ThyriC

I know I might come off as a bit of a suite snob but many of my previous cruises I've sailed everything from balcony to oceanview (I do draw the line there because I have to look at the water)  My rationale is that I dont go on as many cruises as others do.  Maybe once a year or once every 2 years if I'm really splurging.  This is the same for land based vacations for me.  Hub and I do work wonderful jobs (I'm in IT and he's in manufacturing) but we are childless and have our debts pretty much all taken care of so the once a year vacation is our splurge.  
This year will be his first cruise because as a Marine his view of ship life is a little bit skewed.  He's a bit of a homebody and not the crazy social butterfly that I am, so more space in the room for him makes sense to us.  When I cruise solo or with friends or with my mother, I dont need all of the space of a suite because I'm out and about and that room is for one purpose, sleeping and sunrise watching.  But when taking him, I wanted something roughly the size of a hotel room so he could see that cruise ship rooms arent all tiny.  Yes some are tiny and I'm OK with being in a tiny room as long as its clean and comfortable, but for his first my goal was the size of the room.
Now granted, We're not going on an Oasis or Quantum ship.  We're going on Grandeur.  So we're not in one of the giant loft suites or aqua theater suites.  Our perks are less.... perky but still nice.  And the price was definitely right for us.   
Once he gets bit by the cruise bug like me, then my logic says that we can move towards the larger ships and promenade balconies or outside balconies.  Or maybe we just stay suite life and sate the cruise bug less.

Since you've always done the Owners suite, I'd give the CLS a try.  Just even for the experience of it to see if you'd like the 2 level suite rather than the single level.    The convenience does seem like a selling point if you like the coastal kitchen for dining.  And closeness to the elevators is a plus in my book.  I usually like switching things up every now and again to give it that new and exciting feel

Hey Everyone Thought  I Share Share A Video. Check It Out 
 
 

Its only cold in Canada when they trade the Lulu parkas for the North Face parkas.  

I don't know...Does the Brilliance Solarium have a retractable roof?  If not, I don't imagine it would be that warm by mid-October.
Sadly, yes.
Forget North Face.  It's Canada Goose for the serious cold!

Since you've always done the Owners suite, I'd give the CLS a try.  Just even for the experience of it to see if you'd like the 2 level suite rather than the single level.    The convenience does seem like a selling point if you like the coastal kitchen for dining.  And closeness to the elevators is a plus in my book.  I usually like switching things up every now and again to give it that new and exciting feel

Thank you very much, I think you're right I'm overthinking things.  I usually do.   Like I know with my hotel rewards statuses, a lot of them afford me a free room upgrade and certain in room perks (like wine or a fruit plate or water) so I was kind of expecting the same of cruise loyalty programs.  
That there is very little real meaningful upgrade other than the diamond lounge, I'm free to give Celebrity a try, and experience the Edge and then maybe our next mother/daughter cruise we can try one of the large ships from Royal and experience some new ships since we've both visited most of the destinations that both lines go to in the caribbean (I dont fly so I'm limited to sailings out of the east coast and cant go transatlantic because none are round trip)

I'm on team passport on ship, ID in port.  
 
I have a passport and a passport card, so I keep the book on the ship and the card in my wallet for port.    I know a lot of people subscribe to keeping a copy of the passport for going into port, but that doesnt serve as an ID, it only serves as a way of keeping your passport number on you in case the passport is lost or stolen or damaged.  But the passport wont get lost or stolen or damaged if its in your safe on the ship so.... yah.  
For the places you're going an ID should be more than enough, and keep the passport number with you just in case for the worst.  That's why I love the passport card in addition to the passport.  Its a little more expensive but it works for me.

It was an option for me when I booked, not after I booked.  So I have a feeling you may have skipped over the dining time when you booked and got the mytime dining instead of the traditional

I'd contact Royal (or have your travel agent contact them) to see if you missed the option to select a time for dining so you can have the traditional dining option.  
 
I had the option when I booked, but I didnt book your particular sailing.  

Let's talk Passports and Documents
Even though I do tell clients what they need to bring with them to board a ship sometimes life
gets in the way and they forget or find out last minute they don't have what they need.  My rule of thumb
is when I make final payment OR you make your final payment CHECK your passport or Documents
and make sure they are in order.  if not you still have some time>  Trust me - I have had to run to DC
and get a last minute passport for my husband because we could not find his current passport or His
birth certificate and it cost me $500 but I did get it 4 days before sailing so it can be done, lol
Don't make my mistake. 

Here below is what is actually written on your cruise document from ROYAL with links too.

Before You Leave: Required Travel Documents and Identification
It is the guest's responsibility to obtain all valid travel documents for their vacation. These valid travel documents such as passports, visas,
inoculation certificate and family legal documents are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries. Guests should
check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents needed for each destination, including the port of
embarkation.
Documentation and Immigration Requirements
· Guests are highly encouraged to travel with a valid passport, even when not required
· For your protection, we recommend that your passport expiration date does not occur within six (6) months of the sailing return date.
· Some foreign ports of call require a visa. Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your sailing itinerary or the visa
service of your choice for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality. Royal Caribbean suggests the visa provider,
CIBT at www.visacentral.com/royalcaribbean or 1.800.858.8579 (identify yourself as a Royal Caribbean guest for discounted rates).
· The spelling of the guest(s) name as booked for a cruise must match exactly as their valid passport or proof of citizenship / identification during
ship check-in formalities.
· Certain countries may have specific travel requirements for your itinerary. Please check any one of the websites below to understand what is necessary for your vacation.
· All guests (including children) must present a valid passport when sailing on U.S. Open Loop voyages. These are voyages that commence in a
U.S. port, travel within the Western Hemisphere, and end at a different U.S. port. When traveling on these sailings, please take extra caution in
understanding the specific documentation requirements.
· All guests (including children) require specific travel documents that may include either a passport or other documentation, such as a
government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID denoting photo, name and date of birth, when traveling on U.S.
Closed Loop voyages. These are voyages that commence and end in the same U.S. port without leaving the western hemisphere. Please note that
Baptismal papers, hospital certificates of birth, voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Please view
the websites below for more information.
· Should the last names of the parent and minor child traveling with them differ, the parent is required to present the child's valid passport and visa (if
required) and the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy). The name of the parent(s) and the child must be linked
through legal documentation.
· Adults who are not the parent or legal guardian of a minor traveling with them must present an original notarized letter signed by the child's
parent(s), authorizing the adult to take the child on the specific cruise, supervise the child and allow emergency medical treatment to be
administered.
· Guests on consecutive sailings must ensure they have the proper travel documents for their entire cruise vacation and for any port within their
itinerary(s).
Please refer to one of the following websites for details on documentation requirements as it relates to your itinerary:
· WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative):
· Royal Caribbean’s Recommended Visa and Passport Provider:
· Alien Registration Card
· Royal Caribbean International
Website: www.getyouhome.gov
Website: www.visacentral.com/royalcaribbean
Website: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/greencard_renewal.html
Website: www.RoyalCaribbean.com
This booking is governed by the terms and conditions of the Cruise/Cruisetour Ticket Contract. A copy of the most current version of that

Yup did that on booking.  I guess my control freak self did do the necessary things!

Yep gratuities already prepaid, beverage package prepaid, dining package prepaid, excursions prepaid, insurance prepaid... oh the cruise prepaid.  Even talked to my veteran cruiser father just to make sure I havent forgotten anything.  Dont need to worry about transfers since the cruise terminal is a 20 minute Uber away (worst case scenario its an hour drive away but that would be crazy bad traffic)

Yup did that on booking.  I guess my control freak self did do the necessary things!

I'm one of those crazy people who like no surprises.  Like at all.  Ever.  Yes yes I know I need to be a bit more like Elsa and just let it go, but I gots to be me!
 
Anyways.  Is there a way to deposit onboard credit before the cruise?  I've made the cruise as all inclusive as I can possibly make it thus far but I'd like to be able to keep to a budget if at all possible despite wanting to get those hats and towels and duty free booze and blinking cups.  
I just made my final payment 250 days ahead of time and pre purchased the drink package and excursions (thanks work bonus!) so I'm trying to think of other ways to prepay the cruise expenses.  If buying onboard credit isnt an option, I guess I can get a prepaid or secured credit card and just deposit into that ahead of time.

Well, first of all, welcome to cruising!  
Here's my tips for what they're worth.
1.  Have an embarkation day packet to hold your travel documents and paperwork.  Organization is key!
2.  You do not need to pack everything and the kitchen sink.  The ships have laundry services available and its rather reasonable, or make a plan to get a shirt that you didnt pack in port or onboard the ship.  Part souvenir part usable clothing!
3.  Remember to roll with the punches on a cruise.  Everything may be absolutely perfect and a dream, but if they arent absolutely perfect, you can still have an amazing time as long as you're flexible with your fun.  
4.  Along those notes, plan for downtime.  If you pack your day full of scheduled everything you will get very tired very quickly.  Plan to return to your room, or the pool deck, or a lounge just to chill and enjoy your surroundings, you're on vacation!  
5.  Sea hair is a thing.  Bring hair ties for long hair, hat tether for those who like wearing ball caps.  My embarkation day hairdo is usually a french braid to avoid embarkation day hair + sea hair.  But the good news is everyone has sea hair and will not be judging your sea hair. 
6.  Consider stepping out of your comfort zone in terms of socialization.  If you're a bit shy, try engaging just a little bit.  You'll be amazed what a cruise can do for your confidence!
7.  The last days of the cruise are the best days to buy in the shops onboard, BUT be aware the selection by then will be the worst.  So if you see a must have, you may want to buy it sooner rather than later.  Save the impulse buys for the last days.  Remember to budget for those impulse buys.  They will happen.  So just budget what you're comfortable with for "anything" purchases
8.  My strategy for shore excursions is book through Royal for those ports where you're not there overnight.  For the ports you are in port overnight, consider broadening your horizons and exploring on your own, or arranging a tour through a local tour company.  You can save money.  Usually the beach tours can cost upwards of 80 dollars for a shuttle to the beach through Royal, but the beach is only a 10 dollar cab ride away.  
9.  Watch cruise tips videos from Matt on youtube as well as whoever you feel represents your travel style (active, chill, exotic, family, etc) and look at their tips and see if their tips apply to you and your cruise style.  
10.  Ask questions and ask often.  You can never ask too many questions, and there are no stupid questions other than the question that isnt asked.  

You folks have got it all wrong.  What is special is that the inaugural sailing is that it will feature Homer Simpson.   Homer's Odessey.  The highlight will be Homer himself competing in the Sexiest Man competition.
 
 
homer-simpson.htm

Oh see I'm the exact opposite.  Day 1 I'm like Oliver singing the virtues of so much food.   Day 2 "hmm maybe I dont need that extra serving of bacon"   Day 3.   "Crap, formal dress getting a bit snug, instead of pina coladas I'll drink martinis"   Day 4  "Pants getting snug.  Ok maybe I'll take a stroll around the Promanade Deck"   Day 5 "Stretch pants getting tight, TO THE GYM!"  Day 6 "They're going to have to roll me down the ramp to get off of the ship"  Day 7  "eff it!  Where's the bacon colada!"

Oh see I'm the exact opposite.  Day 1 I'm like Oliver singing the virtues of so much food.   Day 2 "hmm maybe I dont need that extra serving of bacon"   Day 3.   "Crap, formal dress getting a bit snug, instead of pina coladas I'll drink martinis"   Day 4  "Pants getting snug.  Ok maybe I'll take a stroll around the Promanade Deck"   Day 5 "Stretch pants getting tight, TO THE GYM!"  Day 6 "They're going to have to roll me down the ramp to get off of the ship"  Day 7  "eff it!  Where's the bacon colada!"

Well, first of all, welcome to cruising!  
Here's my tips for what they're worth.
1.  Have an embarkation day packet to hold your travel documents and paperwork.  Organization is key!
2.  You do not need to pack everything and the kitchen sink.  The ships have laundry services available and its rather reasonable, or make a plan to get a shirt that you didnt pack in port or onboard the ship.  Part souvenir part usable clothing!
3.  Remember to roll with the punches on a cruise.  Everything may be absolutely perfect and a dream, but if they arent absolutely perfect, you can still have an amazing time as long as you're flexible with your fun.  
4.  Along those notes, plan for downtime.  If you pack your day full of scheduled everything you will get very tired very quickly.  Plan to return to your room, or the pool deck, or a lounge just to chill and enjoy your surroundings, you're on vacation!  
5.  Sea hair is a thing.  Bring hair ties for long hair, hat tether for those who like wearing ball caps.  My embarkation day hairdo is usually a french braid to avoid embarkation day hair + sea hair.  But the good news is everyone has sea hair and will not be judging your sea hair. 
6.  Consider stepping out of your comfort zone in terms of socialization.  If you're a bit shy, try engaging just a little bit.  You'll be amazed what a cruise can do for your confidence!
7.  The last days of the cruise are the best days to buy in the shops onboard, BUT be aware the selection by then will be the worst.  So if you see a must have, you may want to buy it sooner rather than later.  Save the impulse buys for the last days.  Remember to budget for those impulse buys.  They will happen.  So just budget what you're comfortable with for "anything" purchases
8.  My strategy for shore excursions is book through Royal for those ports where you're not there overnight.  For the ports you are in port overnight, consider broadening your horizons and exploring on your own, or arranging a tour through a local tour company.  You can save money.  Usually the beach tours can cost upwards of 80 dollars for a shuttle to the beach through Royal, but the beach is only a 10 dollar cab ride away.  
9.  Watch cruise tips videos from Matt on youtube as well as whoever you feel represents your travel style (active, chill, exotic, family, etc) and look at their tips and see if their tips apply to you and your cruise style.  
10.  Ask questions and ask often.  You can never ask too many questions, and there are no stupid questions other than the question that isnt asked.  

Oh see I'm the exact opposite.  Day 1 I'm like Oliver singing the virtues of so much food.   Day 2 "hmm maybe I dont need that extra serving of bacon"   Day 3.   "Crap, formal dress getting a bit snug, instead of pina coladas I'll drink martinis"   Day 4  "Pants getting snug.  Ok maybe I'll take a stroll around the Promanade Deck"   Day 5 "Stretch pants getting tight, TO THE GYM!"  Day 6 "They're going to have to roll me down the ramp to get off of the ship"  Day 7  "eff it!  Where's the bacon colada!"

Well, first of all, welcome to cruising!  
Here's my tips for what they're worth.
1.  Have an embarkation day packet to hold your travel documents and paperwork.  Organization is key!
2.  You do not need to pack everything and the kitchen sink.  The ships have laundry services available and its rather reasonable, or make a plan to get a shirt that you didnt pack in port or onboard the ship.  Part souvenir part usable clothing!
3.  Remember to roll with the punches on a cruise.  Everything may be absolutely perfect and a dream, but if they arent absolutely perfect, you can still have an amazing time as long as you're flexible with your fun.  
4.  Along those notes, plan for downtime.  If you pack your day full of scheduled everything you will get very tired very quickly.  Plan to return to your room, or the pool deck, or a lounge just to chill and enjoy your surroundings, you're on vacation!  
5.  Sea hair is a thing.  Bring hair ties for long hair, hat tether for those who like wearing ball caps.  My embarkation day hairdo is usually a french braid to avoid embarkation day hair + sea hair.  But the good news is everyone has sea hair and will not be judging your sea hair. 
6.  Consider stepping out of your comfort zone in terms of socialization.  If you're a bit shy, try engaging just a little bit.  You'll be amazed what a cruise can do for your confidence!
7.  The last days of the cruise are the best days to buy in the shops onboard, BUT be aware the selection by then will be the worst.  So if you see a must have, you may want to buy it sooner rather than later.  Save the impulse buys for the last days.  Remember to budget for those impulse buys.  They will happen.  So just budget what you're comfortable with for "anything" purchases
8.  My strategy for shore excursions is book through Royal for those ports where you're not there overnight.  For the ports you are in port overnight, consider broadening your horizons and exploring on your own, or arranging a tour through a local tour company.  You can save money.  Usually the beach tours can cost upwards of 80 dollars for a shuttle to the beach through Royal, but the beach is only a 10 dollar cab ride away.  
9.  Watch cruise tips videos from Matt on youtube as well as whoever you feel represents your travel style (active, chill, exotic, family, etc) and look at their tips and see if their tips apply to you and your cruise style.  
10.  Ask questions and ask often.  You can never ask too many questions, and there are no stupid questions other than the question that isnt asked.  

Oh see I'm the exact opposite.  Day 1 I'm like Oliver singing the virtues of so much food.   Day 2 "hmm maybe I dont need that extra serving of bacon"   Day 3.   "Crap, formal dress getting a bit snug, instead of pina coladas I'll drink martinis"   Day 4  "Pants getting snug.  Ok maybe I'll take a stroll around the Promanade Deck"   Day 5 "Stretch pants getting tight, TO THE GYM!"  Day 6 "They're going to have to roll me down the ramp to get off of the ship"  Day 7  "eff it!  Where's the bacon colada!"

Well, first of all, welcome to cruising!  
Here's my tips for what they're worth.
1.  Have an embarkation day packet to hold your travel documents and paperwork.  Organization is key!
2.  You do not need to pack everything and the kitchen sink.  The ships have laundry services available and its rather reasonable, or make a plan to get a shirt that you didnt pack in port or onboard the ship.  Part souvenir part usable clothing!
3.  Remember to roll with the punches on a cruise.  Everything may be absolutely perfect and a dream, but if they arent absolutely perfect, you can still have an amazing time as long as you're flexible with your fun.  
4.  Along those notes, plan for downtime.  If you pack your day full of scheduled everything you will get very tired very quickly.  Plan to return to your room, or the pool deck, or a lounge just to chill and enjoy your surroundings, you're on vacation!  
5.  Sea hair is a thing.  Bring hair ties for long hair, hat tether for those who like wearing ball caps.  My embarkation day hairdo is usually a french braid to avoid embarkation day hair + sea hair.  But the good news is everyone has sea hair and will not be judging your sea hair. 
6.  Consider stepping out of your comfort zone in terms of socialization.  If you're a bit shy, try engaging just a little bit.  You'll be amazed what a cruise can do for your confidence!
7.  The last days of the cruise are the best days to buy in the shops onboard, BUT be aware the selection by then will be the worst.  So if you see a must have, you may want to buy it sooner rather than later.  Save the impulse buys for the last days.  Remember to budget for those impulse buys.  They will happen.  So just budget what you're comfortable with for "anything" purchases
8.  My strategy for shore excursions is book through Royal for those ports where you're not there overnight.  For the ports you are in port overnight, consider broadening your horizons and exploring on your own, or arranging a tour through a local tour company.  You can save money.  Usually the beach tours can cost upwards of 80 dollars for a shuttle to the beach through Royal, but the beach is only a 10 dollar cab ride away.  
9.  Watch cruise tips videos from Matt on youtube as well as whoever you feel represents your travel style (active, chill, exotic, family, etc) and look at their tips and see if their tips apply to you and your cruise style.  
10.  Ask questions and ask often.  You can never ask too many questions, and there are no stupid questions other than the question that isnt asked.  

I enjoy bringing SMALL gifts for my room attendant and for the Genie, when I have one.  I posted a response to a similar thread over on that "other" site and got so. much. grief !  Of course the crew do not have unlimited space to store gifts...I am well aware of that, so I don't bring a waffle iron.  Just something small that can be easily stored or regifted, for God's sake !  I also tip well...it's not as if I am bringing a cheap trinket and then failing to tip.  I do both !  I just believe that a gift, to which you have given SOME small amount of thought, is a nice touch.  For those who think it's insulting or demeaning to do it....don't.  For example, I will usually bring a ball cap for the Redskins, Capitols or Nationals (even though I am not a sports fan myself) and a pashmina or similar wrap for the ladies.  If they don't want the gift, they can toss it overboard or give it to someone else.