Mum2Mercury

A couple outside-the-box thoughts: - Have you considered a collapsible folding wagon? It doesn't provide the structure for the youngest, but it would be handy on island stops to be able to "haul" the two oldest. They could sit up or they could lie down. Flexibility. - Have you considered a baby sling for the youngest? I think it'd be useful "around the ship" and also for island stops.

No need to bring something extra: Just open a suitcase in the bottom of the closet and use it for a hamper. When it's full, zip it up and put it under the bed ... bring out the next suitcase. By the end of the cruise, you're already packed to go home. Metal hooks will stick on the wall. Lanyards are good for kids who aren't good at keeping up with things. With four kids in a room, you might want enough metal hooks that they can hang wet swimsuits, etc. on the walls. Not necessary. The cabins have a good bit of storage for these small things around the desk and in the bathroom. Good idea to keep these things up off the floor. When our kids were younger, we used to bring glow sticks for them to take to bed ... enough light for them to get into the rest room, but not enough to keep others awake. We started this with camping, but it worked great for hotels and cruises too.

Oh, no, that makes me sad. No matter how many times I cruise, I want always to be excited when I step foot on board! I enjoyed your review. I always like reviews that give plenty of solid details like yours!

That's overly simplistic: Say you like a certain cruise line's ships, itineraries, food, entertainment ... but you're displeased with their room service. Do you walk away from the things you do like because of a couple things you dislike? My impression is that the majority are displeased with the reduction in service (coupled with the increase in gratuity) but it isn't "enough" to make them leave. I think the cruise line considers this a win. I'd argue that cabin service, given the small space, twice a day isn't "luxury". It hasn't been considered such in the past. These two posts are a twist on what the other poster said -- or, rather, implied. The other poster implied he would tip EXTRA for more service -- an increased tip, a reward for extra service. Y'all are acting like he's planning not to tip at all.

Royal hasn't been offering up many sales lately, especially on the larger, newer ships. Just check a couple times each week -- and definitely on holidays -- but don't get your hopes up. Thing is, you can definitely have a great time without these "extras", if you don't get the price you want. Yes, they tend to run $8-10/day + 18% tax. The older two are golden ... they can go to the kids' club (no cost) and will have a blast. The nursery for the youngest is pretty dull AND it costs $8/hour. They do lend out educational toys, which you may take back to your cabin. Honestly, if you think you're going to want to put him in the nursery more than once or twice, I'd seriously consider waiting a few weeks /months so he'd qualify for the kids' club. (We planned our family cruise for just after my grandson's 3rd birthday for this very reason.) Chill Island will give you most of this -- the umbrellas won't give you total sun protection, but nearby is a palm forest full of big double hammocks, and that is totally shaded. It's near the Chill Grill, which has ice cream. South Beach will give you the same -- except no hammocks and palm forest. And you'd eat at the Skipper Grill, which is identical to the Chill Grill except for the color scheme. If you'd prefer the pool, it's in the center of the island. It is rather loud. Also in the center is the huge pirate ship playground /splash area. You will definitely want to visit that. They have strollers and wheelchairs with giant wheels that can roll in the sand. Thing is, you can't get them until you're off the ship, down the long dock and ON THE ISLAND. When we last boarded a ship, we saw a family just ahead of us who had a canvas collapsible wagon -- I think I've seen such things on Amazon -- and I thought, "That's a family who's got it going on." The dad was pulling the big-wheeled wagon, which held two toddlers and the family's back packs and cases of soda. The mom was following (making sure the boys stayed IN the wagon) and carrying a smaller child. They pulled that wagon right up the gangplank. I'm sure they hauled it right down to Coco Cay later in the cruise. If I were you and had three small children instead of just my one grandson, I'd buy one of those collapsible wagons and have it at my "beck and call" all the time -- not just on CoCo Cay. Depending upon the direction of the sun, I'm not sure a cabana would guarantee you full shade all day. Have you considered a long sleeved rash guard? No, if you're early start people, you will easily be able to get two no-cost umbrellas together. The chairs are arranged 2-chairs/1 umbrella or 4-chairs/1 umbrella. I feel sure it does. Off-topic, but two things my daughter insists upon for my grandson's safety: He is only allowed to wear bright red, orange or yellow swim trunks, as the more common blues and greens blend into the water -- she wants him to STAND OUT for safety. And water shoes for "grip". Booking the kids into the clubs /nursery won't be difficult. You need to do it soon, but you needn't make it Priority 1. But with kids, you will need to take the tram to South Beach. It is a haul. If you know you want the package, buy it ahead of time. It'll definitely be cheaper beforehand, even with the BOGO sale.

For $1000, I'll remind myself that patience is a virtue.

There, you have your answer. Do consider travel insurance as well. The biggie is emergency evacuation, which is highly unlikely but can be life-alteringly expensive. Many people cruise with birth certificates and IDs. Statistically, I'm sure some of them have had issues, but the vast-vast-vast majority of cruisers board and disembark on their anticipated dates /places.

Several thoughts: - It's nice to hear a review from someone who's willing to be happy! - I do wish Royal had softer beds. - Two connecting rooms for a family is wonderful, and two connecting balconies are so nice! We once had three rooms in a row and left the sliders unlocked (who's going to get onto our balconies) so we could all "come and go" between rooms. - I know it's already been said, but if you have a Playmakers onboard, give it a shot for a good burger -- even if you're not a sports fan. My husband loves Playmakers. - Glad you're having a great time!

Not just that: Online learning went mainstream during the pandemic, and I don't think our area's alone in having added more virtual options. Some students really thrive in this online environment, and one of the benefits is that they can "attend class" from anywhere.

You'll probably be assigned between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but that's no guarantee. What you see "open" right now is what they're publishing ... it's possible that various travel agencies are "holding" rooms. It's also possible that rooms will change around as people "Royal Up". $1200 is excellent savings, and I'd go with the guarantee in a heartbeat for that money! Even if waiting does drive me absolutely crazy, and -- as my sailing approaches -- I check the computer like a madwoman. Yes, that's worked great for us. It usually seems to work a few days - 2 weeks after your boarding times open /barcodes appear.

This exact thing happened to us on Independence on our last cruise, and we were thrilled! I hope you enjoy the cabin as much as we did. Specific thoughts: - The seating area in these cabins is great. You get a loveseat + a similar-sized bowed seat in the bay window. We used this area heavily and "people watched" more than I would've expected. - We are big fans of the 6th floor (not a particularly popular area) because it's just one flight of stairs down to the Promenade to pick up a drink, a sandwich or a piece of pizza. - The window has two curtains: one thin gauzy curtain that blocks the view but allows in light /one black-out curtain that "velcros" shut in the evenings. We did not see any, um, "shows" in the other rooms at any point. We were in the cabin in December (pre-housekeeping reduction), and our cabin steward closed our curtains each evening at turn-down time. - They dim the lights in the Promenade at night /bring them up slowly in the morning, which simulates daylight. - One negative: When you walk into the room, the bed is RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU, and you have to walk around it. Not the end of the world, but all the open space is at the far end of the room. - Another negative: This room doesn't have quite as much storage as a standard inside room: the drawers are smaller /in a corner, and the storage by the mirror is extremely shallow (I mean, all you could reasonably store is make-up or gum ... not even a canned drink.) But so what? These rooms only hold two people, and we didn't use all the storage, but a heavy packer might be in trouble. The closet is good-sized for two people. - The bathrooms are identical to those in inside rooms. - We were in a connecting room /did not know the people on the other side of the door. I think we heard a sneeze or a cough once. - We agree we'd love to stay in one of these rooms again! That'll never happen. That Suite is "scooped up" the day the dates open up. - The Promenade is on the 5th floor, and Promenade cabins are located on 6th, 7th and 8th floor. Logically, the 6th floor would be "closer to the action" and more noisy. - Also, the Promenade has an "entertainment bridge" in the middle -- singers /dancers perform from this bridge so they're visible to everyone in the Promenade. If you're near this bridge, you will hear more noise. We were two doors down from it, and we only heard the music /singing for about 30 minutes during the Welcome Party /Parade and the 70s Night Music. During those two times, we heard the boom-boom-boom of the bass, but once we opened our curtains and realized what was going on, we realized we had the best seat in the house and enjoyed the music. Again, each party only lasted 30 minutes. - Noise is just not a big concern in these cabins.

Yeah, we sailed once "over capacity". Until that cruise, I wasn't even aware that was a possibility. I think over capacity and loads of children go hand-in-hand. We sailed a holiday ONCE and came to the same decision. I'm not saying we didn't enjoy that cruise -- we definitely did! -- but the crowds were definitely a negative, we were assigned to a side room instead of the MDR for dinner, and it was an expensive cruise /not a great value. Fool me once ...

What you're anticipating is perfectly reasonable. We made a conscious decision years ago ONLY to own carry-on luggage. For a one-week cruise, my husband and I share a piece of carry-on luggage, and we each carry on a small backpack. For 10 days, we might take two carry-ons, or we might do a single carry-on + a small duffel bag. Yes, cruising does have its own set of rules. Here's how we see things: - Shoes are your worst enemy when you're trying to pack light. I wear my tennis shoes to board, and I pack a pair of wedges that match all my dinner dresses + a pair of walking sandals. Depending upon our plans, I might add my water shoes. - My husband's shoes are a bigger problem because they are ... well, bigger. He boards wearing tennis shoes and packs a pair of black deck shoes, which match black jeans for dinner. He likes water socks for the beach, and -- unlike water shoes -- they pack flat. - For 10 days for myself, here's what I'd bring: 3 pair of shorts + 2-3 tops for each pair ... 1 pair white jeans + 3 tops to match ... 4 casual dresses ... 3 swimsuits + cover ups. Plus a nightgown and workout outfit. I'd wear one pair of the shorts + a top and pack the rest. - How I make this work: I hang clothes after I've worn them once -- often on a cruise you put on an outfit, go to breakfast and 1-2 hours later you change into your swimsuit for the rest of the day; no reason that barely-worn outfit can't be worn again. When we're going ashore, and I expect to get hot /sweaty, I always wear an outfit that I've already worn /will be finished with after this day ashore. Might as well save a completely fresh outfit for after the shore trip is over and I've showered. - I sometimes wash something in the sink (using the ship's shampoo). - Take your time packing and fold everything nice and small; this can make a huge difference. - Clothing aside, we don't take a whole lot more. Our toiletries are small, but I do bring my own shampoo -- the ship's stuff is pretty rough. We do bring a small camping fan that folds flat. I've heard that, and I don't have extensive experience with the laundry service, but we haven't had any trouble. I only send out things like my husband's khaki shorts or boxers. Being a good Southerner, I have a lot of thin, gauzy tops, and they wash out easily in the sink. We sail Royal Caribbean: - What you're describing is average on formal night; that is, the majority of people will be wearing this. Maybe 30% of the crowd will be dressed nicer ... but tuxedos are a thing of the past. And maybe 20% will be dressed as if it's any other night. - I don't get the love for the "little black dress" ... does anything more boring exist? On formal night, probably 90% of the women will be dressed in black. - On a non-formal night, most ladies will be in sundresses or pants /dressy tops and most men will be in nice jeans /khakis and button-down shirts /polos. Few people come to dinner looking like slobs, but -- at the same time -- few people will be "dressed to the nines".

When you sit down to research for your upcoming trip, don't just google "What should I do in Cozumel?" Instead, google "Cruise shore excursions in Cozumel". You'll find plenty of things that will fit into a cruise ship day. Ten ports is going to take some time to plan -- but how exciting! If you find ten ports "too much", attack them one day at a time. Sit down to research ONLY port #1. Put all your effort today into that port. Make a list of the things that interest you. The next day, work on port #2, etc. I've never found it hard to book for two people /don't understand that. Choices are fun! Don't let Fear of Missing Out get into your mind. Pick one thing and do it, knowing you'll probably be back again.

I've lived more than 50 years and haven't needed duct tape yet in all my travels. Maybe I'll suddenly discover a variety of uses for it tomorrow -- but I doubt it.

I assume that if your luggage is so far gone that you must use duct tape to limp it home, you'll be throwing it away /won't care about the mess.

Are you open to ice cream immediately after dinner? It's going to be on the dessert menu in the MDR.

They do realize the washcloths are wash between uses, right? I'm picturing those commercials in which a smiling, beautiful woman stands at the sink and splashes slow-mo water over her face in the most perfect pattern ... all without splashing a single drop out of the sink. You use baby shampoo as face wash? That's cost efficient! Is it good for any particular type of skin? Me too. If I'm wearing eye make up, which isn't a given, I wipe my eyes with a "cotton round" and liquid makeup remover. Then I wash my face in the shower. I'm not loyal to any particular face cleaner, but I do use face cleaner, not plain soap. Right now I'm using a fantastic never-heard-of-it-brand TaDa -- I'm loving this stuff. Waiting in the wings, I have SIX tubes of Oil Of Olay facial cleaner, which I got FOR FREE with coupons -- probably enough for two years. Finally, a small tip -- no, not small: When you're down to the end of a tube of cleaner or lotion, cut it open with scissors and use your fingers to scrape out all the product that's left inside. You'll be AMAZED at how much is left inside the container. I have a couple little screw-top containers into which I move product -- usually I get at least two weeks' worth of cleaner or lotion. It's worth the couple minutes of effort.

If you want to carry your own luggage and be able to take it straight to your stateroom, this is a good plan. If you choose a 1:00 or later time, you'll probably be able to walk straight to your room. Rooms will almost certainly be open by 1:30, and it'll take you some time to find your room. Those first hours are the best and the worst. Being among the very first to board means having the ship essentially to yourself ... but an hour later the ship starts to feel rather crowded because EVERYONE is out in the public areas. Depends upon what ship you're boarding. We prefer the mid-sized ships -- Freedom, Independence, Mariner, for example -- and show reservations really aren't necessary on those ships. If you're sailinga mega-ship, it might be different. Assuming you're able-bodied and packed wisely, this really isn't a big deal. Your luggage almost certainly is on wheels, and you probably have only one tote /backpack, which you can slide over your suitcase handle. On the other hand, I see some people with multiple large suitcases + multiple tote bags + a 12-pack of sodas carried separately -- I agree it'd be hard for those people. We've sailed several times post-pandemic. We always get the first boarding time, so our luggage is "turned in early", and it's always been in our hallway as soon as the doors to the staterooms open.

You were using the general you, as did I.

I've never sailed from Port Everglades, but I've sailed from both Port Canaveral and Miami within the last year. Comments on each: - Yes, many people in both locations arrive as early as possible, and for the same reason you mentioned: Everyone wants to start his or her vacation as early as possible. - Assuming you're driving, which is what we do, we recommend that you arrive one hour before your time slot. This gives you ample time to get into the parking deck, secure your car, give your suitcases to the porters, and join the line -- you won't be first in line, but you won't have a whole lot of time to wait your turn. - Our experience in Port Canaveral: We had a 10:30 time slot (regular room, no Key, no suite), and we arrived about 9:30, parked, turned in our suitcase, but no line existed yet. About 10:15 an employee came out with instructions. Everyone stood in one big line, but that employee did check boarding passes as we entered the terminal /sent people with later times over to one side. The line was in the shade under the parking deck. Moving through the terminal was quick and easy, and we sat down to wait -- the terminal is large with ample seating. We boarded the ship shortly before 11:00. - Our experience in Miami: We had a 10:30 time slot (regular room, no Key, no suite), and we arrived too early about 9:00 -- too early, but we underestimated the drive from Fort Lauderdale. We parked, turned in our suitcase and joined the line. The line was outside in the sun. About 10:00 an employee brought out "rope markers" and created lines for 10:30, 11:00, etc. They were very serious about time slots. We were among the first admitted, and we moved through terminal quickly. No seating. We stood in line to wait our turn to board. We boarded the ship exactly at 10:30.

Off-topic, but I bought Quick-Dry towels (from Walmart). Wow, I love these towels. They're kinda "waffled" up and down, and they're noticeably lighter weight than other towels. They definitely do dry faster -- faster on the towel bar and faster in the dryer. 2/3 of my towels are Quick-Dry, and if a regular towel is on top, I'll reach underneath to get one of the Quick-Drys. I've had them maybe two years (?) and they seem to be holding up well. Who's riled? I'm just reading a discussion. My husband and I have no problem remembering whose towel bar is whose. I think we all understand that people with unique medical needs might need to use extra care in numerous ways, but that doesn't necessarily apply to the rest of us. Irresponsible is too strong a word, but we as inhabitants of the planet Earth don't have unlimited water and electricity. Moderation. No way!

I'm not aware of this portion of the app. I just opened mine, and I can't see where this is located -- maybe it's only visible once you're onboard? Can you please point me in the right direction?

When it's just me and my husband, we love Guarantees for the lowest prices. We aren't fussy about where our room is, and we've been quite pleased with the rooms we've been assigned. We seem to land mid-ship on Deck 6, and it's become our favorite spot -- one short flight of steps down to the Promenade for a drink or pizza, close to the MDR for dinner. If we're in an Inside, which we usually are, we're close to Deck 4, which we consider our "shared balcony". We usually take the elevator up to the pool or the Windjammer, which is okay. What I hate about Guarantees is waiting to know the room assignment. It usually comes out shortly after boarding times become available, but sometimes they wait and wait and wait. You know the barcode trick? Use your phone to scan the barcode on your boarding pass, and SOMETIMES it'll give you your room number early. We were "bumped up" once to a Promenade Room, and we loved it -- but that wasn't really an upgrade because we purchased an Inside Guarantee, and a Promenade Room IS an Inside. Once -- pre-Royal-up -- we were bumped up to an Obstructed Oceanview, and we were happy. We paid for an Inside, so even an Obstructed Oceanview was a plus. On the other hand, if we're taking another family member, we might be more fussy about where our room is located. For example, we'll be sharing a room with our adult daughter on an upcoming cruise -- so we purposefully chose a room near a public rest room; with three adults sharing, someone's bound to need to "run out" at some point. Another good option might be to choose a room near the gym so some of your party could shower in the gym's locker room.

I love the Solarium pool, and -- in my limited experience -- it is all adult. On one recent cruise I saw a man bring a toddler to the Solarium pool, and it was only moments before the lifeguard approached him and must've asked him to leave. When my kids were younger, I talked to them about the various pools beforehand. When they were under 16, I told them they could walk in and look for me, if necessary, but they could not hang around. Once they were 16, I told them that if they wanted to come to the adult pool, they had to act like adults; that is, they could not blare their music or splash in the pool. Never had any problems. Oh, I believe it! Waiting to board our last cruise, I went into the rest room in the Terminal -- and ran into a relative! Neither of us had been aware of the other's plans! We encountered an exceptionally rude man on a recent cruise who only spoke English when it suited him. He pushed to get ahead of us in the Terminal, and we laughed because we all ended up waiting in the same line! He was everywhere on the ship -- in the towel line, in the Windjammer. He was next-level rude.