J.H.
We did Royal Caribean out of Galveston 4 years ago when our daughter was 4 about to turn 5.....and it was the whole family thing...for a special occasion....
This is what I was told ahead of time....keeping in mind that was 4 years ago....but I don't think much has changed...
1. They have the best children's program other than the Disney cruise.
2. I was EXTREMEMLY apprehensive, but the first afternoon/early evening they had an introduction for the parents of children participating in the children's program in the Captain's lounge where ALL of the staff for the program was introduced, given credientials, etc...
3. They have a very good check in/check out system
4.Our daughter loved this soooo much she couldn't wait to go back, in fact when we were in Cozumel shopping, she asked to go back to the ship....we took her and went back to finish some shopping...
5. They do all kinds of movies, arts and crafts, singing and dancing....all age appropriate of course.
6. Our neices were with us and they were teenagers at the time, 16 and 17 and they even had a great time and met other teens their age to hang with...
So all in all, I worried over nothing, we all had a great time and our daughter occasionally asks when we get to that again.
As for the crusie itself....that was our 2nd, the first on that cruise line, and it was wonderful. Our ports of call were Jamacia, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. WE all did something different in each port, specifically, I would recommend in you are in Grand Caymen to do Stingray Island....Other family members highly recommended the snorking in Cozumel....
As for the ship, the staff were outstanding, always something to do, or do just nothing....lounging by the pool....they always have little contests going on...My in-laws really enjoyed the shows, so, they realy do have something for all ages.
Have fun!