Hi! I'm cruising a week from tomorrow on the Mariner OTS. I'm traveling with my five children (8,9,11,12 and 13), and no other adults. They're good travelers and wonderful, respectful kids, but I'm still a little anxious. This is my first cruise as an adult (I went on one in college lol--a very different situation). We have a 2/2 grand suite that I think comes with some perks, but im not clear on what they are? What are some things you would do to make this go smoothly? How would you manage on board spending for kids? What about balancing family time vs independent time for everybody?

I am really just looking for general strategies and encouragement for first time cruisers and and a slightly stressed single mom .