Veteran cruise journalist John Honeywell is currently sailing the clear blue waters of the Western Caribbean on board Allure of the Seas. In the light of certain recent events that might put the safety of cruising in question, he recently spent an hour with Captain Hernan Zini, while the latter explained all the features and procedures Royal Caribbean has in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Captain Zini explained to him that, when navigating the ship, there were three conditions – not surprisingly green, amber and red. Green is when the ship is sailing on the open sea with clear weather and no obstructions or traffic ahead. In this case there will be two officers on watch, as well as a sailor.

Even the smallest of complications, such as the ship passing through a narrow strait, would require the presence of a third officer on the bridge, in many cases the captain personally.

In bad weather or when the ship is sailing through thick fog or when heavy traffic is encountered, every duty officer is expected to be on watch.

Every cruise ship has a voyage plan. If the Captain should, for whatever reason, choose to deviate from this, e.g. as a result of unexpected traffic, weather conditions or a medical emergency on board the ship, he first has to draw up a new voyage plan and this has to be signed off by two of his senior officers, who are obliged to record their opinion if they feel it is the wrong decision.

This is good to know when you switch off your cabin light at the end of an enjoyable day of cruising.