Royal Caribbean reinvents safety drills with Muster 2.0

Royal Caribbean is introducing a new way for guests to complete the required ship safety drill without having to gather with other guests. It’s called Muster 2.0.

By Niamh Larkin

The key elements of the safety drill, as well as a review of what to expect, where to head during an emergency, and how to operate a life jacket properly, are all included in their Muster 2.0 app. eMuster is a new technology that links to a mobile phone and stateroom TV, allowing guests to complete the safety drill on their own time before setting sail.

Guests are responsible for reviewing the information and then heading to their designated assembly point on their own time, where they will check in with a crew member who will assure all steps have been completed. All safety procedures will have to be reviewed before departure, as is required by international maritime law.

Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Richard Fain, said “The fact that this will also save guests time and allow the ship to operate without pause means that we can increase health, safety and guest satisfaction simultaneously.”

This update to the safety drill is the first large change to safety procedures, or muster drills, in 10 years. The last change was the relocation of life jackets from guest staterooms to muster points, which was introduced to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas ship, and then followed industry-wide.

Royal Caribbean stated that Muster 2.0 has been developed over the last year and is in partnership with Healthy Sail Panel to develop future innovative protocols and procedures.

The Muster 2.0 procedure was tested on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas in January. According to Royal Caribbean, guests who took part in the trial procedure favored the new approach and retained the safety information better than the traditional muster drill.

Royal Caribbean is offering to license this technology to other cruise lines including; TUI Cruises GmbH, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Frank Del Rio, the President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line stated “[Muster 2.0 is] exactly what our industry needs during these unprecedented times and we appreciate the generous offer to participate in this innovation”.

Due to the global pandemic, Royal Caribbean has suspended most sailings through Sept. 15, 2020. Sailings from China are suspended through the end of July, and sailings to Bermuda are suspended through Oct. 31, 2020. More information can be found at royalcaribbean.com.