Agree with Pugwash here - most travellers on ships, especially cruise ships, really cannot comprehend the dangers..
When Flo and I travel to Europe, we 99% of the time travel Dover Dunkerque on one of the three 'D' class vessels. Since the beginning, I have always thought through a possible escape plan from wherever in the ship we are sitting - which is mostly one of 3 places : the front cafetieria, the first class lounge or the bar area. I would hope I would never have to act upon it.....
The announcements made on the ferries about gathering at muster stations and being directed to a lifeboat is very confidence inspiring...........to those who have little comprehension!!!! In reality, if a cross channel ferry starts to sink, it will either go down quick or turn turtle just as quickly - a known problem that cannot be resolved within a commercially viable budget or operation. I know where I will go in a sinking or capsizing emergency......and it isnt to the muster stations inside if I am within 3 meters of an outside door!!!!!
Carl