Matt

Yes, order everything on the menu, if you wish

Welcome! Never apologize for asking questions. That's what this forum is all about. Possibly, but it may not be available at all. Keep in mind that you can always book the 2 night package, and then cancel and rebook the first night done right package later if it becomes available. Outside of the specialty dining packages, were you planning or thinking of eating at 3 specialty restaurants? They both will save you money, just a question of if you want to dine at 2 or 3 restaurants. For specialty restaurants, like Sabor or Giovanni's Table? More or less. Chops has a restriction to 1 entree per guest, but all allow for more than 1 appetizer, side dishes and dessert. In my experience, Giovannis and Sabor allow for as much as you want. Jamie's Italian, 150 Central Park or Chops Grille are wonderful. There is no hard and fast rule as to when that will appear for booking. Keep checking back periodically.

Welcome! Here's a good overview of picking a first cruise and itinerary. I think this will serve as a great starting off point: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/01/04/royal-caribbean-itinerary-recommendations-first-time-cruisers Don't worry about excursions until after you book the cruise. Ditto for the drink package. The drink package can be a money saving value, but it depends on you. Here's what to consider: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/09/15/should-you-buy-royal-caribbeans-unlimited-alcohol-package

No, there's no option for that

Yes it was

Doesn't really matter, as long as they are in PDF format.

Your NextCruise Booking may be cancelled. If you booked a Grand Suite or higher, your deposit is nonrefundable. If you booked a Junior Suite or lower, your Deposit and any further payments you make will be refundable if you cancel prior to the commencement of cancellation charges under the applicable Royal Caribbean International cancellation schedule applicable in your country of residence.

Better to ask for forigveness than permission ;)

I'd characterize it as "better than nothing"

You should listen to our podcast episode about cruising with young kids https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-180-guide-cruising-young-children-royal-caribbean

Only option if you are out of the country and no wifi is to turn your cellular antenna back on (meaning turn off airplane mode) and place a call while roaming. It will be rather expensive.

Tagging @Wilson, @Michael Vitale & @Christie

Once onboard, go to Guest Services or any specialty restaurant. They can make the change for you.

You should see the tour offered in your Cruise Planner prior to the cruise. That's the best opportunity to book it.

Regarding shore excursions, if you book almost any shore excursion with RC, they are group tours. So you will get to tour with others.

In general, the old Cruise Compass' offer a ballpark idea of what to expect. I'd say if you have two ships doing similar itinerary in the same class, it will be close ( like Oasis and Allure).

Don't waste your money on that AT&T package. Here's what you need to do... Before your cruise, activate Wi-Fi calling on your phone. Here's an overview from AT&T on how to activate. Purchase a Royal Caribbean Voom internet package (preferably before the cruise so you save money). Once onboard the RC ship, place phone into Airplane Mode Activate WiFi, but leave phone in Airplane mode Connect to Voom Shortly after connecting, your phone should say "AT&T WiFi" in the top left corner That's it. Now as long as you are connected, you can call your son or your son can call you.

Here is John's from February 2017: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/majesty-of-the-seas/mon-2017-02-06-0000

I've noticed that too. It's also why I never believe that traditional dining is ever truly "full".

Yes, I wouldn't be too worried, and the cost savings is tremendous. Also keep in mind that a vast majority of people on your ship do next to no advanced planning.

@JLMoran Excellent explanation

I've had similar thoughts and then you get onboard and realize, "Oh, this isn't so bad." Obviously the larger rooms are nice, but nothing wrong with an inside room (especially not the price)!

Yes, you can change it to any participating restaurant (As an example, Chef's Table isn't valid for it) and the price remains the same. I think the key is understanding two things: You may need to be flexible with times (might not be able to get 6pm, but 8pm will be available). You need to make the change as early as you can once onboard. If you are dead-set on eating at Chops Grille at 6:30pm and anything else will be a disappointment to you, then skip the package. If you are okay with eating at Chops at some point, or Giovannis as a back up, then it's good to get.

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/04/22/spotlight-first-night-specialty-restaurant-discount

The Cruise Compass will be delivered to your stateroom when you are onboard. It's like a daily newspaper of events and things going on. While Royal Caribbean will not provide that information ahead of time, the old Cruise Compass' we have on this site are a pretty good indication of what to expect. You might find this podcast episode helpful in explaining the in's and out's of the Cruise Compass: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-47-cruise-compass