Mike....
I think you summed it up with that idea that most novices think it is going to be a navy-like nautical experience.
I think the envision something like a summer camp at sea - people sleepingin hammocks (like on Pirate ships) with oil pipes, wheel valves & greasy ropes everywhere.
They think you should buy clothes with epaulettes and shows that won't slip on wet constantly wet decks.
They envision a cruise director with a megaphone waking you and telling you its time for breakfast.
I think that when you tell novice cruisers they actually get room service coffee every morning - with eggs, fruit, cereal & yogurt - AT NO CHARGE - that it just goes over their head. It doesn't register.
I love the story about you thinking 300 sq feet would not be enough. I learned from working on ships that you easily adapt to any size of room as long as you have what you need. Space is really over-rated. So, when I moved to NYC is already knew I would be fine in a smaller apartment.
Now I live in a bigger house, and my wife has utilized all the space, but before she moved in I lived in the bedroom & kitchen.