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With every cruise guest gathered at their muster stations, things can become a bit of a bottleneck when the muster drill ends. Queues and long waits for lifts and elevators will also be a frequent occurrence. For this reason, it’s a good idea to hang back or head to a quiet bar and wait for the rush to calm down before you make your way back to your cabin. The purpose of muster drills is more than just a basic orientation. This way, everyone knows where to go and what to do if there’s an emergency.
Royal Caribbean announces a new electronic muster drill called Muster 2.0
According to the Royal Caribbean Blog, Greg Purdy — Royal Caribbean International’s Senior Vice President of Marine Operations — recently confirmed the company’s stance. Traditionally, these had involved passengers gathering at various designated spots around the ship. Led primarily by entertainment staff, they would demonstrate what to do in case of an emergency. The entire process lasted minutes, depending on how long it took guests to arrive and check-in. As well, subsequent to a lapsing of the timer, a listing is displayed of any passenger not recorded as having completed the muster drill.
What is a cruise ship muster drill?
This could be because their technology isn’t good enough to support an E muster, or they have an older passenger demographic that might not like the E Musters anyway. The crew then know you have completed the drill and can find the Muster Station in case of a real-life emergency. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
Crew muster drills
Have you ever wondered what happens during a cruise ship muster drill? Walk with your party to the muster station and wait for instructions from staff. During the muster drill, staff will share important safety information and ensure all passengers are accounted for. Per the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, all passenger ships must have a cruise muster drill during the first 24 hours of the trip. The drill mimics a nautical emergency, allowing passengers to familiarize themselves with the sound of the alarm and to learn all of the information they'll need to know to stay safe in the event of an emergency at sea.
Norwegian Cruise Line Makes a Significant Muster Drill Change - Cruise Hive
Norwegian Cruise Line Makes a Significant Muster Drill Change.
Posted: Sat, 15 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you’re unsure, you can always play it safe and bring it with you. The design and location of muster stations show careful safety planning. Studies of emergencies show that well-run stations make a difference.
While every cruise ship is required to complete a cruise safety drill, the duration and format varies from cruise line to cruise line, typically lasting around 30 minutes. Passengers are required to listen to safety announcements and follow whatever instructions the crew members give during the drill. You will be instructed during embarkation on how your cruise will be handling its drills. You can usually expect muster drills to be held shortly after embarkation, but before the ship sets sail. Cruise ships are not allowed to depart until the drill is complete and it is mandatory for all passengers to participate. Passengers gather at designated muster stations, which will be indicated either on their key card or on a map of the ship.
How a Cruise Ship Muster Drill is Conducted
The location of the muster drill may actually be the most important part, as one of the goals is to ensure that guests know where to assemble (or "muster") in the event there is an actual emergency. Your stateroom location determines your muster station, and the station (often expressed as a number and letter, such as "D4") is indicated on your stateroom keycard and on the back of your stateroom door. On the back of the door you'll also find a map with at least two routes showing you how to get to your muster station from your room. Signs (like the one shown above) are found throughout the ship along with station numbers and directional indicators, and you can always ask a crew member for assistance finding where you're supposed to be. A muster drill is a mandatory safety drill that happens on all cruises, as laid out by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. They are sometimes referred to as a ‘lifeboat drill’ or ‘safety drill’.
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Then, before the ship departs, every guest just needs to visit their assembly station—a designated check-in location—where our crew can verify they’ve completed the process. Royal Caribbean first patented the idea in 2020, and similar systems have now been adopted throughout the industry. Passengers can now complete safety information on their smartphones or stateroom televisions, and visit their designated muster stations in person to check in.
Cruise Muster Station and Muster Drill: What Are They?
A muster drill is a mandatory safety drill that is done at the start of a cruise, and is an important part of ensuring passenger safety during an emergency. During one of these drills, passengers will be familiarized with the onboard emergency procedures and evacuation routes of the ship, so that they can be prepared if something goes wrong. Basically, every passenger is assigned an assembly station in accordance with their cabin location. When the ship runs a muster drill, you'll go to your designated assembly station, which is where you'd go in case of an emergency. While there, the crew will explain where your lifejackets are, how to put them on, where the lifeboats are located, and review other safety procedures.
Muster 2.0 was first tested on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas in January 2020. Guests who took part in the mock process indicated a strong preference for the new approach and also reported better comprehension and retention of the safety information. With Muster 2.0, the new tech will be used to help provide the information to guests via their mobile devices and interactive stateroom TVs. They aim to make passengers feel secure and knowledgeable, and knowing what to do in an emergency can make a big difference. Guests can begin the process on stateroom TVs as well as mobile devices. A Muster Station is a place on a cruise ship where you “Muster” together in an emergency situation.
If it’s due to be held inside, your muster station will usually take place in a lounge, theatre, restaurant, or bar. At an outside muster station, you’ll be asked to form lines like you would in a real emergency. There tends to be more standing during an outside muster drill, so we’d recommend wearing closed shoes that you know you’re comfortable in. During emergencies on a cruise ship, getting passengers out safely is key; muster stations are central to this.
The first iteration of SOLAS dates back to 1914, when it was implemented in response to the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic two years prior. Families with young children should brief them ahead of time, even if sailing on a cruise line with e-muster protocols. In the event of an emergency, it is best if they have some awareness of what to do, even if that is just finding a crew member. And if you have a child who is sensitive to loud noises, be prepared for the emergency signal; it is not the most pleasant of noises. The majority of mainstream cruise lines now have virtual or E musters, rather than traditional Muster Drills. These types of muster drills were often difficult for guests who were unable to stand for long periods or those who felt uncomfortable around large groups.
Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. The United States Coast Guard is in charge of overseeing and approving any changes made to the mustering process. In order to comply with maritime law, passengers on an ocean-going vessel must be aware of what to do for a response to an emergency condition onboard. The rollout of these reimagined safety drills will debut in Germany this week on board Royal Caribbean Group’s joint venture, TUI Cruises GmbH, and continue in Royal Caribbean Group’s return to service.
Guests, of which it can accommodate 4,345, are kept entertained with a casino, shows at the Broadway-size Pantheon Theater, family deck parties, and gatherings for solo travelers, LGBTQ+ passengers, veterans, and more. Disney Cruise Line’s 4,000-passenger ship offers three- to six-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Most itineraries include Nassau, the Bahamian capital, and Castaway Cay, the line’s spectacular private island. Even though some sailings are short, Disney packs its itineraries full of activities and amenities, such as a kids club, spa, pub, several pools, teen-centric dance parties, karaoke, and so forth.
