Gigglebugg

Thank you for all of that useful info. I have a lot of reading ahead of me.

Hey, everyone! This is my first message board convo ever, so please excuse any bad netiquette and length as I am figuring this all out after not being active on social media for many years. I am probably a 'lil bit loco for even attempting this trip, but I hope that it will end up being a peaceful adventure as it is desperately needed! Any help would be greatly appreciated...I sure could use a lot of it. RCL Harmony Of The Seas 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day @ Coco Cay This will be the first cruise that I have done more than just to pay and show up following along with a big group (which was a long time ago). It is a last minute trip that I am surprising my brother with for his birthday. We both are in desperate need of some major relaxation as I have been extremely ill for many years with brain and spinal conditions. We were not able to do anything for my birthday or his last vacation as I have become increasingly more ill for the past numerous years, but I decided that I just needed to go this time...even if I do nothing more than sit on the deck enjoying the breeze...because, if I am being real...I am not so sure if I will make it to his next vacation or my next birthday. So, when I saw the sale and that the date and one of the ports perfectly lined up with his vacation, I did what I could to get it asap. My brother has wanted to be a pilot for many years and often watches videos of the planes on Maho Beach St. Maarten flying right over everyone, so I was elated when that was one of the available ports during his vacation and one excursion not sold out. It actually brings tears to my eyes thinking about the smile that this is going to put on the face of my my brother. The thing is...he has absolutely no idea that not only am I am surprising him with his very first cruise, but also his top bucket list excursion. Any tips for surprising? A few things that I need help with...is there any way to know where our room will be? I was able to get enough together for a guaranteed (I think it is called?) balcony room, but I was told that it could be obstructed. I have always been in an inside room before, so I am not familiar with what this means exactly. I have arranged for port assistance and a wheelchair due to my disability and mobility issues, but is there a way to get a better location on the ship so that I do not have as far to walk? I have spoken to the special needs department, but unless I pay over another thousand dollars, they could not help me with having a better stateroom and knowing where I would be and if I would not have to walk so far/be closer to an elevator. Is there a way to get upgraded? I am unable to do physical excursions and just want a secured quiet covered spot on the beach to relax in Coco Cay and St. Thomas. Suggestions? Since I just got the stateroom, I still have to get our flights and possible hotel in FL. We live in SC. I am debating between flying to MCO or MLB airport and staying in Orlando, Melbourne or Melbourne Beach the night before, but the difference could be 300-400 and I don't know if it is worth it to come in early I also looked at the night before hotel shuttle and accommodations and next day to port accommodation. It seems some are multiple hundreds and that seems a bit extreme. Is it worth coming in day before? There is so much in the forum and I'm getting lost. With so little time left, I'm not sure what to focus on...are there any areas that are kind of like a crash course in cruising on here? Do you have any tips on learning the ship? I welcome any tips...thanks so much!