Having sailed on 6 continents on Sea Dream (when it was Sea Goddess), I would compare the service to the finest 5 star hotels in the world. Fine food, gorgeous ambiance, everything included, including fully stocked bar and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic everywhere on the ship). Intimate setting. We have lifelong friends from our 20 voyages (including Ship's Officers; even attended the wedding of one who is now a Captain of Seabourne). Truly, I have never experienced finer service in any 5 star hotel. When we were shown to our cabin we were asked by our stewardess if she would like to unpack for us. We had anything we wanted at any time of day, including caviar in our cabin or hamburgers in the jacuzzi at 4:00AM.
I can't imagine traveling on a ship with hundreds or thousands of pax..although, we did once do a Transatlantic crossing on the QE2. It was very relaxing but not particularly fun. The Sea Goddess (Sea Dream) was the epitome of elegance. I would never consider going on a ship with more than 200 pax. We had total access to the Captain's Bridge. That is the best!!