xSoCalGal

In the past when we traveled with our 2 dds in the 3rd and 4th bunk, it was a standard % off our fare, (maybe 30%? I can't remember exactly). That was when we booked them all at the same time. Now that they are older, on our last cruise we booked them in an inside cabin across the hall, and were shocked to find out when we priced it that it cost less than if they had taken the 3rd and 4th bunks!! Plus, we had a lot more space and most importantly, an extra bathroom when everyone was trying to get ready. So I would definitely look into that as others have said--you may be surprised at the cost savings. :)

We started cruising with our 2 dds when they were 11 and 6, (they are now 23 and 17), and we have taken an RCCL spring break cruise out of Galveston on almost an identical itinerary. Here's what I have to add to the already excellent advice you've received.

1) Have each kid pack a sports bottle. That way they can fill it up with the free water, lemonade, iced tea, or Arnold Palmers (1/2 lemonade 1/2 iced tea) to have by the pool or wherever. I also take a ziploc bag filled with the individual serving packets of Crystal Light or similar drink mixes so they can have something else if they want it. Neither of our girls are big soda drinkers, and we told them ahead of time that on the ship they could drink what was free. On formal nights we let them order a soda or Shirley Temple with dinner, so all told we paid under $30 extra the whole trip for drinks for them. It costs us more now that the oldest one can drink wine with us. ;-)

2) If you use up the wine that you brought on board before the end of the cruise, and you order a bottle in the MDR you don't have to finish it in one sitting. They will recork it and hold it with your name and stateroom # for your next meal. We ended up using the wine we brought in our stateroom--when we got back at the end of the day, we'd have a glass out on our balcony, along with the free appetizers we ordered from room service. That kept us going til the 8:30 dinner seating. Your steward will bring you wine glasses if you ask. I carry a tiny bottle of dish soap, so we asked for them the first night then just washed them ourselves and stowed them in one of the cabinets. That way we didn't have to keep asking or track down the steward to get more.

3) FYI-the Galveston based cruises will have mainly Texans onboard, and Texas public schools have spring break in March. So the ship will probably be at max capacity. That means all the rooms with 3rd and 4th bunks will be full, so expect things to be very crowded, especially at peak times. In our case there were so many younger children on board that Adventure Ocean overflowed into the teen club, so the teen activities were scheduled elsewhere in random places around the ship. So be aware of that if your teens were planning on using the club or taking part in any of those scheduled activities.

4) Again, since it will be during spring break I would avoid any beach club that offers a day rate that includes unlimited food and alcohol. We spent the day at one on Cozumel and were surrounded on the beach by extremely drunk college students from a different cruise line on their spring break, who alternated between cursing, throwing up and falling down into my kids' sandcastle. Not exactly what we had in mind! :eek: We ended up leaving early. So if you stick to public beaches or hotel ones where people have to pay per drink, you'll probably be much better off. ;)

Hope this helps. Whatever you all do, you and your family will have a blast! It's a great way to travel. :)