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Definitely try the Southern Belle at the Mason Jar Bar. It is my favorite drink I’ve ever had on a cruise. (And I have been on at least 8 a year for years!)

Wonder of the Seas has a great outdoor playground which would be a hit with 3-5 year olds. I would pick it just for the playground. Splashaway bay will be almost identical, but you will at least have something dry they can do to burn off steam. And the bar is right next door. There’s also a climbing net thing on the boardwalk across from playmakers that kids enjoy a lot. 

On right now and they said it was delayed due to technical issues, then canceled. I’m guessing it’s something to do with the stage set since the cast is performing a Cabernet act. Or the non-singing cast is quarantined. Who knows. I wasn’t planning on seeing it so it doesn’t effect me. 
 

In other news, Aqua 80 was the best show I’ve seen on a cruise

I’m on the current sailing. More crowded than our New Year’s Eve sailing but also way more of a “vibe”.  New Years was far too quiet. Can still get a drink in under 5 minutes. The only thing I’ve noticed is lack of bourbon and rye whiskey. Park cafe has had small lines, dinner reservations were easy (except for hibachi, but that’s normal as the venue is so small). Coco cay was amazing (only ship in port). Aqua 80 show was AWESOME. Not too crowded and they let in plenty of people without reservations. 
 

Yes, there are kids. It’s a Royal Caribbean ship. I have 2 kids myself. So far the worst tantrum I have observed was from an adult. 
 

Service has been exceptional imho. 

22 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

is the ship tour going on. still in my early may planner so hope so

Sadly no. Someone in my roll call had booked it but it was canceled. We sail tomorrow. 

I love this live blog! So full of joy 🤩 

We have taken kids since they were 6 months and we always had a great time. Just know you’ll be going back to the room for nap time. And make sure you book a ship with a big splash away bay. I would recommend the Wonder because they also have a big outdoor playground that is perfect for a 2 year old. All of the oasis class ships also have a play structure inside the kids club which we spent a LOT of time in. And the carousel was also highly used.  We also dropped the kids off at the tot room a few nights for a couple of hours. They were used to daycare and didn’t complain at all but it was only a few times. 

If you want to party and hit the casino, I would say don’t take your toddler. But if you are looking for a family vacation, it will be great! Just make sure there’s a splash pad! Some ships don’t have one and they can’t go in the pool while in diapers. 
 

It’s not as relaxing as going alone, but it means that my kids (10 and 7) are now the BEST travelers. Can sit through 2-hour dinners, 10-hour plane rides and are always well-behaved. I think a lot of that was taking them out with us when they were younger. Meant more work for us then, but makes life so easy now. 

Port fees and taxes still have to be paid. The fare is what is reduced. Port fees are usually $100-$200 of the total cruise cost per person. 

Yes I have cruised with our vaccinated kids - 7 and 10 - and they are correct. Ignore the email asking you to sign up for the test. Bring your kids vaccination cards to the port and you will be fine. We are sailing on the oasis Apr 17 and received the same email. We are ignoring them. They will give your child a “vax” sticker as soon as you get to the port and treat them as a Vax adult. You are good! Just being all of your negative tests and vaccine cards and you will be fine. I agree it’s super unnerving when they send that email. 

You can also bring a twin aerobed and inflate/deflate it every day. Have the room steward make up the sofa as a twin instead of a double. 

Thanks for the update. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. Oasis is my favorite.

Thanks for the updates! I sure hope they restock that bourbon in the next 2 weeks! Did you happen to see if Laser Tag is back? 

12 minutes ago, amcb said:

We will be boarding on Monday and I will definitely report back!

Thank you! Dying to hear reports since we leave with our vaxxed kids on 12/26!

2 hours ago, Rosy Season said:

My kid is fully vaxxed thankfully. Good option for Miami cruises.  I'll bet it's expensive!

Same! We are so relieved as we sail on Dec 26th!

If you’re in Miami for a sailing, the testing center at Tropical Park is open 24/7 and usually turns a PCR test around in about 12 hours. There is also one at AD Barnes park that has a turnaround time of 4 hours. None of these are guaranteed of course but if you’re very nervous, it’s doable. 
 

I also found this which seems to have rapid PCR at the airport and port. Might try giving them a call: https://miamicovid-19testing.com/miami-port/

Well, in the line of things that may not interest other people, I can't wait to hear about the wings at the sports bar. I hope they are actually deep fried, but maybe that isn't possible on a ship? The best authentic Buffalo wings are deep fried, not baked.

On the refurbished Mariner the wings at Playmakers are fried and they were DELICIOUS :)