Cruises are tons of fun and statistically very safe.

I carried an old Gerber Ultra single AA in my pocket or my wife's beach bag we took to the pool because dark is about the only contingency you can plan for with any ease.

That, not getting drunk, and going on deck and hanging out there if is any indication of trouble are IMO the best things you can do to stay safe on a cruise.

I enjoy a balcony on the aft of the ship. Nice to look back at the wake of the ship at the end of the day while enjoying a rum and coke, plus the added benefit of never being on the bad side of a listing ship.