It doesn't have to be that way. A few years ago I took two transatlantic cruises on the QM2.....one to the Med, one to Canary Islands, Medeiros, and a Portugal stop. With a good choice of tours, it was a very efficient way have a valued cultural and learning experience at places I'd never experience any other way. The problem is this "cruising is for all" mentality is trashing the experience for everyone. I can't imagine the Ports of Call like being mob scenes, except for the money in generates.
You are correct...... there are cruises and then there are cruises.