Really? Not set foot on one myself, but seeing the crocodiles of punters herded on and off, rushed round the tackiest of grockle "attractions" onshore, made to queue at checkpoints to get back on the boat, ect ect, has put me off ever wanting to.
Congratulations on missiing the point by a country mile.
I share you view on cruise holidays...went on one once, didn't like it, mainly for the reasons you articulate.
However, the customer service was outstanding from start to finish - and my friends who cruise tell me it always is. I expect the airlines (and some trains) were much like this in times past.
Nowadays, unless you can afford business class or better, airline travel is the complete pits...whoever you fly with.
PS
I visited the Sistine Chapel on my cruise. I'm thinking Michel Angelo might have issues with that being described as a "tacky tourist attraction"
