I'm not sure what cruiseline you called, Barbara, and I'm certainly not trying to disparage any information you may have received, but reservation agents who answer a call on an 800 number are going to give you information that they've been told to give you. Some can pull it up on a screen, and others will read from a prepared script. Having worked in the travel industry for a few years, I know that many reservation agents who work for cruiselines have never even been on a cruise, or on any large ship. Technically, yes - it is the "law" to "accomodate all passengers/crew". Erik and Michael have made some very valid points, though. Some "lifeboats" are actually tenders, and are larger than the standard uncovered lifeboat, are equipped with lifejackets, and even have restrooms. They're also located in convenient lowering positions on the ship. Caribbean destinations such as Grand Cayman and private islands owned by cruiselines (Coco Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Princess Cay, Half Moon Cay) require tendering. I've walked around a few boat decks, and have noticed the differences between the covered tenders and the standard lifeboats. The trend in the cruise industry these days is to build the largest and most accomodating ship possible, and there is MUCH competition! Personally, I wouldn't go on a ship with over 1800 passengers (1000 crew), and prefer the smaller - outdated - ships. I don't need to rock-climb or ice skate or water slide or have a DVD in my cabin. Too many decks and 3000 passengers vying at the same time is just not my idea of a good time, or of feeling safe. The fact that there may be (or not be) adequate lifeboat capacity does not guarantee the safety of any passenger/crew. As pointed out by Erik and Michael, circumstances will dictate any safe evacuation. Now, on the other hand, I would never discourage anyone from cruising. I go anytime I can, but awareness and personal preparedness is a real key factor.
