Lorna, what is the take on this in Italy? I belive that that coastguard who ordered 'Captain Courageous' back on board is being hailed as a hero? I was amazed to hear a quote today saying that this Captain was not 'one of the best, but THE best man ' that Costa cruises had!

Because its in Lancashire no need to elaborate any further
Come on what cruise line passengers wouldnt fancy going shellfish harvesting on Morecambe Bay or visiting the statue of its most famous son Eric Morecambe (Morecambe & Wise for the young ones). The potted shrimps are by Appointment to HM Queen.

each lock was fitted with a small battery compartment, and took an equivalent of 2 rechargeable AA batteries, these things do not need a strong charge. Each set was routinely changed every 3 months unless required earlier, due to usage. I also have never heard of a swipe card required to exit a room, generally by depressing the handle from inside all deadbolts etc were automatically released. But these systems may well have changed in the last 5 years.

every hotel I have been in has been like this (I have been working away) and cannot see how enything else is not a fire risk. Hope it was not any different in this case, or not elsewhere.

No idea about cruise ships but in hotels the access system would be linked to the fire panel. This would cut power and release door if fire alarm was tripped.

In an emergency, the power to door locks is always cut so that rescuers can get inside each room to check for people or deal with the emergency.

I wonder how many will take advantage of this

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...it-threat.html

Sorry, I've only just seen this.

Yes - he has been hailed as a hero and his words "vada a bordo cazzo!" (get on board dammit) have been printed on t-shirts and God knows how many have been sold.
I'm up North and many people here are embarassed by his behaviour. They already had enough of Berlusconi and his antics - and now Captain Coward and all his lies.

Italian Cruise ship captain Francesco Schettino began his new job
as a bus driver yesterday!

Yes!
Even I knew the answer to that one...or was it coke?