pdx

A girlfriend and myself might be taking a 3 or 4 day cruise this fall. She suggested the trip as she enjoys cruising and it would be a fun little reunion-girlfriends trip. She pointed me in the direction of RCI Majesty of the Seas or similar cruises out of Florida as they are nice budget options, we can both meet up there easily from our home bases (airfare wise) and they have the 3 and 4 day cruises.
So, here are a few of my questions:
1. Can we buy bottles of wine on-board? I have a feeling we'll be making a dent in the ship's supply. I don't want to hunt down a steward every time we want a glass.
2. I'm reading there are rooms to avoid due to noise factors. Where are the cheapster rooms located? Are they all on the same decks or do they poke them into nooks and crannies of all the decks.
3. How can we avoid being around a whole lot of kids? I like kids as much as the next person but I'd also like to be in a quiet spot at times.
4. Do people do the save-the-pool chair-thing with beach towels?
5. I'm hoping to snorkel. I suppose they rent snorkeling gear but I thought I'd check.
There's more but I need to do some thinking about it. I've never been interested in a cruise and now that I'm going I want to be prepared.

Rubicund

Here's RCI's drinks policy:

Royal Caribbean alcohol policy 2013 - bringing alcohol on board

The RCI policy rules for bringing alcohol on Royal Caribbean cruise:
◾bringing liquor/beer on Royal Caribbean on embarkation is strictly forbidden - not allowed. Ship security may inspect your luggage and liquid containers (water & soda bottles, mouthwash, etc). If found, the booze will be confiscated, stored and returned at the end of the voyage. Passengers under 21 wouldn't be getting any of their smuggled alcohol back. If a passenger violates the Royal Caribbean alcohol policy, the line's Guest Conduct Policy may be enforced, which also includes forcible disembarkation or not allowing boarding - at your own expense. The list of possible violations, besides any attempts to conceal alcohol at security/luggage check points, also includes over alcohol-consuming behavior, providing alcohol to minors (21- yo), demonstration of irresponsible behavior on board.
◾bringing wine on Royal Caribbean (on embarkation day only). You are allowed to bring max 2 wine/Champagne bottles per cabin (bottle size 750ml or smaller). If you want to drink your wine in public spaces (bars & restaurants) a $25 corkage fee per bottle will be applied to bill. Remember - bottles must retain the original seal of the manufacturer and not to look tampered with.
◾buying alcohol on Royal Caribbean. If you purchase alcohol in port or in the duty-free shop onboard, they will hold it until the end (the last day) of the cruise.

We were on Navigator last year and didn't see to many kids--depends when you go.

Didn't notice the pool chair thing and we saw notices saying it wasn't allowed.

Bring your own snorkel gear. I wouldn't want to put a snorkel in my mouth that had been used by everyone.

BarbAnn

You can also purchase bottles of wine on board through room service. Be advised that bottles that cost about $8 on shore cost about $28 on board!

Cheapest cabins are usually inside cabins(no windows). Cost depends on where they are located. Majesty is an older ship. I sailed her in the Caribbean over 15 years ago.

Depends on when you go as to how many kids are on board. Shorter cruises tend to have a more party atmosphere.

Have fun. Cruising is addicting!

pdx

Thanks Rubicund and BarbAnn. It's nice to know some of this stuff ahead of time.