>>After earlier wave incidents it seems like thicker metal for the outer sides of the superstructure would be standard for cruise (and other) ships.<<
Don't count on it. Steel is heavy and the higher up you get, the less weight you want to have there. The alternative is to accept topweight and all the baggage which comes with the deal. This approach may have some merit with ships designed as liners but cruise ships typically operate in balmier climates where freak waves are seldom an issue. Even when it is, the ships keep very close tabs on the weather so they can stay out of trouble by making sure that they are not where the trouble is.
Don't count on it. Steel is heavy and the higher up you get, the less weight you want to have there. The alternative is to accept topweight and all the baggage which comes with the deal. This approach may have some merit with ships designed as liners but cruise ships typically operate in balmier climates where freak waves are seldom an issue. Even when it is, the ships keep very close tabs on the weather so they can stay out of trouble by making sure that they are not where the trouble is.