DiviFIlus

I think something that is being forgotten is that Oasis class are warm weather ships. Staying in the Caribbean makes the most sense in this respect (at least 10 months out of the year) Given that Adventure and Jewel are doing quite well and the port size, I would think that San Juan, PR would be a great choice.... Creates some nice itinerary variety (Barbados/ Curacao??)

Have you been on a Freedom class ship? The pool is tiny and the water is about 4 ft deep and you are surrounded by an amphitheater of deck chairs.... Yes, that is "enough" water for a child to drown in (so is a bathtub).... And I know you mention the "bystander effect" but RCI also has deck supervisors watching the pool area (the "poop patrol") all day long, there are simply no blind spots in a pool set up like this... And btw - this ship was out of GB, not the US (I know US citizens are notorious bystanders as you suggest, they will literally video each other dying before lending a hand).... My suspicion is that the poor kid didn't just stepdown the ladder, let go of the edge and drown as 200 people around him just watched! (ie; the kid DIVED in and hit his head on the bottom OR... was pushed by another guest OR something else....) ... These pools are tiny and packed on sea days, so for an accident like this to happen there must have been contributing factors that we are not being told....

As a formed lifeguard and instructor myself I wish I could support the proposition... but, a boy does not end up unconscious in a small cruise ship pool during the middle of a hot sea day with lots of people around... my guess is that there is more to this story... and RCI has un-certified pool/ deck supervisors... there is more to this story....

Ditto on the flights - flying from the west coast of Canada to Florida can often be as much as flying to Europe! Our cruises are all two week minimums to justify to the time and cost of getting there....

3 minutes from Allure Terminal Taxis will wait - although they will grumble about it http://www.walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-1680-se-17th-st-ft-lauderdale-fl-33316/id=7125

I think RCCL did the right thing recalling the ship after the "Norovirus" incident... In the Carnival Triumph litigation, Carnival's lawyers have argued "The contract ticket makes no express guarantee for safe passage, a seaworthy vessel, adequate and wholesome food, and sanitary and safe living conditions,". The ruling reflects the little protections afforded to passengers as currently written by many cruise ship companies. Really! No guarantee of a seaworthy vessel.... Shocking. Sometimes to RCCL's (and the guests) detriment, I have always witnessed a "safety first" policy on-board during my 67 days at sea with RCCL... And although I have been pissed when my days in Labadee are windy and I can't go on the Dragon's Breath Flightline.... I understand... These little things demonstrate this corporate mantra, as do the big decisions (bringing home Explorer early and drydocking Allure early) I think is a place where RCCL can really "deliver the WOW" that comes with peace of mind.... They should have an express "Safe Cruise" Guarantee (acts of God excluded)...

Been on this itinerary 4 times... A couple good bets: a. Falmouth - Dunns River (its the hot tourist spot - but if you haven't done it you must do it); Second choice; Plantation tour was neat (but a tad pricey).. b. Cozumel - If you like to Snorkel/ Scuba, do it here, great reef; Second choice: Tulum - Playa Paradiso is one of the top three beaches I have ever been to (only St. John was better);

"Potty Trained" means way more than "Potty Trained" to RCCL.... (see above)... For the cruise line means that the kid is entirely self sufficient in the bathroom... I personally don't know any 3 year old that falls into this category...

We did Oasis back to back in Nov with our 33 month old... lovely but there were serious "toddler" issues.... We have cruised many times (Emerald C&A).... but we have to say that we will NOT be cruising again with our kids until they are older.... Only Royal Caribbean Nursery staff can assist with "potty needs" - this includes help getting dressed.... Royal Caribbean Kids Club staff CANNOT touch kids for any bathroom reasons.... So this put out nearly 3 year old fully potty trained girl in a very tough spot - she wanted to "play" with the big kids (just like she does at our local preschool).... but she needed a little help "fixing" her cloths after going pee (she never had ANY accidents on the boat).... so staff would not allow her in the Kids Club to protect their own butts from liability.... Very frustrating.... I highly recommend that you DO NOT cruise with a 2-4 year old.... its just a tough age that RCCL cannot deal with....