OK - I'll chip in here. In my late 50's (OUCH!) First cruise was about 10 years ago on Norway. Sailed through a hurricane & loved it & I was hooked. TA kept saying to try Radisson. He was never wrong on his recommendations, so "graduated" from being HAL regulars to the Mariner Baltics cruise in 2002. That was it. Hooked on RSSC. But still managed to fit a HAL cruise in with the kids which was very good. But I doubt I'll do HAL again.
Kids. My son is 25, has a degree in Sports Broadcasting, but works as a banker. My daughter is 29 (EGADS!), degree in early childhood Ed & teaches reading. Both kids live Out East on Long Island. They are cruise fans now too.
I am a lawyer for a Medical/Scientific products company, having formerly been a scientist. I am HOPING to retire in a few years - maybe 3 - 5, and then CRUISE CRUISE CRUISE