To Cruise Or Not To Cruise

To cruise or not to cruise, this seems to be the latest travel debate. The media have jumped on the Carnival Cruise Lines mishap this past week showcasing everything and anything that can go wrong on a cruise vacation. How fair have the media been to Carnival's "Fun Ships?" One major media outlet could not even get the fact straight about other cruise lines related to Carnival. Is it fair to let sensationalism of the media reign over rationality?

Take into consideration the fact the ship did reach a safe port with all passengers aboard and no serious illness or injuries reported. They also sought out one of the Truimph's sister ships cruising in the same vicinity to render aid with more food and other supplies for the crippled ship.

According to CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), the number of cruise line passengers has risen to over 17.6 million, over 10 million guests between the years 2000 through 2013. All of these people can't be wrong! Ships have become floating cities with passenger capicities reaching well over 2,000. Some passengers elect to stay aboard while in the ports of call to enjoy the amenities onboard. More ships are being built and expect to be debuted in the next two years, Carnival included.

If one thinks about the accidents reported for cruises lines, statistically they are very low. There are more road vehicle accidents (cars, buses, trucks, etc.) each year. Within the past few weeks, several motorcoach accidents have been reported, some with serious injuries and deaths. They were just a glimmer in the media's eye. With close to 1,100 ships sailing from North American ports, it is almost surprising more incidences with mechanical failures do not occur. Then again, the US Coast Guard inspections are very strict. Ships can be inspected up to 60 times a year for areas including environmental, safety and health (CLIA Issues and Facts 2011).

Yes, passengers as well as crew were very inconvenienced and uncomfortable. Due to the distance from a safe land destination and the condition of the seas, the attempt to disembark over 2,000 people to another vessle could have proved catestrophic. The crew does deserve recognition for making sure the engine fire did not spread and cause additional damage to the ship. The CEO and other executives at Carnival also merit some credit for not trying to keep the media in the dark. Their comments to the media were made after they had all of the facts. They acted quickly to make sure once the passengers arrived safely at the first available port, they were transferred efficiently to hotels and / or chartered flights. Additionally all passengers will be fully refunded plus an additional $500.00 and a full credit for a future cruise. Some reports place the cost of this event to Carnival well over 80 million dollars.

While the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) investigates the engine fire, the Carnival Triumph will be in dock. Cruises for the ship have been canceled until April.

And with this in mind, thousands of people are arriving at the piers this weekend for their cruise. Perhaps they are thinking about this in the back of their minds. However, they are most likely looking forward to the ports awaiting their arrival, relaxation, good food and fun. Along with my colleagues in the travel industry, I wish them all a bon voyage.