Just a couple tidbits on the recent mishaps by a cruise line

[Cleita]

20. Actually, back in the day of upper crust ocean liners, it was still risky business.

There were the second and third class sections that weren't as well maintained as the first class. The crewmen could be refugees from third world countries, especially what was called coolie labor from China back then. who were treated like slaves and sometimes they mutinied or jumped ship at a port.

The difference was that they didn't rely so much on electrical systems and many things were done manually, so even if part of a ship broke down, they could still keep things operational even though not optimal. I was on a freighter that drifted at sea because some of the systems had been knocked down by a storm. We didn't have electricity but didn't need it as it mostly kept the lights on and a few other things. They were able to get an SOS off and we were rescued in a few days and towed to port. In the meantime, we used lanterns, ate sandwiches and played cards. We could use the bathroom because the systems were operated by gravity not electricity. They had back up generators but used them for absolutely necessary operations, not lights for the eight passengers and crew.

I myself when I have the cash, which is not today, go on the Norwegian or Dutch registry ships. They keep higher standards and higher prices too, but you get what you pay for. Registry is important and when you are dealing with Liberian and other questionable registries you know they are not going to need to pass harsh inspections like they would in other countries of registry with higher standards. Of course any ship can go down in a storm, no matter how well run it is, if Mother Nature so desires.