SteveinSC

I think it is important to have a healthy amount of fear. However, when that fear takes over your life and affects day-to-day activities I think a person should take a step back and assess. We don't know everything about the beer virus which is why the hyperactive news reporting has been able to spread unwarranted fear. I do think we should stop comparing it to the flu, but remain diligent in our hand washing. Also ANYTHING could happen at any moment for any reason.....dictator uprising, cannibalism, war etc that may stop a port from allowing a ship to dock.

Is that covered under my travel insurance?

Im going to hope that my Royal Up bid gets accepted because people are irrational enough to cancel, and/or not go on their cruises. I will also worry more (which is to say hardly at all) about tripping over my kids toys and breaking my ankle, or getting in a car accident on the way to the port, or any other thing that is WAY more likely to happen. I will also wash my hands, and use hand sanitizer, as I ALWAYS do because people are disgusting, by nature.  

It's never too late to book travel insurance! While fear wouldn't be a covered reason, if someone does get ill, or a doctor says the elderly family member cannot travel, hopefully you can get some costs back.
Speaking from my experience, once that one outspoken family member gets filled with paranoia (usually from too much news TV) it becomes stressful for all. You don't want to dismiss their concerns, but you also want to tell them to shut the *bleep* up. ?
Enjoy the cruise & welcome to the forums!

Im going to hope that my Royal Up bid gets accepted because people are irrational enough to cancel, and/or not go on their cruises. I will also worry more (which is to say hardly at all) about tripping over my kids toys and breaking my ankle, or getting in a car accident on the way to the port, or any other thing that is WAY more likely to happen. I will also wash my hands, and use hand sanitizer, as I ALWAYS do because people are disgusting, by nature.  

Im going to hope that my Royal Up bid gets accepted because people are irrational enough to cancel, and/or not go on their cruises. I will also worry more (which is to say hardly at all) about tripping over my kids toys and breaking my ankle, or getting in a car accident on the way to the port, or any other thing that is WAY more likely to happen. I will also wash my hands, and use hand sanitizer, as I ALWAYS do because people are disgusting, by nature.  

Im going to hope that my Royal Up bid gets accepted because people are irrational enough to cancel, and/or not go on their cruises. I will also worry more (which is to say hardly at all) about tripping over my kids toys and breaking my ankle, or getting in a car accident on the way to the port, or any other thing that is WAY more likely to happen. I will also wash my hands, and use hand sanitizer, as I ALWAYS do because people are disgusting, by nature.  

Im going to hope that my Royal Up bid gets accepted because people are irrational enough to cancel, and/or not go on their cruises. I will also worry more (which is to say hardly at all) about tripping over my kids toys and breaking my ankle, or getting in a car accident on the way to the port, or any other thing that is WAY more likely to happen. I will also wash my hands, and use hand sanitizer, as I ALWAYS do because people are disgusting, by nature.  

It's folks' reaction that makes the virus FAR more dangerous than it really is. All of the newsertainment outlets can't help themselves by over-sensationalizing this thing.

Something to keep in mind is The Mirror is a British tabloid newspaper, so sensationalizing news is their forté
Given your elderly person, this is a better question for their doctor.
Based on what we know right now, the risk of a cruise from Puerto Rico and going to the Caribbean is low in terms of the coronavirus.

Im going to hope that my Royal Up bid gets accepted because people are irrational enough to cancel, and/or not go on their cruises. I will also worry more (which is to say hardly at all) about tripping over my kids toys and breaking my ankle, or getting in a car accident on the way to the port, or any other thing that is WAY more likely to happen. I will also wash my hands, and use hand sanitizer, as I ALWAYS do because people are disgusting, by nature.  

If you're willing to skip one of the specialty dining lunches, the MDR is open for lunch on sea days. It's also open for (unquestionably leisurely) breakfast every day. It won't be the same experience or vibe as having dinner there, but it is a way to sample the experience besides having dinner. Dress code is full casual at those times, so you also don't have to worry about changing clothes. ?

...and another taxi vote. I've taken taxi a couple times over, and it was as safe and easy as anywhere else I've ever taken a taxi. 

Ditto.......the only thing that doesnt get to relax on my cruises is my liver....
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Bottom line: TO EACH, THEIR OWN!!!!  If you want to go big, or go home.....GO ALL THE WAY!!!!!  If you want to never spend another dime once on board....you can do that and still have a good time.......so, ive heard. Our difference is what makes our time on this big blue ball equal parts amazing, and frustrating. HAPPY CRUISING, ALL! 
 

This is pretty much what's it's like ...

This is pretty much what's it's like ...

This is pretty much what's it's like ...

This is pretty much what's it's like ...

Another vote for a taxi.
Walk out of the port area, and you will find plenty waiting.

I had one your "I learned everything about this cruise at roycaribbeanblog.com" magnets stolen off my door.  They left all the other magnets.  
I figured they were too lazy to note the URL so stealing the magnet was easier for them to figure out how to find your site.
The good news is more people learned about your awesome site.  The bads news is a magnet thief may be reading this post.  ?

First, welcome to the boards! Second, as a parent of two kids, I'd advise you to consider getting two connecting (smaller) rooms. Unlike on DCL, getting two rooms is not cost prohibitive and provides way more space for families.
I love my kids, but sleeping in the same room as them is terrible. Plus, sharing one bathroom is downright ludicrous. 

You may also find this blog post helpful: Royal Caribbean stateroom options for larger families

I am cruising with my wife, and two boys (8 and 4) and we are in one room. I looked at booking two rooms, larger rooms, etc. and it was an astronomical price difference. I can only share what ive learned in my research: 
There are rails that you can request. People on here, and even your room steward may tell you nobody under 6 or so should be on the top bunk. I say, you know your kids. I have zero fears with my 4 year old being on a bunk (he sleeps on a top bunk now). Heck, falling out of a top bunk in the middle of the night as a kid is a right of passage. I have slept in a pullman, as a full grown adult, and had no issue. So I cant imagine a 13 year old would. As far as enough room to relax.....depends on how you like to relax? Itll be cramped.  
 

What if all these extra costs equaled another cruise. Which would you rather have? 
We are stylistically active cruisers vs relaxing cruisers. Be careful you don't find yourself on the hamster wheel of we need to do everything.