Bluegrass Gal

Hello, all! Sailing on the Harmony of the Seas May 12th. We're wondering just how limited the activities are on board if we decide to stay behind on a port day to enjoy the ship. Are the bars open around the pools? How about restaurants and shops? I'm guessing the wait staff is somewhat limited during the day. It would be nice to enjoy the pool one day without fighting 5,000 other people for lounge chairs. :)

Can you share what you've done or especially liked in St. Thomas with no planned excursion? Going there mid-May! Thanks!

We could carry our own bags, but it would be much more pleasant if we didn't have too (especially if there are stairs to navigate)! I'm afraid we'll have several bags for a 7 night cruise involving a 21 year old daughter. :-) Thanks for the suggestions, though!

Is there any way to request a lower luggage tag # to ensure an earlier disembarkation time? We are using a private transfer company to the airport, not one arranged through Royal Caribbean. Suggestions, please!

I don't suppose you can take hand held clothing steamers now? Had one confiscated on my first cruise 5 years ago. I was lost without it. When I went to claim it on our final day, someone was actually picking up their confiscated TOASTER! Our group had some big laughs over that one! ?

Here's a question: If you choose the MDR, but decide to try another restaurant or two during the cruise, do you need to let the the maitre d know? We're a party of 3 sitting at a table of 8--seven night cruise. I can't imagine just not showing up! I wouldn't want to keep the others at out table waiting. Suggestions please!