Browneyedangel

You can buy a drink package for just one of you.  That rule does not exist with RC.

Unlike Carnival, with Royal Caribbean only the people that actually want the package need to buy the package.  Not everyone in the stateroom is required to buy the package.

Fair warning, the eggs are inedible. Stick to coffee, bacon and a muffin/croissant.

​My son and I are wearing our kilts, complete with dress Argyle jackets and plaid fly

Is it cheaper and more economical to order things like spa treatments and beverage packages online before cruise or onboard ship? I am sailing on Freedom March 12, 2017 and this is only my 2nd time cruising and 1st time with RCCL. Any input is appreciated.

My husband will be soooooo happy to hear that he can wear his slacks, dress shirt, and dress shoes and that be good enough for the formal night! He is a blue collar worker and anything more than that makes him feel like a stuffed sausage (his words lol). I am looking forward to wearing my dress that I never really have an occasion to wear otherwise.

It's typically more savings to order things via the cruise planner before you get on board.
 
Also, spa treatments are typically cheaper on port days (even when booked via cruise planner).

Yeah, that's why I told them 3 of the 6 days I will be checking on them lol

I'm not sure exactly what this is referring to....but just remember.  You can and WILL lose your OBC (if it is part of a booking promo) if you reprice a cruise to take advantage of a lower fare and that same OBC is not offered as part of the promo.
 
So having OBC doesn't mean you will retain OBC in some cases.

We've done Sabor on Oasis and Freedom.  Difference is one is al a cart (Oasis) and the other is a restaurant (Freedom).  In short, we weren't disappointed by either but I prefer the restaurant.

Welcome Angel!

There are two "problems" with that strategy.
 
First, you will have less time overall onboard.  Yes, that's only 2-3 hours but that's 2-3 hours you paid for.
 
Second, and more importantly, everything will be more crowded.  There will be longer lines for check-in and the Windjammer will likely be more crowded.
 
Nothing wrong with your plan, just keep that in mind.

My last cruise we were onboard at 11am and my wife and I were the only 2 people at the pool.  Looked strange laying in  loungers with a couple beers and the place was a ghost town.  Kinda nice.  

Most of us here just consider that a suggestion.

You can disregard that

We also like to find our table in the MDR before everyone gets on board, that way we don't stumble around looking at dinner time.  And find the Schooner...

My wife and I did the 4x4 monster jeep & Virgin beach excursion in Cozumel and it was fantastic. Rarely does a description live up to its billing. You drive your own jeep, and it was legitimate off road experience. The trailing guide vehicle actually got stuck and our jeep had to pull them out. At the half way point you see a small mayan ruin then off to the "Virgin" beach. Again, color me surprised! There was a small branch and thatch lean to on a beach with no one else in sight where we ate lunch and swam for about an hour. Probably the best ship excursion we have done in a long time. Here are a few photos https://goo.gl/photos/hSFMPcFACtYu3o7a9

I recently arrived at the terminal and handed luggage to porters at 10:15 and was on the ship at 10:45

And of course you want to get on early enough so you can have lunch on board!

Remember that embarkation day is "Day 1" of your cruise. You paid for Day 1 and you might as well arrive early and enjoy your first day on board!

We routinely get to the embarkation port the day before and stay in a hotel. Next morning we are at the port between 11:00 and 12:00 ready to board. I do not mind standing in line in order to be one of the first on board. We feel like the ship is all ours! Flying or driving to the port the day of embarkation leaves the door open for disaster, ie, plane delays, traffic accidents, traffic, etc. We do nit want to take a chance of being late or missing the departure.

I (and many others) recomend going early, the more time on the ship the better. It also gives you time to explore befor many people board. You may get a email or pre recorded call from Royal telling you your boarding time is 2pm. Ignore it, it's a dirty trick trying to spread out the people boarding :).
 
Enjoy!

I am cruising on Freedom of the Seas March 12, 2017 out of Ft. Lauderdale. It says the ship leaves at 5:30pm. How early can I embark? Also, how late is too late? I am booking transportation and need to know best times to book!

I am cruising on Freedom of the Seas March 12, 2017 out of Ft. Lauderdale. It says the ship leaves at 5:30pm. How early can I embark? Also, how late is too late? I am booking transportation and need to know best times to book!

I am cruising on Freedom of the Seas March 12, 2017 out of Ft. Lauderdale. It says the ship leaves at 5:30pm. How early can I embark? Also, how late is too late? I am booking transportation and need to know best times to book!