Cruise Ship Safety…a Dual Responsibility of Cruise Line Crew and Passengers
A year ago today, the Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed into rocks off the Italian coast. There were 4200 persons onboard and 35 died, 2 that were never recovered, and many injuries. When we look back at what happened that day, it seems like the cruise line and the crew did not have adequate training to deal with such a disaster and if this had occurred out at sea, there would have undoubtedly been more deaths.
Since this disaster, I have read where most if not all the cruise lines have taken a hard, second look at their procedures and training given to crew and the passengers to make it a better experience and to deal with any life-threatening problem that could occur.
I have been on 3 cruises so far and had a wonderful time on all three trips. I have never seen any red flags to alert me to any problems and I believe the lines are truly concerned about the passenger’s welfare and safety.
Lifeboat Drill- The cruise line I was just on was “Celebrity” which had a “Mandatory Muster Drill” before the ship embarked. It took at least a half hour if not longer. The crew went over many safety precautions for the passengers to be aware of in case of an emergency and told us the how, what and whys if we heard the alarm. I went back to my cabin and immediately located my life vest located in the closet. Every night I kept a pair of sneakers nearby in case of an emergency. I am not one to worry but it is always a good idea to be prepared.
Now mind you this was a mandatory drill and all the stewards were in the living quarters reminding people to go to their drill locations but while coming back I saw many people who never went. I saw a few passengers who could have cared less and were looking for the bar, the food areas or computer lounge. The ship I was on suspended all activities until the muster drill was over. BRAVO! I thought to myself, this was extremely important for all of us and what would these people do in case of an emergency? Freeze up and then depend on someone else for help; Probably!
I believe it is the responsibility of the cruise lines to train their crew and to make sure all ships have adequate sea worthy lifeboats to handle the number of passengers. It is also their responsibility to remind the passengers of safety rules and give them equipment such as life vest (our ship had lights on each vest), and notify them of what to do in case of emergency. But it is also the responsibility of the passengers to attend these muster drills and make sure they are prepared as well.
Fire- This is a more real concern than ships sinking. Most cruise lines now have regulations that there will be no candles and very limited smoking areas and never any smoking in the cabins. There are smoke alarms and sprinklers in each cabin and I read if a passenger violated these rules and the smoke alarm went off, that the passenger would be billed for the clean-up and probably removed from the ship.
In the dining rooms there were not candles lit and they had battery operated lights on the tables instead and no candles on the birthday cakes. Plus the Baked Alaska was not flaming. I for one am glad these safety rules are in place.
Disease- Everywhere I went on board, the crew was giving us hand cleaner. In the dining rooms, servers dipped our dressings and sauces over our food so we did not have to pass utensils. Passengers were reminded to take new glasses, cups, and plates so that germs would not be spread. Coming back onboard the ship, we were all given a large dollop of hand cleaner and a washrag to wipe our hands and face. There is an infirmary on each ship to handle major problems but the ship tries to keep passengers safe and healthy. This is also the responsibility of the passengers as well. Washing your hands is the most important especially after using the restroom but sadly I saw people who left without washing their hands. People must practice good healthy hygiene to keep from passing germs.
The ships have rules that sick patients and crew are supposed to be quarantined in their cabins. Crews have special procedures to handle the dishes and bedding of the sick. The “Norovirus” spreads like hotcakes so all illnesses are reported and dealt with quickly and efficiently. To read more about the prevention and spread of Norovirus, click here.
On my three cruises, on three separate cruise lines, I have been totally impressed with the safety and cleanliness of the ship and personnel. The crew are helpful, the high standards and cleanliness of the ships beyond my imagination, and the kitchens (on galley tours) spotless.
My room was cleaned daily and all the stewards wear disposable gloves per room or area. They wipe down the doorknobs, the handles, mirrors, rails, and the buttons on the elevators and food dispensers such as drinks or ice.
Good Hygiene-
· Remember to wash your hands numerous times and especially while leaving the rest room.
· Eat food with your mouth closed.
· Sneeze into a tissue.
· Report any flu like symptoms if they last longer than a few hours.
· Put your hand over your mouth when coughing.
· Do not ignore signs of a communicable disease especially on the ship.
· I have noticed in the past year or more that most public restrooms have a trash receptacle at the exit door so after washing your hands, you can open the door with the paper towel and drop it while leaving to keep from touching skin to knob. I like swinging doors so I do not have to touch any part of the door coming or going.
· Try not to touch hand rails unless it is necessary to keep from falling.
· When at buffet stations, dispose of dirty dishes, cups, glasses and utensils and get fresh before going through the line again.
Small Children- If you take small children on the cruise, make sure they follow good hygiene procedures too. Children are more susceptible to diseases and it can be much harder for them to recover plus it will cause you to have to stay in the cabin with them instead of going on fun tours and visiting ports.
I love cruising and cannot wait to go on my next cruise. I do not have anything negative to say about my trips and think the cruise lines do their best to keep the passengers and crew safe and healthy. But it is definitely a dual edged sword as passengers must take on some of this responsibility. Read this article from USA Today for more cruising tips.
So remember to follow good safety and hygiene and have a great cruise.
Bon Voyage!
Kristin Hamilton DRE #014092138-I sell real estate in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties commonly called the Inland Empire. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.
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