Hi Everyone!
How many of you enjoy going on cruises? During the cold winter months here in Chicago, people book cruises to get away from the ice, cold and snow. It is great to leave Chicago in December, head to a cruise Port of Call and after a few days or a week lying on deck in the hot sun, come back to the Windy City relaxed with a beautiful deep tan while everyone else is walking around dressed head to toe in layers.
I am not a cruise person but it is amazing the number of people who enjoy them as their only means of vacationing. However, over the past year or so, it appears that people are taking cruises for another reason.
During 2008-2009, there have been quite a few people that have gone overboard on cruise ships. The latest was New Years Eve when a 23 year old woman was reported missing from Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. The ship was headed from Nassau to CocoCay. Security camera footage showed the woman jumping overboard from the 11th deck. After two days and 3,725 miles of trying to find the young woman, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search.
After doing a little internet research, it appears that between 2008 and 2009, at least 28 people have started off on a cruise but didn’t come back in the same condition they were in when the ship left port, if at all.
Every time one of these reports hits the news, Ja’Vonne and I have discussions on what responsibility, if any, does the cruise lines have to insure the safety of all their passengers.
Should they take away the balcony rooms on ships? It was reported that and elderly couple booked a cabin with a balcony. They allegedly locked the door from the inside and jumped from the balcony into the ocean. Perhaps they should put netting up on all decks so that people can’t jump from the ship into the water? Should cruise ships post more security on all the decks so that if anyone goes near the railing they are stopped? What would this mean for the other passengers who are just on a cruise to relax and have a good time?
I’m interested in hearing from you. What do you think?
Don’t forget to mark your calendars to tune into The Traveling Eye Travel Radio Program heard every Friday from 11 AM – Noon, Central Time on The Talk of Chicago 1690 WVON or on the web at www.wvon.com. Ja’Vonne and I cover all topics that involve travel.
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!
Bonnie DeShong
www.thetravelingeye.com
www.thetravelingeye@blogspot.com