Eschew

This is unusual news on several fronts. First off, it is on an HAL ship, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam. The incident happened on Valentines day, on a "Bare Necessities" chartered cruise. Secondly, the alleged crime is very serious. A crew member ambushed a female passenger in her cabin: sexually assaulted and strangled her, then tried to throw her overboard. Truly scary stuff.

There is a personal connection here. The daughter of a personal friend is currently on board the MS Nieuw Amsterdam, working as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. From her Facebook posts, she seemed to be having a great time on board so far and her Dad and I were talking about organizing a group cruise for friends and families and surprise her later on this year before her contract is up.

With this incident, needless to say, Dad is super worried but I knew her well enough that I am sure that she can take care of herself, both mentally and physically. However, I don't believe this group cruise is going to happen now.

This will scare more people away form cruising. But with literally hundreds of thousands of people on cruise ships, and millions of passengers coming and going, things bound to happen. I still believe cruising is relatively crime free, especially violent crimes.

Your thoughts?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...led-son-b.html

Rhea58

I have read the articles on this crime.

While HAL is going to take a big hit w/this negative publicity
I doubt that it will deter folks from cruising.

Hopefully it will force companies to really scrutinize folks before hiring but even w/a background check, that isn't foolproof.

jacketwatch

As far as I know this is the first time this has happened. I am sure other employees have misbehaved but attempted murder I have never heard of before. As long as there are human beings involved from time to time bad things happen but overall I don't think this will have any significant effect on HAL.

Eschew

The incident won't change my view on cruising, nor will it sway me one way or another towards HAL. I just found it surprising that it was a charted "Bare Necessities" cruise on HAL as one would not typically think of HAL as the fun ship or party boat.

jacketwatch

I was wondering about that myself. Images that came to mind are best left unsaid.

triathlete

Thanks for the info., Eschew. The articles I had read didn't bother the mention that the cruise was a charter, or what type of charter it was. Not sure if that had any bearing on the event, but very strange that most of the media didn't include that point, especially as it makes the story that much more sensational. (Almost said "titillating" but I exercised restraint).

Eschew

Larry, you can say it. It was an clothes optional cruise.

It had been mentioned that staff not comfortable working with passengers on this particular type of chartered cruises may take the week off without pay and stayed at the home port.

According to the media, it was a "revenge" based on a name calling, the B* word that were used all too common (just like the F* word) IMHO and many people use the word and think nothing of it, especially people of a younger generation. (example: "me and my B*s" used to describing a group of female companions or friends)

To someone from another culture, it could be perceived as a great insult to the parents, the honor of the family and linage of the person on the receiving end.

I am not defending anyone with this. My point is that while you are travelling, a little bit of sensitivity and careful choice of words would be very wise.

jacketwatch

A clothing optional cruise on HAL. Hmmm. That sure doesn't keep with their image but then again it is money in the bank.

I do agree that the use of such curse words has become all to uncommon. I don't like it either and for certain cultures its very offensive. Some yrs. ago the actor Richard Gere was in India to promote HIV awareness and prevention. He was on a stage with a very pretty Bollywod actress who he snuggled and kissed on the cheek. Man did this cause a huge uproar as such public displays there are verboten. There was even a demand that she be arrested so yes be aware of where you are and what the cultural norms are. Personally I remember the first time we went to India in 1978. Trying to exit the airport was a nightmare with customs duties, people pushing in line, etc. Finally we got in the last line and some official just cut in front of my wife with a passport belonging to a friend of his. Well I just had it and cussed him good and wow you can cut the line, pay a bribe (I did see money exchanged there from passengers to officials BTW) but hey don't cuss. Now thats bad. .

One can't defend how the crewman acted but then again if he was treated by the passenger as noted you can't defend that either. The crewman should have walked away and reported this to his bosses, talked to his peers, had a beer or two and let this boorish behavior alone.

Eschew

Yep, the clothing optional cruise on HAL surprised me as well as I just can't connect the two together.

Question: How does that work with food/health/sanitation regulations in any of the food and beverage areas?

jacketwatch

The servers have to keep their heads up, way up to avoid spills. .