For me and my DW one important point is how the heart of the ship feels. This may be a conglomeration of ambience , customer care ,food crew and fellow passengers The happiness or lack thereof transmits to guests. A few years back on Azamara we had an extremely great trip. All staff were visible interactive warm and accomodating. The ship feel was wonderful even though the ship was older and smaller. I will also not forget on Seabourn when we were served snacks and cocktails outside our room as an event for each neighborhood and all passengers were in hall ways greeting and sharing good feelings
The ❤️ of a ship is that invisible yet critical ingredient
All the best