Every time you board a cruise ship, one thing is guaranteed: before that ship sails, you’ll need to complete a mandatory safety drill – also known as the muster drill.
This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. And while it’s no one’s favorite part of embarkation day, it’s essential – and a lot easier than it used to be.
What Is a Muster Drill or Safety Drill?
The muster drill (or safety drill) is a required safety briefing that all cruise passengers must complete before departure. It’s the cruise line’s way of ensuring you know what to do – and where to go – if there’s an emergency at sea.
You’ll learn:
- Where your assigned muster station is located
- How to properly wear a lifejacket
- What to expect in the event of an evacuation
Every cruise line, regardless of ship size or destination, must follow international maritime law. If you skip the drill or fail to check in, the ship will not sail – and the cruise line reserves the right to remove you from the ship without a refund.
Where Is Your Muster Station?
Your muster station – sometimes called an assembly point – is a specific location on the ship where you must go during an emergency. It’s assigned based on your cabin and is printed on your keycard.
You’ll also find signage and directions:
- Inside your stateroom
- In the cruise line’s mobile app
- Throughout the ship
If you’re traveling with others in different staterooms, check your station assignments ahead of time. You may not all be assigned to the same muster station.
How Safety Drills Work on Cruise Ships Today
While traditional group muster drills still happen occasionally, most cruise lines now use a modernized version often called self-muster or e-muster.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Watch a safety video via the cruise app or on your cabin TV after boarding.
- Visit your assigned muster station at your own pace – any time before the ship departs.
- A crew member scans your cruise card and possibly a brief lifejacket demonstration.
Once you’ve completed those steps, you’re done.
This process usually takes just a few minutes and offers a more relaxed, convenient experience – especially compared to the older system of gathering all passengers at once.
When Do You Complete the Safety Drill?
This is an embarkation day requirement. All guests must complete the safety drill before the ship is cleared to depart. Bars, restaurants, and other venues may be closed until the last guest is checked in.
In most cases, you’ll be prompted to complete the drill shortly after you board. Some cruise lines won’t even allow you to order a drink or access your cabin until you’ve completed the process.
Bottom line: the sooner you do it, the sooner you can start your vacation.
Can a Traditional Muster Drill Still Happen?
Yes. While digital formats are now standard, some sailings may revert to a traditional muster drill depending on the ship, itinerary, or crew training requirements.
In that case, you’ll receive an onboard announcement and instructions to gather at your muster station at a specific time. Venues will close temporarily, and the entire ship will pause until the drill is complete.
Even if you’ve cruised before, follow the current onboard instructions – drill formats can vary from one sailing to another.
Tips for a Smooth Safety Drill
- Do it early. The drill isn’t optional, and services onboard may stay paused until everyone completes it.
- Take the stairs if you’re able. Elevators tend to get backed up when everyone’s moving around the ship.
- Talk to your kids ahead of time. Compare it to a fire drill at school so they know what to expect.
- Set a meeting point afterward. If your group has different muster stations, decide where you’ll regroup after completing the drill.
- Pay attention – even if you’ve cruised before. Ship layouts and protocols can change from one line or ship to the next.
Why the Muster (Safety) Drill Matters
This isn’t just a formality. The muster drill is one of the most important things you’ll do on a cruise.
Emergencies are rare, but if one happens, you need to know where to go, how to get there, and what to do when you arrive. The drill ensures you’re prepared – and helps protect everyone on board.
Today’s self-muster process is faster, easier, and more flexible. Watch the video. Visit your station. Check in. You’re done.
Then you can relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the sail-away knowing you’ve checked off one of the most important items of embarkation day.
Yes. Every cruise, no matter how many times you’ve sailed, requires all guests to complete the muster drill (also called the safety drill). It’s required by international maritime law and must be done on embarkation day before the ship can leave port.
If you don’t complete the safety drill, your cruise card will remain flagged as incomplete, and you could be removed from the ship with no refund. Most cruise lines won’t let the ship sail until all guests have completed the drill.
With modern self-muster or e-muster formats, the drill usually takes under 5 minutes. You watch a short safety video on your device or cabin TV, then check in at your muster station. Traditional drills, when used, can take 20–30 minutes.
As soon as possible after boarding. Many cruise lines won’t serve drinks, let you into your cabin, or open venues until you’ve completed the drill. The sooner you knock it out, the sooner you can start enjoying the ship.
The core safety requirements are the same, but the format varies. Most major cruise lines now use digital self-muster systems, but some may still use traditional in-person drills depending on the ship or itinerary.
Yes, all passengers – including children – must participate. It’s a good idea to prepare them ahead of time by explaining that it’s just like a fire drill at school.
On most cruise lines today, passengers are no longer required to bring or wear their lifejackets to the drill. Crew members will demonstrate proper use at the muster station. Your cruise line will clarify this during onboarding.
