In spite of the current popularity of e-muster drills, which were implemented as part of the COVID protocols by all major lines, NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings decided to go back to the old way.
The company released the following announcement:
"The safety of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. We continuously evaluate our procedures for providing detailed instructions on safety and security measures to our guests, and as such have made the decision to reinstate synchronized muster drills on embarkation day across all vessels within the fleet."
Starting immediately, Norwegian will re-establish a synchronized collection drill on all cruise ships in its fleet on the day of embarkation. That means waiting for all passengers to assemble at their assigned stations and read the safety instructions.
The change will apply to every NCLH-owned vessel in the fleets of NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania.
In November 2022, DCL-Disney became the first major cruise company to return to traditional charters. They cited security problems/non-compliance with passengers.
According to the IMO-International Maritime Organization, a passenger safety drill has to be conducted before a ship leaves its home port.