Notice that one of Carnival Cruise Line's Ships Burned in Miami Bay. Want to go on a cruise in the fall in the Gulf but after seeing what happened I am not so sure. Does anyone have a suggestion? Is Carnival safe?

Cruises are definitely safe. My husband and I, along with my sister and her husband went on the Carnival Fantasy (sister ship to Ecstasy) in June of last year. The vessel is quite safe and modern. What happened to the Ecstasy is very uncommon. Much like a train wreck, but with much less tragedy. From what I understand, the laundry caught fire. This is not the norm for Carnival. They are truly an upstanding line with great cruises and staff. Hope this does not sour you on cruising. It is the best travel I know.

I agree with the previous poster. Don't let yesterday's incident scare you off of cruising. Ship fires and the like are the exception, not the rule. Carnival has had problems; a few years ago there was an electrical fire aboard the Celebration. It knocked out power, including air conditioning. Ecstasy was the ship that came to Celebration's aid. However, there are so many cruise lines out there. Just do some research on your preferences and you will find a line you are comfortable with. To be completely honest, you are probably in more danger when you cross the street. Personally, my husband and I love Celebrity Cruises. The service, food, etc. were top notch. Whatever line you choose, you will have a great time.

Having spent many years at sea, I watched (on TV) the firefighting and ship-handling displayed yesterday when the Ecstasy caught fire. In every way, the captain and crew performed their duties in an exemplary manner. Passenger safety was maintained throughout the emergency, from what I could observe. Well done.

Perhaps the question should be would I travel Carnival Cruise–I did and will NEVER use them again. Been cruising for 13 years and have never had a problem. Fire drill is mandated on every ship that I’ve been on within an hour of leaving dock...If a for example Ford has an accident on the road, does that mean that all Ford autos are unsafe–I think not. Oh yes, we are cruising again at the end of August.....Norweigan Majesty—a ship out of Boston that has certainly had a few problems, but we are going on the ship for the 4th time....

I don't think you should be worried about safety on a cruise ship. They are quite safe these days, but things can go wrong anywhere. Last year I was on the Royal Caribbean Sovereign of the Seas, this year I'm travelling on the Royal Caribbean Nordic Empress. I don't know about the other lines, but I can say that Royal Caribbean certainly runs a great cruise line. It is by no means the "luxury" cruise line, but it comparable to the accomodations and service you might expect to receive at a quality Westin or Marriott.

Hi, John,
It's hard to believe that there are still ships plying the waters with no sprinkler system! It was very reassuring to see sprinklers in the ceilings throughout every Celebrity ship we've sailed, (including our stateroom.) In reality, the biggest potential danger on most cruises is a fire onboard. Your concern isn't unreasonable at all, John. I believe I read in Cruise Travel that by the end of 1999, all cruise ships have to be built or retro-fitted with sprinkler systems. I haven't taken a Carnival cruise, but until they get a grip on some safety issues, I wouldn't even consider Carnival. Go to

Hi, John,
It's hard to believe that there are still ships plying the waters with no sprinkler system! It was very reassuring to see sprinklers in the ceilings throughout every Celebrity ship we've sailed, (including our stateroom.) In reality, the biggest potential danger on most cruises is a fire onboard. Your concern isn't unreasonable at all, John. I believe I read in Cruise Travel that by the end of 1999, all cruise ships have to be built or retro-fitted with sprinkler systems. I haven't taken a Carnival cruise, but until they get a grip on some safety issues, I wouldn't even consider Carnival. Go to cruiseopinion.com and read some reviews from people who have been there, done that. (Hint: check out some of Celebrity's ships.)