My guess is that the importance of officers and crew is based on special relationships you've forged over the years. On Oceania I'm a new cruiser and really don't know anyone. I'm most certain that I will not be treated differently than any other passenger and that's fine. I've cruised more than 110 times over 20 years with another line and I've known many who have risen thought the ranks to their current positions as Captains, HD, RM, and CD. These relationships are important to us and we are treated more than special when we meet them. I've actually taken some cruises just to see special people. We communicated to them during Covid and they were concerned about us.