Yes, I totally agree with that view. I've never sailed on a big cruse ship, don't ever plan to either. However, I think many of the things in that article are applicable to other situations.

Like it or not, I do sometimes find myself in analagous situations. I do for example fly on big commercial airplanes from time to time. Every single one of the take away lessons I listed in the OP apply to that situation as well.

For example: Some people will behave well, some badly.
I've been told that aircraft cabin crew are now trained to forcefully take charge of emergency situations. Shouting "EVERYONE LISTEN! YOU...OPEN THAT EXIT WINDOW! NOW!" or something like that. Experience has shown that people panic (or remain passive) because they don't know what to do. Having someone....anyone...forcefully taking charge and directing things helps a lot. If the person taking charge has some symbol of authority, such as a wearing uniform, that is even better.

Another example: Check out exits, where safety gear is located, etc, as soon as you board.
When I board an airliner, train, bus, whatever, I always try to remember to mentally note where the exits are, and how to operate them.