wordell1

Is there a better feeling than passing your pre cruise covid test? It's a combination of relief and the now certain knowledge that I will be sailing in 2 days!

I had my Royal Up accepted about 30 days out, which is actually unusual. Typically 2 days out is the norm. My advice is not to stress about it.

As stated above, although not required, I would get a passport if time allows. You would not be allowed to fly back into the US without it if something happened.

Yes, and I have also moved my 11 year old (almost 12) into the 12+ group. They generally allow kids to move up into the teen group, especially since it is more loosely run.

It depends on the ship. Oasis class is 13+, Freedom class is 12+. I'm not sure on the other classes. Honestly, it makes no sense at all.

Generally, the best option this late is for your partner to "no show". Taxes and port charges will be refunded.

Check with the shore excursions desk once you get on the ship to see if there have been any cancellations.

Most likely, but you will need to get permission from the staff at Social 298.

Weather should be great in April and the Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico will generally be smoother than what you have in Europe.

I recommend having a 2nd person to hold the phone while doing the test. Having said that, I found the proctors to be patient.

I use Rony's tours in Roatan - If this isn't what you are looking for, he will work with you to modify. #16 RONY'S FISHING TRIP + THE REMAINING OF THE DAY AT WEST END, HALF MOON BAY EXCURSION - Roatan Tours, Cruiseship Activities, Excursions, Zipline Canopy Tours with Ronys Independent Tours, Roatan (ronystours.com)

Everything is loaded onto your seapass. I wouldn't expect any major changes to these offers, they have been largely the same for years.

Roatan has very good (and inexpensive) zip lining. It also has very good snorkeling from the beach. I recommend a private driver in Roatan - it is a very poor country and is inexpensive. I use Rony's Tours HOME - Roatan Tours, Cruiseship Activities, Excursions, Zipline Canopy Tours with Ronys Independent Tours, Roatan (ronystours.com) Costa Maya is a good place for Mayan Ruins if you want to go the educational route. I recommend Native Choice tours. If you want the beach, Maya Chan is highly recommended. Costa Maya Excursions | Activities in Costa Maya, tours and travel information (thenativechoice.com) Costa Maya Beach Resort - Maya Chan Beach In Cozumel there is a lot of choices - I usually go to one of the beach clubs. For kids, I like Paradise Beach. It has a nice pool, great beach with chairs/umbrella/ water service, and fun giant inflatables for the kids. Even though the website sells it as all inclusive, you can choose to pay as you go if you are not big drinkers. The best all inclusive beach club in Cozumel | Paradise Beach Cozumel

Rent a jeep on Aruba and explore the far side of the island.

You manage your cruise planner purchases/cancelations on your own.

MEI-Travel

The safe is in the room and I would recommend using it for anything really valuable. Having said that, I don't think a cruise is where you really need to worry about theft. The job is too valuable to the ships staff for them to be stealing and there are too many cameras around for another passenger to be breaking into your room. Even leaving items at your lounger while swimming is pretty safe considering the camera coverage. We just don't see a lot of theft reports on Blog sites such as this one. I would take normal precautions, but wouldn't be overly worried.

You need to get your reservations linked for dining - call your TA or Royal - you need their reservation number.

Nassau? If so, it's not walkable for most people. Paradise Island is a big place and Atlantis is the most famous hotel there but there is a lot of other places. It's not set up to walk around though - I would say it's not a destination in itself.

Costa Maya is a good place to see Mayan Ruins if that appeals to you. Cozumel is very good for snorkeling.

I think it's a fair value at $79 to $99 pp. I have been there 2 times and enjoyed it, the food is really good. I have also spent the day in the "free" areas of PDCC and had just as good a time.

There are many threads on the bid process, and a lot of speculation. Bottom line is to bid what you are comfortable with - worst case scenario is that you get the original room you booked and get to go on a great vacation!

What about Nassau, PDCC, New Orleans?

This is very good advice - The timing on some of the private tours in Belize can be a problem with the tendering. Most of the snorkeling tours involve a second water taxi ride that really makes the timing tight. It is one of the few places where I recommend using a ship tour.

If you want to do the ruins in Costa Maya, I recommend using Native Choice. Costa Maya Excursions | Activities in Costa Maya, tours and travel information (thenativechoice.com)