I can't wait to get back on a cruise ship. I spent a year planning a trip to Norway and the Arctic Circle for June which (sadly) was cancelled by the cruise line.
I have been on at least 30 cruises and have never gotten sick. None of my traveling companions has ever gotten sick, to my knowledge.
If you think that cruise ships have gotten too crowded you are probably on mainstream lines that carry 2,000 to 6,000 passengers. Try a smaller ship. (We have been on Crystal Serenity when it was full -- 900 passengers -- and it felt half empty.) Lots of luxury lines carry just 200 - 300. River cruises are usually 150 to 200. Different cruise lines appeal to different demographics (and different budgets). A good agent can help you find a cruise line and a particular ship that fits your needs and desires.
I didn't start to cruise until about 12 years ago and traveled very little prior to that, so I still have a fairly long list of places on my bucket list. (And the clock is ticking!)
kathy