You are correct Hamrag they are oldish ships but were built for cruising not converted car ferries.
I have done about 14 cruises + the best times i ever had was on the old SS Topaz (6 times) built in 1955.Food + Entertainment 1st class,Thomson downhill ever since.
The best thing re Pullmantur is the A/I,not because you can drink until you fall over but its more relaxing not having to check your bill all the time.
I like the smaller ships (1000ish pax) i think 3000 capacity is a bit impersonal + i don't like the surcharges on drinks + searches when coming from onshore etc.
With regard the Americans staying at home i think you will notice the way it is going shortly.
A late cruise i went on last year (Sept) on Thomson Celebration there was loads of Russians (full of Gucci/Prada etc) + Norwegians, on the review page for Celebration the week before mine reviewer wrote there was 350 Russians.
Thomsons have to fill their ships somehow !!!!.
With Pullmantur there are smoking areas in all bars etc,they ask you to "Kindly resect the wishes of others in Non-Smoking areas".
Johnny C