What To Consider In The Wake Of The Bahamas Tragedy If You're Planning A Cruise Holiday
Known for their luxurious surroundings and services, it’s no wonder so many people love going on cruise holidays. They’re pretty special! But for the passengers onboard a Holland America vessel journeying into the Bahamas in the spring of 2024, their dream holiday turned into something of a nightmare. Two members of the crew lost their lives in a tragic “incident,” raising broad questions about the industry’s safety protocols. Here we’re going to take a closer look at what happened, and cover some of the basics if you’re thinking about taking a cruise holiday for the first time.
The Nieuw Amsterdam
The tragedy took place on a ship called the Nieuw Amsterdam, which had been traveling through the eastern region of the Caribbean in March 2024. It’s quite the vessel, boasting a crew of over 900.
As for its passenger capacity, more than 2,000 people can stay on the ship when it takes to the sea. So what happened on that fateful voyage? How did those two unfortunate crew members lose their lives?
“An accidental steam release”
Well, a representative from Holland America provided some key details to the Business Insider website in the aftermath, and the statement made for upsetting reading. Speaking on March 30, they had this to say.
The spokesman revealed, “We regret to share that on Friday, March 22, while calling at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, there was an accidental steam release in an engineering space on board Nieuw Amsterdam, which sadly resulted in the death of two crew members.”
Identifying the victims
As per USA Today, their names were Wawan Gusnawan and Joseph Terrado. They each had different jobs on board the cruise ship, with Terrado serving as Nieuw Amsterdam’s third engineer.
Gusnawan, meanwhile, worked as a wiper. That particular role required him to keep the engineering areas clean and operational. Unsurprisingly, the manner of their tragic deaths left everyone concerned in a state of shock.
“Deeply saddened”
“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event,” a representative told USA Today via email. “We’ve been in contact with the families of both team members and are offering our support to them and to all of our crew at this difficult time.”
That “support” was definitely needed; one passenger recalled how the news had been broken by the captain. To say there had been an abrupt switch in mood would be a major understatement.
“Broke down crying”
Laine Doss informed NBC News, “We were celebrating the last day of the cruise, [but the mood changed] to something extremely somber. [The captain] broke down crying [over the P.A. system].”
“There was a moment of silence that the captain requested. And that entire scenario did affect the entire cruise. Things were canceled, joyous events were canceled, and we really just thought about mortality: the people who perished on the ship.”
Investigating the accident
Following the accident at Half Moon Cay, an investigation was launched to figure out how and why it had happened. The Bahamas Maritime Authority was tasked with uncovering answers, while another body got involved, too.
Yes, the Dutch Safety Board, otherwise known as the OVV, also kickstarted its own investigation into the events that led to Terrado and Gusnawan’s deaths. Why’s that? Well, it’s quite simple.
What lessons can be learned?
As Nieuw Amsterdam runs under the national flag of the Netherlands, the OVV had to get involved. The safety board is responsible for all investigations relating to Dutch aviation, shipping, and railroad accidents.
Petrochemical and chemical companies fall under that umbrella as well. Touching on the cruise incident, the OVV stated, “With the investigation, the Dutch Safety Board wants to find out what exactly happened and what lessons can be learned from the accident.”
Putting the pieces together
As the investigation got underway, a maritime lawyer working in Miami, Florida, named Jim Walker made some claims as to what had led to the tragic accident. According to him, it was down to a “mechanical failure.”
Walker suggested that this fault had caused a steam compensator to explode, firing vapors of up to 356°F into the engineering space. He’d pieced this speculation together using materials provided by Holland America employees.
“Fully operable”
Yet despite those claims, Nieuw Amsterdam was deemed to be “fully operable” by the OVV upon closer inspection. The ship went on to leave Half Moon Cay mere hours after the tragedy.
It arrived back in Fort Lauderdale — its home port — the following day, marking the last stop for its passengers. And it didn’t take long until the cruise ship made its return to the seas, either.
Business as usual
Later that day, Nieuw Amsterdam started a fresh voyage with a new set of passengers, eventually returning to the Bahamas. On that front, at least, it was very much business as usual.
But given what happened in Half Moon Cay, should travelers be wary of jumping on board cruise ships? Does the industry have sufficient safety protocols in place to protect everyone? Well, here are some intriguing stats to mull over.
A fascinating study
In November 2020 a report was shared in the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health. It was titled “Death at Sea: Passenger and Crew Mortality on Cruise Ships.”
According to that study, just over 600 deaths were recorded on cruise ships between the year 2000 and 2019. “Out of all deaths, 89 percent were passenger deaths and 11 percent were crew deaths,” it revealed.
Are the protocols working?
Now, while zero deaths would be the perfect number in an ideal world, the above figure isn’t that alarming. Considering the sheer number of cruise ships that would’ve been operational during that 19-year period, the mortality rate was pretty low!
Can that all be attributed to the safety protocols, though? One thing’s for sure — it can’t be dismissed. A lot of work continues to go into those procedures as the years progress.
“Most scrutinized vessels at sea”
The crew on cruise ships are trained in first aid, security, and safety to ensure that passengers are in the best possible hands should an incident arise. And that’s not all. As per the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) website, “Cruise ships are among the most scrutinized vessels at sea.”
“With oversight beginning at design and construction, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), flag and port state authorities, and classification societies provide strict safety standards and oversight throughout a ship’s operations.”
Constant evaluation
The industry doesn’t rest on its laurels: it’s constantly trying to find ways to keep passengers and crew safe. Speaking of which, one precaution is an absolute necessity before any maritime journey can begin.
The CLIA website stated, “Every cruise ship must be equipped with enough survival craft, including lifeboats and life rafts, to accommodate at least 125 percent of the number of persons on board.”
“Trended down”
And if that still doesn’t ease any potential anxieties, here’s another eye-opening statistic. GP Wild conducted research into the number of “cruise ship operational incidents” across a nine-year stretch. Its findings?
According to CLIA, “While worldwide cruise ship capacity grew by more than 55 percent from 2009 to 2018, over that same period the number of operational incidents has trended down 37 percent, [putting] cruise lines’ safety record ahead of other modes of leisure transportation.”
A fine-tooth comb
That’s the sort of statement that should help put worries passengers’ minds at rest. And just as the safety procedures get plenty of oversight, the likes of the OVV are likely to be similarly thorough when investigating accidents.
If something goes wrong, like it did on Nieuw Amsterdam, you can be sure that all the details will be examined with the proverbial fine-toothed comb. It’s the only way to ensure that passengers and crew are best-placed to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Growing in popularity
But while the tragedy on board Nieuw Amsterdam is still fresh in the memory, the desire by holidaymakers to take cruise ship vacations hasn’t diminished. It’s projected that more than 35 million people will hop aboard cruise liners in 2024.
That’s a notable increase from 2023’s impressive total of 31.5 million. And given the sheer number of ships available, passengers are spoilt for choice on the type of cruise they can take.
Choosing the “right” ship
From luxury cruise lines to more family-friendly choices, it can feel a little overwhelming to pick the “right” ship! Don’t fret, though — we’re going to give you a helping hand.
Each type of ship carries with it different amenities and services for you to peruse, catering to the kind of vacation you might be looking for. So let’s jump into it, then.
Luxury lines
If you’re looking to enjoy the most pampered of holidays on the ocean, then a luxury line will be the one to go for. These ships just ooze elegance, with the likes of Regent Seven Seas Cruises standing out from the crowd.
The vessels in that fleet not only boast stunning chandeliers and marble flooring, but they’ve got artwork from iconic artists as well. We’re talking Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso — no joke!
Taking opulence to new heights
But if you think that’s something, wait until you hear this. The three latest ships in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet take opulence to new heights. They’re called Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, and Seven Seas Explorer.
Incredibly, every passenger who steps on board gets a room with a huge balcony and a marble bathroom. What more could you ask for! The restaurants aren’t anything to be sniffed at, either. From steak to crab legs, you’ll be left salivating.
A butler for every room
Elsewhere, Silversea is another luxury liner to consider. The ships in this particular fleet boast a jaw-dropping service that few others can match. Simply put, all passengers have access to a butler in their room.
We’re serious! Your feet will be up in no time. As for the food options, an exciting idea has been implemented into the fleet that’ll satisfy both your stomach and brain.
“Culinary-focused excursions”
The Points Guy website offered some details about the service. It said, “S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage.”
“The program also features culinary-focused excursions ashore.” Sounds fun, right? And even if fancy a voyage into the wintry climes of Antarctica or the Arctic, Silversea is still worth a look.
Be prepared to spend...
But of course, there’s a major caveat to choosing a luxury liner over other ships — the cost. Yes, only a high budget will suffice if you want to make the most of one of these cruises.
As per The Points Guy, prices can hit around $1,000 per day. And that’s for each person in your party! Plus, the more luxurious rooms and suites can be even pricier.
Mainstream lines
If that’s out of your price range, though, don’t worry. There are other options to keep your eye on. Mainstream lines offer cruises that are just as memorable for kinder prices.
Norwegian Cruise Line is part of that line-up, and its ships still offer plenty of amazing amenities. To supply you with one example, a few of the vessels even have their own go-kart tracks!
White-knuckle racing
These winding race tracks can be found on the upper decks, with some stretches even hanging over the ship’s edge. As for the actual go-karts, they can reach speeds of up to 30mph.
Talk about a thrill ride! But should that sound a little too extreme for your tastes, other vessels in the fleet offer you the chance to chill in a really cool space on board.
The Svedka Ice Bar
Yep, the Svedka Ice Bar is a drinking spot with a difference: everything in there has been sculpted from ice. From the glasses to the seats, it makes for quite the sight.
Unsurprisingly, the temperature has to be kept at a very-low 15°F to stop it all from melting, so you’ll need to grab a coat before venturing in. It’s worth it, though!
“Snow rooms”
Sticking with cool amenities onboard Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, a couple of the latest ships in the fleet have some other interesting spaces, too. Both Encore and Escape boast “snow rooms” inside their spa areas.
Much like the ice bar, they’re perfect spots to cool off if you’re feeling the heat. Oh, and if you’re looking for a more “traditional” feature, the ships also have their own escape rooms to enjoy.
Fancy a “skydive”?
So you’ll certainly get plenty to entertain you if you opt for a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. They’re not the only game in town, though: Royal Caribbean is another mainstream line with a host of awesome amenities.
For instance, onboard Ovation of the Seas, Quantum, and Anthem, you can go “skydiving” inside a wind tunnel. It offers a similar experience to the real thing — without jumping off a plane, that is!
The Bionic Bar
Meanwhile, a number of other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet house their own robot bars. Trust us, you’re reading that correctly! Known as The Bionic Bar, these drinking spots don’t have human bartenders on-hand to serve you.
Nope, instead, your beverages of choice will come served to you courtesy of a pair of electronic arms. You’ll probably feel like you’ve just been transported into a futuristic sci-fi movie.
A slide to remember
As for some of the other notable features, the Oasis-class vessels in the Royal Caribbean line are each fitted with an attraction called the Ultimate Abyss. It’s a massive slide, spanning over 100 feet in size.
No other dry slide on the ocean can touch that figure. Would you brave the stomach-churning drop? The waterslides are equally wild as well, with two standing out in particular.
The Blaster
Liberty of the Seas is home to Tidal Wave, a heart-stopping “boomerang-style” waterslide that’s the first of its kind. Then, there’s the ominously named The Blaster onboard Navigator of the Seas.
This monster attraction is the longest waterslide on the ocean at present. Remarkably, it spans a whopping 800 feet in length. It’s an attention-grabber for sure when you first spot it!
Speciality lines
When it comes to broad appeal, mainstream lines definitely fit the bill. But what if you’re after something a bit more specific? Well, speciality cruise lines could be just what you’re looking for.
These ships cater to certain interests, meaning you’re more likely to meet like-minded passengers on board. The Disney Cruise Line is a good example of this. Fans of the House of Mouse absolutely love vacations on those magical vessels.
Live shows and fireworks
Much like at the theme parks, you can meet and interact with your favorite Disney characters, making this a great cruise line for young families. The ships put on live shows as well, which range from variety performances to musicals.
There are also a wide range of dining options. Oh, and if you’re yearning to watch a Magic Kingdom-style fireworks show in the evening, they’ve got you covered there, too.
Cultural immersion
Don’t fancy meeting Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck at sea? No worries! Why not try Viking Ocean Cruises for a different type of speciality cruise? These ships offer a very unique experience if you want to immerse yourself in foreign cultures during a vacation.
As Cadence Travel noted, “The first to be voted number one across all three cruise categories — river, ocean, and expedition — simultaneously by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Viking focuses on the destination and the guest experience.”
Chance to learn
So what can you expect on a Viking Ocean Cruises ship? Well, different vessels’ routes will take you around Europe and Asia, giving you the chance to learn more about the history of the regions.
Using a trip to China as an example, Cadence Traveler revealed, “Each voyage offers immersive experiences onboard, such as lectures, cuisine, and destination experts, to introduce guests to the people and culture of China.”
Take a trendy cruise?
Away from that, Virgin Voyages is another speciality cruise line. Arguably the trendiest of the three we’ve looked at here, these ships have one specific criteria: no kids are allowed on board.
It’s very much an “adults-only” experience, offering a range of exciting amenities for passengers. On top of that, the prices are pretty kind when compared to other more luxury-oriented cruise lines.
If you want to get away to the Caribbean for a week with your partner, the average price with Virgin Voyages is just over $4,500. And that includes food, WiFi, gratuities, and drinks.
As such the expeditions arguably represent pretty good value when contrasted with other lines’ offerings. As for the activities you can get involved with, there are group fitness classes, yoga sessions, and “bungee workouts” to name but a few.
Dance the night away
The evening activities are well worth a look as well. When it comes to partying, Virgin Voyages has it down! For instance, Scarlet Night is a red-drenched celebration that includes karaoke, games, circus performances, and a wild pool party.
Then, there’s the PJ Party. “Because the name of the game is comfort, the dress code is simple: wear pajamas,” reads the Virgin Voyages website. “Cozy PJs, zany PJs, even onesies: all styles are welcome.”
Plenty to consider
That about covers it: if you’re interested in taking your first cruise vacation, there’s plenty to consider! And if the tragedy that took place onboard Nieuw Amsterdam is still lingering at the back of your mind, remember this.
.jpg){kind=link}
As stated on the CLIA website, “Cruise ships today are the safest that have ever sailed, thanks to the rules, regulations, and technological innovations that govern their design.” Perhaps that might persuade you to hop aboard after all?