Maybe I’m getting old and/or antisocial but I prefer the mid size ships with 1200 passengers. I don’t want crowds and noise constantly around me in a carnival like atmosphere. Besides, I’d think the size of this ship would limit the ports of call.
My sister and her husband, both in their 70s, went on a cruise on a big ship like the one in this article, last fall. They hated it! Said it was crowded with a bunch of old fat people, crowds and noise everywhere. I said you guys are old. She said they were much older, lots with canes, walkers and wheelchairs. All she and her husband did was to complain about the cruise, saying never again. My wife and I have taken cruises and enjoyed them immensely. So I figure my cheapskate sister grabbed a low-budget cruise during most-crowded time.
Yes, take the smaller cruise ships and pay accordingly to avoid the Walmart shoppers, for a more pleasant experience.
Age has nothing to do with it. I'm under 40 and have been on seven cruises so far and I prefer the smaller ships as well. While I understand the megaliners are set up for their large number of passengers I still prefer the smaller ships which, as you pointed out, can call on smaller ports.