KJones

Verizon's travel plan only works while you are in port - not out in international waters. Phone carriers' at-sea charges are exorbitant. I personally didn't need internet access every day so opted to use only the Verizon plan. While we were docked, I found cell service only when I was outside, never inside. If you're getting both plans, you would use Verizon while on the excursions, but switch to the RC package once you're back on the ship.

Almost all of the complimentary loungers have umbrellas, I'd say 90%. Can't remember if they're adjustable or not - so depending on time of day part of the lounger may not be fully shaded.

@bossdog421 posted this picture of the cabana map. Looks like Breezy Bay is by the area marked 31-60 (purple), while Chill Island Daybeds are the pink 1-30.

I aim for $2/bag - though this last time we had 2 bags but just gave them a $5

Zip line and balloon are NOT included.

On Harmony I was able to order a milkshake to go, and was never charged the cover fee. Did not have a drink package so not sure if this made a difference.

In Italy, I would opt for the train to go from port to major cities, especially Livorno and Civitavecchia where the ports are fairly distant from Florence/Rome. Train tickets in are discounted if you buy them in advance (biggest discounts are on the 'freccia' trains, and usually need to be least 1 month ahead).

something like this?

@Quilter620 unless you have to check in/ upload at very specific times, you could always save the bandwith-intenstive tasks for while you're in port (depending on your cell phone plan). With Verizon, I found speeds to be just as good as home while in port.

You can look at past cruise compasses to see what the likely schedule is: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=276

I don't think Royal usually sends out reminder emails. It's the responsibility of the customer to make sure they have met the payment deadline. Set a reminder on your phone for a day or two before the due date.

I think there's also a tax (in addition to 18% gratuity) added to purchases on the island.

If you haven't already pre-paid gratuities, I wonder if you could have those added on so you would still technically have a balance to pay off, and could then get the adjustment?

You can't save credit card information for onboard spending until your 90-day check in. You can also do it when you arrive at port.

You can also look at past cruise compasses to get an idea of when they might be.

We stayed at the Owl Hotel in the Museum District in November. It's more of a no-frills hotel, nothing fancy. Easy walking distance to everything (of course the entire city is very walkable) and front desk was very helpful in arranging transport to/from the hotel, and suggestions on sightseeing. I believe they have rooms that can accommodate 4 people, but I don't know if the bed arrangement is 2-doubles, or 1-double/2-singles. I would also recommend dinner (and reservations) at Casa di David if you're wanting an Italian meal. I'm still reminiscing about the salmon w/ pesto...

Our Harmony Western Caribbean order of ports was Cococay, Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya. However, I'd follow the cruise planner's schedule for planning purposes.

I don't think you can switch between traditional dining times (early / late seating) and My Time Dining. You get assigned a particular dining room, so you need to choose between traditional dining times (early or late), or My Time (at your convenience). And/or the My Family Time Dining as @berkeleykel mentioned. If traveling with young children, I would opt for whatever ruins are on Cozumel itself rather than those on the mainland. The ones on the mainland are more impressive but a large portion of the cruisers on our ferry became seasick (or got ill from being near others who were seasick) and it is a long day on the bus, even for adults.

yes

The films are usually listed in the cruise compasses, but they could change before your sailing. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=1071

Yes there are activities along those lines. You can check recent cruise compasses here for more deatils: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=275

The only issues would probably be the smell and the water being too murky to see much while snorkeling.

The earliest reserved MTD started at 6:30pm during our September sailing on Harmony. There is a line for those without reservations that I believe opens up earlier though I'm not sure how early. Or it could be that people just started lining up earlier. We always had reserved times so I didn't pay too close attention. You could always reserve the 6:45p now and change on board if earlier slots become available.

This hasn't happened to me, but I would definitely call Royal to verify what is included in this excursion. Based on the title alone, it does seem that the cleanse is no longer a part of it. I guess some could call shopping a "spiritual cleanse" (maybe more of a wallet cleanse) but I doubt that was the original type of cleanse intended

We also really enjoyed Maya Chan in Costa Maya. We did find the sea grass to be a slight issue on the day we were there, though staff at Maya Chan warned us about it, and even offered the option of a refund & return to port if we found we couldn't handle it once we arrived. The resort is beautiful, food is delicious and drinks plentiful. The staff are extremely attentive and really do care that you enjoy your day there. In addition to the beach & water sports, massage (additional cost), they also have a fresh water pool that was, quiet honestly, the deciding factor in our decision to tough out the odor of the sea grass. Each party has their own assigned seating/lounge area so everyone isn't just lined up in rows. We will definitely be going back to Maya Chan the next time we're in CM.