Everyone has their reason for choosing a cruise line, some stay quite loyal as they get more perks with more cruises. While I do not consider myself a seasoned cruiser, will only be going on my 9th in 15 yrs, but we moved from the midwest to FL so we are closer to cruise ports... then covid hits and that came to a screeching halt.
Me .... I go into a cruise with zero expectations, that way I can never be disappointed. I enjoy sitting on the balcony watching the waves. Pure peace and quite. I dont gamble and food is just that, food. I do not need 5 star, though I would hope not to get cold and crappy, which has never happened ~ and I can be fine with the buffet a few times during the week.
all that aside.... it comes to the bottom dollar for me. and flying does add quite an expense, especially these days. cruising with a family is even more costly when you add it all up.
Being retired, I try to watch what I spend - So I've been mostly on Carnival and have always had a great time. I've never had a bad cruise. My next one on RC will be my most costly aside from Alaska, so we shall see if all their bells and whistles keeps me as a customer.
Good for you making the change, sometimes it's not always a good change, but you wont know until you try. Just have a blast as even a bad day on a cruise is better than a good day at work. 😉 because you are on a cruise and not at work.