It is always tragic to hear of a tragedy within our travel family. On Friday the 13th the Costa Concordia began sinking, 4,000+ passengers and crew had to be evacuated. It is unforunate that there has been fatalities. The last count was three confirmed deaths and perhaps others.
I have read reports that it was chaotic and frustrating, perhaps that was a language barrier. Over 1,000 Italians on board, and the remaining 1500 psgrs were a mixture of French, Germans, Americans, Canadians and probably several other nationalities onboard. One can only imagine that if the announcements were in Italian that it might confuse the remaining passengers.
Many have posted that an event like this has changed their minds about cruising. It makes me wonder why? Cruise liners have an astonishing safety record. One can't speculate how or what happened to create this accident but we do know that 4,000 passengers are alive because of the safety routines that are put into place. The crew members practise drills for emergency evacuations and the cruises themselves must run a drill within 24 hours of departure. Most cruises I have been on will run the evacuation drill prior to leaving port. But it is always wise to map it out for yourself, it could happen while your in the swimming pool, working out in the gym or enjoying dinner or entertainment. (This was the case on Friday the 13th for the Costa Concordia). There is never a best case scenario for any accident, we can't place events at a set time of day or certain weather patterns. Nor can we predict the outcome. In a report I read the paper printed that the Captain decided to take the ship in closer to the shore, providing an easier escape for passengers.
What I do know is that I feel just as safe if not safer on a cruise ship than driving on the I-15 corridor watching the driver on my right texting or the car coming up behind me changing lanes erractically because they are in a hurry. There are more people killed in this country crossing the street than cruising, flying or taking a tour combined.
I have read reports that it was chaotic and frustrating, perhaps that was a language barrier. Over 1,000 Italians on board, and the remaining 1500 psgrs were a mixture of French, Germans, Americans, Canadians and probably several other nationalities onboard. One can only imagine that if the announcements were in Italian that it might confuse the remaining passengers.
Many have posted that an event like this has changed their minds about cruising. It makes me wonder why? Cruise liners have an astonishing safety record. One can't speculate how or what happened to create this accident but we do know that 4,000 passengers are alive because of the safety routines that are put into place. The crew members practise drills for emergency evacuations and the cruises themselves must run a drill within 24 hours of departure. Most cruises I have been on will run the evacuation drill prior to leaving port. But it is always wise to map it out for yourself, it could happen while your in the swimming pool, working out in the gym or enjoying dinner or entertainment. (This was the case on Friday the 13th for the Costa Concordia). There is never a best case scenario for any accident, we can't place events at a set time of day or certain weather patterns. Nor can we predict the outcome. In a report I read the paper printed that the Captain decided to take the ship in closer to the shore, providing an easier escape for passengers.
What I do know is that I feel just as safe if not safer on a cruise ship than driving on the I-15 corridor watching the driver on my right texting or the car coming up behind me changing lanes erractically because they are in a hurry. There are more people killed in this country crossing the street than cruising, flying or taking a tour combined.
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