What's A Muster Drill?

What's a muster drill? Nothing is more exciting than your first day on a cruise. You've planned for months; you've waited in line to get onboard. You’re finally there. You've got a drink in your hand, and a gentle breeze blowing through your hair, then Buzzkill, it's time for the muster drill. About 30 minutes to an hour before sailing, every ship has a mandatory safety exercise, called the muster drill. These drills vary from line to line but all of them require that you stop the first day party, and gather at your assigned muster station to learn from the captain, cruise director and staff what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. Basically, they want you to know 1. Where your muster station is, 2. How to get there, and 3. How to put your life jacket on … properly. You must be educated on the proper use of life vests! So, What happens when the drill begins? Well, just when you’re starting to get into vacation mode, you’ll hear an "unavoidable" announcement indicating that the drill is about to start. Sometimes you'll be asked to congregate in the ship’s theatre or restaurant and other times, you'll meet on deck by your actual assigned lifeboat. Sounds like the Titanic right? And sometimes you’ll be asked to meet in one location for a briefing, and then walked to your assigned lifeboat. For us, the latter is the worst scenario simply because it takes the longest. Most cruise lines will definitely require you at least carry your life jacket to the drill, though not all will ask that you wear it. Not Long ago this used to be a fun photo op for us, but nowadays cameras and phones are frowned upon during muster drills. Do you have to go to the drill. Yep. Muster drills are definitely mandatory. They are required by "the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea", and must be conducted by the ship within 24 hours of departure. Every line is required to have one, but how each line deals with attendance varies. Some lines simply have the crew search all areas of the ship, while other lines rely on an actual roll call. On some lines people who skipped the drill will have to attend a special meeting or drill the next morning. Other lines have different methods of handling drill ditches, like walking the plank. Just kidding. So, when the drill starts, how do you find your muster station? Directions are typically posted in your cabin, but when the time comes there will be very visible crew members standing along every possible route. They'll kindly direct you, and provide any assistance you might need. And finally, here’s our tip for muster drills. We don’t think anyone really likes muster drills, but they are required, and there are regulations the lines must adhere to. One often ignored rule is all guests must remain silent during the drill so that everyone will be able to hear the safety announcements. No talking, no phones, and sadly no photos. The sooner the crew has your complete attention, the sooner the drill can start … and the sooner you can get back to that cool drink and gentle breeze.