An unexpected fire broke out on the Island Princess cruise ship Tuesday, July 15, as it sailed for Nova Scotia, Canada. The fire started in the Bermuda-registered ship’s galley on deck 12, and it prompted fear among passengers and crew as the flames began to spread. When that happens, the captain needs to quickly act and communicate, which this dude did, and everyone on that ship survived.

The Island Princess had sailed from New York City earlier this week and was on its way to Halifax, the first port of call on this itinerary. But, while en route on the morning of July 15, an alarm was raised following a fire in the galley of the ship.

As a result the ship’s crew sounded general alarm and mustered all passengers at their muster station. The crew subsequently fought the fire, and before long the captain reported that the fire had been put out. The passengers were told that the source of the explosion was subdued but they were not out of the woods yet.

Fortunately, despite the freighter appearing to strike the cruise ship very hard no passengers were injured and minimal damage was made to the larger vessel, the cruise line said passengers were calmed and kept informed during the ordeal.

What Happened on the Island Princess?

The fire on the Island Princess took while the ship was in the open sea, en route to Halifax. Following the emergency and the fire put out, the captain immediately made an announcement to the passengers that everything was under control, the threat was eliminated and that they were out of harm’s way.

Fires are not unusual on cruise ships, which have tight quarters and onboard kitchens, and this episode illustrates the importance of a quick emergency response and well-trained crew members. “The actions of the crew was fantastic in preventing a possible disaster and, despite a few bumps and bruises, everyone has been accounted for within the hour.

The Island Princess sailed on following the fire and docked safely in Halifax on Thursday July 17. The ship is now heading to Sydney, Nova Scotia, where it will proceed with its planned itinerary — of four stops in Greenland — before sailing back to New York City, where it is scheduled to arrive on Aug. 1.

Effect on travelers and business visitors

Both for business travelers and for vacationing families, incidents such as this serve as an important reminder that onboard safety is key, and that staff of cruise ships are professionals. The fire was brought under control quickly, with less than a disturbance to passengers’ travel plans, and their safety was the highest priority.

But for tourists, especially those on vacation, the fear is far from settling. But it’s heartening to know cruise lines pour a massive amount of resources into safety systems and emergency preparedness to make sure passengers are well taken care of in the case of such eventualities. That the fire was contained and put out in such a short time says a great deal about the readiness of the crew and the ship’s safety systems.

For Business Travelers:

Cruise business travelers, while they are generally worried about meetings and agendas, would appreciate the crew’s professionalism and openness in dealing with the resulting emergency. If the cruise proceeds as planned with no hitches, then these passengers can experience little or no inconveniences.

How Passengers Can Act in Cruise Ship Emergencies:

Be Aware of What to Do Would an Emergency Arise: Whenever you get onto any cruise ship, make sure you learn of the emergency evacuation plan, and where and what the muster locations are.

Stay Calm: If you are facing an emergency then, being calm and obeying the crew’s orders would be most important to ensure your safety.

Pay Attention to Crew Announcements: Cruise ship staffs are well trained in case of an emergency you should always pay attention to their announcements.

Stay in Your Cabin If there’s no immediate danger, you should remain in your cabin and refrain from congregating around emergency exits or muster stations.

Cruise Ship Safety Measures:

Cruise lines including Princess Cruises have a rigorous set of safety protocols, including conducting regular fire drills with passengers and crew members. These drills help to guarantee that if there ever is an emergency, all would know how to act fast without causing danger to themselves.

The cruise line industry also has the most advanced fire protection technology and uses fire retardant materials, automatic fire protection, and on-board medical teams who manage a multitude of emergencies.

The Island Princess’ Future Down the Line

The Island Princess went on its way without any other incident despite the fire. On arrival at Halifax the ship was subjected to a rigorous test to ensure all was working as intended. With its path leading to Sydney, Nova Scotia, followed by Greenland, the Island Princess will keep on bringing dream vacation dreams to life for all of its passengers.

It’s also important for future travelers to remember that while cruise ships are largely safe, unforeseen events can happen. Never let your guard down and remember the safety protocols, and know that the cruise staff are extremely professional and trained to help you through these times.

Learn About Preparedness and Safety

The fire on the Island Princess is a solemn reminder of how quickly emergencies can escalate, but it is also a reminder of how well they can be handled when safety protocols are followed. Judging from the professionalism of the crew and prompt action no passengers were injured and the rest of the trip was carried out with little further interruption. And as the ship finally leaves the port, passengers can reflect on the way the situation was dealt with and continue to enjoy their cruise through Nova Scotia and beyond.