I'm sure that the fallout from this incident will be far-reaching, and I also hope that it will bring about some necessary changes in current emergency drill procedures. When DH and I embark on a cruise in less than two weeks, I expect to see a much more serious approach to passenger muster. DH and I have always taken the emergency drill seriously, but not everyone does.
* While DH and I have never left our embarkation port without mustering, I know that the international maritime requirement dictates "within 24 hours of departure". Obviously, passengers on the
Concordia were not mustered when they set sail and were clueless about emergency procedures in the midst of a catastrophe. This is totally unacceptable, and cruise passengers should demand a change in these laws.
* Attendance at pre-sailaway muster on any ship on which we've sailed hasn't been "mandatory". Late-arriving passengers are excused but told that they "should" attend a muster the following morning. On one of our cruises, DH and I boarded when muster was already underway. We know that there were dozens of other late-embarking passengers because they were on the ship's shuttle along with us, but we were the only people to show up at muster the next morning! Those passengers should have been hauled out of bed, away from the pool, breakfast, or wherever they were and made to attend - even if it meant announcing their names over the ship's loudspeaker system - like the cruise lines do on disembarkment day when passengers' credit cards
don't pass muster
* Passengers who simply don't want to "waste their time" attending the muster drill should not be able to
get in the shower to get ready for dinner so they can skip the drill. Upon entering staterooms during the cabin sweep, crew members should be given the authority to tell these passengers to get out of the shower and get their behinds to the muster drill. When we boarded late, our cabin steward knew about our situation and reminded us of the morning muster drill that we attended.
* Passengers should not be allowed to enter their muster stations with an alcoholic beverage in hand. To do so suggests a "party" atmosphere, and the emergency drill is SERIOUS.
jmo