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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.

When I make reservations in Cruise Planner, I receive an e-mail confirmation. So that can be printed. Also, in Cruise Planner, you have a calendar that can be printed.

If you like culinary excursions, St. Maarten has something like A Taste of St Maarten which takes you to three locations will also driving around the island. You'll make pasta and have wine/juice at a cheese and wine store near the port; then you'll have a grilled lunch in St. Martin, followed by gelato in St. Maarten. You can be dropped off near the town shopping or return directly to the port for shopping by the ship.

At Cozumel there are many excursions that take you to the mainland, but remember that the ferry ride is fast and bumpy. I get a little queasy but don't need meds for the trip. However, seasickness pills are usually provided. Just wanted you forewarned. Cozumel is popular for purchasing jewelry, but remember to cut through the hype. The quoted price is never the real price. Check online in the US before you travel if you are thinking of making a purchase. Then you will know the typical price. (Don't pay $700 for $300 earrings.) Other than that, it can be fun to go from store to store with the shopping guide just to sample the drinks without buying anything substantial. There is supposed to be a good Cozumel Island museum near downtown - a cab could probably take you. I've seen some good online reviews, but I haven't made it there as yet. At Roatan we visited Maya Key for snorkeling, swimming, seeing zoo animals, shopping for artisanal gifts, etc. It is a short boat ride from the ship and reasonably priced. There is a swimming pool plus swimming areas at their beach. If you want company at dinner, you can ask to share a table in the Main Dining Room rather than sitting alone. (Have your agent arrange this or talk to Royal staff.) When we took your itinerary in September, we dined with a single woman and had delightful conversation.

One thing I take that I don't see on packing lists is foreign currency (part of cash?). Not that US dollars can't be used, but some excursions go to rural areas, so I try to plan ahead, e.g., euros for Europe or pesos for Mexico. There are so many cruises at each destination that I hold onto the extra currency for a future trip. But really, aside from medicine, BUG Spray, and clothing, we haven't found it necessary to overthink packing. One trip I packed white socks, but not dark socks, and they weren't sold on the ship or in port. So I always think clothing first. Everyone seems to pack sunscreen but not something for flies and mosquitoes. Have a great cruise!