This was my eighteenth cruise overall. I have cruised Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Carnival previously. It had been five years since my last cruise so I was expecting some changes since Covid happened. Some of the best food we have had on a cruise has been on Carnival. On this cruise I found portions to be small, extra charges, a lot of repetition in the menus, and overworked staff. I guess that is just a sign of the times now. We loved the Apex but missed some of the more fun things we had on different lines. More singing and dancing, well attended deck parties, steel drum band, more activities on board and interaction with the entertainment crew. Each cruise line definitely has its own vibe. I definitely like sailing on a newer ship but look for traditional balconies, passenger count and price of course.