When leaving a Tribal-class destroyer looked like promotion or punishment

Would transferring from a Tribal-class destroyer to a newly built destroyer be considered a demotion?

Not when accompanied by promotion, although a same-rank move from a prestigious Tribal could be read as a setback.

Moving from a Tribal-class destroyer to command a newly built destroyer would not be a demotion if the officer was promoted with the appointment. A lateral transfer at the same rank could carry a different social meaning because Tribals were prestigious ships. Even becoming executive officer of a cruiser might prompt questions unless the cruiser had comparable standing, such as a Town-class vessel. Official promotion and informal status could point in different directions during a naval career.