Lifeboat question

[Neptune's Fork]

Just curious, I know we have a few nautical people that will have a quick answer to this, but why does Magic and Wonder have 20 lifeboats and Fantasy and Dream only have 16 when they are the larger ships?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Just curious, I know we have a few nautical people that will have a quick answer to this, but why does Magic and Wonder have 20 lifeboats and Fantasy and Dream only have 16 when they are the larger ships?

The ones on the Fantasy/Dream are larger.

I believe the ones on the Magic class hold 150 people, while the ones on the Dream class hold closer to 300.

Lifeboat on the Wonder:


Lifeboat on the Fantasy:

 

[Neptune's Fork]

The ones on the Fantasy/Dream are larger.

I believe the ones on the Magic class hold 150 people, while the ones on the Dream class hold 300+.

That seemed the obvious answer but I didn't know so figured I'd ask. Just from appearances though, they seem roughly similar in size (from photos), so hard to tell.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

That seemed the obvious answer but I didn't know so figured I'd ask. Just from appearances though, they seem roughly similar in size (from photos), so hard to tell.

The pictures I posted, the Wonder (Magic class) lifeboats only have 2 levels of seating. With 8 across seating in about 8 rows. The Fantasy (Dream class) lifeboat has 2 levels with 9/10 across seating in 9 (or 10, can't tell) rows..

 

[Neptune's Fork]

The pictures I posted, the Wonder (Magic class) lifeboats only have 2 levels of seating. With 8 across seating in about 8 rows. The Fantasy (Dream class) lifeboat has 3 levels with 9/10 across seating in 9 (or 10, can't tell) rows..

Three levels? As in decks?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Three levels? As in decks?

No, actually two levels (the black figures show where you sit and the direction of the legs). The people on the lower level are looking at the knees of the people on the upper level. You're going to get very chummy with your lifeboat companions.

 

[GPaLarry]

There may also be inflatables that we haven't seen.

 

[SteveMP]

"Sleep soundly, young Neptune's Fork, for I have built you a good ship, strong and true, she's all the lifeboats you need. " - Thomas Andrews



Curious how many people fit in all the inflatables in those canisters also?

 

[bbel]

There may also be inflatables that we haven't seen.

"Sleep soundly, young Neptune's Fork, for I have built you a good ship, strong and true, she's all the lifeboats you need. " - Thomas Andrews



Curious how many people fit in all the inflatables in those canisters also?

Liferafts are for crew and if I remember correctly it's 50something...(on the magic class)

 

[bbel]

No, actually two levels (the black figures show where you sit and the direction of the legs). The people on the lower level are looking at the knees of the people on the upper level. You're going to get very chummy with your lifeboat companions.

And once you have a life jacket on its the worst. I sat there staring at backsides with feet either side of me, and the little driver above me...haha

 

[Neptune's Fork]

So in an emergency who would pilot the lifeboats and how many crew would they need aboard each?

 

[RedSox68]

No, actually two levels (the black figures show where you sit and the direction of the legs). The people on the lower level are looking at the knees of the people on the upper level. You're going to get very chummy with your lifeboat companions.

So if people are supposed to sit on the white dividers where the black figures are, their butts would be against the back of the heads of the people behind them and their knees in the face of the people in front of them?

We have been on the lifeboats when they use them for tenders, and it was comfortable on a regular basis. But that would certainly be tight quarters in an emergency. Not sure how safe it is for people to sit up on those walls either.

 

[phinz]

So in an emergency who would pilot the lifeboats and how many crew would they need aboard each?

There are crew members certified to pilot the life boats for their station. You'll see them practicing at various ports. I'm not sure of the compliment of crew members, but I would imagine they're the same ones you see at muster.

When you muster, take a look around you. All those people standing with you? They'll be on the boat with you.

 

[Capt_BJ]

The SOLAS regulation on Life Saving Equipment (LSA) code 4.4.3.1

states: “No lifeboat shall be approved to accommodate more than 150 persons.” However, the regulations do actually provide procedures for using lifeboats of greater capacity providing it can be demonstrated that they have an equivalent level of safety. Schat-Harding has developed a 370-person lifeboat and davit system. The Oasis of the Seas cruise ship was the first vessel to be fitted with these new mega lifeboats.

care to read more: https://www.rina.org.uk/mega-lifeboat.html

 

[FigmentSpark]

I think I'd rather sit on an upper level, not a lower level. I'm not claustrophobic, but I think I could become claustrophobic if I had to spend much time in a vessel like that. Are there motors on it to take it somewhere or is it just floating around and waiting for rescue? How much time, in an emergency, would one be in one of those things? And is it at least air conditioned/heated?

 

[RedSox68]

I think I'd rather sit on an upper level, not a lower level. I'm not claustrophobic, but I think I could become claustrophobic if I had to spend much time in a vessel like that. Are there motors on it to take it somewhere or is it just floating around and waiting for rescue? How much time, in an emergency, would one be in one of those things? And is it at least air conditioned/heated?

They've used them for tendering and they do have motors.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I think I'd rather sit on an upper level, not a lower level. I'm not claustrophobic, but I think I could become claustrophobic if I had to spend much time in a vessel like that. Are there motors on it to take it somewhere or is it just floating around and waiting for rescue? How much time, in an emergency, would one be in one of those things? And is it at least air conditioned/heated?

Yes, they have motors. We've often seen CMs practicing in the lifeboats in various ports (lowering, disconnecting, moving around in a big circle, and coming back in to re-attach and be lifted back into position. Don't know about AC or heat. I suspect heat may not be a big issue with the close quarters, however.

They've used them for tendering and they do have motors.

Have you used Disney lifeboats for tenders? We've only used lifeboats for tenders on Holland America.

 

[RedSox68]

Yes, they have motors. We've often seen CMs practicing in the lifeboats in various ports (lowering, disconnecting, moving around in a big circle, and coming back in to re-attach and be lifted back into position. Don't know about AC or heat. I suspect heat may not be a big issue with the close quarters, however.


Have you used Disney lifeboats for tenders? We've only used lifeboats for tenders on Holland America.

Yes, once on Disney -- can't remember which port, but it was in Europe. Also used them on Princess and Holland America. I like when them lower them for tendering and watching them getting them ready for the day.

The worst tender we've ever done was on Princess in Guernsey to reboard -- it was pouring rain, and the waters were very rough. They had trouble maneuvering it to the ship, and then it kept slamming against the ship. They actually tried to get one woman to just jump for the ship's door -- luckily she said no and they tied the ship up tighter so we could exit. I was afraid they weren't going to be able to get us back on the ship LOL

 

[OKW Lover]

How much time, in an emergency, would one be in one of those things? And is it at least air conditioned/heated?

In an emergency you are at the mercy of whatever vessels are nearby and their capacity. If you're in a heavily trafficked area you might be in the lifeboat for a couple of hours. If you're in a less well traveled area it could be significantly longer.

I don't believe there is any air conditioning on the boats.

 

[scgustafson]

There are crew members certified to pilot the life boats for their station. You'll see them practicing at various ports. I'm not sure of the compliment of crew members, but I would imagine they're the same ones you see at muster.

When you muster, take a look around you. All those people standing with you? They'll be on the boat with you.

Note those that you would make alliances with and those that you would eat first.