Vs1023

Sounds like a great trip. We were on Allure last year. Still a great ship and the staff was terrific.

I feel like most cruise lines are not going to have that "wow" factor for the included food. They have to cook for a large amount of people. However, maybe you can consider a dining package on a ship such as Royal Caribbean. We did that on a longer cruise on RCCL on a smaller ship so we would not be bored in the Main Dining Room and the specialty restaurants were good. Oasis class is going to have more variety of specialty restaurants though so it is a larger ship.

We're loyal to Royal still as we're almost Diamond. My kids have always loved these ships as there is a ton to do for kids and teens alike. Is anything leaving out of Texas that you could do? Freedom was our kids first cruise. You can't go wrong with that class or Oasis class.

We're going on Independence in November. We've been on Freedom before. Only Oasis class and Quantum class give you the option to book shows beforehand. So for smaller ships, including Independence, you can just show up. Even if Windjammer is done with lunch, they re-open for dinner, but there is also Sorrentos and Cafe Promenade which will have small sandwiches, sweets (cake/cookies/pastries) and Fish and Ships on the pool deck is now included except the Lobster I think.

We did a repositioning cruise with RCCL on Adventure. It started in Florida and ended in NY. It was a great cruise and 12 days and we hit 5 ports. I'd definitely do another on Royal.

I would do Oasis class on Royal Caribbean. I believe Wonder is the newest. Plenty for teens to do. We've done several if you look in my signature. My kids now teen/tween have done 7.

12 day repositioning cruise. Kids were 14 and 8.

Darn! Ugh... exactly what i'm worried about. Our last cruise was March 2020 before the world shut down and we were on Oasis. I hope you recover quickly and it's not severe.

I appreciate this summary. We board in a few days and I already know I am going to be like you noticing the people not being cautious. We plan to be cautious and continue masking. We've gone this long without covid. I had mentioned to our party about not using the WJ this time and this sounds like a good call.