Cruise ships are really like floating hotels; they have everything you need from food to entertainment, to areas to relax.
Just like buildings, they have some risks, and one in particular is more frightening than the others: fire!
In case of fire, if you were in a normal building, you would immediately go out into the street. Unfortunately, this is not possible when the ship is out to sea, that is why prevention is so important.
In this article, we are going to look at what can cause a fire on a cruise, how cruise lines prepare for this potential scenario, and what you should do in case of an emergency.
Recent statistics on cruise ship fires
If we consider the large number of cruise ships that travel our seas, the number of fires on board is actually not that high.
According to an official report, the average is about one major fire per year.
Nowadays, most incidences are relatively minor thanks to prevention, safety regulations, and crew training.
One of the most serious fires occurred in 1934 on board the SS Morro Castle, a luxury ocean liner operated by the Ward Line.
The fire broke out in a storage locker and rapidly spread through the ship. The exact cause was never determined, but it is suspected to be arson.
137 passengers and crew members died, and the tragedy led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including improvements in fire detection, alarm systems, and lifeboat drills.
Preparing for the Worst
The most important thing to do is to be prepared for emergency situations.
Fortunately, emergency drills are mandatory on all cruise ships, so as soon as you get on the ship you will have to take part in them.
As I explained in the article on the 10 things you won’t be able to do on cruises anymore, the drills have changed a lot in recent years and many cruise lines have switched to e-drills that are much easier to complete.
Familiarize Yourself with the Ship Layout
While the ship’s crew handles the operational aspects, it’s important for passengers to familiarize themselves with the ship’s layout.
Make sure you know well where your assembly point is, and of course the evacuation routes to reach it.
Pack Smart
In addition, if you wanna be extra safe, keep important documents and medications accessible, so that you can easily take them with you.
And pack some items to can be useful in case of emergencies such as a flashlight and a portable charger.
You can find other items in the list of the 43 things people always forget to pack for a cruise.
Immediate Actions if a Fire Breaks Out
Now comes the trickiest part: what should you do in case of fire on a cruise ship?
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Keeping calm in these situations is crucial. You must remain clear-headed to be able to do the best thing and avoid making mistakes.
I know it is not easy in certain situations, but knowing what to do in advance will definitely help you gain more confidence.
Alerting Crew and Fellow Passengers
If you are the first to see the fire, the very first thing to do is definitely to alert the crew.
On the ship, there may be some emergency push buttons and switches. For some of them, you have to break the glass and push the button, while others can be simply activated by moving a lever.
If you cannot find the emergency button, look for a crew member and alert nearby passengers so they can help you.
Cruise lines might use different codes in case of emergency, in this article you can see the 13 code words you never want to hear on a cruise ship.
Following Crew Instructions
If the crew is already aware of the situation, you should do nothing but follow their instructions.
As we have already said, they do periodic training and simulations, and they will be familiar with what to do.
In addition, listen to messages and directions that are given through the public address system.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
There are also some common mistakes that some people make and you should avoid.
First of all, don’t think you can solve the situation by yourself. You must always warn someone when you see fire on board.
Second, do not make hasty decisions on your own; always listen to the crew’s directions. For example, you should never get into the lifeboats unless specifically instructed.
In addition, avoids dangerous behavior that could lead to the development of a fire.
Do not smoke in areas where it is prohibited, do not cover cabin smoke detectors, and do not bring prohibited items on board that heat or could cause a short circuit.
Before you depart, check the list of prohibited items that are confiscated on a cruise. Also, remember that behaviors that endanger the safety of the ship or other passengers may result in you being banned from the cruise ship.
Reassurance and Encouragement
To conclude this article I would just like to reassure you about everything we have talked about.
As I have already told you, serious cruise fires nowadays are very rare. In most cases, there have been minor fires that are easily controlled.
All larger cruise ships have a team of firefighters on board who are always ready to intervene and who also perform preventive actions.
Enjoy the cruise and just make sure you don’t do the prohibited things in a cruise cabin.
