RickinSTL

Our first cruise in 2016 

Nope. Pay for drinks as you go.  
If you aren't going to drink 5-6 alcoholic drinks every day, a drink package probably makes little financial sense to buy.
If you booked My Time Dining, you can pre-book via the Cruise Planner site on Royal Caribbean's site. 
If you have traditional dining, there's nothing you have to do.
I definitely recommend the Getting Started section of this site, but here are a few other videos that I think you will find helpful:
 

Being a newbie is half the fun.. You'll find people more than willing to help you in every step of the process..  My wife and I have only been on two cruises and I'm constantly searching out information on these boards and other sites as well..  I'd suggest a youtube search of your ship just to get a little familiar with it before you leave.. 
As far as drink packages its like this...  If you're going to have 5 or more alcoholic drinks a day then buy it..  I've always gotten my moneys worth lol ?
 

My wife and I are freezing in STL with a case of the flu or some other crap.. It may be the ebola virus..  lol.. 

Feel better...I'm thinking everyone is gonna get sick when the temp goes up 100 degrees within 5 days!!!  I'm getting a headache just thinking about the barometric change  lol...  Jane

Obviously you've never been around military or a fraternity.  It wasn't a dig on Matt personally ...it's called humor. 

We loved the charm of Empress.. As my wife said "she's a small ship with a big personality"..  I'll agree with the small stateroom sizes.. I felt like I had to leave the cabin to change my mind lol.. 
 
I would definitely sail sail her again.. 

Yes, I understood, we have cruised since I was quite young ? But I was saying that was on my wish list.

Noooooo I come here to forget about how terrible they are this year after being hyped up all offseason.

Hockey! Let's Go Bluuuuuueeessss!

If RCL is going to introduce new on-ship excursions - how about the .50 cal pirate shoot? You get 200 rounds of .50 cal and whoever sinks the most Somali pirates - wins a prize!

1500 dollars for half hour session photo shoot. Onboard allure.
sent me running for the restroom I s... myself 
 

Im 51 weeks away from a back to back on harmony and im already obsessing lol 
 

Im 51 weeks away from a back to back on harmony and im already obsessing lol 
 

Im 51 weeks away from a back to back on harmony and im already obsessing lol 
 

Turn my phone off.. then get..  Beer, Sun and fun.. ?

Very slim.  Few parents drop off their kids in Adventure Ocean on port days.  I think most are uncomfortable with the idea of leaving their kids on the ship while they are on shore.  
I've done this quite a few times and it's always just a couple of kids.
Nope! Like I said, I've done it a few times.  The key is to plan to be back to the ship many hours before all aboard time.  I usually pad at least 3 hours.
Yes it does. On newer ships you can order via the TV, but they have the door hanger on Liberty.
I'd call Room Service and ask.  I'd bet they would not charge you, but never hurts to at least ask.
In my experience, the ice shows are less than an hour in length. 45 mins perhaps? I'd advise you to be dressed for dinner prior to going to the ice skating show.

Book another cruise.