I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise. Cruising is not for everyone and even those who cruise frequently find things they don't like about cruising! In your case - you knew going in that there was little on the ship or in the ports that would interest you.
Not being a pool or beach girl would be a big issue. Daughter could spend all day at the pool so that's where we usually are. For us, that's where Disney is a big let-down. Literally 1 family pool that is standing room only! At least on the Oasis class we have a choice of 3-4 pools. Since we're usually at the pool we don't worry too much about finding things to do. However, on Disney we do tend to get a little bored during the day - just not enough for families to do together. (We don't smoke or drink either.)
On port days we can always find something to do even if it's just a walking tour. That's always an inexpensive option wherever you are in the world. And usually a great way to learn about the city you're visiting.
I can imagine your shock about room sizes. There are 3 of us as well but we've always been okay. I particularly loved the nooks and crannies. RCI has changed that on the Harmony and there are actually more drawers than nooks and crannies. I kind of missed them.
Food is subjective as mentioned. As far as Oasis class ships I'd rate Allure best, then Harmony, then Oasis. Depends on where you eat. For us just having so many options is great. We do find the food better on those ships than on Disney.
Surprised about the soft serve. Isn't it available by the pool/on pool deck? It is on both Allure and Harmony...I can't remember all the way back to our Oasis cruise but the layouts of the 3 are very similar.
We've never had wind in Central Park. Not sure how that works since it's blocked on both sides but yes, definitely windy on top deck or 2. Again, not specific to RCI. BTW, I'm thinking your mom's balcony door was not locked completely. You would hear the wind that way. If there was an actual issue with the door, you could have called Guest Services. I think they would have taken care of it.
I completely agree with you about the being served thing. I HATE it. I could never cruise in a Suite/Concierge where someone is constantly on top of you. But honestly, we have just not had that super service experience (not even on Disney).
I'm sure you knew about the gratuities before you cruised. I have been on many cruises and never pre-paid them but I'm going to do that for our next cruise (taking 9 people on a cruise). I also don't like the bill at the end! You had other expenses that were not any fault of RCI - getting to the port, passport, and photos. Aside from the gratuities - you can spend as much or as little as you want. There were A LOT of shoppers on our Harmony cruise. We didn't buy anything on board.
I'm glad your daughter had a nice birthday cruise! For us, wherever we are/whatever we do for vacation it's really just about us being together and having fun as a family.
I hope you have a great next vacation, whatever you do!