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We've found sunscreen is essential because of the "strong sun", regardless of the temperature. Others have addressed the temp. Have a great cruise!

You might want to order test kits from Royal/Optum now so you have a backup -- you would need internet access to arrange a proctored test with your kit.

We enjoyed Brisbane and went to Australia Zoo! We found that cruise got us to Melbourne so we could do land stuff after. Trains are great! Can buy cards at airport or train stations. PS. We took Qantas between Sydney and Brisbane, and to return to US.

Our son ordered proctored test kits from Royal/Optum.

I believe we waited a month on our changed itinerary.

On the first day, I've tried the paella for lunch, which is a special treat for me. Mostly the food is OK, but as others have said, I favor the desserts. For breakfast, find an omelette station, which on some ships has moved from the Windjammer. Recent travelers can update you on that.

No, but we broke down and bought vests on Amazon. It all started after a day when the current was strong, my son and I had to swim hard to get back, and I had to bail out at the rocks by Chill Island. He made it to the beach, but he was 44 years younger. That day kayakers and divers were also caught unprepared and needed to be towed back to shore. Soooo, now I take a vest to make swimming easier when current is a factor.

I am on 18 June cruise out of PC, which goes to the ABCs, and I haven't heard anything, either. Bonaire was a swap for Dominican Republic, as I recall.

We see current prices of excursions when we search excursions, and when our particular selection is displayed, the planner shows we already booked it. Now when we are looking at Order History, we see what we paid but not the current excursion price.

Yes. Each user sets up Navica account regardless of who bought tests originally.

Our ABC cruise in June was originally 4 ports including DR. Now just 3. I was disappointed at first, but I can't control Royal. I now have more sea days for dancing...vacations are about going with the flow. I guess that is why it's called cruising!?

At some point skipping package saves $ you can use for cruises to get Diamond status.

Pre Covid we saw such groups on longer cruises different classes.

When Royal arbitrarily cancelled our Feb cruise, they gave us a choice of extra FCC or cash. I now wish we had taken the cash, because we can't spend all of the FCC. The FCC won't apply to taxes and port fees, just base fare. At any rate, we received an e-mail after the actual "sail date". Thus, I don't think you will hear much until your intended sail date has been reached.

TAs are especially useful when your travel plans are complicated. We had airline baggage problems on a 3-week trip to NZ/Australia, and we were thankful we could rely on a travel agent. Ditto for COVID cancellations....An agent can save you hours on the phone. If you are ever dissatisfied with your TA, just change to someone else.

And I still have the postcard I mailed home from Hell!

If you are fllying 2 days before the cruise, vaccinated adults could test prior to flying, right? That would allow you to use Emed as mentioned or a local test provider. Then you would take care of the children on arrival day. In addition to the online proctored testing, our agent has told us that hotels generally know where you can test nearby. So that would be an option for Saturday - use a local test site rather than the airport. Still, online testing is going to be less expensive.

Before a cruise, I just envision the joy I will experience as I walk up the stairs on the ship and admire all of the artwork.That soothes my nerves...

Coco Cay may be enjoyed for free -- we avoid the pricey items (no little kids to take to the Thrill Park). But if you don't have snorkeling equipment, you can rent that on the beach and have a nice time. Get your chair and umbrella early for a good spot! Nassau is not our favorite spot. We have tried walking around for a little shopping (straw market and local stores) and had a mediocre snorkeling excursion. I would advise looking carefully at the excursions that may be offered on your cruise. It would also be fine to stay on the ship and enjoy its amenities. On a first cruise, it really takes awhile to learn all of the things your ship has to offer.

I don't buy anything until my wife and I decide what we want to do. For us, it is mostly excursions. We don't get WIFI unless our son is traveling, and we use Diamond vouchers instead of a beverage package. Now if I can talk my wife into an excursion and the price is reasonable (e.g, $50 for half day, $100 for full day), then I will book it. I always keep in mind there may be a Black Friday Sale near Thanksgiving. We have repriced excursions a couple of times when prices dropped, but seldom save more than $5-$10 per person. The Coffee Card is usually a fixed price that never changes, so I will order that when I am ready. So sometimes there is a reasonable pre-cruise discount when CP is first loaded, and we pull the trigger. But only if we are clear on what we want to do. Generally, by 6 months out we are locked into our desired purchases.

Also consider that on the smaller ships with track on pool deck, you will experience wind resistance while sailing. I actually enjoy this. I find that walking against the wind, rather than jogging, allows a calorie burn with fewer collision risks. On Oasis class the track is sheltered for the most part, so walking/jogging is a different experience. There are also many doors to watch (some crew/cargo doors), especially when passing someone. What others have said about using the gym makes sense on the larger ships.

Remember to check a Cruise Compass to see about the various drink promotions offered throughout a cruise, like cheap mimosas, liquor tasting, wine tasting, Crown and Anchor receptions, etc. When you average these low-cost drinks with what you may purchase a la carte at a special moment, the average price per drink will drop. I know it's a work-around and not exactly what you are looking for, but it plays into the total cruise experience. Don't forget the Art Show (but don't buy anything) for the free champagne!

COVID Testing for Galveston. My son tells me that in the Elgin/Austin area, CVS has only reduced testing, PCR rather than antigen, over $130 per test. I guess the presumption is that folks will get reimbursed from insurance. So for our cruise in December, we plan on Emed/Abbot online tests. I am curious if others sailing out of Galveston have found free or reasonably priced COVID tests.

We sailed the Grandeur several times out of Baltimore, and we loved the Centrum. Specialty dining is more limited, but we always eat in the MDR or other complimentary restaurants, so nothing lost for us. We also liked the show, especially the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers. It's fun to walk deck 5 on sea days to get ocean views.

The post-cruise survey would be an opportunity to give Royal feedback on specific items. In the meantime, try to take note of the crew members who give you good service (get their full name) and be sure they know they made your day. At Coco Cay, we avoid the cabanas and enjoy a spot on the beach, lots of fun in the water at no extra cost!.