JennyB

It's amazing how motivated everyone is when it's cruise day !  Have a great time !!!

Props to the family, especially the teen daughter and wife.....we are rolling out of here in about 5 minutes....so only about 15 minutes behind 'schedule'.  GPS says we'll be there at 10:30.

Even with four of us we always get an Uber XL, the extra space is nice as well usually right after a cruise regular Uber X takes longer than XL. Always be sure to message your drive with what zone you are in and possibly what clothing you are wearing to expedite the locating process. 

I think what is obstructed is the view below your balcony, the life boats will be below you on deck 5, so when at sea you would not be able to look directly down at the ocean. 
https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/youtube.php?id=3882, this is supposed to be 6598, you can actually see the obstruction on the video.

Shouldn't that actually be Shippy McShipface of the Seas?  since it's NOT a boat?  LOL

Shouldn't that actually be Shippy McShipface of the Seas?  since it's NOT a boat?  LOL

Shouldn't that actually be Shippy McShipface of the Seas?  since it's NOT a boat?  LOL

One way car rental back to MCO.  Put the luggage in the trunk and stop for a ride on an airboat on the way back.
https://www.airboatridesatmidway.com/
 
 

Shouldn't that actually be Shippy McShipface of the Seas?  since it's NOT a boat?  LOL

YES.  We don't use a TA.  I just call RC if anything needs re-priced.

Can I politely recommend mixing literally anything else you can find on the ship with the vodka, instead of coke?

@DunkelBierJay any updates?  How are things going?  Jane

Also if you did pick a different week to go Could you go for a full 7 nights or only 4 nights? If you could do a full 7 nights I would do an Oasis class Ship.. If you could only do 4 nights I would do Navigator of the Seas because I think it got upgraded nicer than Independence did.. Also what other week are you looking at? There are a lot of variables here lol

That's a good suggestion.  you can check two promenade view interior rooms.   What drove the Juinor Suite booking?   This is a tough call overall, being that it's a cruise with family.  Are they seasoned cruisers?  If this is your first, it might be good to go with them and learn the ropes so to speak.  If you're looking to re-book over the holidays, the price is going to be at a premium on any ship.  Same with the summer when the kids are out of school.   
You'll get lots of opinions on ships and destinations.  Our family prefers the bigger ships (Oasis-class) and with kids, it's hard to go wrong with them based on all the activities (not that the Independence is a small ship, void of activities, that's not the case either.  Plenty big and plenty to do).    
My personal opinion is to stick with the current plan since it's a holiday trip with family.  Maybe look to switch to a more affordable room(s)?  

My take is "if I can't afford a balcony, I can't afford that trip". It's not negotiable for me.

My first thought was "you are not only a photography genius, you are also a comedian". Then I thought "wait, it may be a serious question".
Figuring that all the above is true, let's go with only ships that have balcony cabins.
 
 

Yes, a printed sheet that shows what the benefits are.

We really enjoyed it in December.  The mariachi band was great and it was a nice relaxing, secluded area.  Food was excellent. 

I'll be at Perfect Day at CocoCay this weekend, so I could check on it since we're headed to the water park.

Best way to do it is if you don't already have the drinks packages, go on to the Cruise planner and grab it at the lowest price you see.
After that, keep checking, if a better sale come along you can cancel you're previous purchase which will refund your money and you can repurchase at the lower sale price.
Cruise planner sales happen all the time and sometimes without warning, they are also not always fleet wide and can be for certain sailings or sailings a certain amount of time out

Your best bet is to book now at whatever price it is, and then cancel and rebook if a price drop occurs.

I was looking at Melia and it's super expensive (same for Atlantis). Melia starts at $139/pp.
For anyone complaining about Perfect Day water park costs, take a look at how much per person they want at these resorts in Nassau!
I would also advocate the British Colonial Hilton day pass. It includes a food and beverage stipend and is much more economical.

OH MY are you telling me you can get Funnel Cake on the island free?  I know where im going to be all day!!