Straight from a ship engineer!

[cavkc]

But we are talking litigation here from another post. They are a luxury in the sense of what they are REQUIRED to do from a liability standpoint. I'm not aware of any law which states that ships must always use stabilizers if they have them. You might well be within your rights to be ticked off if stabilizers aren't being used in a given situation (and I doubt many of us are in the position to really know that a captain "should" or "should not" be using them from a safety persepctive as most of us don't have an understanding of that), but that is a far cry from being able to successfully SUE the cruise line for not using them.

 

It's just gets tiresome to always read that the answer for any grievance is to SUE sue sue.

 

As far as them advertising stabilizers, I guess I never paid attention to the ads, because I never heard of stabilizers until I found this site. I certainly never booked a particular ship because they were heavily marketing the stabilizer feature. But that doesn't mean others don't.

 

I never mentioned litigation, I have never in my life sued, or threatened to sue anyone and the circumstances would have to be extreme for me to do so.

 

However there is nothing wrong with expecting to receive what I have paid for, which is what is advertised. Of course they are not going to use the stablizers all the time, but I expect them to use them when 'necessary'

[2bFREEonTHEseas]

I rode an elevator with what turned out to be a senior ship engineer. I asked him why our ship was rocking and rolling in relatively calm seas, 4-6 foot. His reply to me was: "Due to fuel prices they and other cruise lines are no longer deploying their stailizers to reduce drag in the water." Therefore we should all expect a less than smooth voyage in the future. He also said the stabilizers cause the ship to burn up to 10% more fuel. I thought that the fuel surcharge was to offset skyrocketing fuel prices. Go figure. :(

 

This statement does not make sense if you read it...first it say that they no longer going to deploy thier stabilizers to reduce drag...reducing drag is a good thing and that is what saves fuel. He is right to the fact that stabilizers reduce drag in rough seas - wonderful - that is one of the reasons why they use them. Back to the statement...if the use of stabilizers are reducing drag, why are they buring 10% more fuel. That is completely oposite. Stabilizers do not increase or decrease the fuel consumption...it is a pretty even wash.

[Aquahound]

Seems to me there is more than the 14 yr old's confirmation, there's the OP who spoke to the senior ship engineer. .

 

But it's still hearsay...from one person...on one ship. Who knows why that particular ship, at that particular moment, was trying to save fuel...and possibly time.

 

Like I said....Show me a policy from the cruise line that says they are no longer using stabilizers fleet-wide. Right now, people are getting all upset over rumor.

 

Sounds a lot like the lobster fiasco. :rolleyes:

[RoofingPrincess]

I rode an elevator with what turned out to be a senior ship engineer. I asked him why our ship was rocking and rolling in relatively calm seas, 4-6 foot. His reply to me was: "Due to fuel prices they and other cruise lines are no longer deploying their stailizers to reduce drag in the water." Therefore we should all expect a less than smooth voyage in the future. He also said the stabilizers cause the ship to burn up to 10% more fuel. I thought that the fuel surcharge was to offset skyrocketing fuel prices. Go figure. :(

This statement does not make sense if you read it...first it say that they no longer going to deploy thier stabilizers to reduce drag...reducing drag is a good thing and that is what saves fuel. He is right to the fact that stabilizers reduce drag in rough seas - wonderful - that is one of the reasons why they use them. Back to the statement...if the use of stabilizers are reducing drag, why are they buring 10% more fuel. That is completely oposite. Stabilizers do not increase or decrease the fuel consumption...it is a pretty even wash.

I interpreted this statement differently, and it did make sense to me: to reduce drag (and therefore save fuel), they are not going to deploy their stabilizers.

In other words, using the stabilizers CREATES more drag, so to reduce drag (and therefore fuel consumption), they're not going to use them.

[nrdsb4]

]I never mentioned litigation' date=' I have never in my life sued, or threatened to sue anyone and the circumstances would have to be extreme for me to do so.[/color']

 

However there is nothing wrong with expecting to receive what I have paid for, which is what is advertised. Of course they are not going to use the stablizers all the time, but I expect them to use them when 'necessary'

 

Yes, that's why I said from another post. The reference to it being a luxury was in said in that context, i.e. someone mentions lawsuits holding the cruiseline liable for not using stabilizers and possible injuries occuring during rough seas. My opinion was that in a liability context, the stabilizers are a luxury vs. a requirement. Then again, I'm no judge so my opinion probably means squat, lol.

[MrsCruise2007]

But it's still hearsay...from one person...on one ship. Who knows why that particular ship, at that particular moment, was trying to save fuel...and possibly time.

 

Like I said....Show me a policy from the cruise line that says they are no longer using stabilizers fleet-wide. Right now, people are getting all upset over rumor.

 

Sounds a lot like the lobster fiasco. :rolleyes:

 

This is exactly what I am talking about - I am curious if this is a fleetwide motion by RCCL or just a 1 time thing...Since I have a final payment due toRCCl by May 3rd - I would love some official documentation stating that this is how it's going to be from now on with all sailings.....:confused:

[Don Pedro]

This subject came up during a Captain's Corner on one of our recent cruises and the Captain stated that using the stabilizers did NOT adversely affect fuel consumption. He went on to explain that stabilizers were effective for controlling roll but not pitch conditions. So that the type of seas were a major determining factor for deploying the stabilizers.

 

There are many areas of engineering onboard a ship. Perhaps, the authority quoted by the OP was not completely versed in stabilizers.

 

Also, it seems to us, that the cruise line would do everything in it power to keep the passenger dollars flowing thru the bars, casinos and shops. And, that does not happen when most passengers are in their cabin worshiping the porcelain goddess.

[2bFREEonTHEseas]

This subject came up during a Captain's Corner on one of our recent cruises and the Captain stated that using the stabilizers did NOT adversely affect fuel consumption. He went on to explain that stabilizers were effective for controlling roll but not pitch conditions. So that the type of seas were a major determining factor for deploying the stabilizers.

 

Yes...what he said!

 

I think this is getting to be a "he Said - he Said" issue...one group on here believes that RCCL and other fleets are not using the stabilizers to save on fuel cost and the other group, like myself argue the fact that YES they INDEED USE the stabilizers.

 

Score...?

[MrsCruise2007]

Some of you are definitely making me feel better - it sounds as though some people have had some rough seas and are now assuming that it is because that stabilizers weren't being used - when in fact, they very well could have been...I am hopeful that they will be and I will just use lots of Bonine and SeaBands :) Thank you - my Friday is starting to look up!:D

[exarolf]

I know, I want to make sure 100% that the stabilizers are going to be working...I figure if I call RCCL they will probably tell me whatever I want to hear in order to keep me from canceling...but as you and anyone else who has ever had sea-sickness know - it's a miserable feeling that I definitely don't want to feel again....

 

You will never know... There is plenty of obscurity in many of the poss here... Bottom line, at 20+ knots going down and up, and at 10+knots inter-island, the Freedom was rocking and rolling. The (large - but not as large) Carnival Pride was very steady at similar speeds and seas. I know these ships are designed to be steady - who is building a state-of-the-art ship that is by design going to be rocking and rolling... Between everything I have read, I am convinced the Freedom was not using it's stabilizers for customer comfort. The only other possibility is this boat is designed to make people sick in relatively flat (3-5 foot) seas. If that is the case, I'd hate to think what Genesis will be like - but I do not think that is the case.

 

I'm sure it is up to the captain to decide - but they may have a new/changed policy towards the use of stabilizers...

 

Has anyone noticed them deployed (there are 4)? On Pride, you could see them form certain areas of the boat...

[exarolf]

Yes...what he said!

 

I think this is getting to be a "he Said - he Said" issue...one group on here believes that RCCL and other fleets are not using the stabilizers to save on fuel cost and the other group, like myself argue the fact that YES they INDEED USE the stabilizers.

 

Score...?

 

The boat is designed to use stabilizers (4) - and they are computer controlled and set. I'm sure there are many settings - one of which is passenger comfort.

 

All I can say is I am also sure they did not design a Freedom class boat to rock and roll in 3-5 foot sails.

[exarolf]

Some of you are definitely making me feel better - it sounds as though some people have had some rough seas and are now assuming that it is because that stabilizers weren't being used - when in fact, they very well could have been...I am hopeful that they will be and I will just use lots of Bonine and SeaBands :) Thank you - my Friday is starting to look up!:D

Just FYI - there are two kinds of sea bands out there - one has elastic, and one is adjustable. We had both, and the adjustable ones were very uncomfortable (we bought them on the boat). The elastic ones they sell in the drug stores are comfortable... You can buy them on-line for 1/2 price (Amazon.com). The elastic ones are pretty much good for one cruise (they

lose the elasticity - especially if you take them into the pools...

 

Between Bonine and bands, many people will be fine - book the cruise...

[Cruising89143]

Some of you are definitely making me feel better - it sounds as though some people have had some rough seas and are now assuming that it is because that stabilizers weren't being used - when in fact, they very well could have been...I am hopeful that they will be and I will just use lots of Bonine and SeaBands :) Thank you - my Friday is starting to look up!:D

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I have been on the larger ships in much rougher seas mentioned here and the ships did just fine. The Captain is going to do everything possible to see that the guests on board are as comfortable as possible. Also keep in mind that some people compare a bobble in the water to a roller coaster ride.:rolleyes: Most of the time the only place moving is in their head. ;)

[pmshirl]

Look at this ship! They learned how to reduce fuel charges!

Silicone painting applied to the ship bottom reduces water resistance and saves 317,000 gallons of diesel per year

 

[MrsCruise2007]

Just FYI - there are two kinds of sea bands out there - one has elastic, and one is adjustable. We had both, and the adjustable ones were very uncomfortable (we bought them on the boat). The elastic ones they sell in the drug stores are comfortable... You can buy them on-line for 1/2 price (Amazon.com). The elastic ones are pretty much good for one cruise (they

lose the elasticity - especially if you take them into the pools...

 

Between Bonine and bands, many people will be fine - book the cruise...

 

That is super helpful - thanks so much for the information - I haven't used them before (I have just relied on Dramamine or Bonine) but I would like to give them a whirl since some people swear by them...this is helpful, I am definitely going to look them up tonight - I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will not be rolling all over....in my head I figured - 'the bigger the ship - the more stable the ship would be in the water...' ...I guess that may not be the case!

[MrsCruise2007]

I wouldn't worry about it. I have been on the larger ships in much rougher seas mentioned here and the ships did just fine. The Captain is going to do everything possible to see that the guests on board are as comfortable as possible. Also keep in mind that some people compare a bobble in the water to a roller coaster ride.:rolleyes: Most of the time the only place moving is in their head. ;)

 

I hope so - I am keeping my fingers crossed that they really are using the stabilizers and I am hoping that July will bring calm, quiet seas that will not having me spend my 7 days feeling super nauseous...I know there is no control over the seas, but I am hoping RCCL will do their best to keep their passengers as comfortable as possible - thanks!

[nrdsb4]

That is super helpful - thanks so much for the information - I haven't used them before (I have just relied on Dramamine or Bonine) but I would like to give them a whirl since some people swear by them...this is helpful, I am definitely going to look them up tonight - I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will not be rolling all over....in my head I figured - 'the bigger the ship - the more stable the ship would be in the water...' ...I guess that may not be the case!

 

My husband gets seasick with only a gentle rocking. Last time he used the electronic bracelet, and he had no problem! They were kind of pricey, but they worked and he was able to enjoy the cruise, his pre-dinner cocktail, etc.

[MrsCruise2007]

My husband gets seasick with only a gentle rocking. Last time he used the electronic bracelet, and he had no problem! They were kind of pricey, but they worked and he was able to enjoy the cruise, his pre-dinner cocktail, etc.

 

I have never heard of the electronic bracelet before - I am assuming those are different than the ones that you buy at the drugstore...if so, where can one be found? Thanks so much!

[Cruiserccl]

UH, Has anyone actually seen a written policy from Royal Caribbean that they are no longer using stabilizers?

 

Or, is this just based on the statement of a 14 year old early in this thread?

 

No offense to the 14 year old...you seem to be quite educated on cruising...but it seems that all this bellyaching is based on hearsay.

No offence taken! I am just reporting what I saw and what I heard! I wish I would have taken a picture to show you guys!

[Cruiserccl]

Ok after reading more into this thread and all of your you guys comments I want to set things straight! I was confirming and reporting what I saw and heard and nothing more than that! We can sit here all day and argue about this but we will never no for sure! With the economy the way it is business and people are cutting back! My dad owns car dealerships and he no longer just lets people drive cars around for days at a time with the price of gas the way it is and leaving the tab for us!

[BadBoysDriveAudi]

Its 100% true! Ships don’t fully put out there stabilizers any more because they do use up so much more fuel! I have heard this from many different crew members over the years. The ships will still have the stabilizers out a little but though to smooth out the ride!

 

So THAT'S why the Majesty was rocking and rolling all the time! I would've had a better vacation (in the early morning) had they used the stablizers and I probably would've rated the vacation higher than I did.

 

It seemed that EVERY morning, I woke up sick. At first, I thought it was because I drank too much the night before, but I don't normally drink to excess, so I cut back (and even went dry one night). The result was the same -- I didn't sleep well and I felt sick the following morning.

 

After my shower, my stomach seemed to calm down, but that certainly is abnormal. Now I know why!

[Cruzaholic41]

Like I said....Show me a policy from the cruise line that says they are no longer using stabilizers fleet-wide. Right now, people are getting all upset over rumor.

 

Sounds a lot like the lobster fiasco. :rolleyes:

 

Very good point Paul!

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

I have never heard of the electronic bracelet before - I am assuming those are different than the ones that you buy at the drugstore...if so, where can one be found? Thanks so much!

 

 

I Googled it and found this

 

http://www.hammacherschlemmer.com/publish/74589.asp?source=google&keyword=sea+sickness+bracelet&cm_ven=NewGate&cm_cat=google&cm_pla=HolidayPreview07&cm_ite=sea+sickness+bracelet

 

***

[MrsCruise2007]

I Googled it and found this

 

http://www.hammacherschlemmer.com/publish/74589.asp?source=google&keyword=sea+sickness+bracelet&cm_ven=NewGate&cm_cat=google&cm_pla=HolidayPreview07&cm_ite=sea+sickness+bracelet

 

***

 

Thank you Thank you!

[David4]

I Googled it and found this

 

http://www.hammacherschlemmer.com/publish/74589.asp?source=google&keyword=sea+sickness+bracelet&cm_ven=NewGate&cm_cat=google&cm_pla=HolidayPreview07&cm_ite=sea+sickness+bracelet

 

***

 

My sister uses it and it works like a charm.