
“PVI” is short for “Public Vomiting Incident.” As you might have guessed, this secret code relates to incidents requiring quick clean-up, usually when someone has thrown up. Another code that might sound strange is “Code Sierra” because it gives no clue what’s happening. Well, now we know that it refers to a type of medical emergency that requires a stretcher.

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Cruise ship worker spills beans about onboard code passengers know nothing about - The Mirror
Cruise ship worker spills beans about onboard code passengers know nothing about.
Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The term is derived from the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, which require all vessels to have a standard emergency preparedness plan. Hidden meanings and practical uses of secret codes on cruise ships go beyond emergency situations. Exploring secrecy can reveal codes for muster drills, crew announcements, and more. As a cruise expert, I have insight into how to decode these hidden messages. These codes have since evolved and are now used on cruise ships to convey emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, fires, and security threats.
Bravo
Code Alpha is an emergency code used aboard cruise ships and other vessels that indicates an urgent situation requiring immediate evacuation or security alert. Passengers and crew must proceed quickly to their assigned muster stations for further instructions from personnel onboard the vessel. Other codes such as Code Bravo for fires and Code Charlie for security alerts may also be used in conjunction with Code Alpha depending on the type of emergency. The utilization of “Alpha Alpha” contributes to the overall safety and security onboard cruise ships.
What is “Alpha Alpha”?

Such action includes maneuvering the ship to safety to dodge an accident. “Delta, Delta, Delta” is often used by crew members as a secret alert that there’s been an accident that caused damage to the ship. It may indicate physical damage to the ship’s hull or pollution. We had a code alpha this week while on the Pearl, they even announced the room number. The next day we had to make a quick detour towards Key West for a helicopter medical evacuation.
Code Gray alerts the crew to the presence of an abusive person or a combative person on board. I’m sure it won’t be you but do remember to be respectful to your crew and fellow cruise travellers at all times. On a cruise, “Code Purple” is used to signify a bomb threat or some other form of chemical or biological threat. If you hear it, you’ll probably be a bit scared, but try not to panic, the crew will have robust procedures in place to deal with it. I have been on a cruise ship during a norovirus outbreak and have heard this code.
Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues individual who went overboard - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues individual who went overboard.
Posted: Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What Is Code Bravo on a Cruise Ship?
It might be repeated three times, so you might hear it as “Bravo Bravo Bravo,” but either way, “Bravo” means there’s a fire on board. Be sure to follow all instructions from the crew to ensure your safety – though this applies to all cruise ship codes, really. In this article, I’ll reveal the meanings of some of the most common secret cruise codes, so you’ll no longer be kept in the dark about what’s going on on board your cruise ship. Furthermore, the usage of “Alpha Alpha” contributes to a sense of unity and shared understanding among passengers and crew members.
And if you’re still looking for a ship to sail on, browse the best cruises as selected by a traveler who’s taken more than 145 of them. We all know the cruise ship crew uses secret code words onboard to communicate with each other without raising concerns amongst the relaxing passengers. You should be briefed on this during your muster drill as it’s important that you to take action.
Fewer will know about “pan-pan” (from the French panne, meaning a breakdown), which refers to a slightly less grave danger. The announcement “Operation Bright Star” signals a medical emergency (“Code Blue” is an alternative); “Operation Rising Star” means a passenger has passed away. Unlike the flags or the horn blasts that vessels use to signal to one another, there is no international standard for these alarm codes. Each cruise line uses its own set of codes, since the purpose to the code is to transmit information on a need-to-know basis. Despite that, cruise passengers usually have a way of figuring out what a particular code means on a particular cruise line.
Kilo
Then, cruise ship security is dispatched to deal with whoever’s fighting. The security team is quick to break up fights, and may place the offending passengers in the cruise ship jail. Typically, using that call means that there’s a medical emergency on the ship. The Code Alpha lets crew members know that someone needs medical help without causing panic.
There are also reports that a “Code Winnie” is a secret code for a poo in the pool on Disney Cruise Lines. Jean is a West End and Broadway actress who now has her own one woman show called Royal Mistresses, which she performs at guilds and on ships. She now presents TV and is known by many cruisers for her Doris Visits port guides.
On a lighter note, a few years ago flight attendant Charlotte Southcott revealed to Telegraph Travel some of the curious lingo used by cabin crew at 35,000ft. You might also hear one of these other coded announcements on your next cruise or ferry trip (but hopefully not). Social media engagement is a powerful tool for staying informed and connected, especially in the fast-paced world of cruising. I love hearing from readers and answering their questions, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my content and provide even more value.
Soon enough, that announcement will be followed by confining all the affected passengers to their quarters to keep the illness from spreading further. After a short period of time, everything will go back to being peaceful and laid-back as it should be on a cruise. A code Oscar is when a grumpy person is blocking access to the garbage storage area. It didn't alarm me because it was daylight and nothing seemed to be on fire. When had a Code ALPHA on one cruise in the middle of the night as well.
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