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For Aqua Show, arrive early to get seats close together. As an aside, reconsider whether everyone needs to do everything together. Sometimes one needs a little space to relax. Maybe one event a day together is enough. Just a thought...

My Allianz policy for a different cruise provided 100 for missed port. So 75 is close but certainly less.

A lot depends on your original plan/purpose for the trip which will drive what you pack. I always recommend dressing as an adult would when eating at a nice restaurant. That reflects my age. Younger people tend to be more casual. It's just that each ship has so many casual eateries, formal night is an opportunity to create an atmosphere in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Restaurant that is an experience in itself. Cruises are more than sandy beaches, but how you behave on a vacation is up to you in the end. Some vacationers are more self-focused while others look for a win-win that accommodates the wide diversity of cruisers on Royal Caribbean. Whatever you choose, have a great cruise!.

No need to wait. Our son had our status and accrued points simultaneously. Since we cruised as a family, it really didn't make any difference. There were separate C&A benefits for kids at the time, so he received his own letter in our stateroom based on his/our status at the time.

On that topic, take extra OTC products. On our Jan cruise in Tahiti my wife got sick and ship store didn't have anything useful. Apparently, she ate bad cheese at LAX but didn't get sick until after we boarded. Was afraid to go to medical, despite my urging.

If you haven't seen Mayan pyramids, try a Chacchoben tour. The port area has gift shops, etc. If you exit the port you can take a taxi or "tractor" to Mahahual, walk through town, eat, and shop. The port area is somewhat tacky and maze-like, but many love it-- there is a bar with a pool.

If he had a number, his points should have been accruing all along, earning pins, youth C&A discounts, etc.

While it's frustrating to draw a room with cosmetic or maintenance issues, it's also important to look at the ship and cruise as a whole. In 19 cruises I've only been on a "newish" ship twice. Every ship has had scratched furniture, occasional plumbing problem, or the odd noise at night. Ditto for land based hotels and resorts. I'd be more concerned about a constellation of issues on a single voyage, eg, bad service, bad food, bad entertainment, and a bad room. The smaller and older ships have discounted fares for a reason. Still, I don't like to be disappointed. In the end I try to manage expectations, and I actually enjoy vision class vessels.

Get Travel Agent who will work the issues for you. Prices on alternative cruises will increase, so the sooner you get a date you can commit to, the better off you are. Make sure you have travel insurance and understand coverage for cancellation.

Invoice should be ship time. Royal uses ship time. Compass will show arrival, onboard, and departure times in ship time.

I use my voucher for Caribbean Coconut at Cafe Promenade in the afternoon to supplement Crown Lounge cap in the AM. As others have said, lounge espresso is OK but not great. Sometimes I buy a coffee card.

You'll be fine, but any person should rehearse/plan how to deal with problem situations, whether difficult people, lost items, or Royal service mistakes. Stuff happens.

Last time I called Royal customer care the phone system gave me the option to speak to someone about a previously completed cruise. So listen for that option when you call the number on the website.

You won't get stares, usually. We lost luggage once and only had travel clothes. That is my first thought when I see someone in shorts. You are entitled to enjoy the meal, which used to be a nice one.

For me, another reason not to do Chef's Table. I can eat casual elsewhere, if I'm in that mood.

It should show up in Cruise Planner when you log in. If there is a delay in crediting your redemption, call the rewards center so they push it through. When onboard existing credit should show Day 2.

You know the OBC by looking at the points. If I have 5000 points, I can get 50 on redemption. You save your redemption confirmations until the CP displays your OBC.

it's on one we just had for a cruise in South Pacific. It wasn't the basic coverage, but an enhanced one.

Checking policy now. Missed port is separate from shore excursion coverage, and missed port includes substitute ports. Low/high water coverage covers river cruising issues, like changing ships or using land based alternatives.

Yes, the itinerary can change. That isn't the point. The point is whether you are receiving the value of what you insured. When there is a substitute port, it's harder to argue your loss. You aren't suing Royal, so the contract isn't relevant, but that is just my opinion. Who has actually claimed this provision?

We may need to start emphasizing breakfast and lunch while downplaying dinner. That does leave more time for snacks, dancing, and shows. Not what we're used to, but we can adapt.

I haven't ever filed a claim for a missed port, but as mentioned, I have seen it on my Allianz policies. As to whether a loss has occurred on a missed port, I'd say yes, as an imputed cost to the cruise. When taking a cruise, there is a reasonable expectation to visit ports, or else the fare would be less. So if no substitute port is provided, a loss HAS occurred. I would file a claim after the cruise. I agree this applies only if you already have the insurance. Not an attorney nor a spokesperson...

My tip is to enjoy the cruise, remembering why you chose it (itinerary vs ship, etc). It's nice not paying extra for some drinks, but get value from the thousands you did pay. I do agree the lounge, if available to you, is a nice, peaceful venue.

Techno-parenting is a skill, and a few adults on cruise ships seem to have it, but many don't. I lost my son at age 6 on a small ship, so I urge parents to plan ahead with their families what to do in various situations. In my case, my son returned to our stateroom. Must have gotten his common sense from his mother...

And to add to the story, years ago when we collected the charms, my wife discovered she was missing a few, so she ordered more online. Not sure where they are now.