I thought they only did that on the TITANIC !

No, really, how many of you have heard this during the lifeboat drills on your cruises? We were all rather surprised. I can't say it bothered me, in fact I forgot about it until I saw a discussion about this elsewhere.

Is this usual HAL policy? Anyone know of other cruise lines/ships that also employ the "women and children first" policy with regard to boarding lifeboats in this day and age?

When they first said it I almost thought they were joking! (Like Southwest Airlines' safety briefings ... For those who don't know about those... Maybe I'll explain later. Difference here was the tone of voice, which was deadly serious!) In the end I can see where they're coming from, though I don't agree with them, but it would seem to be a touchy issue...

I could see having families with small children or other 'special needs passengers' i.e. handicapped get on first - indeed that would seem to be common sense - but the "women" part came as a bit of a surprise and as I said, it would seem to be rather politically incorrect.

It should be noted that nobody actually lined up with women in children in front and men in the back as instructed, so I don't know if it would actually be enforced and indeed I could see using "ladies first" as a rule during evacuation causing quite a lawsuit, but nevertheless it was an interesting surprise...

[ 05-05-2003: Message edited by: cruiseny ]

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On ZUIDERDAM, for the first time, we actually heard "women and children first" in regard to boarding lifeboats.

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This is the norm on ALL HAL ships - don't the other ships do this? We hear it every time we attend lifeboat drill. You don't have to agree with them - this is their policy and you darned well better follow it.
Lifeboat drill is a serious matter - not some big party. HAL has experienced a lifeboat emergency twice, Prinsendam and Wind Song, and they take this matter VERY seriously.

It makes me so angry when passengers arrive at lifeboat drill in high heels, laughing and drinking and think it is a big joke. Those that do this would be the first to panic in a real emergency.

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Originally posted by sympatico:

It makes me so angry when passengers arrive at lifeboat drill in high heels, laughing and drinking and think it is a big joke. Those that do this would be the first to panic in a real emergency.

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I know what you mean. I have often thought that in an emergency I would stay in my cabin until all those yahoos were off loaded. I'd rather leave with the crew.

While I liked this approach, this was Disney's first year and they use entertainment staff at the muster station which didn't give me the same feeling of confidence I get with HAL where there is almost always a trained seaman or officer nearby.

The absolute worst was on Carnival's Fascination. Here's a description of the drill from a Cruise News article I wrote back in 1999.

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The cruise fare included unlimited free drinks and many of the passengers on board seemed determined to take full advantage of the situation by making the bars their first stop after boarding the ship. Unfortunately, at the time only two of the Fascination's bars were open and the staff was quickly overwhelmed by angry mobs of thirsty passengers.

The open bar environment contributed to one of the most unorganized and unruly lifeboat drills we've ever seen. Many passengers failed to don their life jackets and continued drinking throughout the drill.

Carnival officers and staff seemed ill prepared to deal with the situation and the drill ended without the customary roll call for each lifeboat and some passengers never having been directed to their lifeboat station.

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Originally posted by sympatico:
This is the norm on ALL HAL ships - don't the other ships do this?

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Most of them don't. Princess doesn't even have a "real" lifeboat drill - it is held indoors in the lounges! Their philosophy is that all pax meet up at the lounges where the crew will escort you to the lifeboats.

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Originally posted by joe at travelpage:
Disney also does this and they have the group line up with the men in the back, women in front of them and small children in front of them.

While I liked this approach,

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Originally posted by cruiseny:

What makes that such a great approach? I can see putting small children in front, but what about the women/men difference?

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Originally posted by M.S.Grumple:
We're the weaker sex don't you know and need tender, loving care.

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Originally posted by PamM:
I'd prefer my husband went before me, I'm a far stronger swimmer if need be.

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LOL .

Seriously, this is just what I mean. "Ladies first" may be common courtesy when taking orders in a restaurant, but evacuating a ship?

On an airplane, if it crashes into the water (and doesn't go right under - let's say it floats, like they show in the little "emergency booklet") do they make the men wait for all the women to be evacuated out the exits first?

What about women flight attendants?

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Originally posted by cruiseny:

What makes that such a great approach? I can see putting small children in front, but what about the women/men difference?

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Wait until you get married, then you will understand.

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Originally posted by cruiseny:
Sorry, I just don't see the point here. "Families with children first" would be much more appropriate than "women and children first" IMHO.

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Not that it matters to me but now you are not being political correct. Why should lives of families with children go first over a life of a person that does not have a family or children (or just not onboard) Lives are just as equally precious family or not.

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Originally posted by Onno:
Not that it matters to me but now you are not being political correct. Why should lives of families with children go first over a life of a person that does not have a family or children (or just not onboard) Lives are just as equally precious family or not.

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The reason I say this is that people with small children are much more likely to need assistance and it would be best to get them out of the way first!

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Originally posted by PamM:

LOL Young kids tend to look more to their mother's for comfort when needed.

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Originally posted by PamM:
[QB]
I'd prefer my husband went before me, I'm a far stronger swimmer if need be./QB]

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I would not imagine swimming ability would play any part in your survival, if you were on a sinking ship?

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
I would not imagine swimming ability would play any part in your survival, if you were on a sinking ship?

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This helps prevent panic as he mentions too, besides cutting down on potential hypothermia and allowing the crew to prepare the equipment without having panicy passengers in the way.

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Originally posted by gohaze:
I'm surprised that HAL is still mustering at the Boat Stations.

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
How sexist Pam , especially with all of the one parent famalies around today, the parent may well not be a woman!

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
I would not imagine swimming ability would play any part in your survival, if you were on a sinking ship?
(Yes, it's argue with Pam night! )

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Originally posted by annnthony:
Princess "muster stations" indoors have been in effect for over a year...

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