01/18/2012
It is a terrible tragedy what has happened on the Costa's Congordia cruise ship in Italy. We do not have all the facts as of yet, as to the cause and if the Captain was at fault. I am sure all of that information will be forthcoming. But as to safety, Carnival and every cruise line that I have ever sailed on has always had my utmost respect as to how they train the crew to be prepared for any crisis that occurs on board. The most dreaded danger on all ships is fire, but regardless of the emergency at sea...the end result will be the same, if the crew and the passengers are not prepared. I took my first cruise in 1982. The minute I got on board I was ready for a week of fun & sun...and the party started with my first little umbrella drink. However, that sailing, and every sailing since, I and all other passengers participate in the emergency drills, which lead you through the process of putting on you life jacket and going to your muster stations. Over the last 29 years I have seen continual improvements and planning by all of the cruise lines...just in the case of an emergency at sea. I heard on the news, one of the passengers reporting that the safety drill had not taken place. Many times I have seen ships leave the port, prior to the saftey drill, but alway completing is very soon...with in 30 minutes of debarkation. So perhaps this is an area for improvement that will be looked at. My last cruise was on the new Celebrity Silhouette...and I notice some new changes to the drill. In the past, passengers were instructed to go to their cabins and get their life vest....then to go to their muster station. On this sailing, we were instructed to go directly to our assigned muster station, our life jackets were stored there instead of our cabins. That seemed like a great idea to me, eliminating the time involved in going to your cabin, but directly reporting to our muster stations. Secondly, a sign that Celebrity is taking the mandatory passenger attendance very seriously, the crew scanned each passengers "sign & sale card" to document who was in attendance. I feel totally safe, cruising on any ship in 2012. The crews are extremely prepared to handle any emergency. However, I would encourage all passengers to actively take responsibility for themselves, as well. Everyone should always make sure they understand what they should do in case of an emergency. Many passengers like after a night of drinking..dancing, gambling like the fact that they are able to walk to their cabins, with out concern as they would at home about drinking and driving. Many on vacation, have a little too much...more than they normally would at home. Whether..on a cruise ship, at home, in hotel, or in a tent...there is no 100% safe place. I always caution all of the nurses on my groups...to have fun, but always be aware of your surroundings when off the ship, stay in groups...and on board...have a wonderful time...but take care to ensure that you are mentally capable of following the safety instructions that are given to us on embarkation.
That said...we still have some space left on our Bermuda conference in June, but very few cabins at our advertised rates. If there is still apce on the ship, when our allotment is sold, we still book you with our group, but the cruise line will price those cabins at the present rates. Bottom line, if you get registered while we still have inventory, you'll get best cabin rates!! Soon we will be posting information on our personally designed, "CE's At Sea Spa Packages" our conference participants will be able to choose and book their appointments prior to embarkation. This will be a great convenience, to book these services in advance, around our conference times and days in port. Celebrity is amazing...and I guarantee those of you that have traveled with us for years...will agree that our move to Celebrity...Divine direction...Sea you soon.....Barbara HerreraRNE
