CruiseLines are Finally Serious about Emergency drills...read on:

[rcuised]

Well I have been on 57 cruises over the last 32 years and, I must admit: When it came time to participate in the emergency drill, I usually found that was the best time to unpack my suitcases and relax. My wife and I would just hole ourselves up in our cabin, shut the deadbolt and be as quiet as we could be. Only once did someone come knocking at our door. And that was because, stupid me, I left my cabin keycard in the slot in the doorlock!

However, since the Costa Concordia incident, the cruiselines have become much more vigilent. Case in point:

The elderly couple that were put off the Seabourn Sojourn because the woman was too ill to attend! Read this article and beware; If you don't attend, your cruise may be cut short...very short!

[jacketwatch]

Wow! Sometimes it takes a tragedy to become ever so vigilant about what we should be doing all along.

[Jan115]

After 57 cruises, I would probably be tempted to do the same. The Concordia incident, I think, is a reminder to all of us, including the complacent who may have not paid much attention to muster drills because they've been through so many, that we passengers and the crew need to be ready for anything.

[rcuised]

Jan,

You are absolutely correct. It's like driving without wearing your seat belt and being pulled over by a police officer and given a ticket. There are no good reasons not to do something which, while may be somewhat inconvienent at the time, could eventually save your life.

[CaroleB]

It doesn't matter how many times you cruise, you should always go to muster drill. If nothing else, to be familiar where your lifeboast is located and to make sure there isn't something new you don't know about. Does it really bother people to lose 20 minutes or so, to be safe and prepared? Just my opinion. I don't look forward to the drills but I do attend every one.

[hazelson]

It's like house and car insurance - you get it but hope you never need it :o)

[ametrinel]

I think too many times we take for granted that "nothing bad" will happen. We have become too complacent with our safe little lives to think about whether something could ever go wrong. People don't attend the muster drills, listen to the flight attendants during their emergency speech or think about texting/phoning while driving. We constantly hear of things happening, and yet, we assume that won't include us. I think taking 30 minutes out of my 3-14 days of vacation is worth the peace of mind to know that I, at least, will know what to do in case of an unlikely emergency happening. And then maybe I can help others who don't remember or.....