The Cruise Ship Accident That Changed The Industry Forever

[@MinneapolisDavid]

I was a senior officer on the island Princess when this happened. And yes - Princess crew have been, are and will continue to be - very well trained for emergencies.

[@TooMuchLuggage]

Nice to hear. Thank you

[@kennethschlegel870]

i was always looking for the doors marked for fire equipment on my cruise last week, Navy and volunteer firefighter habits.

[@calliedaly1940]

Incredible story.

[@Texan4Trump84]

Hmm yet your name is not posted as a previous employee nor does your channel have a single video about the incident nor the cruise industry period. Ya I hit the BS button. Sorry bro.

[@ryanjofre]

Thankyou for your post/comments Ignore the troll & God Speed.

[@julieharrison2795]

I was on that voyage. Everything she says in this video is accurate. The entire crew was AMAZING and everything was handled calmly, professionally and efficiently. I have continued to cruise on Princess and I have nothing but good things to say about them.

[@glxssyrxse]

Really? Was it good what happened?

[@aaroncousins4750]

​@@glxssyrxsethat was ur takeaway....

[@skycaptain3344]

The worst enemy of both ships and aircraft - fire. Great video, I had never heard of this before. Sad to hear one passenger died, but looking at the damage, it’s surprising that was all.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yeah it really is. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@johnnyhollis9977]

Amazing to think now that hydrogen filled airships actually allowed smoking on board!!!😱

[@paperroses7615]

The smoker should be arrested for manslaughter especially because they know who and what cabin started it

[@lars7935]

Just before water. And land

[@unacceptablerobyngeorge2122]

They don,t even no who it was so how do they know it was a cigarette but, you have no idea, it could have been anything

[@semcf_h2p]

I was aboard when this happened. It was NUTS. The fire stopped just a few rooms from us (on deck 11 I think). I can still smell this memory, if that makes sense.

[@andrewscasualmtb]

I know what you mean. I've been in a smoking burning house before and that smell is just so unique. There's nothing else really like it. Plus with the little bit of fear that you do have definitely stays with you forever.

[@paperroses7615]

They should have arrested and charge the smoker with manslaughter and for damages for the 🚢 ship sued them 🔥⚡

[@emryspaperart]

@@paperroses7615 they were never even able to confirm that it WAS a cig butt as the cause - only that it was the most logical situation. how do you propose they'd have arrested the smoker, Sherlock?

[@karrybosco7966]

where did you go to get away from the fire and smoke?

[@MikeydeLaraCovers]

I’ve become a fan of your channel in a short time for many reasons, but mostly because I worked on ships as an entertainer for about 5 years. The one thing that was expressed in every drill, every safety class (and I had to take one that went on for about a month) was there is nothing more dangerous on a ship than a fire. Whenever someone makes a comment that fire or smoking isn’t a big deal, I want to break out a giant whiteboard and do the math for them: If the boat sinks, we can get on lifeboats. If boat burns up, so does our lifeboats. Therefore, way worse. On one ship, we did have a fire and the head safety officer was first on the scene. And when a man that in charge and confident openly expressed to the class how the smoke disoriented him and the firefighters saved him, it freaked all of us out. It doesn’t take a lot to stand behind your statement. The entire cruise industry is behind you.

[@DimaRakesah]

That makes a lot of sense, though. Smoke on a closed space like a ship is really hard to avoid. I can imagine that just the layouts of ships make fires even more difficult to manage, and it's not like the fire department can show up!

[@RobMedellin]

If the boat sinks then so does the lifeboats (unless it sinks slowly). If the boat burns then so do the lifeboats, unless of course it burns slowly. So very similar. It depends on the "power" of each event, you can't say fires are worst than crashes. Having said that, I don't smoke and don't defend smokers and I'm all up for banning smoking in balconies and actually even in other parts where it's still allowed but won't fight for that to happen.

[@MikeydeLaraCovers]

Again, just going off what I the crew and staff are taught. In the event of a sinking, unless catastrophic:act of god level, you’ll have time to man the life boats. That much I’m confident in. Fires, however, can get out of hands way quicker.

[@AgentPepsi1]

You know, as a non-smoker myself, I have understanding for smokers. Yet, most smokers do not have understanding for my viewpoints. If there is someone smoking next door, or on the balcony, the stench does impact me and diminish my experience, even though the smoker may not be aware that others are impacted by their activities. Speaking of fires: I experienced one a flight from Atlanta to Gulfport (Mississippi). Someone was smoking in the restroom and they managed not only to set-off the smoke alarms, but also catch the waste paper compartment on fire. The elderly woman was promptly arrested by federal authorities upon landing in Gulfport, and rightfully so.

[@paulamorris9981]

Did you really?

[@marydungan6748]

I agree with no smoking on balconies because it does bother other people. I once had a balcony room that ended up being downwind from the outside smoker's area, so I was not able most of the time to enjoy my balcony.

[@declissonolivier9376]

@@tpkyterooluebeck9224 Ayatollah against smokers. Keep going on!! I love cuban cigars, i smoke on a balcony. I don't like inquisition, so i don't like you.

[@einfachnurleo7099]

That's the thing though. Smokers are often unaware about their surroundings because they are egoistical and simply don't care. So yeah. Give them a space or two to smoke but don't let them bother and harm the rest of the passangers.

[@iam_odyssey8924]

I vape and I usually try to be as far away from other people as possible. You don't really have that luxury on a ship unfortunately. Last time I was on a cruise though it was so windy that nobody was really capable of enjoying the balconies in a leisurely way, going there to smoke made the most sense to me.

[@ecdubytecdubyt]

Very sad someone died. It's a testament to the skill of the captain and crew that there weren't even more fatalities. Happy to hear that person's death prompted positive changes throughout the cruise industry. Thanks for the educational video!

[@MichaelBeeny]

Given an option of a completly non smoking ship, it would be my choice 100%

[@traceyhuntstreasure2890]

Same. I quit ten years ago and cannot tolerate the smell.

[@breestella]

As a smoker, I don’t mind having to go to a designated area. It makes it safer and you don’t get issues with other people cause if they can’t stand the smoke they can just steer clear! It makes sense

[@sorryifoldcomment8596]

Yeah, I'd rather go to a designated area where I know everyone is cool with it.

[@iammedusa2600]

@@sorryifoldcomment8596 me too!

[@colinjones5100]

It is just plain rude to expect cruise lines and non smoking passengers to have to accomodate you smokers. You CANNOT smoke on a plane or ANYWHERE in the airport. You CANNOT smoke in shopping centres or restaurants. We all know it is bad for you and everyone around.

[@breestella]

@@colinjones5100 lol it was never expected, and if cruise lines wanna go that route they have every right to- but they aren’t because a lot of Americans and Europeans smoke and they want everyone’s money regardless 😂

[@nobodyschild2707]

@@colinjones5100same can be said for drinking

[@rickcudmore8156]

I remember this incident as I was working for the Class Society which surveyed these vessels. This became a regular part of our training in Houston, TX, especially the box construction and the flammables used at that time. Many safety regulations were implemented as a result of the fire and a sprinkler system on the balconies became standard. Great review.

[@EmmaCruises]

That’s good!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dougdavidson3260]

Thank you for sharing this. As a cigar and pipe smoker I completely support the ban of smoking in cabins and on balconies. It is a danger especially when mixed with alcohol consumption which we know is frequent on a cruise. I will contend that cruise lines need to provide a cigar/smoker's lounge on their vessels. A small exterior area that was an afterthought is not really a fair consideration and does allow for secondhand smoke to flow to adjacent areas. I know the amount of smokers is declining and that's good. I also understand that square footage and it's usage is a premium on a ship. The cruise line wishes to look at how it can be best used to turn a greater profit. I just feel a private interior area is better for not only smokers but non smokers as well.

[@neilspencer6843]

When I went on QM2, they had Churchills cigar lounge, which was a great, safe area to smoke, but they built it in such a way great for social interaction also. They had many other smoking areas on the ship also but this was by far the best

[@grey6703]

i guess it’s been a few years since i cruised, but every time i would walk through the casino, the cigarette smoke was overwhelming. i was shocked to hear it’s not allowed

[@neawashington5061]

I agree. I am not a smoker but my spouse is a pipe and cigar smoker. On a HAL cruise to Alaska there was one covered area outside near the pool for smokers. Not great when it is cold and rainy and made us feel that it was an afterthought . A comfortable interior area would have been better.

[@BeckyMarshallDesign]

There was a cigar room on the MSC Armonia. Unfortunately the forward staircase and surrounding areas were permeated by the scent of stale smoke several decks up :(

[@skylineuk1485]

A lot of ships do have a smoker lounge now which smokers love as they get to chat with others. We don’t smoke ourselves but I always felt it would be fun just to go in for a chat lol. One guy we saw always seemed to end up in it constant laughing and chatting with others lol. On a serious note why are the companies not forced to make everything fire retardant including balcony furniture?

[@verycurious9716]

I am very allergic to cigarettes and have asthma. I had the test done on my arm. It burnt like crazy. People do mot appreciate the balcony situation. Emma in another vlog said that balcony prices are significantly higher than non balcony prices. They are paying for the view outside, not to be assulted by cigarette smoke. Keep cracking on Emma and thank you and thank you for your informative vlogs.

[@ronnymcdonald2543]

Close yr door then. life doesn't revolve around yr wishes.

[@seank218]

“My revolting habit is more important than the health and safety of others. I’m ok with the risk of starting a fire because I’m weak-willed and can’t go a week without smoking.”

[@LV_223]

@@ronnymcdonald2543 the word doesn’t revolve around your poor judgement and addictions either.

[@bleukreuz]

It's all fun and games until you got terminal lung cancer and emphysema.

[@57thorns]

@@ronnymcdonald2543 Stop smoking then, life does not revolve around you, Karen R Mcdonald.

[@njf1410]

You mention how breakfast was ready for the passengers so soon after the incident. I have a similar story. I was on the cruise ship that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia in 2005. It started at about 5:45am. Two rockets were fired at, and hit, the ship but, fortunately did not explode. It was very newsworthy at the time. One of the many things I remember was how it was handled by the crew. We were first told to stay in our cabins for our own safety. After about half an hour and before it was all over, we were told to muster in the dining room. Everyone was still in their nightwear and as we entered the dining room, the crew were already there passing out tea, coffee and cookies. You could see they were as shocked as the passengers but still performed their duties and tried to keep a calm atmosphere to prevent anyone panicking. I still have my photos of the time (peeking through closed curtains), including those I got of the pirates and their rocket launcher.

[@happytraveller2122]

I've had that also. I think it was on Aegean Odyssey..going through the China Sea from bornio to Vietnam.. We were asked to say inside for that period. Nothing happened but they were being cautious

[@CCB249]

Wow! This would scare the wits out of me!

[@grondhero]

I believe that's the story I saw on Discovery or History Channel years ago. The cruise ship used a sonic weapon to deter the pirates. The documentary never mentioned the after effects and how the crew (aside from bridge and those manning the sonic weapon) responded afterwords. Glad to hear all is well and that they didn't panic!

[@njf1410]

@@grondhero Yes, that's the one. And it's the only time I have ever seen a cruise ship Captain come into the dining room in his pyjamas and dressing gown. Of course, half an hour later he was in his full uniform.

[@andylane247]

@Henry Horner Well that worked in Vietnam...

[@JessieBanana]

I also find that smokers are pretty willfully ignorant about how smoke travels. In my apt building if you have a balcony you are not allowed to smoke on it and every year a new person moves in who smokes in the apt close to mine I wake up coughing to smoke filtering into my apt. It’s literally the only complaint I ever make to management.

[@allisonkrueger8330]

Some people have zero respect for neighbors, my mom and a neighbor were both woken up at like 4 in the morning by a young couple fighting and running down the halls (yes complaints were made to management)

[@johannesbols57]

Willfully ignorant sums it up. Their second hand smoke is breathed by the innocent.

[@bguerra4]

Nearest I came to committing murder was the time someone two floors above was dropping cigarette ash on my balcony

[@cerealrakist7360]

Smoking is legal so stfu and deal with it or stay at home 😂

[@jphwife]

Agreed. I have asthma and cigarette smoke is one of my biggest triggers. I don’t want to end up hospitalized because someone is determined to light up their cancer sticks. Good luck to them later in life, not being able to breathe is a terrible thing.

[@margaretobrien656]

Agree completely! Way too dangerous especially when you're way out at sea!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@SandyToes75]

Just caught this one Emma. Fabulous job explaining the fire on Princess. I remember this horrific event, had some great friends that were moved to hotel, lost their cabin contents, had insurance and still praise Crew to this day. This is one of those events that need to be remembered so it is not repeated.

[@betsy6046]

Great job with the Why! Many smokers I know just flip their cigarette butts away or out a car window when done with them. I am always afraid of them setting a dry area on fire...grass fires etc. I couldn't imagine them stopping that habit for a cruise. I definitely don't want to be around smokers anywhere on a cruise ship.

[@EmmaCruises]

Eek!!! I do wonder where people think they go… 🤔❤️

[@MidoriFlygon]

i work at a store, at least a half dozen times during the summer months someone throws their cigarette butt into the mulch around the bushes at the front of the store and it catches fire. like, i dont understand how people dont think "hmmm hot dry small pieces wood kindling and a still burning cigarette.... what could go wrong?"

[@EsotericRavenclaw]

I live in Colorado and wildfires alone make me nervous when smoking. I put my butts in a bottle with water to have peace of mind, or bring my ashtray inside.

[@blueoctopus6]

@@omegacon4 a bit of a rude response! I think Emma DOES get it, but she is POLITELY pointing out the reasons why. Getting angry and judgemental with smokers is much less likely to change their actions.

[@yegfreethinker]

@@omegacon4 excuse me? Stop vilifying all smokers. I smoke but I'm extremely careful with my butts. One can't generalize for all people because of bad apples who are careless.

[@sjuas690]

Reminds me of the flammable cladding used on Grenfell Tower. The flammable materials used on the ships balconies allowed the fire to spread over the outside of the ship with the heat from the fire breaking the windows thus spreading the fire to the inside of the cabins.

[@vanceb1]

I'm retired from the USCG and was a Marine Inspector for over 20 years. The USCG does regular exams of foreign flag commercial vessels including cruise ships. One of the things we pay close attention to is firefighting and fire prevention. We would often have a fire drill involving the crew. You could tell they were well trained and exercised. We would also check equipment such as the fire screen doors that Emma commented on. The only time we ever had a problem with those was when they had just installed new carpet. They would sometimes get hung up on the new carpet. Other than that, they always worked. Bottom line: fire at sea is extraordinarily dangerous but cruise ships and their crews are well equipped to deal with them. The only problem I ever had was when I asked one of the crew to take a portable fire extinguisher out so I could take a look at it. Do they sometimes have language difficulties on cruise ships? Yes. He misunderstood what I wanted. He took the thing out and discharged it all over the deck. Oops...

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh dear! 😅❤️

[@EmmaCruises]

That’s really interesting, thanks for sharing 😊

[@zuzuspetals9281]

My niece was on this ship when this happened. She said it was quite frightening because it was at night and at first she didn’t understand what was happening as she had to wait until the announcement language loop came around to English. Meanwhile she was dressing and when she opened her door the hallway was filled with smoke. They all went to a central location and it took hours for every name to be called to account for passengers and prepare to leave the ship. She said the crew was calm and it helped keep her calm, but the worse part was she already knew a man had died and felt bad about it. She hasn’t cruised since. It was really difficult for me to take my first cruise after her experience so my sister planned one that stayed close to the East Coast of the US, and with lovely weather I enjoyed it.

[@EmmaCruises]

Really?! I would have thought English would be the primary language? Doesn’t sound like a fun experience either way!, hope she’s okay. ❤️

[@karrybosco7966]

how'd she make it out of the smoky hallway?

[@megeraashley7777]

I took a cruise with princess the same year but in November with my ex boyfriend & his family for his 21st birthday. The only reason we went is because his sister worked for Princess at the time & we all got awesome deals. I do remember they were very very adamant about announcing that there was no smoking on your balcony to the point that it was almost overkill. Now I know why.

[@Frank83702]

I clearly remember the brief shipboard firefighting training we had at Treasure Island naval station when I was in boot camp in the Coast Guard (some 40+ years ago). What I remember most was thinking "I hope I never have to fight a fire on a real ship at sea." As comparatively small and controlled as that diesel fire was in that small, enclosed space it was enough to make me a serious believer. I'm also struck by passengers who take light or are annoyed by crew drills. Personally, I thank God every time they drill. Ships' crews need to be so engrained with their necessary responses in time of emergency that they just react and turn-to their assigned duties. An emergency at sea is no time to be trying to remember what to do. They drill to keep the rest of us alive. Emma, thanks for the very thoughtful way you presented this oh so important topic. I had never heard of this incident before and the effort you took lay out the simple facts, with the usual KZbin melodrama is commendable. Well done.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Doug, a tricky one but I tried my best! 😀❤️

[@christinebarr7687]

Very informative Emma. I would not be happy to be on a cruise line that allowed smoking, principally due to the safety issues, but I would also not like to be in a cabin where someone had previously smoked as there would likely be the residual smell of smoke.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yeah, thankfully none of of the lines that allow smoking on their balconies allow it in cabins anymore ❤️❤️

[@ElloImNoodle]

The carnival Mardi Gras had like 3-4 smoking areas I don’t smoke but I still went there cause it’s a good place of the ship but now they have two combined casinos a smoking side and non the non with more air circulation and the smoking side probaly has some extra fire prevention

[@dawnstinnett2719]

@@ElloImNoodle L

[@Banshee_Queen]

Wah.

[@lottedunnell4642]

Smoking indoors in public has been banned for numerous years now. There would be NO way a person would be allowed to smoke in a cabin, any smokers would have to smoke out on deck in fresh air. I'm sure the smokers would rather not cruise with you on board, too.

[@10lauset]

Wonderful information. During the early part of the lockdown, another KZbinr who is an officer on an anchored ship along with others of his fleet saw and recorded for his viewers one of his sister ships on fire in a localized area similar to what you are preenting, and this was on an unoccupied ship. A fire on board a ship is very frightening with or without passengers and has happened before with very tragic results and docked or not. Thanks for bringing back to everyone's attention. ...Cheers...

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Yeshanu]

Thanks for this. If I ever take a cruise, I will take a serious look at Princess. I'm impressed with how they handled this incident. Exceptional customer service!

[@EmmaCruises]

☺️❤️ Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@sarahphillips295]

You are so right Emma. Besides sinking, a fire is the worst thing that could happen on a cruise ship. There’s no place to evacuate thousands of people except into lifeboats or rafts out into the middle of the open sea if something like this happens. It’s not worth the risk at all.

[@ianv-ttp1174]

Very interesting and well put together video Emma. I cruised on Star Princess in December of 2006 and was blissfully unaware of the fire until 2008. It still amazes me that I was on the ship 7 months after it returned to service and learned nothing about the fire for a further 18 months lol. I'm glad lessons were learned and smoking was restricted (until recently I was a smoker).

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes! Thanks Ian ❤️

[@robynharding4724]

It is about time cruise ships (cruise companies) banned smoking from all ships.

[@crystalrose7921]

Well said, you dont just go on about how smoking is stinking and the inconvenience of smoking in general. You're not judging smoking, you are simply speaking on behalf of safety and being responsible for the safety of the other cruisers. Because in the end, when out at sea or in the air, everyone is responsible for each others safety. Thank you.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Crystal! ❤️❤️

[@TooMuchLuggage]

Very true.

[@jayterry9759]

Smart of the captain to change course. These guys are brilliant

[@peterrimel8170]

Outstanding commentary on a very serious matter. Thank you. So sad that one human died.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much Peter ❤️

[@BNuts]

This was very well handled, and while people died, it could have easily been much worse. I have to say that I absolutely hate it when I'm walking or driving around, and I smell smoke. Smokers do not understand how long the particulates stay in the air, and how badly some people react whenever they smell or breathe them in. They may believe that they are not affecting others by smoking in their own spaces, or while walking or driving, but they do. Fortunately for myself, I am neither allergic or asthmatic, however I still go into coughing fits that do not stop until after I get clear. I can easily imagine how much worse it is for people who have allergies or other conditions. Please, smokers, be respectful, and only smoke in your own personal spaces or where designated, and please also dispose of the cigarette butts properly, and do not depend on time or nature to put them out. Thank you.

[@phann860]

Presumably when you drive around you couldn't care less about the fumes your car leaves in the air.

[@ampafime]

Thank you for making this video. I am sure it will discourage some people from breaking the rules.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much for the super thanks and your kind words, I really appreciate it. I hope so!! ❤

[@designx8693]

I want to thank you for all the cruise ship videos you make. You are very informative, and so nice to listen to.

[@pileofstuff]

I'm constantly amazed how self-entitled some smokers can be.

[@melreams2904]

I'm very late to seeing this video but I completely agree! Even if smoking wasn't a fire hazard, having to smell the second hand smoke is miserable for everyone with a balcony downwind of the smoker.

[@amalekedomite]

I'm constantly amazed at cruise ships not putting sprinklers on the balconies. Is it more or less self entilted to tell people they can't enjoy a smoke because it annoys you or to smoke on your balcony in the open air?

[@thesimslover82884]

@@amalekedomite I think it's more annoying to have 200 cabins be destroyed.

[@amalekedomite]

@@thesimslover82884 Which happened because: A) someone was smoking b) The cabins were not constructed of fire safe material C) no sprinklers installed. hmm.

[@thesimslover82884]

@@amalekedomite If someone hadn't been smoking, no fire would've occurred. Fire retardant, doesn't mean fireproof.

[@thedreamer121]

Im a smoker and 100% agree with you . I used to work for RCCL and fires on ships can be devastating .

[@glennstokes510]

It is good to know which ships still allow smoking on balconies. Won’t go on those ships.

[@caroubaer]

Not quite. TUI cruises doesn't allow smoking on the balconies, I've just cruised with them in 2019. They only allow it in one specific bar on the pool deckt aft.

[@PhilCatsea]

Agreed totally! We had the smoking area below us on the Celebrity Equinox. The smoke was so bad we couldn’t even sit out and enjoy our balcony. Celebrity was very understanding and actually gave us $600 future cruise credit for our inconvenience!

[@andreagriffiths3512]

In a house fire you have approx 3 minutes to get out - which is fine (mostly…sometimes you don’t get that lucky) because you’re on land. But a ship is floating and there’s nowhere to go unless a call for evacuation is sounded. It’s why fire systems are checked frequently and thoroughly and why people get so shitty with people who wedge open fire doors or block them. For anyone in any doubt about how dangerous fires can be, might I suggest the YT channel Fascinating Horror. I can assure you that after watching a few of those videos you won’t be so complacent about a cigarette butt.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yess!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@alyssarasmussen1723]

i actually had a fire in my apartment but it was caused by the living room TV... i dont remember exactly how many minutes i stayed in the house for when the fire started but i did remember going to my room immediately to cry on my bed for like a minute or so until i realized i had to get out of the apartment in which i did.. i wonder what would've happened if i stayed in my room :'(

[@mattcolver1]

We're Princess cruisers and never knew about this incident. Thanks for sharing. So glad they have made the balconies less combustible, put in sprinklers, and ban smoking on decks. However people will break the rules, so glad the balconies are more protected from fire now.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes! Definitely best to have everything covered ❤️

[@sammiegirl883]

My school adopted a highway and we use to clean up so many cigarette butts. I came to the conclusion that smokers don’t care about themselves so they don’t care about anyone or anything.

[@ronnymcdonald2543]

Yr conclusion is idiotic.

[@ajk496]

I have only called 911 twice in my life. The first time was when I spotted a mulch fire on the campus of my university. A grounds worker pulled up in his utility vehicle just as the 911 operator hung up with me, and stated that a passing motorist probably tossed a cigarette into the mulch. Fortunately, this plot of mulch was surrounded on all other sides by at least 6 feet of sidewalk, so it was well contained and the ladder truck that the fire department deployed was probably overkill. The second time I called 911 was about 24 hours later, in my hometown 9 miles away. It was another mulch fire, and it was too small by the time I got to it for the cause to have been anything bigger than a cigarette.

[@funbert01]

This particular incident that you mentioned here, I witnessed myself. It was the last day of our first cruise ever, 7 days on Aida cruises. I had my videocamera turned on when the ship entered the harbor. I was filming our entry from Aida's balcony and saw another ship anchored in the harbor. As I was panning from front to towards the back of the ship I saw something I could not believe. Parts of the ship was burnt, the steel was literally melted like lava. Later we found out about the tragedy which happened a few hours earlier. The fire started from outside and there was no way to fight from outside. As we went to the airport we noticed how busy it was with all the people from Princess who had to stop their vacation and were trying to fly back home. Back than it was a schock for us. On our first cruise we realized that fire is the biggest risk on a cruise. We went on more than 30 cruises since and I noticed that after this incident many cruise lines changed their smoking policies, from very strict, to, unfortunately some still allowing people to smoke on the balcony.

[@karenmays3219]

I was on this sailing with my family. Thank you Emma for a very accurate synopsis of the event. Our cabin was a balcony on the Lido deck and I saw the fire escalate quickly.

[@garykolo8650]

I have never been on a cruise ship but after 31 years of fighting fire this was very interesting. I have never thought about the fire suppression on a cruise ship.

[@poseidonrox95]

You don't think of it because you're surrounded by water, but fire has historically been devastating for sea vessels.

[@beckyhalvorsen2126]

I agree that smoking should not be allowed on a balcony. A) the fire hazard is very real and B) the smell of smoke doesn't stay contained on only their balcony.

[@mcruz2357]

I've heard of balcony fires on apartment or condo buildings. Smokers have discarded their cigarette butt over the side & the wind carried it to another balcony, starting a fire. I think that one of these fires resulted in the loss of life, the other damaged so severe that hundreds of residents were displaced for over a year. How much worse would it be if you were out at sea?

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@larrybrown1824]

On our last RC cruise, I was aggravated that I couldn't smoke my pipe. Not angry...just a bit aggravated. I only smoked it once or twice on a cruise, so it wasn't a big deal. Sitting on the balcony with a bowl, watching the sea slide by the ship, is a sublime pleasure. However, I didn't know about the fire you're telling us about here. I fully understand now!!! Thanks Emma.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Larry! 😀❤️

[@larrybrown1824]

@@Thewootanglife Just your presence would most like be enough to foul the air, no farting needed. Really man, think about the others too, not just yourself. Stay home.

[@dougdavidson3260]

I am also a pipe and cigar smoker. I find it relaxing. I just booked a cruise on MSC and chose a ship with a smoker's lounge. I have previously sailed Norwegian and enjoyed a cigar lounge on one of their vessels. I understand smoke is an annoyance to people and feel a small lounge is the answer and choose a ship based on it having one. Unfortunately those are becoming more rare. Forcing people to go to outside smoker areas where adjacent areas have second hand smoke and people look at you as if you are Satan's child as a smoker.

[@annettebyrd8259]

I was in Jamaica when this happened. I was staying at the Sunset Beach resort in Montego Bay(which is called something else now) celebrating my birthday. I could see the ship from my balcony. I took pics with my disposable digital camera. Does anyone remember those disposable digital cameras? It was crazy to see a burned up cruise ship. I didn't take my 1st cruise until 2011 on the Carnival Imagination. I've been hooked ever since😘🛳🍹🧳👓👙🏝🏖

[@caejacksonn]

So proud of you

[@tjfSIM]

Another great and informative video Emma, many thanks :) I wasn't actually aware of this incident but it's certainly good to know that steps have been taken to ensure it couldn't happen again. Unfortunately relying on people to comply with rules and behave sensibly is always going to be flawed logic.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yep ha ha! Humans ruin the best plans 😂❤️

[@colink2248]

Great video Emma!! Really enjoy what you do and your presentation. I often shake my head at the nasty comments that you, Tony, Don get. Keep you chin up! you do a great job and don't let the trolls get you down.

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha, thanks so much Colin. It’s impossible to say anything without some people disliking it, so it’s expected. As long as the good far outweighs the bad, I’m happy 😀

[@roseiramoreno8607]

So glad the smoking regulations have changed for the better. Second hand smoke can be as deadly as the smoke from a fire

[@larrybruce4856]

Although the smoking regulations have changed for the better, there are always going to be people who think the regulations are for everyone but them. I see it day after day at airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, where people light up a cigarette, or bring dogs in stores, and bring loaded handguns on planes.

[@Rachelhappyface]

Yep, on something like a cruise ship it makes total sense for smoking to only be allowed in areas where staff can supervise it. They have an entire ship to keep safe!

[@EmmaCruises]

So true! ❤️❤️

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@willgaukler8979]

... like " Smokers Room " at some airports ... aka the "Blue Room ...

[@TooMuchLuggage]

I agree with you.

[@IFlyHeliz]

We just got off the Majestic Princess and the smoke was horrible on our balcony on deck 14 from some other passenger, it was gross.

[@danielyeshe]

Regarding the original comment.. Smokers are so oblivious. If you smoke on the balconcy the smell carries. Also you can smell it on people which is worse in close quarters.

[@walkingcyclingcruisingaus]

Wow! I was a crew member with Princess Cruises for many years but left prior to this incident. I remember my very first contract in Alaska. A group of us went to "fire training school" for the day to learn how to put out a fire. I never had to do so, thankfully, but yes, Princess was very serious about fire safety even years before this incident.

[@baroquejen]

I would be absolutely furious if I had paid for a cabin with a balcony and couldn't enjoy it because someone was smoking on theirs near me. The smell of cigarette smoke is repulsive.

[@DimaRakesah]

Agreed! My husband has a heightened sense of smell and things like cigarette smoke and strong perfumes are nauseating to him.

[@Arzeena1990]

I would be furious if I paid good money to have a balcony where I can smoke to then be told i cant smoke there.

[@TickingClocks]

​@Arzeena1990 Thankfully that's only allowed on a few cruiselines, hopefully smokers would not go on the ones that do not allow smoking on balconies then do it anyway.

[@markej4801]

What a great explanation of the problem and solution! Thanks for your work producing these vids.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Mark ❤️

[@dannelson9354]

Smokers need to realize that their smoke is carried from their balcony to other balconies along the length of the ship due to the wind the ship experiences due to its movement. We have been "smoked out" numerous times on balconies when we can't even see smoke coming from any balcony anywhere. It's coming from somewhere, but we don't know where. It affects all other balconies in the area. Smokers need to care that what they do affects other people, as well as the safety aspects.

[@breadyegg]

Exactly. The smoker will get 50 utility from having their cigarette. This will effect perhaps 6 other non-smoking balcony users. They each get a dis-utility of 80 and either have to smell & taste the smokey reek or think "sod it" and leave the balcony they paid for to enjoy. 50 utility vs minus 480 utility.

[@annettewalter2273]

I’m with you about the smoking. These days in Australia I don’t know how people can afford to these days anyway. I have just discovered your videos. They are brilliant, thank you.

[@christine1797]

Thank you Emma for this video on our last two cruises in September RC Harmony of the seas and MSC Grandiosa both mediteranien Sea on both ships smoking on balcony is not allowed but people in the cabin below us and next to our stateroom smoked on balcony and the most disgusting thing we experienced they used the glasses which other passengers use for their toothbrushes these people used them as ashtray complained a couple of times at guest services did not stop them from smoking

[@jeandalton7108]

We were on a HAL cruise once, where a man lit up a cigar every night on his balcony next to ours… it was sickening and ruined it for us when we would have enjoyed sitting on our balcony. I’m so glad they made all balconies non smoking!

[@henrikschmidt8178]

Nice to hear that there are companies that has this restriction. It is the worst when you book a hotel just to find that you cant use the balcony because neighbours are smoking and making it impossible to be there.

[@titanbronco1627]

I remember this incident. I was working for Norwegian at the time. We were at our monthly crew meeting when the captain brought it up. He asked what might have caused it. And the very first thing shouted out, "an irresponsible smoker." And this was way before the investigation ended. They used the incident as a reminder to the crew about fire and smoking safety. We did have a fire a few months later, but it had nothing to do with smokers.

[@randymcleanwo5m373]

One of the problems I have with people smoking on the balcony is if you have a balcony on the back of the ship you can always smell if anyone on a balcony is smoking. This is because its a low pressure area and it allows the smoke to collect. We had this problem on two different Alaskan on carnival. The crew couldn't do anything about it because they couldn't identify the cabin the smell was coming from. It made it difficult for my wife who has bad asthma and the smell of smoke make her have a asthma attack.

[@FoxDren]

4:40 actually the misters worked exactly as designed and planned as they are triggered automatically by a sudden change in tempreture (kinda like a sprinkler) and are designed to prevent fire taking hold and spreading through the area in which they're installed which was the cabin and not the balcony. they misters are why the fire remained solely on the balconies and didn't get inside the ship

[@pixelnobs]

"Why is this person so annoyed to walk a bit? It doesn't hurt to walk to a designated smoking-area."

[@SerenityJourneys]

I had never heaard of this incident before! I'm definitely glad tht princess doesn't allow smoking in balconies anymore.Great video!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@Niallisababe1]

I just loved this video. It's always interesting to see why some policies are the way they are. Great job!

[@EmmaCruises]

Yes! Thank you so much ❤️😀

[@sallysmith1657]

Thank you for covering this incident. The Star was our first Princess ship, well after the fire.

[@evelynhillier2877]

Excellent post, thank you. We have been on Star Princess, before the incident, but had no idea this had happened! It's incredibly dangerous to smoke on the balconies, we hope it'll be prohibited on all ships going forward.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@chrism.4912]

Very informative. Getting ready to go on my first cruise in a couple of months and though I smoke occasionally (2-4 times per year) and the thought of having a cocktail and a nice cigar while relaxing in an outdoor lounge watching the sun disappear over the horizon is very appealing to me, I think I can forgo the experience for the safety and security of my fellow passengers. I can’t believe how little regard some people have for others (the smoker who caused this fire and the negative posts you received about this).

[@AidaJof]

Wow - great video Emma. I had forgotten about this horrible accident and the resulting impact it had henceforth on the industry. Thank you for naming those cruise lines who still allow smoking on their balconies. Again, good post and thank you!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much for watching, I find it so strange they still allow it.😅❤️

[@AidaJof]

@@EmmaCruises I agree, very strange indeed that passengers are still being allowed when the consequences and liabilities for the cruise line are so great, but it is all dictated by what their insurance dictates them to do. Obviously, their insurance companies are too laxed in that respect.

[@stephenhadfield7715]

@@EmmaCruises Maybe your next video could promote banning alcohol consumption on cruise ships? Or for that matter, any form of enjoyment whatsoever? Look forward to it. 😅❤

[@maryhernandez2226]

This happened shortly before my first cruise. I actually saw this cruise ship as it was going into Freeport shipyard for repairs.

[@markusd8156]

My mom is smoker and she likes it that there is only certain areas on the ship where you can smoke

[@EmmaCruises]

Yess! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@jomama5186]

I have never been on a cruise. I think I will take a Fred Olsen(sp.) Cruise, when I finally do. I was really impressed with that line in your videos so far. Great video !

[@EmmaCruises]

Yay!! Sounds great. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@AugustoLugo1983]

Most smokers are so selfish and rude, they don't see anything wrong with blowing smoke in your faces. I had found cigarette butts in my balcony. We cruise mostly in the US

[@Papershields001]

A classmate of mine was on this cruise, I had no idea that it was so impactful!

[@kays749]

I sailed on the Star Princess a couple of times after this. They repaired the damage so well, no one could tell it had happened.

[@willgaukler8979]

... like the whole ship was made with a 3 D printer ... just wait ...

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@anakerose]

Agreed, we were on her in 2009 and we had one of the cabins where the fire was. I didn't find out about this until recently.

[@tmcorbett]

Wonderful video - plainly and factually presented, not over sensationalized. Thank you!

[@CCB249]

Never heard about this! Very good information. Thank you for sharing. I for one will never go on a cruise where people are allowed to smoke. Can not stand the smell. I can smell it just from someone's breathe.

[@lisagulley8051]

Such great information Emma- I don't even remember this happening!

[@bubba99009]

Besides the fire risk it definitely does affect all those around you. It's not like the smell is confined to your balcony.

[@bradmoyer9737]

I spent an almost 30 year career In healthcare in a hospital setting in facilities management. Even though most hospitals banned smoking in the eighties, the last patient room fire I responded to was in 2015, an elderly Alzheimer’s patient wearing an oxygen cannula (think plastic tubing delivering oxygen directly into your nose) at the time, had been given a cigarette and a book of matches by a family member. Not something Life Safety planners had anticipated. I imagine like heath care, most maritime life Life Safety codes are written in blood from hard lessons learned. Very informative and a well written perspective.

[@LV_223]

In general, and unfortunately, most safety regulations are written in blood. Most certainly in my industry, aerospace. That stands across industries. The most dangerous situations are the ones that no body ever even imagined happening, let alone planned for. It really does take a near miss, injury, or death to drive positive safety change.

[@kh3612]

Makes me think of all the times I've seen seniors at casinos with a cig in their hand and an oxygen tube up their nose. Frightening! ☮️

[@chuckspencer5296]

My first cruise was in 2007 and I remember seeing news stories about this.... But then, honestly anywhere on any outside deck you could smoke. They had ashtrays on most all of the handrails and literally the whole Lido deck, and all of the bars and such... Its amazing how so much has changed since then...

[@Arzeena1990]

Everything was better before.

[@higherstandard710]

Thanks for this vid. On my cruise in 04 for my honey moon I could smoke on my carnival balcony. And noticed in the early 2010s not aloud. Cool to see why.

[@danielschechter8130]

Smokers so often feel entitled, not only to contaminate the air other people have to breathe, but to throw their butts around anywhere. Thanks, Emma.

[@uplinktruck]

Interesting presentation. Talk about a firefighting nightmare. Would be a pain in the tail for experienced fighters. Not being able to step away from the exterior face and pour water on it is a major handicap. Can't imagine what it was like for crew members who don't deal with fire fighting on a regular basis. As someone that makes TV for a living I would offer up a suggestion. Move the ring light off to one side and a little above the camera. It will bring you out from the background a bit. But the biggest improvement will be to lose the reflection of the ring light in the pupils of your eyes. Kind of a cool effect for a science fiction piece, but somewhat distracting at first.

[@johnsimion2893]

We were on an NCL ship and the people next door to us would smoke daily -- we could actually see their lighted cigarettes hanging over the rail. I reported to the steward - nothing happened. I reported to the front desk - nothing happened. Finally I found an officer and he talked to them and they did stop -- after about four days of violating the rule. I wasn't impressed with NCL on that matter.

[@andrewfischer8564]

snitch

[@stevecam724]

Someone's thoughtless actions killed a passanger and that's unforgivable really. A needless death that will scar their family forever.

[@spirals73-s4c]

Carelessness is worse than malice.

[@VindicatorFSX]

So it could have even been a faulty battery catching fire or anything? I’m not promoting smoking by any means. But this whole video talks about how the cigarette started it. Yet in the end they admit they are not sure what started it?

[@sarge6870]

Thank You!!! Exact thing I thought!

[@jellybeen888]

I last cruised in Nov 2012, the people in the balcony next to us spent the whole cruise smoking. It really ruined the balcony for me. I’m glad most are smoke free now

[@maxout7306]

Thank you for this upload. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the one passenger that didn't survive.

[@spirals73-s4c]

A needless death because of someone else's misstep. Carelessness is worse than malice.

[@jeannemara1600]

The heavy smoke is likely also highly toxic from the tiles and furniture, etc.

[@laura5518]

I was on the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas 2013 fire. We never found out the cause but there was a lot of speculation smoking may have been the cause. I will just say that the muster drill is nothing like what an actual emergency is like. It was utter chaos with passengers running every which way. The crew was amazing though. We saw people come up after the fire was contained completely covered in ash. Pretty heroic work. There's so much more to the story but at least to me it seemed like that fire changed things at least for Royal Caribbean as well. We went on a make-up cruise about 7 months later and the muster drill was completely different. You used to go outside and line up by your life boats but during the fire it became apparent why that wouldn't always work. Since the deck with the stations stretched the whole way at least 3 or 4 of the stations (including mine) was over the fire so we were being redirected on the fly (more chaos). And on top of that I think the people who were out by there stations it was tough because they were out there from about 3am to 9am. It got uncomfortable pretty fast. Even for me we were redirected to the casino with all the lights and very little seating (and all of it uncomfortable). There were some health issues with people who gathered in various locations (a few passed out). So on every cruise I've been on since we gather in a lounge which seems far more suited. I think the line realized they could gather and organize everyone there and get them on a lifeboat if needed more effectively than the old way.

[@zappababe8577]

So sorry that someone died, that's awful - and that 13 had to be treated in hospital. Not what you want on a cruise.

[@Frank83702]

For people who are smokers to say they are not hurting anyone and therefore it's no one's business, I must say they are living outside of other people's reality and/or just are too selfish care. I smoked for the better part of 20 years and like most smokers I have known, was just sure people complaining should just mind their own business. But after I quit smoking and a few years passed, thus allowing my fried sinus passages to return to normal function, I developed a frequently near debilitating cough and even the slightest whiff of cigarette smoke can leave me gasping for breath as the spasms rack my body. As a child my father was a 2+ pack a day smoker. The result was that I have a lifetime of asthma, triggered by any allergen or scents. A smoker who truly believes that the stench of their smoke is no one's business, is either too selfish, or too owned by their addiction, to face the truth. On our last cruise, I had to stop using our balcony because someone, in some area above, below or beside was smoking on their balcony and the impact on my coughing spasms was just too brutal. So, THANKS A LOT.

[@bookooc5605]

Sad, but my only cruise was in 2000, on the Explorer of the Seas, it's 2nd voyage. Our experience with our balcony cabin was ruined by the couple next door who smoked NON STOP on the balcony. It would suck right into our cabin if we had the door open. Which we wanted since it was in the Caribbean. Maybe now I can go again since it's not allowed anymore.

[@lisa1446]

Also smoking stinks, its a really distracting strong smell for the people around you. I'd be really annoyed sitting on my balcony with someone else smoking nearby and stinking it out!

[@russellg9158]

One of the things I know from being a sailor is that every sailor is a fire fighter, at least on a Naval vessel. I've seen fires while at sea, they are scary.

[@EsotericRavenclaw]

I’m a smoker and I only use my vape when cruising. Just finished a cruise yesterday and even as a smoker I felt uncomfortable for the non smokers. I’d be on the Lido deck, which Smoking is allowed, and even as a smoker I’d get overwhelmed with the smell of cigarettes. I don’t enjoy my vape as much as an actual cigarette, however for cruising specifically I only use a vape pen when on board. - also, I smoke on my apartment balcony and I’ve had moments where my ash tray gets attacked by the wind and falls on my neighbors balcony and I’d feel like a total asshole. Now I bring my ashtray indoors after a smoke to be respectful of my neighbors. As a smoker I recognize that non smokers can feel disgusted by the smell and accidental litter. I take great strides to be respectful. My addiction/ habit shouldn’t be someone else’s inconvenience.

[@thirdonetoo1212]

Very well thought out and presented, Emma.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️