## 7 Conclusions  
The multifaceted challenges of evacuating passengers and crew from cruise/large passenger ships have become significantly complex due to the growing size and human population density of modern vessels, a trend that has also been described as gigantism. This effort has systematically analyzed critical factors influencing evacuation efficiency, focusing on the interplay between ship design, human behavior, and external environmental conditions. Without the list that follows being considered as fully inclusive, key insights reveal the significant impact of heeling angles, staircase configurations, and muster station locations, alongside the pivotal role of human factors such as group dynamics, leadership styles, and demographic diversity. Addressing these dimensions during the design phase of a vessel and thoughtful consideration during daily operations planning should be approached as a crucial element towards enhancing safety outcomes during emergencies. In order to improve evacuation efficiency, the integration of advanced technological solutions and the help of information technology can be paramount. Real-time adaptive systems, including dynamic wayfinding solutions and simulation models, can optimize evacuation routes and respond effectively to evolving emergency evacuation conditions. For example, the Improved Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm (IAFSA) supports and enables dynamic path adjustments based on congestion and environmental factors, ensuring smoother passenger flow and reducing evacuation times. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, these systems should be complemented by structured and regular training programs for crew and passengers, providing critical knowledge to minimize confusion and panic. Detailed and enhanced pre-departure safety briefings, modeled after the aviation industry's standardized practices, can boost preparedness and response efficiency. Furthermore, ship design plays a crucial role in effective evacuation planning and execution. Holistic design approaches that incorporate evacuation considerations from the early stages of shipbuilding can significantly improve safety outcomes. Optimizing staircase and muster station layouts, ensuring multiple accessible escape routes, and strategically distributing passenger cabins relative to muster stations can alleviate bottlenecks and reduce overall evacuation times. Additionally, behavioral insights shall also be taken into consideration when establishing evacuation strategies. Understanding group dynamics, leadership roles/styles, and demographic diversity can inform more effective planning. Phased evacuations, clear leadership assignments, and scenario-based drills, including training for restricted visibility and adverse conditions, can help improve coordination and reduce delays. Moreover, enhancing the safety culture in maritime industry is equally vital. By encouraging open communication and proactive feedback from both crew and passengers, continuous improvements in safety protocols and emergency preparedness can be achieved. Regulatory enhancements are also vital to support these advancements. International bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) should consider updating their guidelines to include a more holistic approach towards evacuation such as behavioral insights and the adoption of advanced evacuation technologies and methods. Regular performance evaluations and simulation-based assessments should become standard practices to ensure industry-wide preparedness. Policymakers must also encourage the use of data-driven insights to refine strategies, particularly in accommodating vulnerable populations and improving accessibility under diverse emergency scenarios. The findings also highlight the need of adopting a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to evacuation planning. With the integration of advanced technologies, informed ship design, targeted training, and behavioral insights, the maritime industry can significantly enhance safety and efficiency during emergency evacuations.