Any suggestions for surviving . . .

[LindaBabe]

the boat drill?

Last year, on my first cruise, I was having a great time until the boat drill. The life jacket came up around my ears and under my nose covering my mouth. It smelled bad. I couldn't turn my head. I couldn't look down. I freaked. That was the turning point in my trip. I just couldn't seem to get it together again after that.

I'm going to try again in two weeks. Does anyone have any advice to mitigate my misery?

 

[Katdb]

Hi LindaBabe,

I can get really claustrophobic, especially during the lifeboat drill. What I had to do last time was carry my life jacket with me instead of wearing it. When the crew showed us the procedures for working the vest, I had it on, and then afterwards I took it off again.

I was only told once by a CM to put on my lifejacket, to which I replied that I was claustrophobic and couldn't keep it on for that length of time. He replied, "well, what would you do if the ship was sinking"

"well, gee, I think I'd have bigger worries on my mind at that point!!!" He couldn't think of a comeback for that one!

Hope this helps
Katdb

 

[RealMickey]

My DW has the same problem with the claustrophobic feeling with things around her neck. She nearly passed out during the lifeboat drill. The cm noticed her turning pale and the panicked look in her eyes and had her remove her jacket and let her sit for a moment to recover, then allowed her to stand in the front of the line and not wear the life jacket for the remainder of the drill. That cm, I did not get his name, was a life saver.

We are booked to cruise again next year. I hope having done the drill before, it will not bother her as much this time.

 

[Roemama1]

I also read on another thread about spraying your life jacket with Lysol before putting it on...(this was on the "Do you really need Lysol thread" or something like that....) Just another little tip.

I was another one those people that didn't put my lifejacket on until the CM made me, too. So I know how you feel.

 

[DisneyKids]

I'm not a fan of it either but we always have a good time with it. We usually put them on, take a picture and laugh at each other. Try this...put it on and ask someone else in your tarvel party if it makes you look fat! Might as well make the best of it. It only last a short while.

 

[jrabbit]

I know that those life jackets make my butt look fat

 

[xnascar2x]

Get a stateroom on deck 6 aft. You gather in Animator's Palet, and get to sit in the air conditioning as opposed to standing on deck in the sun.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Lifeboat drills are no fun, that's for sure. I agree about the claustrophobia, but even worst for me last time was when a little boy threw up all over my shoes!! Then we all had to stand there and smell it. Not pleasant!

 

[inkkognito]

I have been through 36 lifeboat drills, with lots more to come. While it doesn't bother me personally, I can see how you might react if you are claustrophobic or don't like things around your neck. The only time I ever really hated it was when my lifejacket had obviously been worn previously by someone who believed in bathing in bad perfume rather than soap and water. Ugh!
If I really had a problem with the lifeboat drill, I'd mentally set it as the beginning point of the cruise. In other words, as soon as it's over, that's when the cruise officially begins. Think of it as a necessary evil, like having a tooth filled. And bringing your camera for that Sponge Bob photo op will interject a little fun. In all our cruises, we never brought a camera until recently. Ironically, on that trip we didn't get marked down as attending the drill, so we got "The Letter." But if they had tried to put us in the brig, we had photographic proof that we were there!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Katdb]

Hi inkkognito,
I don't mean to be nosy, but since you obviously didn't do anything wrong... what did the letter say?

I have often wondered what happens to the families that don't show up (and being clausterphobic, mentally chew them out for making me wait even longer!!!)

Just curious really!!

Katdb

 

[mmouse37]

Deck 5 aft also has drill in Animators.....yeah!!!!



http://community.webshots.com/photo/118553635/118562073GyixbP

http://community.webshots.com/photo/118553635/118562127ljpsWA


MJ

 

[Zuzu03]

How long does the lifeboat drill last? I am also really sketched out about things around my neck and head and if it's hot, oh dear...

 

[LindaBabe]

Thanks for all your advice! I will try all of it.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by mmouse37
Deck 5 aft also has drill in Animators.....yeah!!!!

Okay..some people say aft cabins have Animators, some say aft cabins go to Deck 4. I can't imagine they change the locations around. I'd love to be in Animators -- I'm already getting worked up about having that jacket around my neck -- but how do we know for sure?? We're in 6108.

 

[inkkognito]

katdb,
The letter "scolds" you for not coming and emphasizes the importance of the drill. It wasn't a big deal, especially since we were really there...they just didn't mark us down on the sheet. We thought they got our number as we walked in (that's how they usually do it if you get there early enough). They call the numbers they didn't get to see if you are there, but we didn't hear ours. I think that might have something to do with the fact that we were pretty far back in the crowd and were subjected to a loud static/beeping literally every few seconds from some woman's radio. I think the people closest to her were ready to strangle her by the time the drill was over. I was surprised they didn't make her turn it off, since it was very distracting to the people around her.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[iluvtink]

Anyone know where 6058 has to line up for boat drill, and is that stateroom fore, aft, or what? I only want positive comments back (i.e., you line up in an airconditioned lounge ... that stateroom is exempt from boat drills... etc.)

Kim