First Person Account of the fire on the Star

[KathieKata]

Margie1983 posted:

He smokes on our balcony, that we pay more for so he can smoke alone.

Not so sure just how ALONE he is when he's smoking. We had a balcony that we paid extra for and the people next to us and down the way from us smoked outside and it drifted over our way all the time. We had to look and see if they were out on their balconies or not before we could actually enjoy ours! One big downfall for paying extra for a balcony that I wanted to just relax on! :o

 

I just don't think you could EVER get everyone to stop smoking on a ship. Sure would be nice though.......especially in the Casino.

 

My prayers got out to the wife and family of the man that passed away. I hope she will recover and be able to go home soon.

And those poor folks in Chile.........such a loss and sad.

[mike2000]

It was on the news that the cruise was cancelled by princess and all passengers received a full refund and will get free air home.

[Kerry&LuAnn]

I'm thinking that it's NOT safe for me...or the people I love.

 

To reassure you about the safety aboard a Princess cruise ship, read this crew member's blog. In particular, he says, "But as a crew member who has seen the safety systems onboard these ships in action and participated in the safety management training, and as a man who knows personally many of the safety experts and Deck Officers we have onboard who are in charge of safety I can tell you I feel safe. I would let my wife and kids cruise on a Princess ship even if I wasn’t with them. And that’s saying allot!" Read more here...

http://www.crewoffice.blogspot.com/

[OhioGirl]

Agentjoey - I believe that smoking is allowed in all cabins on most cruise lines. I have only smoked on the balcony in the past to try to avoid totally bothering my husband, but this next cruise will find me smoke free - since January. All of this news has been heart breaking today, but I agree that the number of incidents on cruise ships is minor compared to car accidents, shootings, etc. everyday somewhere in the world. With anything today, we just have to be more aware (I know I will be more attentive at the muster drill) and treasure each day that we do have with those around us.

Peggy

 

Peggy,

I'm so proud of you...smoke free since January...Like I said, I would love to talk Brian into quiting...maybe one day..I want you to know..the first thing I thought of when I heard the news about the Star..was Oh God, what ship is Peggy and John on...(I know I should have thought, oh how terrible for the people on board) but I was thinking of you guys, not wanting anything to stand in the way of your Anniversary cruise...

 

Stay in touch, have a great time, and don't let the events that happened yesterday, get you so worried that you can't enjoy your trip..

[Jeanie821]

My daughter is cruising this week on Carnival Liberty....and as much as I consider her an adult, and all grown up, at 23 years old, I have been monitoring the "cruise-cam" for her ship since she left.

 

Just to be sure everything is ok.

 

I cannot imagine what the families of this group of cruisers, and the families of the cruisers on the Celebrity ship, are going through.

 

It's either that there are SO many people vacationing this way....and there are a very small percentage of accidents....and the media just JUMPS on the accidents....OR...the cruise industry just isn't as vigilant as it once was.

 

Of course, the Celebrity tragedy wasn't on a cruise sponsored excursion....but I wonder why that relatively large group of seniors booked a private excursion?

 

I hope it wasn't because Celebrity (Carnival) chose to charge WAY too much for a similar excursion.

 

When I first started cruising....it was a GREAT vacation, EVERYTHING was included (except the cocktails...of course)...

 

now.....I'm thinking that it's NOT safe for me...or the people I love.

 

It's different.

 

I fully expect that most of the people who read this will think I'm an idiot.

 

That's fine.

 

No, Colleen, I don't think you're an idiot. You're a concerned and caring person who doesn't want harm to come to those she loves. Matter of fact, you remind me of my mom (no offense). When I took my first cruise last month, she was full of advice both positive ("Make sure you try this...") and negative ("Don't go anywhere by yourself in port!") Her final caveat was, "Have fun and take lots of pictures!"

 

Will I cruise again? YES!!!!!! As a matter of fact, I already have a reservation for next year (RCCL Enchantment of the Seas). And I don't intend to cancel it. I figure that a disaster can happen anywhere - on a plane, in a car, on dry land, at sea, anywhere. I'm not going to let it stop me. And quite honestly, I'd rather meet the Creator after jumping on the bungee trampoline than laying on my couch watching TV or reading a book.

[roger1955]

We did think it was a safety hazard and never smoked in our cabin. We ALWAYS smoked in the proper areas outside on the deck and put our butts in the proper place.

 

Even though I am a smoker (and not proud of it) I dont think people should be smoking the cabins.

 

Please dont bash me for smokin', I just wanted to add to the conversation :D

 

MIgirl,

 

I'm not going to bash you at all - as a matter of fact I want to thank you :) for considering the safety aspect in spite of your choice to smoke.

 

I wish that smoking was prohibited from ALL the cabins.

 

On an NCL cruise (that we often refer to the cruise from hell) we had the misfortune of occupying a cabin just vacated by smokers. When we arrived into the cabin there were cigarette butts and ashes all over the floor and the room REEKED of smoke. After complaining to the Purser's desk - it still took the housekeeping staff more than 6 hours to arrive to deal with the odors. To make things worse, the steward put our luggage into the room BEFORE it was cleaned and we ended up delaing with our own luggage stinking the whole week. I could go on - but you get my driift. All of this would not have occured had there been NO SMOKING in the cabin (and it being enforced - of course).

 

I wish you well on future cruises, and thank you for your consideration, as well as hope that you will continue to consider the safety factors, before lighting up.

 

Keep Smilin' :) and KEEP Cruisin':D

 

roger1955

[DesrtDrmr]

We were so sorry to hear of the "victims" of the fire on the Star........my favorite ship, and of course, the families and friends of the group in Chile. Prayers and good thoughts to all of them.

DH and I are non smokers..............previous smokers, but non smokers now. We are not thrilled to have smoke blowing onto our balcony, or to have to leave the casino because tears are streaming down our faces, but I have no fingers to point. I've been there.

I just wanted to mention that I've seen some posters mention that they were going to bring CANDLES onboard, for atmosphere, and suggest that a candle burning might be another possibility. People also mention bringing irons on board, and when it is pointed out that they are not allowed, many say things like "my steward didn't say anything". Who would be ironing at 3am though? But, maybe someone didn't turn one off. I only buy things that turn themselves off, as I am afraid that I will forget iron or curling iron, but not everyone thinks that way.

The damage looks like it might have started on a balcony though, and the sprinklers inside the cabins didn't put the fire out immediately, which I would think would happen if it were in a cabin. It also looks like, to me, that some of the balconies have burned right off the side of the ship...............did anyone else think that?

[not Cozumel again cruiser]

Why don't the ships have non-smoking cabins like hotels ?- My dad had a cabin on NCL one time that also reeked of smoke and the ship was full- they tried all their cleaning machines but it still really smelled. It can really put a damper on a trip...............

[sunshine426]

I am live in the internet cafe on the Star Princess. Needed a break from the sunshine. Thought that the article written by the MSNBC poster was very accurate. We have not had our flights posted yet, so are enjoying a "not quite at sea" day. The crew handled this emergency so well they are all heros. I intend to write my own first person account when I get home, but just wanted to praise the captain and his crew for their heroic efforts containing this fire. The life boats were in position and if the fire had not been contained I have no doubt that we would have been escorted to the life boats. I am amazed that their was only one loss of life. The sprinklers and fire doors probably saved many lives. We are on the Lido deck on the side of the fire. Can see that cabins charred from our balcony. We have only a faint smell of smoke in our room, probably do to the automatic closing of the fire dooors. Anyway, I will write later, and probably check this site later if anyone has any questions. God Bless the Captain and crew of the Star Princess.

[Laurba99]

yeah for Peggy!!!

[ozland]

Congratulations Peggy! You are to be commended. -Paula

 

" . . . and all I ask is a small ship and a star to steer me by." Did I remember that correctly -- from a LONG time ago?!

[boatlover]

sunshine426 -

Thank you so much for taking the time to post. Hope you get word on travel arrangements home soon. Is there damage to any public rooms?? Thanks again for taking time to update us, you are certainly in everyone's thoughts.

[Queenie24now]

This was the cruise industries finest hour. It is truely amazing seeing the pictures that there were not more fatalities or injuries.

 

All accounts I have seen reflect a truly courageous and professional crew. They efficiently went about their duties, while the captain kept everyone informed.

 

I am most impressed by the account that when the fire was out, as the captain thanked his crew, the passengers applauded.

Very smart captain..

commend the people that surround you..because in reality THEY are they ones who make YOU look good.

[S&D]

Thank you for that account, Sunshine,.. thank God there was not more loss of life and bad injuries. Our thoughts are with the family of the poor person who passed away, and our thanks are with the Captain and crew of the Star for doing such a wonderful job to prevent further loss.

 

We sailed on the Star on our first 2 cruises, we have wonderful memories of both cruises, we can't say enough about the crew on that ship, they were simply fantastic.

 

We hope the damage can somehow be repaired, unfortunately those memories of the fire will stay in the hearts and minds of those involved - long after the ship has been repaired.

 

Hugs and good thoughts to all the crew and everyone involved.

[Monroe7702]

Cruising is such a special type of vacation, which to many, is the BEST kind to take. Unfortunately, unforseen circumstances will happen when 3000 people 'live' together for a perios of time. Whether it be the occasional illness, the long lines when taking excursions, the lack of beach chairs, or worse, the fire or the latest tragic accident with the tourists on the Mellenium, cruising popularity will continue to thrive.

 

In my mind, there is nothing like exeriencing the sunset with miles of calming waters, the beauty of these luxury liners, the myriad of activities available, the food , the service, the entertainment, etc.

 

Fires can occur in the finest of hotels, and accidents ar just that: accidents. For those who have been affected by these recent events, it is very obvious that there is an outpouring of sorrow and concern from fellow cruisers. We all wish you well.

 

I am scheduled to sail on the Star in August and I have no doubts or worries. In fact, I am planning to book private tour to St. Petersburg, which I intend to keep. I applaud the crew for handling the situation with professionalism and their concern for the passengers.

As far as the smoking policies on these ships, perhaps they should be re-evaluated and modified. As in most hotels and restaurants, there are smoking areas, and smoking rooms. Perhaps better smoke detectors will be installed on balconies. I am confident that changes will be made to insure passenger safety.

 

Always a cruiser!

[Blue Eyes]

I have read several post here about the terrible accident in Chile. I understand it was an excursion booked independently. Several comments have been made that they always booked through the ship to ensure their safety. On our very first 7-day cruise November 1997, we choose the iteniary because we wanted to go to Chichen Inetza. We booked with Hal, a trip to the ruins. We flew on a small plane with I think 15 passengers and 2 pilots that spoke no English. The plane was literally held together with duct tape. We flew through a rain storm and the plane leaked...I kept saying HAL would not send me on an unsafe trip....Boy have I learned alot in the past 8 years. In the fall of 2001 this same excursion's plane crashed taking off from Chichen Inetza and all 17 people died. So there are dangers no matter where or how you travel. As for me...I choose to live my life and try to be responsible and not put myself in harms way. I love cruising and will continue to do so. I always check out the number of doors to the emergency exit on a ship or a motel. I hope I never have to use the information. I feel so for the passengers on the Star and for all of you with cruises that will probably be cancelled....

[dobie]

Sunshine, thank you so much for taking time out to post. Please let us know how you are doing and what is happening...

[Lefty Bob]

I have not read all the thread. Did the cabins have sprinklers? IF they did, how come so much damage. Bad sprinklers? Just wondering.

LB

[Hlitner]

I just posted a new thread about Oceania's new smoking policy. Apparently they already had a policy of no-smoking in cabins, balconies, and other designated areas. They are now going to adopt a zero tolerance policy that would put any violator off the ship at the next port. My hunch is that the insurance industry (if not the Coast Guard) will quickly force a similar policy for all ships.

 

Hank

[iluvfun]

I read up on the cruisecritic's info on Oceania and looked on their website. Too bad there isn't a cruiseline that's reasonably priced (I was too scared to look at the rates) that would be for families. Disney is far too pricey for the average family. I hope one day that with more and more people giving up tobacco, that some cruises on the mass market lines will be for nonsmokers. With the right amount of press/advertising (especially with TAs), these cruises would be easier filled. If the lines are concerned about not making money off of gambling and booze, they can add an extra hundred or so. But I would think there would be also less problems with clean up after such cruises (less time getting rid of tobacco stink, less time getting rid of butts on balconies).

[giraffenana]

I don't understand why people are blaming the terrible bus accident in Chile on the fact that the people were on an independent tour. Don't you think that if you were on a ship sponsored tour bus and a truck came into your lane that the driver might swerve in an attempt to avoid a head on collision. I don't think the fact that it was an independent tour had anything at all to do with the accident. Are you aware that in many ports the ship contracts with the same companies to provide excursions that the company also offers independently? The only way in which I would feel safer on a ship sponsored tour is if there was some problem with the group getting back to the ship late. On a ship sponsored tour they would have to wait for you, but on an independent tour they would not.

 

Joy

[metrowon]

It's still a cruise-related tragedy that weighs heavy on the public's mind.

There is a reason that cruise lines offer certain excursions. That's because they go out and check all the vendors selling excursions. They rate them, and annoint them, or fail them. It's not a one time process either. I do feel for all of those who lost their lives, and their families. I've read too many threads about booking your own excursions to save money, when people have no clue as to what makes an excursion less exspensive. When you go on an excursion 1200 miles from the USA, we have no idea what regulations there are to provide this service. This is a vacation related tragedy, that's not cruise related. Ta's always tell you how to save money on excursions, that they have never been on. Be careful! Metrowon

[GoodAsGold]

This would almost scare me more than the fire IF I had been over on the Starboard side and not directly affected, of course. I have to admit, I am almost paranoid of the smaller boats such as the tenders tipping over in heavy waves or a large wake. Sometime back an excursion boat turned upside in Cabo or somewhere down there, killing a woman. If I suddenly felt the CRUISE ship listing heavily to one side, I think I would just freak! It would remind me of the large earthquake in my county back in '89. Such an out-of-control feeling. Of course, a fire out in the middle of the ocean would also give me a feeling of claustrophobia.

 

 

[quote name=

 

The Grand's turn WAS preventable and the Captain should be suspended or reprimanded for something like that. A sharp' date=' high speed turn might be necessary to avoid another ship, an iceberg or some other peril, but it wasn't called for in that situation.[/quote]

[GoodAsGold]

They only had two more days left, at least.

 

The ones whos cabins were burned were taken to a hotel about 100 I guess. The rest are allowed to stay on the ship until they can arrange flights home for them. The entire cruise has been canceled

[metrowon]

Very smart captain..

commend the people that surround you..because in reality THEY are they ones who make YOU look good.

Pics only show a badly damaged exterior. This was an out of control fire for awhile, and started from a single cigerette, if you believe everything. A one room fire to start, to me indicates, many failures, to allow it to damage a ship this badly. The interiors of the ship were also damaged, with smoke, fire, and water. All of the water used to put out the fire, went down into many rooms not damaged by the initial fire. So before you pass out and acknowledge praise, realize, maybe it should have been contained much better. This ship will be out of service for not weeks, but monthes. Metrowon