If you have been on a cruise you know the day one routine– check-in, grab lunch, tour the ship, get into your room and then at some point before the sail away party you have the safety drill. Driven by international law, and based on learnings all the way back to the Titanic, these drills ensure that you the passenger understand how to safely get off the ship if there is any type of emergency.
In our new COVID-19 world though these drills present a challenge. They generally involve everyone going on deck near their assigned lifeboats and cram close together while crew tells you what to do if there is an emergency. Really you will never get really get physically closer to large mass of people you do not know outside of the floor at a concert– something that does not work in a world of social distance.
Royal Caribbean got this challenge and went off to design Muster 2.0.
With Muster 2.0, the key elements of the safety drill – including reviewing what to expect and where to go in case of an emergency, and instructions on how to properly use a life jacket – will be accessible to guests on an individual basis. New technology, eMuster™, will be used to help provide the information to guests via their mobile devices and interactive stateroom TVs.
Travelers will be able to review the information at their own time prior to setting sail, eliminating the need for the traditional large group assemblies. The new approach also enables everyone on board to maintain better spacing as guests move about the ship, and it allows guests to enjoy more of their vacation with no interruption.
After reviewing safety information individually, guests will complete the drill by visiting their assigned assembly station, where a crew member will verify that all steps have been completed and answer questions. Each of the steps will need to be completed prior to the ship’s departure, as required by international maritime law.
This is just another great step by Royal Caribbean as they look to return to service. And we should expect more as the Healthy Sail Panel of experts works with Royal Caribbean and other cruises lines to help ensure the very best safety practices are used so we can get back out there and explore the world!
Want to learn more about Royal Caribbean’s efforts to safely return to operations? Contact us by pressing the button below!
