That would only work if you and your wife are not linked. If you are linked, while you technically have different points they only look at your relationship points. I may have received a couple of extra blocks when Vikki and I were unlinked.
That is always the best plan, for those that know when they can travel. Luckily with my wife being a teacher and kids in school I know exactly when we can and can't travel
Not sure it really matters if it's live or not. The odds must be pretty astronomical that during the couple hours that they are live someone stumbles across the one itinerary on the ship and says OMG that is the exact itinerary I have been waiting a year for, and if by chance it is then Royal has a new booking, no harm done.
Correct. They would just need to decide whether they wanted to book refundable or non refundable.
Also, I am not a fan of hearing people say that they are cruising in a month and will book on board. For the relatively small amount of OBC that you get (in most cases) the price could have easily gone up by more than that. I always recommend booking as soon as you have decided that you are going and then watch for price drops after booking. (Unless you are going to play the I'll book after final payment game)
for the long cruises you come out ahead by booking refundable on board
Long cruises you get $75 for insides and $150 for balconies if you book refundable and you give up the $50 early booking bonus for not booking directly into the group