We are looking at the same thing also going in December on Royal. It would be for my myself, my wife, and our 9 year old daughter. Nothing else looked interesting enough to leave the ship for. I can't really find a lot of reviews but I think in the last few months they just opened up the day pass options for the resort so that maybe why nothing is out there yet.
I did book it because the Black Friday sales were pretty good. $106 per adult and $48 for kid. It only ended up being $261 total for the three of us.
I am wondering about the travel options to get there and the lunch that is included. The lunch isn't a dealbreaker but I'm a planner and would like to know how I am getting to the resort.
That sounds extremely harsh and I couldn't imagine leaving my spouse regardless if it was serious or not.
As for the original poster, I would give a call and see what happens. With 26 cruises under you belt I would hope that Royal would work with you on some sort of resolution. Good luck.