You have done well and it sounds like Royal caribbean will be great for your family. I am a travel agent and have thought of a couple things while reading the posts here. Be sure to factor in all the extras that come up when you're on the boat. For your family, tipping will be about $40/day. Also, soda pop, alcohol, meals in their specialty restaurants, gambling, professional photos, shore excursions and night time babysitting are not included in your cruise fare. All these items will be billed to your on board account.


Seriously consider trip insurace. As you know, kids get sick all the time. It would really be unfortunate if a little one got the chicken pox or some other illness at the last minute that required you to miss your trip and lose your money. Additionally, if a kid gets more than a minor illness on the boat or has an accident, the doctor on board will not hesistate to airlift him/her off the boat. (about 10k...ouch) Also.....a little thing some families do that has paid off more than once is ask your pediatrician for some suggestions on medicines to take should something come up for your kids. (earache or upset tummy medicine etc.)

Some cruise lines have rooms with connecting doors like in hotels. You can often book two rooms that connect for about the same cost as one room for all four of you. It also gives you a bit more privacy and sanity. To get the best cruise rate, consider going during a time that most kids are in school. There will certainly be other kids on the boat, but the demand for space is less so your cruisefare will be less.

Have a great trip.
Tracey