Security

[srobin]

We are cruising on the Magic May 18th. I love reading this board it has really helped me plan since we are first time cruisers. I have read alot about security at port canaverial but would like to know what other cruisers think about security at the other ports and at sea. You never hear of anything happening to cruise ships and especially not in the carribean but after September 11 I am still a little jittery. We are indeed blessed to live in such a great country. God bless the USA. Anyone from Alabama going on the magic May 18? I just thought of another question sorry. It will be my brothers birthday the day we sail and it will be the first time he has been with us to celebrate it in a long time. Will disney do anything special (cake etc) if we request it?

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I'll answer your easiest question. Yes, if you request it, they'll bring a cake to your brother and, if you request it, they'll rally around and sing "Happy Birthday".

 

[albiats]

We were on the Magic in January and we noticed additional security personnel onboard that were visible. I called them 'The Men in Black' because the ones I noticed were dressed in black shirts and black slacks, even though I know that MIB is from the 'other place' in Orlando.

When we were in port at St Maarten and St Thomas, we were docked near the Grand Princess, from Princess Cruise Line. They would lower a life boat and continuosly patrol their ship from the bow to the stern while it was docked, and the boat had signs on it that read 'Security'. While they were not looking directly at the Magic, I doubt that they would have ignored something if they could see it.

I also recall seeing a US Military Ship in the bay at St Thomas, I think it was a Navy Vessel. About 60 minutes before the Magic and the other ships were scheduled to leave port, the Navy Vessel pulled out and cleared the way for them. I also saw a smaller Security boat from the local area that was patrolling the bay at St Maarten, and I saw them investigate a car that pulled up to a cargo area on shore because it was after regular hours. I didn't have a full view of the bay at St Maarten during the day so I couldn't say if there was a Navy Vessel there or not.

I felt like there was a visible effort being made to ensure the safety of the cruise ships in port and it was reassuring.

Hope that helps.

 

[srobin]

Thanks so much for your observations concerning security. Your reply made me feel better. It's comforting to know that they are making a visible effort to put everyone at ease. Also thanks to Dave from marietta for the information about the birthday cake. I'm not sure I am posting my replies right. Guess I will try this one and see what happens.