CRUISE SAFETY

IS IT SAFE TO CRUISE?

Cruising is extremely safe!  The cruise industry maintains an excellent safety record.  According to the U.S. Coast Guard, cruising today is one of the safest modes of transportation, and the industry is constantly striving to improve its safety procedures.  Over the past two decades, an estimated 90 million passengers safely enjoyed a cruise vacation.  The cruise industry complies with all International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards governing the operations of cruise vessels worldwide.  The U. S. Coast Guard and other maritime nations assure the safe passage of passengers.  The Coast Guard examines each new cruise vessel when it first enters service at a U.S. Port.  Thereafter quarterly inspections are made.  All crew are comprehensively trained in safety and must demonstrate high standards of competency.  Crewmembers must practice launching and loading lifeboats at least once every 6 months to ensure familiarity with lifeboat operations.  All crew involved in operating or loading lifeboats are required to attend the drills, which must be performed while the boats are at sea.  During the training, lifeboats must be filled to capacity with crewmembers and maneuvered in the water.  Crewmembers who aren’t placed inside the lifeboats must observe the drills. 

As a PASSENGER, you will be required to attend a Muster Station Drill. Conducted by the crew of the ship prior to embarking on a voyage.  It is typically conducted 30 minutes prior to the ship’s departure time.  All guests must remain silent during the drill so that everyone will be able to hear the safety announcements from the Captain.  Passengers are educated on the use of life vests and escape route from the ship.  To alert that the drill is in progress, a general emergency alarm is sounded and after the signal, the captain explains what the passengers need to do.   The crew will help you get to your proper muster station.   A roll call will be taken.   Everyone must participate in the Muster Station Drill.

After your Muster Drill you can relax and know that each crewmember is trained in the case of an emergency.  You will be prepared in the UNLIKELY event of an emergency.  So enjoy your cruise and know that you are being taken care of.  It is time to relax and enjoy your cruise!  Sail away!

Celebrity is a wonderful cruise line to Sail away on!