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I hear you, but I've got to note that we found service in the Harmony Diamond Lounge very slow last year on two cruises -- even though we arrived early to snag a small table. We've also found that we don't need appetizers since there is plenty of food at dinner. Soooo, while a lounge can be peaceful, I have noted it is faster getting a drink at bar using the Seapass voucher, and I won't be violating the rule on taking items out of the Diamond Lounge (seldom enforced, but still posted on our last cruise). For me, the best part of having the Diamond Lounge is getting an espresso in the morning....and maybe one of those apple danishes. Have a great cruise!

In the days of tendering at Coco Cay, the waves could be an issue (we missed the port once). Now it is less of a problem with the pier. Twangster has already given you a weather update. I have never gotten sick on a Royal ship, but a couple of times the seas were rough, and bags were hung in the staircases. I can't remember the last time that occurred to us. Have a great trip!

On the Harmony last year, it was also 12 for us. We ended up breaking into sub-teams as clues were found, but we didn't really experience the "big picture". Although we solved the puzzle in the end, it was a little disjointed.

The MTD times should be in the compass, and I've read posts that they start at 6:30 or 6:45. We usually schedule traditional dining, and our requested shared table has often had vacant chairs. Not sure what you requested with your dining reservation (shared or just your family) -- a family of 3 might be given a table for 4 which allows for one extra chair but not two. Best of luck...

Concur with @Allen2 , but I wouldn't emphasize OBC. Instead, I would be selective in picking a cruise that is fairly priced. As Matt and others have discussed, this involves looking farther out when schedules are first announced, considering older ships, and considering less expensive ports. When you have a good/fair price for your cruise, an extra $50 here or there really doesn't make a difference. But by purchasing the cruise with a credit card, you end up getting points of some sort that can be redeemed for OBC or cash, depending upon your bank. I use Royal's Visa through BofA but other passengers have found great deals with the cards they use. I have no problem comparing cruise prices (across carriers) online before I talk to my agent. Just make sure you are making apples to apples comparison (is the fare before or after taxes and port fees, for example?). A good agent can help with many complications. Knowing where your hotel is located the night before your cruise is important, and a knowledgeable agent can set you straight on that. We always use an agent. Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

When we checked in online from a computer, there was an option to upload a photo, which we didn't do. On other threads passengers have reported they must sometimes retake the photo at the port.

As others have said, we were there twice in 2019 with only one ship docked.

I am not sure how the earthquake recovery is going in Puerto Rico, but we have enjoyed checking out the fort in San Juan, walking through the shopping area, and trying local food. As a teen, my son enjoyed Royal's teen groups on the ship. I'd recommend you have a plan for communicating with each other on the shop -- like notes in the room, designated meeting times for meals, etc. Getting familiar with the ship is easy to do on line -- check out the deck plans. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/freedom-of-the-seas/deck-plans/1860/02 When you settle on excursions for any destinations, remember to book online in advance to get a better price. Have a great cruise!

We cruised NZ and Australia in Jan 2018. While some port gift shops accepted multiple currencies, we used local currency. We re-supplied at ATMs, taking out our money in local $. Also, you'll want local currency for cab drivers, etc.

Concur with others, but note that when you are the restricted port shopping, some stores give a better price in pesos, others in dollars. Example: The peso on our recent trip was about 19/US $1 but one store converted at 15 per dollar. Also, when buying coffee at a port Starbucks with US, use the smallest bills you have -- they may not be able to break a $20 bill.

The time we had a pre-cruise package, which included transfers, the shuttle driver picked us up at the hotel. I'd double check with Royal to be safe. Because transfer tickets from Royal are typically per person, it is sometimes cheaper/same cost to book with Royal (with the transfers included) rather than finding a hotel on your own (and then paying extra per person). That said, you have a better selection when you book on your own. There have been comments on other threads about Barcelona, for example -- places to stay that are economical or convenient.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/itinerary/7-night-bahamas-perfect-day-from-galveston-on-jewel/JW07GAL-4033373603?sail-date=2021-01-24&currency=USD&country=USA&dates_maxDate=04%2F30%2F2022&dates_minDate=01%2F01%2F2021 PS. This is the link for the Jan 2021 cruise to Coco Cay/Bahamas from Galveston.

There is a 9 night cruise to augment 7 night cruises. It is Western Caribbean, Jan 2021 .https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/itinerary/9-night-western-caribbean-from-galveston-on-jewel/JW09GAL-66836559?sail-date=2021-01-02&currency=USD&country=USA&dates_maxDate=04%2F30%2F2022&dates_minDate=01%2F01%2F2021 I see for Eastern Caribbean (going to Coco Cay) the 7 night.

Concur with @Jill that the port needs something. Beware of high winds -- that would motivate me to stay on the ship. Also, if you snorkel, avoid the cheap excursions that overload the small boats. We found it difficult to enjoy because of the crowd in the water. Have a great trip!

We find dancing as well as dressing up for dinner very romantic. One does need to search for the best venues for the preferred style of dancing (we prefer ballroom).

We found Central Park concerts in the late afternoon or evening romantic -- if you arrive early and snag a drink, it is like a private performance.

At Royal's site for Vision, there is a video that explains a little about the ship. You might want to check it out or explore the deck plans. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/vision-of-the-seas Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

I've always done what @Psycho and Barb describe. Have a great cruise!

Whenever you travel overseas, you'll want to be vigilant and practice safe travel practices. Your odds of getting pick-pocketed would be higher in Barcelona or Rome because you'd take those places for granted. I think you'll have a great trip as long as you are aware of your surroundings, use the safe on the ship, keep valuables hidden and secure, etc.

Just make sure you have trip insurance (e.g., in case of a travel delay). We successfully flew to and cruised from Europe twice while arriving on the same day as the departure. But we carried insurance, and I had a list of alternative routes in case we were delayed en route. That said, I would normally follow the lead of others and travel a day early. We do this now since we drive. Have a great trip!

We consider our packing requirements, e.g., new shoes or clothes. The idea is to buy on sale in the last 90 days....?

PS. I just took a quick peek at a compass and didn't see anything stated. If you plan on smart casual for dinner, you should be fine.

Check a recent cruise compass (link at the top of the browser) and you'll what recommended attire would be, or wait for a reply from a recent traveler.

On the whole, I agree the shows are a little odd, but I find myself admiring the singing, the skating, and the incredible maneuvers the ship in Columbus makes. I didn't worry much about anything else. I actually prefer the production shows on smaller ships. That said, the cast often performs their songs in more intimate settings, such as Central Park or the Jazz lounge. So one could actually skip the scheduled shows and listen to the performers in other venues, most of which we found fantastic. But I agree with you, I was not fond of the show plots.

Look at the ending price after all adjustments. Normally, you end up paying for food for your child. It does depend on itineraries. Med cruises aren't discounted much for 3rd or 4th person.