See update below. As someone who works with the cruise industry, I'd be remiss if I didn't at least throw in a few points here.
First, a reminder. consider the number of passengers who are sailing at this minute- in all corners of the world and on ships of all sizes. Remember also that these incidents are VERY rare and passengers are almost never in danger. Cruising, which understandingly may not be everyone's cup of tea, are for millions of passengers, a wonderful and exciting (and often times cost effective) way to see the world. Today's ships are often elegant and beautifully designed- some border on amazing (have you seen the Allure of the Seas- WOW), cabins are very comfortable, cruise fare includes entertainment and activities, a chance to sample some amazing restaurants and are more like floating resorts with something to do for just about everyone. And yes- they are run by machines and computers - both of which can occasionally, malfunction but passengers, thanks to the strict safety requirements, are rarely if ever, in danger. There are also strict . regulations around cleanliness (especially for any ship that enters the US) and environmental issues as well. The repeat factor is extremely high by the way - most cruiser return again and again and ships sail full so they must be doing something right. And, ships, like hotels, come in all different sizes and shapes- some are very large and some are very small - some offer a tremendously cost effective vacation option for families, others, well- appeal to the 1%, frankly. But I do hope that people will not look at these rare incidents and use them to deter them from experiencing a cruise- something that I truly believe is a terrific vacation option. Maybe not for every year and not for everyone but worth consideration.
We have flight delays and mechanical problems pretty often (those who fly often can attest to this) but we still take planes. Trains have delays and occasional accidents but we still take trains. Our cars break down but we still drive. Keep it in perspective please and by all means- try a cruise- you may like it!
Update from Cruise Week Special Edition 3/14/13- Update On Carnival Dream
The Carnival Dream is stuck at port in St. Maarten with a "technical problem," though the ship has power. Passengers have contacted media outlets to report in painstaking detail issues with power outages and overflowing toilets last night and complaints about not being allowed to leave the ship, which was scheduled to depart yesterday at 5 pm. Cruise stocks are all down this morning given the developing story.
Here's excerpts from CCL's latest statement on the ship: "The ship is at dock in St. Maarten. All guests are safe and comfortable. There were periodic interruptions to elevators and restroom services for a few hours last night. However, all hotel systems are functioning normally and have been functional since approximately 12:30 am.
While personnel continue to work on the technical issue we are making arrangements to fly all guests home via private charter flights and scheduled flights from St. Maarten. Guests on the current voyage will receive a refund equivalent to three days of the voyage and 50 percent off a future cruise.
We are also cancelling the ship's next voyage which is scheduled to depart on Saturday, March 16. Guests scheduled to sail on this cruise will receive a full refund and 25 percent off a future seven-day cruise. Guests who re-book will have their current rate protected on the future sailing. Additionally, any non-refundable transportation related expenses will be reimbursed."
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