I don't know how to post multiple quotes to reply to, but I do have a few comments that refer to many items in this thread:

* regarding sailing with kids - perhaps the most famous and best cruise line catering to families was not even mentioned - don't forget Disney Cruise Line. They do an amazing job with children of all ages. And it's a great line for adults without kids as well - they have a dedicated adult only pool, spa, coffee bar, restaurant (Palo) and even an adult-only dining rotation. If you play it right, you wouldn't know there are a bazillion kids on-board. By the way, Disney is more all-inclusive than other mass market lines because they do not charge for soft drinks or ice cream cones.

* regarding docking in Cozumel - Hurricane Wilma last year destroyed BOTH of the city's pier facilities. As far as I know, all ships must still tender there. I have not seen an ETA for the new dock facility. The last time I was there, 13 ships were anchored and tendering. Because you have to use tenders operated by the city (cannot use the ship's own tenders) it was a slow process and they have not re-built very much there yet. My best recommendations for Cozumel right now are to either tender directly to the Tuluum Ruins as a shore excursion or take the day to relax on the ship. It's peaceful and quiet and the spa discounts massages and other services while in port.

* regarding taking independent shore excursions rather than thru the cruise line - not a good idea for two primary reasons - safety and security. If the shore excursion you bought thru the cruise line has a problem (mechanical) and you won't get back until after the ship departs, the cruise line will either wait for you or pay to get you to the next port. If you buy it on your own and the same mechanical problem occurs, you're SOL and have to get yourself to the ship. Also, remember the accident earlier this year in Chile that killed many members of a group from NJ? They bought that independently and the tour operator was not licensed, bonded or insured. The cruise lines check out their tour operators very thoroughly to avoid those situations.

* regarding charging for specialty restaurants - on mass market lines this is standard. The lines sell the all-inclusive nature of cruising to mean you can eat free any time you want somewhere on the ship. It does not mean you can eat free everywhere on the ship. The charge varies greatly by cruiseline and by restaurant and in buying a cruise this must be factored in. However, I repeat - there is always something free to eat and many guests sail without ever paying for an extra french fry. On Freedom specifically, the reason they charge the minimal fee for Johnny Rocket's is to keep people moving thru the restaurant. They tried it for free and found teenagers especially lingering over a soft drink and talking to friends for hours. This gives more guests a chance to try something extra for not much money.

All-in-all though, cruising is still a great vacation and everyone should try it!