In the Azores 2 weeks ago, had my first Zodiac experience at age 70. The crew was instructive and helped both in and out. Getting out was harder...gravity and all, lol.
I just booked a balcony 5 months out and was given that bad news too. Cruise next desk had said balcony and above, the six months is a long time to be guaranteed use of our money, lol.