Jimnbigd

I live in Michigan so driving is probably not what I want to do.

As I said, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale probably have the best options. Are you looking at Christmas or New Years? If so, prices are just about double from earlier in December -- Supply and demand. You might look at the Oasis class ships -- Oasis, Allure, Symphony from Ft. Lauderdale, and Harmony from Port Canaveral. Port Canaveral is harder to get to -- you have to fly in to Orlando then bus for an hour or so. Ft. Lauderdale aiport is very close to the cruise terminal, so that's what I recommend. Miami is not bad either. But I would not recommend flying into Miami for a Ft. Lauderdale cruise or vice versa. You might look at a Sunday departure 7-day cruise -- Fly in on Saturday, spend the night, and board around 11am or noon (lunch is included when you board) and fly back on Sunday after the cruise. You might also look at the Symphony of the Seas from Miami, but this is a Saturday departure -- which means you'd probably fly in Friday (the day before) and have to take another day of vacation from work. You could fly in the day of the cruise, but any flight delays could mean missing the ship. Actually, in December from Michigan, you might want to fly in 2 days early to allow for winter weather issues. There's always stuff to do in the departure port.

Next to decide is Eastern or Western Caribbean. Both are nice -- Eastern probably has the prettier beaches but Western probably has more interesting shore excursions. Then perhaps pic the Oasis from Miami or the Allure from Ft. Lauderale -- these alternate Eastern/Western. You'll find about 50/50 supporting Eastern vs. Western. It seems Western has one more port day (and one less sea day), if that matters to you.

There are also cruises less than 7 days, but this won't save you that much money. Flying would probably be about the same cost. So I vote for a 7-day cruise. I took my then 89-year-old dad on the 7-day Rhapsody of the Seas in Jan. 2004, and we has a blast. Enjoy your cruise.

Just to clarify: Are you looking for a December, 2019, cruise -- almost 2 years away? No problem, and in fact it is good to book early to get the best cabin. On near the center of the ship has less movement, and one not directly under a public area has less noise.

You might find the ship availability is limited for this April because ships are probably booked up. Even if you find something, cabin choices might be less than desirable, such as directly under a public area (can be noisy). But you never know -- final payments are around now for April cruises, and some cabins might become available due to cancellations.

Can you drive to the departure port? That makes a difference on ship choices. If flying, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale have the best choices.

You'll need passports (ideal), or at least an official government issued birth certificate plus a photo ID such as a drivers license. Don't wait too long to get these.

Can you drive to the cruise port? That makes a difference. If flying, Miami or Ft. Lauderdale has the best choices. I like the Royal Caribbean voyager and freedom class, but I heard great things about the oasis class too.

One time I have a vacation booked (not a cruise). I was already approved for the vacation days and the trip was paid for. Subsequently my work asked me to stay at work to solve a problem. My work knew about my vacation and reimbursed me what I paid. So, you might check with your work to see if they will reimburse you your out-of-pocket costs if they had already approved your vacation.

How old are the kids? If you want connecting cabins (two cabins with an inside door so you can go from on cabin to the other without going into the hall), these often book up quickly. If the kids are older, you can get by with two adjoining cabins -- either next to each other or across the hall.

I would avoid a cabin that is directly under a public area -- Ideally I like to have a cabin above and below me. A lower deck cabin is fine if you get an inside. One near the center of the ship will have the least movement.

As another poster said, you and your boyfriend either need a passport (recommended), or an official government issued birth certificate plus a photo ID (such as a drivers license) to board the ship. If your boyfriend does not have this, I'm not sure how you get him to get this without tipping off the surprise.

As others have said, I doubt you'll get a balcony for $1500 total, especially when you add additional costs. Plus, June is a more expensive time. The least expensive is now (Jan. and Feb,). My favorite time and also less expensive is the first two weeks in December, when the ships are decorated for Christmas.

For a June, 2018, cruise, you might find cabin selections limited. Cruise ships often book up early, especially during the summer months. And, you have lots more kids on board in June.

Some ships have age rules -- sometimes someone at least 25 year of age must be in the cabin unless the couple is married. I'm not sure the rules on Carnival -- any CC'ers know?

I have always found the shows and live music to be much better on Royal, though I wish Royal had the comedy club every night like Carnival. Food is generally better on Carnival but still good on Royal. If you don't like this Royal ship, try a voyager or freedom class (with an ice rink) next time.

You might read this thread --> https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2528185

...Put whatever personal care items you bring (shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, etc.) in large heavy duty zip lock bags. Then, if something should happen to leak, other items in your bag won't get ruined....

Good tip. Also, if your bottle has a screw-on cap, such as mouthwash or shampoo, unscrew, put a sandwich baggie over the top (leave it double folded -- just place it over the top) and screw tightly back on. This helps for air flights also, especially since flights undergo pressure changes.

Back to the original question -- no restriction on toiletries in carry-on, since your checked luggage gets to your cabin also. However, there can be restrictions on heated items such as irons, because fire is a real concern on a ship (more so than on land). If found, these can be confiscated and returned to you on the last night of the cruise.

Note that the large game room that used to be on the port side of deck 14 (the Viking Crown area) along with Cloud Nine was converted to Jade pay-extra restaurant. The new game area is in the library on deck 7 between the back elevators. I don't remember any poker chips either area. As for a playing area, some use the actual Viking Crown area -- if you can find a spot. With the refurb a few years ago, there are more passengers and less public areas.

FYI..If she does cancel, your mom should get her port charges refunded, which can be over a hundred dollars per passenger.

Food, even in the main dining room, is all-you-can-eat. I usually order several appetizers, and sometimes two entrees. Specialty restaurants are pay-extra, and sometimes limit how much you can order, but it is more than enough. You'll be given a ship card about the size of a credit card. This doubles as your ship's credit card and your room key. Rule of thumb -- If the venue asks for your ship card, it is likely not free. You can always cancel when they ask for your card if you didn't know they charged.

The casino uses cash. You can gamble if you want. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/international-age-policy

You said you want to go between Christmas and New Years. Does this mean you want less than 7 days? Shorter cruises will likely have college kids partying. If you can go in January or February, you'll have better rates and less kids. And 7 days or more usually have less partying.

200 LBS per person is what they officially allow. Can't imagine anyone needing 200 lbs of stuff....

Just so long as this is the limit for luggage and not my weight. ;p

The only problem might be if your unpacked luggage does not fit under the bed.

The standard cabins are small, and luggage not under the bed can be a nuisance.

Presumably you have more options in the summer choosing the Eastern vs. Western route.

I've always done Western because I can drive to Galveston, but I'd love to do Eastern.

Which route would the spring break cruise do?

Do you want adjoining rooms or connecting rooms?

Connecting rooms have the inside door so you can go from one cabin to the other without going into the hallway.

If you want connecting, you might find they are already taken for spring break -- and maybe even for this summer (2018).

If you have not done so, you might also check out the Allure.

I enjoy the free cappuccino during the day as much as the evening drinks.

I also enjoy the appetizers in the lounge each evening -- something you don't get at the bars.

As for actually ordering a drink in the MDR, I've never had a problem bring a drink into the MDR that I got at another bar, so for me it's pretty easy to get around the problem.

I've read they stopped serving champagne (sparkling wine) as part of the free drinks. Bummer.

Seems like RCI is dropping a lot of previous perks -- Remember the free Johnny Rockets burger, and the free wine tasting?

Even within a cruise line such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, the food quality can vary among ships.

Both times on my Splendor of the Seas cruise, the lobster bisque was horrible.

But it was great both times on the Rhapsody of the Seas.

It's been good (not great) on my other RCI cruises.

It (lobster bisque) was horrible on one my Carnival Ecstasy cruises, but good on another one.

Also I'm paying less for cruises today than I did 20 years ago.

Somethings gotta give, and I think food quality is part of that "something" -- especially with specialty pay-extra restaurants on ships.

One more point: RCI (especially voyager and freedom class) have really elegant dining rooms -- much better than Carnival IMO.

I prefer RCI for that reason.

A lanyard is good for kids, and also for adults that use the casino and insert their card into the slot machine.

I have walked away a couple of times and left my card in the slot machine.

The casino has lanyards.

Where do you live? Can you drive to the departure port?

Regardless if you fly or drive, IMO (and many others) it is best to arrive the day before the cruise.

And if flying, don't plan too early a return flight. Noon should be OK from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, unless the ship is delayed in returning.

Royal Caribbean is doing their WOW sale through Oct. 22, which usually has the best prices for them.

You might check out the Oasis or Allure Eastern Caribbean.

Don't wait too long, or you'll find your cabin choices limited and often not the best.

Or when Puerto Rico opens up, you could fly there and do a Southern Caribbean, with lots of different ports.

You need to decide if you want lots of ports, or several sea days.

Do you want to drive or fly?

Do you want an inside cabin, window (ocean view, or on some RCI ships a promenade view), balcony, or suite (often with perks like free drinks).

Do you have more then 2 people? If so, do you want all in one cabin, or 2 or more cabins?

If 2 or more, do you want connecting (with the inside door so you can go from one cabin to the other without going into the hallway)?

If you want 2 connecting cabins, definitely book now as these tend to fill up fast.

A shorter cruise (3, 4, or 5 day) will likely have more kids and more drinking and partying.

A 9 day or longer cruise tends to have fewer kids.

Choices Choices Choices.

Royal Caribbean is doing their WOW sail through Oct. 22.

Great. A reminder again: Don't forget the notarized consent forms from the parents.

And of course birth certificates or passports.

Age 16 and above also require a photo ID.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/minor-identification-forms

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/travelDocumentation.do

It does not show here, but it seems to show nothing where these cabins should be -- starboard side near the back elevators.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/symphony-of-the-seas/deck-plans/1820/04

Something has to be there, and it probably is cabins but just not showing on the deck plan.

If your cabin only holds 2 people you will basically be cancelling that reservation and be booking a new reservation for a cabin that holds 3 and all 3 guests will pay current rates.

Plus if your child is under age 18, I think your cabin has to be close to his -- next to, or across the hall.

Which means you might have to rebook your cabin also, or at least move it.

What ages are these children?

IMPORTANT: You need an official notarized letter from the parents of the child that is not yours.

RCI has the official form for this.

How is their free coffee? I didn't care for the free coffee on Carnival so bought the Starbucks coffee from the Promenade deck cafe.

Coffee in Cafe Promenade ("CP" -- deck 5) is Seattles Best and is pretty good.

I like to add a packet of the dark hot chocolate for a free mocha.

There is also a pay-extra coffee area next to CP.