Yes, my tastebuds were reset by desserts. I had to consciously stop myself for looking for a meal finisher when I got home.
For those who really feel like they need something sweet to finish off dinner, try asking for some fruit. They usually have no problem with that. I don't like the desserts and I'm not really into sweets (I'm more the fat/salt kind of person) so I rarely eat dessert but I will occasionally ask for some fruit.
Take a look at the menus in advance (you can see the entire cruise menu lineup on the Navigator app). Select in advance at a time when you're not hungry and stick to it when you get to the restaurant.
Drink lots of water. It will help you to feel full (especially if you eat protein shortly beforehand) and you may not realize that you're dehydrating when it's hot out. Sometimes your body will think it's hungry when you're really thirsty. And some of the foods are fairly high in sodium so it will help to flush some of that out. I routinely use some of the liquid water flavour enhancers or a touch of a sports drink powder (just enough to flavour it and not the ones with lots of sugar or sweetener) to make me drink more water. When you get home, remember that some of the weight you might gain on the ship is water weight and will drop off after a few days.
I definitely have to endorse the stair-climbing thing. Not only is it good for you, but it's a pain waiting for the elevators. They're slow and usually by the time one comes it's full or there's tons of other people waiting. Just take your time and stop if you have to. If you're on the Fantasy or Dream, play the Midship Detective game. It will have you going all over the ship. Lots of walking but because you're distracted by the game, you may not realize it so it doesn't feel like exercise. Commit to not taking the elevator during the game.
At the buffet, if there's something you like, take one spoonful and tell yourself you'll go back up for seconds if you really want more. Often by time you've finished eating you may not need to go up again. If you take a wide variety of foods, you'll feel like you indulged because your tastebuds have had a more varied experience and that may help you to feel more full. Where possible pick healthier items. You may eat more than normal, or more calories than normal, but at least it's good foods so you'll feel less guilty which will lower stress levels.
If you do end up eating more than you intended, or more not-so-good foods than you intended, do NOT make yourself feel guilty about it afterwards. That will be detrimental to your ability to move forward. Yes, try to stay on track on vacation, but don't beat yourself up about it if you don't. If you fail to stay on track one day, reset for the next day and try to stay on track that day.