The Muster Drill on a Cruise

Ten minutes on day one that every guest must complete.

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The muster drill is the one cruise activity nobody is allowed to skip. It teaches every guest, before the ship gets far from port, where to go and what to do if the captain ever sounds the general emergency alarm. On most ships it now takes only a few minutes.

What the Rules Require

The international SOLAS convention sets the requirement. Since amendments that took effect in January 2015, newly embarked passengers on international voyages must be mustered before or immediately on departure, replacing an older rule that allowed up to 24 hours. Passengers must also receive a safety briefing immediately before or immediately after departure. Posters, cards and videos may support the briefing but may not replace it.

How a Muster Drill on a Cruise Works Now

Traditionally, everyone gathered at their assembly station at a set time, wearing life jackets, for a roll call. Flag administrations have since approved newer protocols that meet the same requirement without assembling everyone at once. On most large ships today the muster drill on a cruise looks like this:

Watch the safety video in the line’s app or on your cabin television.
Walk to your assigned assembly station (it is printed on your key card or app).
Check in with a crew member, who scans your card and answers questions.
Listen to the short briefing on the alarm, life jackets and what happens next.

Lifeboat secured on its davit on a passenger ship — Your assembly station is near the lifeboat area you would use.

The ship records who has completed the drill. Inspectors check that muster is completed and recorded before departure.

The Signal to Remember

The general emergency alarm is seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast. If you hear it, go to your assembly station — do not return to your cabin first unless the crew tells you to. Crew members in high-visibility vests direct guests along marked routes; elevators are not used in an emergency.

Muster Drill Tips

Do it as soon as you board, before lunch, so it is done and the lines are short.
Walk the route from your cabin to your station once, and count the doors.
Families: agree a meeting plan for children who are in the kids’ club.
If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility or hearing, tell the line before sailing and the crew at check-in.
Keep your key card with you; it shows your station and is used to record you.

Travelers with mobility needs will find more on assistance at sea at Accessible Ocean Cruises.

Muster Drill Questions

Is the muster drill mandatory?

Yes. International rules require newly embarked passengers to be mustered before or immediately on departure, and lines will not let you skip it. Missing it can mean being called back to complete it.

Do I need to bring my life jacket to the muster drill?

On most modern ships, no; life jackets are usually stored at the muster station or in your cabin, and the crew show you how to put one on. Follow your line’s instructions for your ship.

What is the emergency signal on a cruise ship?

Seven or more short blasts, then one long blast, sounded on the whistle and the alarm bells. Your safety briefing plays or describes it so you will recognize it.

First Cruise? Ask Us Anything

Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise explain embarkation day, the muster drill and everything after it, and send free quotes.

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