The route to the muster station.

[jerick]

After boarding I usually look at the map on the cabin door to see the route to our muster station. Sometimes the route on the map includes a passage or stairway that is normally for crew only. When the muster drill happens, we are invariably directed to main passageways rather than the path on the map.

 

I understand that there are potential safety issues with having passengers using crew routes, but is there any reason to expect that the crew routes will be open and that we will be directed that way in the event of a real emergency? Isn't there a chance that this will lead to confusion since it will not be the same as the muster drill?

 

I don't understand the logic. In my opinion, one way or another, the route for the muster drill should be the same as the "real" route.

 

Can anyone explain this?

[setsail]

The crew stairwells will not be open

 

In case of emergency there will be crew members stationed at each turn/critical point to direct you, all of this info is included in the muster drill and it runs on your stateroom tv. Also the passageways are marked with signs directing you

[Ourusualbeach]

On the diagrams I have seen a primary route that is through public areas and an alternate route that is through crew areas in case your primary route is inaccessible.

[schmeed]

I agree the practice and real routes should always be the same. Just makes common sense.

 

However, no WAY I would go into a crew area or stairwell. In a real emergency, MY route will ALWAYS include a path where I can see windows and the outside. If I see water up to the window on the floor I'm at, I'm done. Out I go to find a raft or lifeboat.

 

:)

[WetToes]

After boarding I usually look at the map on the cabin door to see the route to our muster station. Sometimes the route on the map includes a passage or stairway that is normally for crew only. When the muster drill happens, we are invariably directed to main passageways rather than the path on the map.

 

I understand that there are potential safety issues with having passengers using crew routes, but is there any reason to expect that the crew routes will be open and that we will be directed that way in the event of a real emergency? Isn't there a chance that this will lead to confusion since it will not be the same as the muster drill?

 

I don't understand the logic. In my opinion, one way or another, the route for the muster drill should be the same as the "real" route.

 

Can anyone explain this?

 

I can't answer your question, but if a real emergency were to happen, chances are you will be heading for your station from someplace other than where you are for the 'fake' muster.

Does this make sense?

[cb at sea]

I was going to say the same thing! Unless the "emergency" occurs in the middle of the night, the odds are that you won't be in your cabin anyway!

[FLACRUISER99]

After boarding I usually look at the map on the cabin door to see the route to our muster station. Sometimes the route on the map includes a passage or stairway that is normally for crew only. When the muster drill happens, we are invariably directed to main passageways rather than the path on the map.

 

I understand that there are potential safety issues with having passengers using crew routes, but is there any reason to expect that the crew routes will be open and that we will be directed that way in the event of a real emergency? Isn't there a chance that this will lead to confusion since it will not be the same as the muster drill?

 

I don't understand the logic. In my opinion, one way or another, the route for the muster drill should be the same as the "real" route.

 

Can anyone explain this?

A few years ago had an aft cabin on the Costa Fortuna and was directed to the crew stairway. Only cruise I did on Costa and thought it was a excellent idea. I have never done this on any other line.

[masonpips]

Have been directed to use crew stairwell twice on RCCL, both times were in Aft cabins. One time they let us climb back up same way (which was HEAVEN because the stairwells are a disaster after the drill).

[Lionesss]

We were on the 17th. floor on the Allure, and were told by the attendant to take the elevator to the 3rd floor MDR for our muster drill. I said.....OK so our family and two others got in the elevator. All the elevators were on our floor.

Well, when the elevator opened on the 5th floor, we got screamed at "...GET OFF THE ELEVATOR, YOU SHOULD BE PRACTICING IN CASE THIS WAS A REAL EMERGENCY. . . "

Now feeling like a total retards we walked down the remaining two flights.

 

After the drill I walked immediately to customer service and explained what happened.

They told me that the attitude displayed to us should never have happened.

I did not let it bother me, I walk stairs all the time, guess I should have this time, but, I did not need someone to yell at me, for something someone told me to do.

We always look for emergency exits when we travel.

We actually have a fold up ladder under our bed and we live in a two story home (thanks to DH).

So the attitude we did not need.

The other families were not so kind when they spoke to customer service. They were not happy.

Oh, we did know how to get to the stairs and go down to the MDR.

And the alternate exit was across from our cabin 1736.

Sea Ya

 

Next year we walk, no one gonna yell at me again.

[setsail]

Elevators have always been a no no for muster drills for many many years unless you are HC.

[celle]

Having been in the Hilton Las Vegas when there was a fire, we always check our emergency routes as soon as we get into a hotel or ship. We always keep a torch/flashlight right beside the bed, too, as well as clothes for quick dressing in the night.

 

On one cruise to the Baltic (Jewel of the Seas) muster was not held until the morning after departure. This was because there was a safety evacuation assessment in progress. All passengers were asked to wear a little machine around our necks when going to the muster station. This machine recorded our route and the time it took us to get to the muster station. The machines wer collected from us at the end of the muster drill. By the end of the cruise, we were told the results of the analysis. Everyone got the the muster station within the recommended time (good!) but there were several glitches, which would be addressed.

 

I remember being concerned that we had not held a muster drill before the ship sailed, so DH and I did our own practice walk to the muster station, before we went to bed the first night.

[A2Mich]

I remember being concerned that we had not held a muster drill before the ship sailed, so DH and I did our own practice walk to the muster station, before we went to bed the first night.

 

That's actually an excellent idea. Thankfully all ships sailing from US ports now do the drill before sailing, but may not be the case in foreign ports. Good thinking on your part.

 

 

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[cruzincurt]

Lets take this a step further. How about actually mustering where the life boats are to be boarded?

 

This gathering in the casino or theater because some passengers can't stand for a few minutes outside is ridiculous IMO.

[A2Mich]

Lets take this a step further. How about actually mustering where the life boats are to be boarded?

 

This gathering in the casino or theater because some passengers can't stand for a few minutes outside is ridiculous IMO.

 

That's the way it used to be--in the days before they crammed 3-4000 people on a ship

 

 

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[Eng23]

I agree the practice and real routes should always be the same. Just makes common sense.

 

However, no WAY I would go into a crew area or stairwell. In a real emergency, MY route will ALWAYS include a path where I can see windows and the outside. If I see water up to the window on the floor I'm at, I'm done. Out I go to find a raft or lifeboat.

 

:)

So when your primary route is blocked for any reason what do you do then? The crew stairwells and corridors can be used as alternate routes if a primary route is blocked. Also if it's me I am taking the quickest route to my muster station wether it's through a crew area or not.

It just like they tell you during the safety briefing on an airplane: Remember that the closest exit maybe behind you.

[Eng23]

Lets take this a step further. How about actually mustering where the life boats are to be boarded?

 

This gathering in the casino or theater because some passengers can't stand for a few minutes outside is ridiculous IMO.

Because not all ships are constructed in a way that this can be done.

[A2Mich]

Because not all ships are constructed in a way that this can be done.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what class or particular ship are you referring to? Just wondering, as far as I can recall, most ships have an open deck at lifeboat level or just below lifeboat level where they would be loaded if need be. Would like to see some photos of what you're referring to as I can't recall ever seeing that.

 

 

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[cruzincurt]

Because not all ships are constructed in a way that this can be done.

Every cruise ship I've been on has the lifeboats lowered to the promenade to board. Plenty of room to muster. How would we get on the lifeboats if there wasn't room? I want to know where to get on and not rely on the bartender/dancer/singer lifeboat team leading the way from the gym.

 

Having been to a real muster situation in a lounge is not very comforting.

[A2Mich]

Every cruise ship I've been on has the lifeboats lowered to the promenade to board. Plenty of room to muster. How would we get on the lifeboats if there wasn't room? I want to know where to get on and not rely on the bartender/dancer/singer lifeboat team leading the way from the gym.

 

Having been to a real muster situation in a lounge is not very comforting.

 

Did that on Princess and was not very comforting either. Comfortable, yes, but not comforting not knowing which boats your lounge was assigned to, though in the muster I was referring to, the outdoor promenade deck was immediately outside of the lounge, so the lifeboats were right there. However.they really need to line everyone up so they know what to expect in case of a real emergency--not sitting around in a lunge with your lifejacket waiting for bar service.

 

 

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[GranysT]

I've been to a couple of drills, where we mustered sitting in a lounge, or the theatre. However, both times DH and I actually went to find our actual lifeboat station, by ourselves.

I do have to ask. Does anyone actually believe that in a real emergency, where abandon ship has been declared, Everyone is going to quietly, and calmly, proceed to their assigned number life boat, and station? I think Not. I would expect people to stop at the 1st lifeboat they come to, that has room, and get in. Not caring what the heck number station it is.

[Ourusualbeach]

If you don't mind me asking, what class or particular ship are you referring to? Just wondering, as far as I can recall, most ships have an open deck at lifeboat level or just below lifeboat level where they would be loaded if need be. Would like to see some photos of what you're referring to as I can't recall ever seeing that.

 

 

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I don't think that you would be able to fit all 6000 pax from Oasis onto the promenade deck at the same time. I'm thinking it would need to be staged.

[A2Mich]

I don't think that you would be able to fit all 6000 pax from Oasis onto the promenade deck at the same time. I'm thinking it would need to be staged.

 

Didn't think of that situation. However, as awesome as the Oasis class may be, if evacuation of a ship like that is not feasible in a short amount of time, maybe designing and building ships this large may not be such a great idea. I'm waiting for the flames for that, but, with say 6000 pax onboard, plus the crew, in a realtime evacuation, more than likely the scene will be chaotic with the possibility of large loss of life trying to get 7500 people off of a potentially capsized, sinking, or burning ship within a matter of say, an hour or so?

 

As awesome as the Oasis class may be, evacuation of a small sinking city scares me!

 

 

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[maureencruiser]

[WetToes]

I do have to ask. Does anyone actually believe that in a real emergency, where abandon ship has been declared, Everyone is going to quietly, and calmly, proceed to their assigned number life boat, and station? I think Not. I would expect people to stop at the 1st lifeboat they come to, that has room, and get in. Not caring what the heck number station it is.

 

This is exactly what I see happening too.

[WetToes]

I do have to ask. Does anyone actually believe that in a real emergency, where abandon ship has been declared, Everyone is going to quietly, and calmly, proceed to their assigned number life boat, and station? I think Not. I would expect people to stop at the 1st lifeboat they come to, that has room, and get in. Not caring what the heck number station it is.

 

 

This is exactly what I see happening too.

Who is going to calmly :rolleyes:, ... or otherwise, proceed to their assigned station from the other side of the ship?

Good luck with that! ;)