I've been on a couple cruises. There are life jackets everywhere. Under couches, in your room, out on the deck... Having a personal is almost pointless unless you want to wear it everywhere. Though you would be able to customize it for you gear should you ditch, which may be worth the effort.

And, yes, before the ships get underway, there's a mind-numbing evacuation drill on every ship I've been on.

PO1 Ajax, you're right about refit at sea. Pretty cool that it's done at all. Though spam and pop tarts seem a cruel joke to me Even the Haitians got better fare than that.