The term "Muster" in a maritime context comes from the Middle English and Old French word moustrer, which means "to show" or "to exhibit." Historically, it referred to the process of assembling troops or a ship's crew for inspection, exercise, or to "show" that everyone was present and accounted for. On modern cruise ships in 2026, the Muster Drill is a mandatory safety exercise where all passengers are introduced to their designated "Muster Station"—the specific area they must go to in the event of an emergency. While the drill used to involve everyone standing on deck in life jackets, most cruise lines have transitioned to "e-Muster" or "Virtual Muster" via mobile apps. In this modern version, you watch a safety video on your phone or stateroom TV and then visit your physical muster station to have your cruise card scanned by a crew member. Despite the technological shift, the name "Muster" persists as a traditional nautical term for ensuring that every person on board is trained and ready to respond safely to an emergency signal.