go to willfully miss the drill. I haven't put too much thought into is, so maybe someone else has. I mean all of the stores, rest, counter service, buffets are all closed. The only place you might be is gs if you had a cabin issue. Anywhere else on the ship, a cm should see you and point you in the right direction. The stewards check the rooms afaik, and all of the public spaces are covered.

Now with that said, if someone is endangering me or my family during an actual issue, Im going to stay as far from them as possible, where Im supposed to be.

Actually on my last cruise when I went to my Muster station for the drill, a woman sat near me, had my Muster station in Animator's Palate, she asked me if I could pretend to be her sister. She then told me that her sister was in a wheelchair and they couldn't get her into the place and the elevators weren't working. She also told me that the CMs knew and she had permission. I had no clue what to do, I said nothing. I made sure that the woman knew I was uncomfortable with the situation. I had already checked in. The thing is I had put my cell phone on silent mode and it buzzed during Muster, I didn't answer. After the drill I found out my father had been released from the hospital where he had been for the week before I left.

 

[MelSpees]

Actually on my last cruise when I went to my Muster station for the drill, a woman sat near me, had my Muster station in Animator's Palate, she asked me if I could pretend to be her sister. She then told me that her sister was in a wheelchair and they couldn't get her into the place and the elevators weren't working. She also told me that the CMs knew and she had permission. I had no clue what to do, I said nothing. I made sure that the woman knew I was uncomfortable with the situation. I had already checked in. The thing is I had put my cell phone on silent mode and it buzzed during Muster, I didn't answer. After the drill I found out my father had been released from the hospital where he had been for the week before I left.

Wow! I can't believe someone would ask you to do that. I don't see the reasoning since the cast members knew the situation. I don't even see how that would work, when you have checked in already. Crazy situation--it would have been a big "No" from me.
Glad your father was okay.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Actually on my last cruise when I went to my Muster station for the drill, a woman sat near me, had my Muster station in Animator's Palate, she asked me if I could pretend to be her sister. She then told me that her sister was in a wheelchair and they couldn't get her into the place and the elevators weren't working. She also told me that the CMs knew and she had permission. I had no clue what to do, I said nothing. I made sure that the woman knew I was uncomfortable with the situation. I had already checked in. The thing is I had put my cell phone on silent mode and it buzzed during Muster, I didn't answer. After the drill I found out my father had been released from the hospital where he had been for the week before I left.

If the CMs knew, then there would have been no reason to pretend. Does not compute.

The CMs would know how many wheelchair people they needed to account for, because in a real emergency they would have to carry the wheelchair people down the stairs.

 

[bumbershoot]

Air New Zealand has some good ones they did with Peter Jackson that involve things with Lord of the rings and the Hobbit.

I've seen some of those online, but haven't flown ANZ. Sad.

I don't see the reasoning since the cast members knew the situation.

Agreed.


We were in Vancouver 2 summers ago and happened to see the Magic (?) as they prepared to go. We hung out quite awhile, and heard the ship have their muster drill. It was *astonishing* how long some people stood out on their balconies, just doing *nothing*, during and after all the muster horns/alarms.

 

[MelSpees]

I've seen some of those online, but haven't flown ANZ. Sad.



Agreed.


We were in Vancouver 2 summers ago and happened to see the Magic (?) as they prepared to go. We hung out quite awhile, and heard the ship have their muster drill. It was *astonishing* how long some people stood out on their balconies, just doing *nothing*, during and after all the muster horns/alarms.

I'm sure the people who get to their muster stations on time don't appreciate the extra time they have to spend waiting for the lazy, take-our-time ones. I'd be pretty unhappy with them.

 

[E ticket rider]

Nope. At some point in the recent past, this topic has come up a few times. I can think of at least 1 or 2 legit reasons on why a family on or families would miss the muster drill. Usually because the flight was late or the transport they were using was late. As an example, on our last cruise on the Fantasy, after the muster drill and at 515 just before the last lines were dropped at PC, I personally saw at least 2 families running onto the pier, escorted by DCL terminal employees to board the ship. They were last minute transfers from the Magic, who had canceled 2 cruises due to her late drydock issues. My fil and I were talking trying to figure out why we were still in port after the Sailaway celebration. We found out later that cruise we had taken on quite a few transfers from the Magic and most of the passengers were coming from Miami.

Someone else about 1 or 2 years ago, posted a letter that was left for them, under similar conditions. It was basically a 1 page summary of the drill.

My wife and sister had a similar situation on Sovereign of the Seas, but they were the ones running to the ship. My sister was late getting to the airport and they missed their flight. They got a later flight, but it got to MCO about an hour before sailaway. My wife was convinced that they were going to get to the pier just in time to see the ship sail out of the channel. As they pulled up to the ship, she said everyone was mustered out on deck in their bright orange lifevests. They got checked in and rushed to the ship by terminal staff and the hatch was closed and dogged right behind them. Later that evening, a safety officer knocked on their cabin door and gave them a personal briefing and escorted them to their muster station.

I also once heard a DCL CM say that it was up to the Captain whether or not to let people who willfully attempt to skip muster drill sail on the ship. I don't know if she was making it up or trying to scare someone, but that's basically what she said.

 

[FlagTechMgr]

I also once heard a DCL CM say that it was up to the Captain whether or not to let people who willfully attempt to skip muster drill sail on the ship. I don't know if she was making it up or trying to scare someone, but that's basically what she said.

The Captains ability to deny passage may be company policy (read the terms and conditions of your tickets). I cant find anything in SOLAS that explicitly states all passengers MUST attend but it is implied. Bahamas may also have additional requirements in this regard.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Hey Flag Tech,

A lot of rules in the cruise line organizations, individual countries , including the USCG, changed after the Concordia disaster. Ocean Cruise/passenger ships are now required to have the drills prior to sailing and everyone must attend or be individually instructed in some form or another. I don't have the wording, I would bow to your expertize there, but that is what happens operationally now.

AKK

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm sure the people who get to their muster stations on time don't appreciate the extra time they have to spend waiting for the lazy, take-our-time ones. I'd be pretty unhappy with them.

Agreed.

And from Canada Place, we could see the people on their balconies, then below them we could see the people at their outdoor muster stations. All waiting. I wished we could have shown our view to the people just standing there.

 

[FlagTechMgr]

Hey Flag Tech,

A lot of rules in the cruise line organizations, individual countries , including the USCG, changed after the Concordia disaster. Ocean Cruise/passenger ships are now required to have the drills prior to sailing and everyone must attend or be individually instructed in some form or another. I don't have the wording, I would bow to your expertize there, but that is what happens operationally now.

AKK

You got me ...

SOLAS Ch. III, Regulation 19
2.2 On a ship engaged on a voyage where passengers are scheduled to be on board for more than 24 h, musters of newly-embarked passengers shall take place prior to or immediately upon departure. Passengers shall be instructed in the use of the lifejackets and the action to take in an emergency.

I was using my 2009 book instead of looking on-line for the most current regs like I typically do. My posts are meant to be a simple stating of the rules and regulations combined with a healthy injection of sea stories.

For SOLAS (enacted by the International Maritime Organization, part of the UN) to use the word "shall" is a very big deal. It is actually very rare. Typically SOLAS will say "should" and leave wiggle room for the Flag Administration to enforce or not.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

You got me ...

SOLAS Ch. III, Regulation 19
2.2 On a ship engaged on a voyage where passengers are scheduled to be on board for more than 24 h, musters of newly-embarked passengers shall take place prior to or immediately upon departure. Passengers shall be instructed in the use of the lifejackets and the action to take in an emergency.

I was using my 2009 book instead of looking on-line for the most current regs like I typically do. My posts are meant to be a simple stating of the rules and regulations combined with a healthy injection of sea stories.

For SOLAS (enacted by the International Maritime Organization, part of the UN) to use the word "shall" is a very big deal. It is actually very rare. Typically SOLAS will say "should" and leave wiggle room for the Flag Administration to enforce or not.

\



Hey Buddy!

No Problem

*SHALL* in all Maritime rules and regs is a big deal.................In Rules of the Road is a very very big deal., not a area you guys down below study much.......



AKK

 

[FlagTechMgr]

\
Hey Buddy!

No Problem

*SHALL* in all Maritime rules and regs is a big deal.................In Rules of the Road is a very very big deal., not a area you guys down below study much.......

AKK

Rules and Celestial ... they separate the wannabes from the boys.

Circuits and Thermo ... they separate the Men from the boys

 

[C6PT7]

Nope. At some point in the recent past, this topic has come up a few times. I can think of at least 1 or 2 legit reasons on why a family on or families would miss the muster drill. Usually because the flight was late or the transport they were using was late. As an example, on our last cruise on the Fantasy, after the muster drill and at 515 just before the last lines were dropped at PC, I personally saw at least 2 families running onto the pier, escorted by DCL terminal employees to board the ship. They were last minute transfers from the Magic, who had canceled 2 cruises due to her late drydock issues. My fil and I were talking trying to figure out why we were still in port after the Sailaway celebration. We found out later that cruise we had taken on quite a few transfers from the Magic and most of the passengers were coming from Miami.

Someone else about 1 or 2 years ago, posted a letter that was left for them, under similar conditions. It was basically a 1 page summary of the drill.

I would have thought and hoped they would be instructed in a more comprehensive process than a one page letter explaining what to do.
A 10 minute meeting someone to explain the details, show them how to don a lifejacket etc.

 

[truck1]

I would have thought and hoped they would be instructed in a more comprehensive process than a one page letter explaining what to do.
A 10 minute meeting someone to explain the details, show them how to don a lifejacket etc.

True but at the same time, they would have to do the same life jacket training for everyone since its no longer required to wear one to the muster drill. Realistically, how many people actually take the time to try one on and to see how it works in the cabin? I know theres a few but out of say 2500 on the Magic class or 4000 on the Dream class.

 

[truck1]

My wife and sister had a similar situation on Sovereign of the Seas, but they were the ones running to the ship. My sister was late getting to the airport and they missed their flight. They got a later flight, but it got to MCO about an hour before sailaway. My wife was convinced that they were going to get to the pier just in time to see the ship sail out of the channel. As they pulled up to the ship, she said everyone was mustered out on deck in their bright orange lifevests. They got checked in and rushed to the ship by terminal staff and the hatch was closed and dogged right behind them. Later that evening, a safety officer knocked on their cabin door and gave them a personal briefing and escorted them to their muster station.

I also once heard a DCL CM say that it was up to the Captain whether or not to let people who willfully attempt to skip muster drill sail on the ship. I don't know if she was making it up or trying to scare someone, but that's basically what she said.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Capt got involved with those who willfully tried to skip a drill. Ultimately its the Capt whos held responsible if something goes wrong, so they prob do have a say so in who stays and who goes.

 

[truck1]

\



Hey Buddy!

No Problem

*SHALL* in all Maritime rules and regs is a big deal.................In Rules of the Road is a very very big deal., not a area you guys down below study much.......



AKK

Ahhh. My favorite. Shall vs should. We have the same thing. Shall is you will do it no questions asked under severe penalty. And should, well its a suggestion. The catch is that this and the context I normally see it in, is usually held up by the instant experts (read lawyers) saying well, its being followed by the world, so why don't you do it, since its an international standard? Therefore since its a standard everyone else uses, and you didn't, you are now at fault.

 

[truck1]

Was always curious what happened to people that don't show up or go to the wrong location Do they get booted off, or get a stern lecture. I also agree they should keep everyone in line with everyone being packed together so closely on deck it is really noticeable when people are goofing off.

Maybe they could use the real trouble makers to give a demonstration of the man overboard procedure lol

It was easy to see if you were in the wrong spot by accident,but now you have to physically be accounted for. So if you show up to the wrong spot, a cm should be asking anyone I didn't call, and they should catch it and point them in the right direction. As I said before, I really cant think of anywhere you could be hiding so to speak to deliberately miss the drill. But then again, I don't purposely plan to miss the drill.