What chance would a bomber have on getting on a ship?

[Nothin' But Sun]

I am curious about the security and baggage and someone being able to run onto the ship. I realize if a ship were a target then they could figure out a way but how easy would it be? Sorry for the downer post in case I offend anyone so early this morning.

[divaofdisney]

You know I have often wondered this as well. There are many people on a cruise ship and perhaps an easy target. I often wonder just how good the security really is. In these unfortunate days and times, it is something I do think about.

[superjerryw]

As sad as it sounds, I would have to say it would be as easy as anywhere else. On a cruise ship you have a lot of people of different nationalities in close proximity to each other. In thst sort of environment no one really stands out and most people are essentially unoticed.

[Fritz265]

Rather than dwell on the question of "what chance" I focus more on "for what purpose" would a bomber even want to do harm to a cruise ship. Terrorists perpetrate bombings to make a statement or to instill fear. Cruise ships generally are not allied with any one government or political faction, therefore, causing harm to passengers on a cruise ship does not serve their purpose.

 

If you think about things in those terms, why wouldn't terrorists focus on large entertainment venues like concerts or sports events where they could harm tens of thousands gathered in one place with relatively weak security?

 

Personally, I don't worry about such things. Vigilance is good, constant fear is not.

[BMW325]

You know, up until I read this post, my biggest concern was weather I was going to bring enough suntan lotion. Not something I really wanted to think about 6 weeks before my cruise. I guess we all need to be aware that something like this can happen, but I need to trust those who are responsible for our safety and put it out of my mind. Otherwise, the alternative of staying locked in my home just doesn't cut it for me.

[Capt_BJ]

you could begin by looking into the Maritime Transportation Security Act & International Ship and Port Facility Code.

 

Google MTSA or try

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtml

 

A lot has changed in the last couple of years ....

[Nothin' But Sun]

Rather than dwell on the question of "what chance" I focus more on "for what purpose" would a bomber even want to do harm to a cruise ship. Terrorists perpetrate bombings to make a statement or to instill fear. Cruise ships generally are not allied with any one government or political faction, therefore, causing harm to passengers on a cruise ship does not serve their purpose.

 

If you think about things in those terms, why wouldn't terrorists focus on large entertainment venues like concerts or sports events where they could harm tens of thousands gathered in one place with relatively weak security?

 

Personally, I don't worry about such things. Vigilance is good, constant fear is not.

You have a good point. Actually never thought about that. I don't live in fear I still however hope the cruise lines have sniffing dogs or whatever other measures they can take. I still wonder what they are?

[Fritz265]

I do know that the ship does have a security force on board. I know that the security screening process is essentially the same as entering an aircraft at a public airport. Only registered crew and passengers can board and luggage is screened through bomb and x-ray machines. Other than that, I'm not sure.

 

Cruise ships are not the chosen target of opportunity for terrorist groups and if one is actively concerned about these things, then it may be better to stay home. Anything can happen anywhere at anytime.

 

With that being said, it's probably safe to say that a determined individual could probably get just about anything on board if they wanted to. Security is just a state of mind anyway.

 

The only thing that's weighing on my mind right now is what I'm going to do to make the next 51 days go faster......:o

[BobBeaSea]

Rather than dwell on the question of "what chance" I focus more on "for what purpose" would a bomber even want to do harm to a cruise ship. Terrorists perpetrate bombings to make a statement or to instill fear. Cruise ships generally are not allied with any one government or political faction, therefore, causing harm to passengers on a cruise ship does not serve their purpose.

 

If you think about things in those terms, why wouldn't terrorists focus on large entertainment venues like concerts or sports events where they could harm tens of thousands gathered in one place with relatively weak security?

 

Personally, I don't worry about such things. Vigilance is good, constant fear is not.

I agree, not much point in bombing a cruise ship, it is a "low value target". Believe it or not it is very difficult to sink a cruise ship, even with a great amount of explosives. Hijacking one is another matter, again not very likely. I think the last time terrorism involved a cruise ship was the Achille Lauro hijacking by the Palestine Liberation Front in the mid '80s. Even the hijackers said, well after the deed, it wasn't the brightest thing to do.

[smeyer418]

The QM 2 is not a low value target. The USCG guards with loaded machine guns all cruise ships in US ports. After the incident with the USS Cole, they are much vigilant. On ships in port in the US the CG puts armed guards on until the ship leaves the harbor. Getting a bomb on board would not be that difficult. I would put it with the food stores and have a crew member remove it. Remember how the bad guys used to get arms on guarded airplanes. and if you think I am telling the bad guys stuff they don't already know you are niave. IMO.

[Fritz265]

I agree, not much point in bombing a cruise ship, it is a "low value target". Believe it or not it is very difficult to sink a cruise ship, even with a great amount of explosives. Hijacking one is another matter, again not very likely. I think the last time terrorism involved a cruise ship was the Achille Lauro hijacking by the Palestine Liberation Front in the mid '80s. Even the hijackers said, well after the deed, it wasn't the brightest thing to do.

 

 

Exactly. Any hijackers better have some backup because you deprive 3300 cruisers of food and alcohol, they're going to be walking the plank within an hour.:p

[justaknucklehead]

Probably would be easier than getting on board with a bottle of liquor, lol.

[Fritz265]

The QM 2 is not a low value target. The USCG guards with loaded machine guns all cruise ships in US ports. After the incident with the USS Cole, they are much vigilant. On ships in port in the US the CG puts armed guards on until the ship leaves the harbor. Getting a bomb on board would not be that difficult. I would put it with the food stores and have a crew member remove it. Remember how the bad guys used to get arms on guarded airplanes. and if you think I am telling the bad guys stuff they don't already know you are niave. IMO.

 

That's standard port security smeyer. They're not so much guarding the cruise ship itself but the port in general. Ports are vulnerable targets everywhere in the country as they're used for more than loading cruise ships. The USS Cole was clearly a strike against the US govt in general and the US Navy specifically.

 

Putting on my best terrorist thinking cap, I still can't see any good reason to risk my life to sneak a bomb on board and set it off. I'd end up enjoying myself too much and would forget all about that thing ticking under my bed.

[smeyer418]

That's standard port security smeyer. They're not so much guarding the cruise ship itself but the port in general. Ports are vulnerable targets everywhere in the country as they're used for more than loading cruise ships. The USS Cole was clearly a strike against the US govt in general and the US Navy specifically.

 

Putting on my best terrorist thinking cap, I still can't see any good reason to risk my life to sneak a bomb on board and set it off. I'd end up enjoying myself too much and would forget all about that thing ticking under my bed.

They are guarding the ships not the port. When the ships leave so does the CG. But I agree there are easier targets.. While the Cole was a US NAvy ship, unfortunately, Al and his friends considers civilians legitimate and much easier targets. The Port itself is much lower value than a cruise ships just because hitting it could cause much more injuries and death. Sinking an empty pier is not going to have the effect killing a 100 people would have.

[Fritz265]

Probably would be easier than getting on board with a bottle of liquor, lol.

 

No doubt...:rolleyes:

[Fritz265]

They are guarding the ships not the port. When the ships leave so does the CG. But I agree there are easier targets.. While the Cole was a US NAvy ship, unfortunately, Al and his friends considers civilians legitimate and much easier targets. The Port itself is much lower value than a cruise ships just because hitting it could cause much more injuries and death. Sinking an empty pier is not going to have the effect killing a 100 people would have.

 

Well, yes and no. The USS Cole was ported in an unsecured port. (Mistake #1). No escort security with known terrorist factions locally (Mistake #2). Al and his friends don't kills civilians randomly otherwise they could wipe out most of the Parrotheads in the US by hitting a Buffet concert. They make calculated decision on targets based on the ability to cause widespread fear and economic damage. Hitting a cruise ship would simply keep people from cruising. Hardly a worthwhile endeavor for any faction.

[TEXASMUNK]

Every box, bag and container is checked. If you are one of those folks that has had a bag missing and then get to go claim it and the ship lets you know they will "hold" your bottle of smuggled booze, you will know they check.

 

Every manifest is turned over to the Gov. at least 48 hours before departure. That is why there are no more standby and hope for an empyt cabin customers any more.

 

The Coast Guard monitors all activity around your ship and even keeps any eye on you as you leave port.

 

Now for something to worry about:

 

An asteroid smashing into your house

The drive to the corner store

Falling in the bathtub

Taxes

[Magicat]

Maybe the terrorists are miffed by the $3.95 charge at Johnny Rockets.

[Fritz265]

Maybe the terrorists are miffed by the $3.95 charge at Johnny Rockets.

 

Or the fact that the "welcome aboard" drinks passed out when you board are actually charged to your seapass account.....

[cruzfiend]

Fritz and Magicat; I like your sense of humor.

[cruise182]

Well, yes and no. The USS Cole was ported in an unsecured port. (Mistake #1). No escort security with known terrorist factions locally (Mistake #2). Al and his friends don't kills civilians randomly otherwise they could wipe out most of the Parrotheads in the US by hitting a Buffet concert. They make calculated decision on targets based on the ability to cause widespread fear and economic damage. Hitting a cruise ship would simply keep people from cruising. Hardly a worthwhile endeavor for any faction.

 

First let me say I am not afraid. We must live our lives!!

 

I disagree. I think a cruise ship represents what the terrorist hate most. If they hit a cruise ship like they did the USS Cole it would do far more damage then it did to the Cole. A cruise ship is not designed for battle. If they were able to hit a cruise ship with a boat loaded down with explosives they could probably sink it pretty quick. Look at the damage done in the Oklahoma bombing with just a truck. If they killed 1'000's on a ship could you imagine what that would do to the travel industry! Think about the ripple affects on that!!

[Heidict]

I don't think asking is showing paranoia, nor do I think that you need to find a different vacation if you are asking this. To not ask or not even think about it shows a lack of concern and responsibility. We can't run around blindly thinking that everyone has top notch security.

 

Personally, it's a thought that has crossed my mind. I realize that while the cruise staff does xray and screen passangers and that they probably do have x-rays and dogs for the other luggage. if a terrorist really, really wants to get something on board he very well probably could.

 

I guess we just have to realize that the chances of it are really low (heck, we probably have better a chance of winning the lottery!!) and go on and enjoy our vacation!

[BMW325]

Could we PLEASE stop this thread!!!!!!!

 

 

I may be stretching by saying this but we don't need to be giving the terrorists any additional ideas and how they could crumble the travel industry, etc. by bombing a cruise ship. We all are looking forward to our upcoming cruises and have worked hard to be able to be part of such a wonderful experience. I know I can just not read these posts and move on, but why create anxiety for people who just want to take a much needed vacation and relax???? Can we get back to talking about duct tape and if we can wear flip-flops to dinner. :p

[Pablo's Cruise]

Could we PLEASE stop this thread!!!!!!!

 

 

I may be stretching by saying this but we don't need to be giving the terrorists any additional ideas and how they could crumble the travel industry, etc. by bombing a cruise ship. We all are looking forward to our upcoming cruises and have worked hard to be able to be part of such a wonderful experience. I know I can just not read these posts and move on, but why create anxiety for people who just want to take a much needed vacation and relax???? Can we get back to talking about duct tape and if we can wear flip-flops to dinner. :p

 

My thoughts exactly

[Heidict]

If the terrorist's wanted to bomb or attack a cruise ship they aren't going to get the idea from us. I'm sure that they could probably come up with all on their own. It's not like it's a new idea though, it has happened before.