The Covid pandemic forced massive changes to cruising just so the cruise lines could operate. In those first days back from their 16-month shutdown, the cruise lines needed to figure out how to keep people apart while they were onboard.
That's a major challenge on a cruise ship, even when operating with limited crowds.
Related: Key adult advice for Carnival Cruise, Royal Caribbean passengers
One key change that most cruise lines made was changing the muster drill. Instead of having passengers all gather in one spot to see a safety demo, they allowed them to view the demo in the app and then check in at their muster station.
That took a situation where a lot of people would have been crowding together and made it one that became a solo experience. Most people preferred it because, under the old system, the drill could not start until everyone showed up.
Many muster stations were outside in the hot sun and people would complain about other people selfishly showing up late,
Not everyone, however, loves the new system, and Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald recently fielded a question about it.
Doug Parker has that and a big story from MSC Cruises in the Feb. 19 edition of Cruise News Today.
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Carnival responds to muster change request
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning; here's your cruise news for Friday, February 14.
After pushback, Carnival Cruise Line is addressing concerns over its e-muster safety drill, which replaced the traditional mass muster drill.
Some passengers feel that the older drill was more thorough and safety-oriented.
Carnival's brand ambassador, John Heald, reassured guests that while the passenger drill is shorter, crew safety training has increased and the cruise line has no plans to revert to the old system, but encourages guests to complete the muster drill as soon as they board.
Guests who delay the drill risk having their onboard account temporarily suspended.
MSC Cruises adds new terminal; Iconic ship heads for scrap heap
And MSC Cruises has opened what it's called the largest cruise terminal in the world, down in Miami. The new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal welcomed its first ship, MSC Seascape, on February 8. The terminal can accommodate up to three ships at once and process 36,000 guests daily.
This year, MSC will sail four ships from the pier, including the new MSC World America, launching in April. Its luxury brand,
Explora Journeys, will also use the terminal. The terminal was built by Fincantieri Infrastructure.
And the third time's a charm. After nearly 30 years docked in Philadelphia and countless delays, the SS United States is scheduled to begin her final journey today.
Now, the ocean liner will be moved in phases, first shifting to Pier 80 today before being towed down the Delaware River on Monday.
Destination, Mobile, Alabama. Now, after environmental preparations are complete, the ship will become the world's largest artificial coral reef. Fans can track her journey online and watch from designated viewing spots along the Delaware.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com, or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
And the photo of the week comes from Braden. Carnival Elation going under the Dames Point Bridge here in Jacksonville, just a few miles down the road. Send yours in, photos@cruiseradio.net. All photos are subject to broadcast.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know, tips@cruiseradio.net. Happy Valentine's Day and have yourself a great weekend. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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