CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has implemented an alternative approach to its mandatory pre-departure safety exercise, modifying its muster drill procedure on certain sailings. Before a cruise ship can depart, all passengers must complete a muster drill, a critical safety briefing required by maritime regulations. Traditionally, this involved large groups assembling at designated stations, donning life jackets, and listening to an extended safety presentation. However, this format was largely replaced across the industry in 2021, as cruise lines introduced self-mustering procedures in response to pandemic-related social distancing measures.
Carnival Cruise Line’s current standard for safety briefings involves a self-mustering process. Under this approach, passengers visit their assigned muster station at their convenience during embarkation, where a crew member provides a life jacket demonstration. Additional safety instructions are conveyed through video presentations played throughout the ship. This modernized format has been well received, and Carnival has maintained that it has no plans to reinstate the traditional muster drill as a standard procedure.
Despite this, the cruise line has advised that on select sailings, a full in-person muster drill will be conducted shortly before departure. This decision aligns with regulatory requirements, ensuring that crew members receive periodic training in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Carnival has communicated to booked passengers that while most sailings will continue to follow the self-mustering model, certain departures will include a full safety drill. Passengers scheduled on affected voyages will be notified in advance via email to ensure clarity regarding embarkation procedures.