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Stabilizers are not always out and in operation. They are used in rough seas and I hear that it was a calm clear day. However, they were off to NYC and sailing into the Gulf Stream and maybe they were needed, but not usually when calm.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was mechanical as the whole thing is computerized and "stuff happens". It did happen a while back on another ship as stated before and I do believe it was Norwegian Cruise Line.

Anyway... as a 16 year veteran of the cruise industry, I can tell you that the thing about the ships staff and crew being "rented" or "contracted" is true. Depending on the cruise line, most of the crew may be contracted, but some lines DO employ more of the shipboard staff/crew than others.

Since I am also Ex Navy Intelligence, I have had had a keen interest for 25 years in watching the Islamic Terrorists dogs (friend lost in Beirut Marine Barracks bombing 1983) spread there "peaceful"... barf... religion spread like cancer.

While working for cruise lines, I too have had a "sinking" feeling that one day terrorists would infiltrate the crew of a ship and try to take one down. Remember, they are patient and can lay in wait playing a role for years. It's not just a paranoid thought, it's also in many of their stated terror threats that they want to target cruise lines.

Now... news flash... Princess Cruise Line is now part of Carnival Corporation who owns most of the major cruise lines of the world. The "Head Honcho" is Mickey Arrison (son of the founder of Carnival - Ted Arrison - an Israeli shipping tycoon). So sinking/blowing up just about any cruise ship from Carnival Corporation would be a "double points venture" for a good little Terror Dog as they would get Infidels, Americans, and a JEW.

Now, Princess mainly has Italian/British officers, but staff from all around the world. I wouldn't put it past a terrorist to target any ship that Americans sail on, but the cruise line that I am most worried about is Holland America Line. Although the officers are mainly Dutch, most of the crew are Indonesian or Filipino. They have 14 ships around the world and have a maritime school to train crew in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Each time I sailed since 9/11/01, especially when it was a special sailing such as an inaugural sailing... I got nervous. Although most of the crew was outstanding and incredibly friendly I worried about terror.

Fair Winds and Following Seas