LOVINCRUIZIN

OP is not talking about Royal Caribbean or Celebrity - they have no guest laundries on their ships.

You are correct - just inferring that whatever line they are taking, they might be able to designate upgrade preferences.

got it-

some times the single pays 1 1/2.

good luck!!

Just looked it up - It's DePalm Island. It was a nice day. Have a blast!

Lots of dollar store decorations are packed for next week :D

When my kids were young, we had a portable travel car seat that was very light and easy, so we were in compliance with carseat laws where ever we were traveling.

Check the prices. It might just be cheaper to pay the way you booked, as the 3rd person is often so cheap.

Snag a crew member for private in-room babysitting as soon as you board. You'll appreciate the time alone at night, and the staff they allow do this are great!!

My kids are now 11 and 15, but we had many successful cruises with the help of a sitter (some years, we brought one with us!!)

We are doing them next week!!!!

Aruba has a good submarine. Or there is the little island close by with a water park, snorkeling, etc. They enjoyed that last year.

IN Bonaire we are all diving.

In Curacao, we are doing a Jeep ride with a beach stop.

Have Fun!!!

Annual tradition for my two kids :) The decorations are beautiful and we get great pictures!!!

And be aware that cabin categories are funny. We leave next week and I (paid) to "downgrade" from a balcony to a Family Panoramic Ocean View, which was an "outside" category. It cost me an additional $900, but we now have a wall of 30' of windows directly at the front of the ship on Deck 12. A "downgrade"...but one I am very much looking forward to!!

BTW - we also got an "inside" on Carnival Splendor that was right at the front of the ship that actually had a big window. It was not in a desirable location, so they put it in the inside category, but we loved it.

Bottom line - you just have to do your homework :)

Royal Caribbean has a section on their site where you choose your upgrade preferences to prevent an unhappy experience.

They do not automatically upgrade to fill the top categories. One time I upgraded at the pier upon embarkation from an inside to a grand suite for a $800 fee.

Leaving from FL or PR to Caribbean, you will likely have smooth sailing. We leave next week in a Deck 12 new cabin right at the front of the ship. There'll be some movement, but the sea will likely be calm.

I cruise often with my kids, about the same age. There are a couple of parks in Playa Del Carmen (water taxi ride from Cozumel) that they really enjoyed. Try Xplor Park for great zip lines, underground river and dune buggies. An excellent day.

We also did Xcaret, but it was more commercial.

We did B2B 2 weeks on the Breeze - it's a great ship!

Have fun!!!

Royal Caribbean offers (occasional) free upgrades. On your online profile on their website, there is a section on upgrades where you choose to participate, or define what limits you have on upgrades.

I also have not seen self-serve laundry areas that are used much.

If the room category is better, I would keep it!!

There are so many options, why are you only considering those? I cruise with kids, and I prefer Royal Caribbean for the many things. Did you consider other cruise lines? Carnival Breeze is great for kids. RC also has ships from NJ, if air cost is a concern. Just saying....don't settle and be disappointed - you'll find exactly what you want!!

5 woohoo :D

noticed the price and was pleased to see that. It's a actually similarly priced with NO hassle to purchase the water on board. The soda six packs are more, but still the great convenience is worth the price. I ordered some for our cruise next week.

:( $10 minimums would be disappointing.

Especially on a 10+ day cruise, I like playing many hours on $5 tables.

For me, $10 makes it a less enjoyable bet.

I also have not had any problems. It's an AMAZING benefit. It's hard to pass up one of the letters, but I'm finding it easier. When I am ready to book again, there is usually an offer waiting.

I have read so much about the Norwegian perks, that I am cruising with them in December so I can judge for myself if their offers can rival the great ones Carnival has been offering. Not sure I am going to love the freestyle experience, but I'll find out in December!

Definitely recommend another booked cruise to prevent that! I cruise 3-4 times a year. I love getting back, booking immediately and watching my countdown clock reset right around 100 days :D

two days :d

We also cruise both ways. The largest was about 20 people. We all did our own thing in much smaller groups. It was nice to eat dinner together and learn about each others' day, but we didn;t let it consume us in terms of trying to please anyone except ourselves.

On the other extreme, I would cruise alone. I have not had to yet, but would not hesitate in doing so.

We just go to cut loose and have fun. In December we did a tour in the scoot coupe cars which was an absolute blast. we would definitely do that again

Most cruise lines start check in 10ish and boarding around 11. Plenty of time to drop bags then lunch. Sounds like a real money maker for CCL, a rip for you. Have you studied up on things to do in ports? $50 would buy a nice lunch on shore.

I will have another $50 to spend on lunch. But like I said, IMO, prioroty tendering for 2 ports will be worth the nominal $50 fee. I will be assured to be there for lunch. You may have to spend $100 and have dinner, but time you tender :D At a tender port this past summer, it took HOURS to tender everyone, due to high winds. I'll spend the $50 and wave to you as we head ashore :p

I can think of a lot better ways to spend $50 than getting on the ship an hour or so early.

We have two tender ports next week, so it's more beneficial than getting on an hour early.

To each his/her own :)