Muster drills - why did DCL switch back to the old way and other cruise lines haven't?

[TigerLaw]

Why did Disney switch back to the old way of doing muster drills in person if other cruise lines have not also switched back? Just curious if anyone knows the story behind the switch?

 

[Sykes]

You'll probably see some replies suggesting that it's safer that way, but we don't have any real evidence either way. I suspect it's really about staffing--it's a lot easier to shut the ship down for an hour and do the muster drill all at once than to have cast members at each muster station for almost the entirety of the embarkation day (and then chase down those who are noncompliant) in addition to the normal staffing needs of the ship. (Apparently Disney's implementation also made it possible for a single person in the stateroom to visit the muster station while the rest skipped it, but if unscrupulous people skipping the muster was the real reason it would be pretty easy to solve without throwing out the entire thing.)

Other cruise lines (notably a few sailings on the Norwegian Sun that caught the attention of cruise bloggers/vloggers) have done occasional in-person muster drills in recent months as well, but as far as I know Disney is still the only one that has moved back fleet-wide.

 

[kiford]

I personally am glad that they have done so. Having to actually go down to your station along with everyone else gives you a much better sense for what it could be like in a real emergency compared to leisurely strolling down there when you have the time. I'm also reminded of the time that our route to our station was via a crew staircase. I'd rather have the opportunity to do that when it's not an emergency than waiting to find out during a real one that my mentally planned out route is different (yes, I do that every single cruise, at every single hotel, and on every flight).

And while there may not be any specific evidence that it is safer on cruise ships, there is definitely evidence that people who physically do emergency drills in office buildings are more likely to quickly, safely and efficiently exit during a real emergency.

 

[tvguy]

And slowly but surely other cruise lines are also switching back. I think the Coast Guard feels the pandemic concessions allowing the virtual life boat drill are no longer necessary since just about every other protocol has been dropped.

 

[stkgator]

We had the in-person muster drill on our cruise in December - the entire drill was less than 30 minutes, and the ship was almost at max capacity.

I am thinking one of the reasons DCL reverted to the in-person drills was to provide the crew a more realistic experience in the managing and accounting for a large number of passengers simultaneously - deck 4 was packed, but it was fairly orderly.

 

[Sykes]

And slowly but surely other cruise lines are also switching back. I think the Coast Guard feels the pandemic concessions allowing the virtual life boat drill are no longer necessary since just about every other protocol has been dropped.

Which other cruise lines have switched back? I'm aware of a handful of sailings on the Norwegian Sun (but they've gone back to virtual), but I'm curious who else has.

 

[tvguy]

Which other cruise lines have switched back? I'm aware of a handful of sailings on the Norwegian Sun (but they've gone back to virtual), but I'm curious who else has.

I don't have a list but a couple of Vloggers I follow have noted that. They aren't happy about it but noted their sources tell them the in person drills have returned because too many people were too lazy to do the virtual one. Much easier with the in person drill, everyone at their station at one time, everything on the ship shutdown until everyone checks in.

Funny, since I replied, I grabbed our cruise photo album and had forgotten the 4 traditional photos they take of you on every cruise.
1)When you board.
2) The lifeboat drill (usually wearing your life jackets)
3)Meeting the Captain
4) Formal night.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We had the in-person muster drill on our cruise in December - the entire drill was less than 30 minutes, and the ship was almost at max capacity.

I am thinking one of the reasons DCL reverted to the in-person drills was to provide the crew a more realistic experience in the managing and accounting for a large number of passengers simultaneously - deck 4 was packed, but it was fairly orderly.

I like to take the time during the muster (with everyone standing at muster location) to see if I can pick out 2 or 3 people who look like they're paying attention, as, IMO, those are the ones who will be most helpful should it become necessary to actually have to muster during a cruise.

 

[Cheburashka]

I concur with a PP that it's probably a staffing issue. Really unfortunate as I loved the new drill method.

 

[Pixarfans]

see if I can pick out 2 or 3 people who look like they're paying attention, as, IMO,

That’s me! I always pay full attention. Between my anxiety and being 100% sure I would not remain calm in case of an emergency, I may not be the one you should follow.

 

[lanejudy]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/old-muster-drill-back.3901454/

https://www.disboards.com/threads/why-disney-why.3901647/

 

[RedHead0186]

That’s me! I always pay full attention. Between my anxiety and being 100% sure I would not remain calm in case of an emergency, I may not be the one you should follow.

Yep, me too! I also fly fairly frequently (and therefore know the safety briefing pretty much by heart), but always pay attention to that as well.

 

[auntlynne]

 

[tvguy]

As of Jan 15, 2023, reports (from vloggers) of en masse musters for NCL Breakaway and Regent 7 Seas.

Royal Caribbean also back to the traditional muster drill.

 

[RAD]

Royal Caribbean also back to the traditional muster drill.

Just sailed last week on The Allure of the Seas ans they were still doing the virtual drill. I did hear they NCL was going back to the in person drill.

 

[tvguy]

Just sailed last week on The Allure of the Seas ans they were still doing the virtual drill. I did hear they NCL was going back to the in person drill.

Apparent announced today.

 

[Atlantix2000]

Royal Caribbean also back to the traditional muster drill.

Apparent announced today.

If this were true, it would be all over the Royal Caribbean message boards I visit but I'm not seeing anything.

 

[tvguy]

If this were true, it would be all over the Royal Caribbean message boards I visit but I'm not seeing anything.

Sorry, CORRECTION, NCL.

 

[randumb0]

Carnival has said that they have no plans to change their muster drill at this time

 

[SirDuff]

Yep, me too! I also fly fairly frequently (and therefore know the safety briefing pretty much by heart), but always pay attention to that as well.

Me too. And I check the the safety card if on a new plane. And count the number of rows to the nearest safety exit(s). I also count number of doors to the fire stairs when in a hotel.