WesKinetic

we were originally against it, the whole "unplug and relax" thing... but the more we get closer to the cruise, the more I realize we are going to want it for 1. this reason, getting in touch. and 2. we are going to be in the room at night or between activities, and it will just be easier if he can grab his tablet and watch a few minutes on youtube or whatever to keep him occupied while we get ready or relax for a bit. 

IT is also possible that schedule times may pull him away from an activity that is running late.  Definitely get the wifi package. Your 11 year old will thank me.  LOL!

I don't think anyone was recommending having the kids just wander all over the ship.  But if they are in the AO and was going to meet their parents for lunch at the MDR, they really don't need to be escorted at 11 year old.  I think they are old enough to make that journey by themselves.  But it really all depends on how mature the children are.  Some 11 year old can do it while some 18 year old can not.  Or maybe the child wants to leave AO because they are bored and wants to meet up with their parents.  The internet will allow them to keep in contact with their parents to ask them where they should me.  

Thats easier said than done. I will have an 11 year old, and in the most part we will let him roam and set up some meeting times and points... but kids tend to not pay attention to times, or might get turned around on a ship that size. It's nice to have a backup plan in case you need to get a hold of them! 

I forgot all about the bar code trick!  I have a room number!  I will see if my royal up gets accepted but I’m right by the elevator in a good spot!  Thanks for the very clear instructions! You made my day!  Jane

Just looking ahead to a cruise I have in a few months, the MDR sugar-free offerings are:
Pear and Blueberry Cobbler Peach Shortcake Coconut Layer Cake Dark Chocolate Custard Profiteroles Pineapple Sunshine Cake Cherries Jubilee Those are just the ones specifically advertised as "no sugar added." There may be other options available and the menu could conceivably change between now and your cruise. But this has been kind of a "standard" menu for some time now, so that should at least give you an idea. There is always at least one of these on the MDR menu, as well as several options in the Windjammer. 
I travel with family members who are diabetic and they've never missed a dessert yet.  😀
 

Pre-Covid, it wasn't uncommon for the Windjammer to have a bloody mary bar set up at breakfast time. Choose your own mix, choice of liquor, spice level, etc. Was nice to get it exactly how you liked it. But I haven't seen one back since the restart. 

No, Ben and Jerry's isn't included on any of the drink/dining plans. Sorry. 

I'm on that same 12/22 cruise and was able to make reservations last night. 

The REAL ID requirement was delayed until May 3, 2023, so you will not need the enhanced drivers license for a January flight.  You don't need a passport. Can use a birth certificate and ID. Passport does help expedite the process at the terminal.  Definitely cheaper to get one package with two devices. And the number of devices just means the number that can be logged in at the same time. So if you wouldn't need to both be logged in simultaneously, you could take turns sharing a one-device package. 

WOOHOO !  Hope to see you on the cruise !

I'm on that same 12/22 cruise and was able to make reservations last night. 

I think everything you said there is a fair critique. Some things (staffing, cupcakes etc.) can be corrected, some (room sizes, lack of outlets, etc.) are kind of "it is what is" things. (Although I agree the location of the cornhole tournament seems really odd.)

I would agree with the earlier poster that it's not really accurate to judge an entire cruise line off of one experience. It's possible you might enjoy the newer, bigger ship experience down the line. But it's also possible that Royal Caribbean might not be for you--and that's okay. You are certainly allowed to have your own opinion and to enjoy the kind of vacation you want. 
Personally, I like RC because I feel like I get the most "bang for the buck." But everyone vacations differently. I have friends that party on Carnival all the time and love it. I have others that are hardcore Disney Cruise Line fans. And still others would never set foot on a cruise ship. More power to any of them. Find the vacation that works best for what you want and enjoy it!

I think everything you said there is a fair critique. Some things (staffing, cupcakes etc.) can be corrected, some (room sizes, lack of outlets, etc.) are kind of "it is what is" things. (Although I agree the location of the cornhole tournament seems really odd.)

I would agree with the earlier poster that it's not really accurate to judge an entire cruise line off of one experience. It's possible you might enjoy the newer, bigger ship experience down the line. But it's also possible that Royal Caribbean might not be for you--and that's okay. You are certainly allowed to have your own opinion and to enjoy the kind of vacation you want. 
Personally, I like RC because I feel like I get the most "bang for the buck." But everyone vacations differently. I have friends that party on Carnival all the time and love it. I have others that are hardcore Disney Cruise Line fans. And still others would never set foot on a cruise ship. More power to any of them. Find the vacation that works best for what you want and enjoy it!

I think everything you said there is a fair critique. Some things (staffing, cupcakes etc.) can be corrected, some (room sizes, lack of outlets, etc.) are kind of "it is what is" things. (Although I agree the location of the cornhole tournament seems really odd.)

I would agree with the earlier poster that it's not really accurate to judge an entire cruise line off of one experience. It's possible you might enjoy the newer, bigger ship experience down the line. But it's also possible that Royal Caribbean might not be for you--and that's okay. You are certainly allowed to have your own opinion and to enjoy the kind of vacation you want. 
Personally, I like RC because I feel like I get the most "bang for the buck." But everyone vacations differently. I have friends that party on Carnival all the time and love it. I have others that are hardcore Disney Cruise Line fans. And still others would never set foot on a cruise ship. More power to any of them. Find the vacation that works best for what you want and enjoy it!

I think everything you said there is a fair critique. Some things (staffing, cupcakes etc.) can be corrected, some (room sizes, lack of outlets, etc.) are kind of "it is what is" things. (Although I agree the location of the cornhole tournament seems really odd.)

I would agree with the earlier poster that it's not really accurate to judge an entire cruise line off of one experience. It's possible you might enjoy the newer, bigger ship experience down the line. But it's also possible that Royal Caribbean might not be for you--and that's okay. You are certainly allowed to have your own opinion and to enjoy the kind of vacation you want. 
Personally, I like RC because I feel like I get the most "bang for the buck." But everyone vacations differently. I have friends that party on Carnival all the time and love it. I have others that are hardcore Disney Cruise Line fans. And still others would never set foot on a cruise ship. More power to any of them. Find the vacation that works best for what you want and enjoy it!

I think everything you said there is a fair critique. Some things (staffing, cupcakes etc.) can be corrected, some (room sizes, lack of outlets, etc.) are kind of "it is what is" things. (Although I agree the location of the cornhole tournament seems really odd.)

I would agree with the earlier poster that it's not really accurate to judge an entire cruise line off of one experience. It's possible you might enjoy the newer, bigger ship experience down the line. But it's also possible that Royal Caribbean might not be for you--and that's okay. You are certainly allowed to have your own opinion and to enjoy the kind of vacation you want. 
Personally, I like RC because I feel like I get the most "bang for the buck." But everyone vacations differently. I have friends that party on Carnival all the time and love it. I have others that are hardcore Disney Cruise Line fans. And still others would never set foot on a cruise ship. More power to any of them. Find the vacation that works best for what you want and enjoy it!

Just a matter of priorities--do you value getting on the ship and heading to the Windjammer or breaking in your drink package as soon as possible? Or do you value sleeping in, shorter lines at check-in and being able to go to your room right away? No right or wrong answer, just personal preference based on the kind of vacation you want. 

Okay..I'm finally gonna do it..
@Censored...I've seen you at the helm of quite a lot of topics, which, at least to me, seem like "controversial" topics and I have to ask...why? Like...are you just looking for a place to vent your opinions? Are you trying to get under people's skins? Are you after conversation/discussion/ new view points? I'm genuinely curious...

I actually think the drink limit might be WHY Carnival has this issue. One thing I've seen over and over with people who get the DBP on Royal is that they love the freedom to try a new drink (beer, wine or cocktail) and if they don't like it, they can just not finish it. BUT I'd imagine with drink limits people wouldn't want to "waste" a "slot" so they would be more likely to finish every drink they get AND maybe even feel challenged to meet that 15-drink limit every day.
Just a thought.

Carnival has a 15 drink daily limit.
Carnival has more issues with drunken buffoonery.   
Ergo daily drink limits don't prevent drunken buffoonery.  

You've seen the Poseidon Adventure, right? 😀

Just a matter of priorities--do you value getting on the ship and heading to the Windjammer or breaking in your drink package as soon as possible? Or do you value sleeping in, shorter lines at check-in and being able to go to your room right away? No right or wrong answer, just personal preference based on the kind of vacation you want. 

Just a matter of priorities--do you value getting on the ship and heading to the Windjammer or breaking in your drink package as soon as possible? Or do you value sleeping in, shorter lines at check-in and being able to go to your room right away? No right or wrong answer, just personal preference based on the kind of vacation you want. 

I have been told to never wear one again!