But you're basing your question on the response of what would be most likely, the most 'unreasonable' person. The reality is, a proper PR statement from Princess to the effect that you drafted would have resulted in far greater understanding from a far greater number of people. That's a fact that I would happily bet money on.
Don't discount the value of the brand, the loyalty that the brand has built within its most loyal cruisers, many of whom booked on the early Sun Princess voyages, or the respect with which people want to be treated.