Matt

I believe the issue is you are past final payment date. If this were 8 months ago, you are right, it would be a mere formality. The reason why you are running into an issue is because changing your cruise to another sailing is actually cancelling and re-booking, and canceling is the primary problem. Because you are past final payment date, there would be a significant penalty for doing so.

Here is one from April: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/majesty-of-the-seas/mon-2016-04-11-0000

Sign up your son for Adventure Ocean on day 1 and make sure he goes to the first couple of sessions. It's like the first day of school, going there first means he gets to meet other kids in the same situation and they will form their friendships then.

We had a good time in St. Kitts. Reminded me a lot of St. Maarten and I would say the people there were nice. We did a train tour while in St. Kitts http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/05/23/excursion-focus-caribbean-scenic-railway-tour-st-kitts

I agree with Billy, any taxi driver would know you are not home. Frankly, I think it's a bit paranoid to worry about that. I would not hesitate to use Uber.

According to Google Maps, the distance between PortMiami and Amtrak Miami station is 9.9 miles

I stayed at the Cambria Suites. Really nice hotel. Embassy Suites is closer to the port, but Cambria was quite nice for our family.

Quantum class ships require a card to operate lights, et al in the stateroom

Likely early 2017 they will be announced

Welcome Nicole!

Most of the activities, like FlowRider, water slides, etc are size based restrictions.

Thanks, but I don't trust those to be the most up to date menus.

We have done that and they have been fine. The fridges are not as cold my fridge at home, but it is cold enough to keep milk safe for drinking.

What was tendering process like in terms of lines/waits in GC? Any advice you can offer?

When I was in a JS on Navigator, we had priority embarkation but told we did not qualify for priority disembarkation. Guest Services gave me whatever number I wanted for disembarkation, but it was made quite clear that JS did not qualify. I reported that in my live blog and some other folks told me that was an error. Interested to read your experience.

Thanks for sharing these tidbits. Can't wait to cruise on Freedom in September!

I would love photos of the specialty restaurant menus, if you can swing it!

Yes they do. My kids love them and you can get them from Windjammer and some other venues may have it too (Park Cafe, for example).

Thank you for the update!

I do that all the time

Here is a Cruise Compass from Enchantment back in February. Might give you insight into what to expect: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/enchantment-of-the-seas/mon-2016-02-08-0000

That's true. Checking often is a good strategy.

The rules also are different based on the country you live in. For residents of USA and Canada, you can re-price your cruise at any point up until your final payment date.

It sounds like you booked My Time Dining? If so, this blog post will be super helpful: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/06/04/what-you-need-know-about-royal-caribbeans-my-time-dining Basically, you can make reservations in advance or show up whenever you want. It's up to you, with benefits and negatives to both options

Typically, Royal Caribbean announces new deployments in the beginning of the year. February/March time frame.