Nicki, I was pretty rattled when I read about the Celebrity excursion in Chile, since we hope to sail the Infinity to Chile in January. But being rattled is just a part of life these days. There is no way I will let that upset our plans.
My husband and I have been to Israel right before the US was going into Iraq, and everyone said we were crazy. We cruised on a Royal Caribbean ship 2 months after a man mysteriously disappeared on one of their ships, and we didn't take our walkie-talkies.
3 years ago we booked a cruise in the middle of hurricane season, and our travel agent pointed out that we were taking a risk traveling then. I reminded her that by staying in Houston during hurricane season, we were taking a risk also, and that at least on a ship, they would do the evacuation for us.
I could stay at home 90% of the time, and stay as safe as I can. Or I can drive the Houston freeways, fly on airplanes, eat sushi and see the world. If I don't leave home, I will miss all that my city has to offer. If I never fly, I won't get to see most of my family. Yes, I am taking a gamble, but the stakes are ones I'm willing to bet on.
I know that many don't share my views, but I don't think they have to.
I totally agree MC!!! Every day when we wake up we will be faced with challanges and accidents anywhere!! When my time comes, I will go with no regrets!! I lived my life to the fullest, and I am ready!!
Some things we have no control over but a cruise ship's worst fear is fire. I think it is about time that smoking was prohibited in all cabins. I understand that there are people who have to have a cigarette so give them a couple of lounges where smoking is permitted. If it means that the cruise lines lose some money then I say raise the fares if necessary.
We have no reason to change our plans. I was very impressed with HAL's response to 2 false alarms aboard the Veendam our last cruise in December. Unfortunately, one was in the middle of the night so I have a bit of an idea of the feeling of worry as you dress hurriedly and gathering papers and valuables, still half asleep, in preparation of mustering if it was deemed necessary. Thankfully it was not.
I can assure you that next time I muster though I will pay closer attention to the instructions and take notice of my muster station. I have tended to be quite lax about that.
We will not change our plans, but I think we will assure that home will be OK in case something does happen. It's something we should have done a long time ago. Of course I never anticipate that something will occur, but as these accidents have shown, you never REALLY know.
On another note. I am not a psycho ex-smoker, but an ex-smoker I am. I still enjoy a small cigar every great once-in-awhile. I agree that ships should regulate smoking in cabins at a minimum. If it was feasible, a smoker's lounge at points might be the best solution. I realize that this may not be the best answer as smokers will smoke wherever they will. Trust me, I know this.
Yesterday I was on a flight from LA to Albuquerque and a very disturbed individual was on the flight. We was not drunk. Drugs? Mental illness? I don't know. Self-important A&&? Most likely. Either way, he cussed horribly at me, at the man accross from me and at the woman sitting next to him, then got up and went to the bathroom where he did what? - He started smoking. This is a 1 1/2 flight folks, on a very small 50 seat plane. There was ONE stewardess. He was brought out of the lavatory and told to remain in his seat. He was borderline violent. The passengers even came up with a plan to restrain him if he went nuts. VERY, VERY Scary. All because he couldn't go 10 minutes without a cig.
This is not changing our plans about cruising, but I will be more aware of the muster drill and learn just where our station is exactly.
I will also pack a small bag of necessities and keep near the bed (this applies to hotel too) Pills, flashlight, copies of important papers, cash & some basic clothes. I read about this on another thread and will put it in to action next week on our trip to Hawaii.
I always put a small flashlight next to bed even at home and have pills in a box to grab in case of emergency. We live in San Francisco so have an earthquake kit made up ready for use. Pills, water, canned food, blankets, clothes extra credit card and some cash.
It is best to be preparred and have nothing happen than go blithly on our way unaware or unconcerned. Plus I pack a small first aid kit with us for tours & travels. Yes maybe i go overboard but I still feel it is better to safe than sorry afterward
NOPE, won't change my plans. Wish I had some plans coming up!
In the year following 9-11, I had some great trips at great prices. Crusie lines were giving away fares, airlines wre begging me to fly -- and I too 'em up on it. Felt safe, had fun.
I agree. Having a few things handy, in a bag or whatever where you can lay your hands on them fast, is a good idea. I'd hate to be a lifeboat without my medicine, without money, without credit card, etc.
I made a whole cruise around South America virtually without money, mostly without credit card and almost without passport. A little inconvenient, but doable. I wrote about it in SA sailaway on the Trip Report thread.
The incident in Chile was an indenpendent tour with an unlicenced operator.
The fire on the Star concerns me a little from the standpoint that the ship may have an ineffective fire contol system. We all know that the ships are required to have sprinklers in all the cabins. It looks like the system should also cover balconies. I am sure there will be a through investigation of how the fire spread. There may need to be some changes made to existing systems.
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