We were on a holiday cruise last year. No discount. The brunch was nice, but in my opinion not worth the cost. We will be on this cruise with you! Not going for the brunch.
Most of those things have been gone for several years. Some are newer deductions. We also noticed the lack of flowers on the tables in the MDR and the Lido. The lack of activities and communication.
We use Sitx car rental and have had really good service. Shuttle every 15 minutes to their center just a couple miles away. Always reserve a car ahead.
Our first cruise, 1989, was on Alaska Airlines frequent flyer miles! Free. We did have to upgrade a level for a better cabin and had shore excursions etc to pay for though.