We chose this cruise because it fit our available date parameters, included ports we were interested in exploring and had accessible ports of departure and return from our home. We did not know much about HAL other than it had a reputation for hosting mostly an older clientele. Being 53 myself -- this didn't worry me. The crowd was actually probably 1/2 older than I and 1/2 my age or younger with lots of multigenerational families traveling together.
While the ship is old and shows some of it's age in various places -- everything is in working order and the decor is mostly low key - which I prefer to newer glitzier ships. The size is great as it rarely feels crowded.
Muster was awful, in my opinion. Lots of yelling and being forced to stand shoulder to shoulder out on deck for 30 minutes was not a great way to start a cruise. We felt like cattle being moved -- literally, staff were leading people where and how to stand.
Our cabin was unfortunately a major disappointment. We booked a Lanai because no private balcony suites were available at the time that I booked. On our only sea day there were workmen varnishing and painting right outside our door. The cabin reeked of fumes for 8-10 hours and the promenade was not accessible. On another night there was an emergency and a tender had to be lowered for a sick passenger. Of course, they used on outside our door and for two hours it was up and down, lights, noise and staff outside. If that had been the only issue - I'd let it go because obviously it was an emergency situation and I hope that passenger is better now. Tenders are also used for one port so for hours there are folks on deck taking them down and putting them back up. My point is that these rooms should not be more expensive for all the lack of privacy they provide.