Greetings and Happy New Year.  This week I'm about to sail on Cunard Lines' Queen Victoria from Ft Lauderdale to St Thomas, Antigua, Grenada, Bonaire and a partial transit of the Panama Canal - which means we go as far as Gatun Lake, turn around and return to the Caribbean.  I'm sure we will find some changes in check in and the safety procedures after what happened to the Costa Concordia in Italy this past week.  It's a terrible situation  and I ask that you keep all 4000+ in your prayers.  Changing course is not as unusual for many of the cruise lines.  Perhaps a high ranking officer or company executive or VIP passenger has ties to a shore close by.  I remember years ago Stromboli was very active and lava was just spewing down the hillside.  Our ship changed course so passengers could witness an evening of volcanic activity while sipping champagne - with a full moon coming over the horizon.  Beautiful - you bet!  Something I will always remember.  I don't think it was irresponsible for our Captain to take this initiative.
I can't say what the Costa Captain intended to do but this kind of incident should not deter cruise lines from allowing Captains from making, good solid, judgements in ship's courses.
It's just my opinion - but having crew members from so many different countries is an accident waiting to happen.  Cruise Lines hire a hotel management company for many of the staff and these people are usually from countries where the labor force is great and the wages are minimal.  Their intentions are wonderful but during an emergency situation, I wonder how much is lost in communication.  Years ago it was considered a first class, highly impressive and respected career to work on board a cruise ship - People would brag "I've been here 25 years".  Now, it seems that staff go from cruise line to cruise line or from ship to ship.   It's a stepping stone for something better - perhaps higher wages and benefits on land.  Very rarely will you find real loyalty among the employees/staff/crew of a cruise line.  Cruise Lines work so hard to get the loyalty of their passengers, perhaps they should start at home.  I think this would've made a big difference in what happened that fateful night. 
I would also like to mention that the cruise industry provides a great opportunity for the vacationer.  Over 3 million passengers happily and safely cruised last year.  I'm sure our cruise will be full of good times and happy, smooth sailing days.  But since I'm onboard, I'm sure there will be an adventure or two to report.  Stay tuned.  :)