I posted a picture of Sarah's cat Evie a while ago. Evie was not Sarah's cat for long and she is now ours. All I can say is thank goodness I don't live on a farm like @A&L_Ontor I'd never know what new animal would be awaiting.
Sarah realized after a couple days that the guy she got her from wasn't exactly telling the truth wtruthe said that she didn't shed much. Only Sarah in her excitement to get a cat would believe that a Turkish Angora Siamese cross would not shed.
Vikki decided to knit her a hat.
If your kids are under 21 (18 for European sailings) then the only room that they could be put in on their own ahead of time is 8185. If booking 8187 then you will have to put an adult in the room and change things on board
With that size of group you should choose a fixed dining time to be sure that you get seated close to each other and at the same tables. That way you can have everything set up in advance
Once she starts sailing the Caribbean again use the app and select the current sailing to see the times. No point looking now as she is sailing in Europe and times could be different
Unfortunately I think Portside was a one and done. With the concept abandoned for Wonder, Utopia and Icon I dont see them adding it to Oasis. Mason Jar seems to be the flavour of the day.
If it's dpirits they are supposed to be kept until the end of week 2. YMMV.
Find a friend on week one and have the friend bring them on board and then get them from your friend the last day and you will then have them for week 2
Royal is also having sporadic issues with guests that have booked A2S. In some cases cruise docs do not get generated and you have to call in and request that they be issued. Once that is done they are available the next day
Royal also knows that those buying the packages will continue to buy them. For those purchasing individually at a higher cost, they may not buy if the time they want is not there.
The people booking individually are paying a premium, they really do deserve to get the exact times they want.
Personally I think a good compromise would be to allow the people booking 3 nights the opportunity to book one ahead of time and those with the UDP to book 2 or 3 in advance.
You are getting a reduced price vs those paying full price by purchasing individually, not being able to book on board is the price you pay for that discount.