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For Pompeii, take lots of bottled water this time of year!

For something relaxing, consider a visit to a black-sand beach. We did that at Santorini in 2011, so I don't know if it is available. There was a restaurant across the street, a convenience store/gift shop, and plenty of covered lounges. The Royal excursion provided bus transportation to and from the beach and dropped us off at Fira. The guide on the bus provided a nice narrative, instructions for the tram down to the tender port, etc. Again, this was relaxing rather than exciting. It was not crowded at all (and this was July).

No, but is getting a booster an option? That would give you a new physical card, right?

When our son was in high school and was mostly hanging out with the teen group, we granted him permission to charge to the room but told him to use discretion. So he bought the occasional virgin cocktail or ice cream but complied with our wishes. He asked us if he saw something in the gift shop he wanted. Before that, he was usually with us, so he didn't need permission. I think at one time there was a way to put Arcade $$ on his Seapass.

Yes, we did that when my son was young, and I admit to snorkeling in their man-made lagoon. However, I hesitate to recommend it to adults who want something more exciting....

Our cruise is 18 December from Galveston and excursions are populated for both Cozumel and Costa Maya. You might try the Royal App, sometimes it is different from Cruise Planner on a computer.

Doesn't Royal offer an excursion via train? It's listed on our trip in October.

I can't speak about suites, but the Enchantment Centrum is kind of neat. We sailed many Vision Class cruises, including Enchantment and Grandeur. You certainly don't need to walk miles to get to your desired venues, as on larger ships. I am a real fan of the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers, so I prefer non-Oasis classes. Enchantment of the Seas | Cruise Ships | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sounds like you have made good choices. Adult children won't be interested in the turtle sanctuary at Grand Cayman, and we planned on Sting Ray City until Royal cancelled our cruise in Feb. The village of Hell is not worth a separate excursion. In Cozumel, jewelry stores are tempting but likely overpriced; I suspect they jam internet connections at Diamonds Intl, but I can't prove it. Thus, the beach sounds good. We've also done horseback riding, and there is a marine park for snorkeling. Have a great trip!

I think the vast majority of guests either prepay or are charged by the day on the ship, so most staff assume they are receiving the default amounts unless you give them extra. From what I have read and heard in my cruising, only a small number of guests go to Guest Services to change the default amount.

Yes, but using trains in a foreign country isn't for everyone. It's kind of an adventure of its own. But I agree that once you learn how to navigate ticket machines and track layouts the door is open to new possibilities.

I vote a la carte. You could drink more water than booze. Or get non alcoholic package and buy cocktails separately. Just my opinion.

Pisa isn't the best, once you see the tower. How important is that?

My Time should be booked in advance, otherwise you are stuck with later time slots, or you wait in line. We have 6:45 MTD on Vision.

When I discovered snorkeling in my 50s, beaches and boats became more appealing. For history, I visit Europe.

Depending upon where you are traveling, your phone carrier may offer coverage. When we sailed in June we had phone coverage on some locations at sea and in port. You need to research what your provider offers. We were able to send some texts. We also purchased Voom for one day (a 24 hour period). You don't need to purchase the entire cruise package.

The specific "hold" on our June cruise was $99.75. It went to pending, but wasn't processed until the end of the cruise. Then we were billed for our closing stateroom balance. If you have credit card alerts set up, you could receive an "alert" when the hold is placed on your card (it depends upon the $ of your alert setting).

I agree with SPS. Although most folks think of the MDR staff as separate, they aren't always. Our MDR assistant waiter for dinner worked for WJ earlier in the day. So when you tip the MDR staff through the automatic gratuity, you are really tipping everyone you need to. If you truly like your MDR staff and Stateroom Attendant, they will enjoy a little extra at the end of the cruise in the provided envelopes (extra envelopes available at Guest Services). Frequent cruisers who use the Diamond and above drink coupons typically tip extra cash at service because the bartenders aren't automatically tipped. (When you purchase a drink, a tip will be added.) For a first time Royal cruiser, I would wait and see how you enjoy the service and consider the envelopes at the end of the cruise, if appropriate. You'll also want to plan on tipping porters, excursion guides, drivers, etc. You decide what is appropriate. Some cruisers have fun getting a stack of $1 bills at the bank before cruising, sort of a pre-cruise ritual.

At Athens, I think it is worth seeing the Acropolis, but it tends to be crowded in peak season. You'll want a guide that doesn't talk "too much", just enough!

We did the drive and park option, and they were very organized. As for our pick-up on disembarkation, they had separate buses for airport and carpark. They have a hostess/host who checks you in by last name and tells you which bus to take or where to wait.

You should take a look at the deck plans, either by using Royal's site and linking to your ship/deck plans, using the Royal App, or by using a 3rd party site you find in an online search. The deck plans help you visualize where your stateroom is relative to venues you'd like to visit. Voyager class is a great class of ship with a real promenade and many interesting venues. The deck plans will help you find all the places you can eat.

Even when there is a sale, not all excursions are on sale. Some are sold out. But buying in advance of cruise is better than waiting until you are on the ship. Good luck!

If you sail Sat, Friday is 1 and Thurs is 2 days before. So we tested on Thurs for Saturday boarding. That was before new policy.

You should have Royal emails for your particular sailing that describe what is in effect. Some destinations (foreign ports) haven't changed their contract with Royal and may still require 2 days or less.

I would pick the itinerary first, ship second. I think others have described the differences among ship classes. Folks who really like specialty dining select ships with more restaurants while I am always looking for a chance to speak a second language. Have a great cruise, and remember to have FUN!