To start off, it is my impression that on a cruise there should be a high level of pampering and catering to. We never felt this, except at times with our steward. We just expected more for the price.
Apparently, we boarded the ship during a re-staffing period, so for the first two days the ship was under-manned until new staff arrived. Long waits in the restaurants and general confusion among passengers was the result.
Embarkation and travel to ship: I was surprised that we were expected to handle our checked baggage from the airport to the ship ground transportation. I had always understood that the cruise line should handle this. The embarkation process was quick and hassle free.