Curious about safety drill

[wcw57]

I know it's important, but...........


How is it possible to tell everyone is where they're supposed to be. That is, how do they know if you're taking part? Is there a roll-call? Never been cruisin' and was curious.........

 

[inkkognito]

Yes, there is a roll call, and sometimes even that isn't sufficient! On one of our cruises, we had most definitely shown up and we still got "the letter."

 

[lbgraves]

Your life jackets have your stateroom number on them. If the CM assigned to your station does not see the number they call it out. This can delay your station from being released. If you do not go you will get a stern letter in your stateroom. They do keep a list.

 

[calmpets]

Also, everything shuts down on the ship for the safety drill, so there is nothing else to do but hide in your stateroom. If a CM spots you in a hallway they will direct you to get your vest and attend the drill. Announcements will scream into your stateroom to attend the safety drill. It's not like you can claim you didn't realize it was happening.

 

[kcashner]

Attendance is taken by cabin. Whether or not they check that the right number of people are there from each cabin is sort of up to the CM running the drill (they are supposed to!) You might be able to get away with one person missing if you tell them the right number, but what's the point? It is a requirement and while it's no fun, it doesn't take all that long. Cooperate, get it over with, and then get on with cruising!

 

[bullsmom7]

You can't hide in your room either. They had one of the stateroom attendants go and "retrieve" a passenger. Honestly is only takes about 15-20 minutes and is very easy. Besides it is a great photo op! And for those with small kids, the CMs were very accomodating. I was trying to keep the life vest on my 10 month old and hold her with my vest on too. They looked at me and laughed. "Please take the vest off yourself and your baby. We just need to make sure you know where the vests are, how to put them on and where your station is."

 

[lbgraves]

You also do not want to be in your room when the alarm goes off if you can help it. We always put on our lifejackets and head down to deck 4 a little early to avoid that. I know that it is necessary and we will hear it if it goes off in the middle of the night but knowing it is a drill to let you know where to go in an emergency, we go early. We are never the first ones in the station either.

 

[DVCconvert]

We always put on our lifejackets and head down to deck 4 a little early to avoid that. I know that it is necessary and we will hear it if it goes off in the middle of the night but knowing it is a drill to let you know where to go in an emergency, we go early. We are never the first ones in the station either.

I guess we're some of those you see when you get to your station!

We alway head to our station 15+ minutes early. We just carry our vests and because we're early, we can use the elevators - also, we miss out of herd-like masses who (correctly) use the stairwells once the alarm has been given.

As said earlier in the post, the drill is quick and easy -- and actually sort of fun!

 

[awtigger]

Also being a 1st time cruiser. Where do you find your vest? Are they in your room?

 

[lbgraves]

You will find them on the shelf on top of your closet. If you need a different size for a child just ask your host and they will get you one.

 

[kimberleeJohnston]

Also being a 1st time cruiser. Where do you find your vest? Are they in your room?

They are right in your closet on the top shelf....You cant miss them!
I also like the photo opt it gives families.....our ds was only 10months and they wanted the life jacket on her for just a couple minutes and it was hilarios.....she looked like Maggie from the Simpsons because she couldnt move any of her limbs.....The baby lifejackets are like a snowsuit....

 

[atinkerbellmom]

We have been at the drill and a lady did not have her grandchild. The little boy was with Mom/Dad because he was sleeping in the room with them. So the grandparents showed up to the MS one child short. So I guess our CM was taking not only room check, he was taking count. So needless to say, our entire MS was delayed while we waited for the Dad to bring the kid to the grandparent's Muster station. So I know we did not get an all clear until after that was cleared. So they do know if you do not show up. The ship can not sail until all are accounted for. Trust me, not even special Medical Needs can get you out of going to the drill.

 

[lbgraves]

They are much more comfortable now than they used to be...not that comfort is the most important thing about them.

Here is DD3 at our first cruise. The poor thing had a hard time keeping her mouth and nose above the neck piece because it was so thick. DS was 5.

Here she is with the new jackets in 2005 at age 5.

 

[lbgraves]

We have been at the drill and a lady did not have her grandchild. The little boy was with Mom/Dad because he was sleeping in the room with them. So the grandparents showed up to the MS one child short. So I guess our CM was taking not only room check, he was taking count. So needless to say, our entire MS was delayed while we waited for the Dad to bring the kid to the grandparent's Muster station. So I know we did not get an all clear until after that was cleared. So they do know if you do not show up. The ship can not sail until all are accounted for. Trust me, not even special Medical Needs can get you out of going to the drill.

It amazes me when anyone thinks a nap is more important and they are excused from the drill because it doesn't fit into their family's schedule.

 

[LD NURSE]

Lisa, I love your pics. Your poor daughter is too cute in her vest! What time is the drill? I'll be one of the early birds! I'm too lazy to use the stairs. Also I'm in a secret verandah room, are those drill stations in one of the restaraunts? Does anyone know? Just adding this to the list of things to remember!

 

[brucechase]

On our cruise, we all waited about 15 minutes for 1 person to show up to the drill. Then she didn't want to put on her life jacket and stood there arguing with the CM. At that point, I was all for just tossing her overboard and letting her see why she needed the life jacket.

 

[ldalvarado]

On our cruise, we all waited about 15 minutes for 1 person to show up to the drill. Then she didn't want to put on her life jacket and stood there arguing with the CM. At that point, I was all for just tossing her overboard and letting her see why she needed the life jacket.

 

[lbgraves]

The drill is at 4 pm. The entire ship shuts down during that time as the CMs are responsible for staffing the stations and directing guests in the hallways to their proper stations.

 

[kittyscrap1]

I just had to share a story of not letting your husband put on ALL the vests and divebomb the bed...almost knocked the wind out of him...but made for great video! It's always a good time....despite what it could REALLY be. I'm all for it!

 

[mousetravel]

Besides it is a great photo op!

We alway head to our station 15+ minutes early.

As said earlier in the post, the drill is quick and easy -- and actually sort of fun!

I also like the photo opt it gives families.....our ds was only 10months and they wanted the life jacket on her for just a couple minutes and it was hilarios.....she looked like Maggie from the Simpsons because she couldnt move any of her limbs.....The baby lifejackets are like a snowsuit....

I just had to share a story of not letting your husband put on ALL the vests and divebomb the bed...almost knocked the wind out of him...but made for great video! It's always a good time....despite what it could REALLY be. I'm all for it!

I agree with getting there a few minutes early to avoid the "herding"

I also agree with the photo opts. You just HAVE to get pics!

They say the fun starts with the deck party. I say it starts with the life jacket drill!