Hi Sweetpea,
I sailed twice on the Grand (I'm 29 and my husband's 35). Indeed, you will find most of your cruisemates are between the ages of 40 and 60 and up, but there is a mix. We mostly hung out with a group of crazy 30-something ladies. *lol* during our May cruise. Our second trip was during the Thanksgiving week. Thanksgiving brought more families aboard.
Concerning the drinks. You can purchase a soda sticker which will give you unlimited soda consumption. I thinks it's like 17 bucks now... I now a lot of people would stock up on soda before boarding the ship but, I kinda like being served a nice cool drink by the pool... Concerning the alcoholic beverages, they're not too expensive, they range in size too (small, medium, big). The average price for a coctail is around 5 $ (try the "loveboat", it is delicious!).
Cozumel... you have exursions to see the Mayan ruins and also some eco-tourism at Chankanaaab lagoon (you can also swim with the dolphins there).
Having done the Eastern and the Western Caribbean trips, I have to say, the Eastern Caribbean wins hands down but you'll have a blast anyway.
Concerning upgardes, the two times we booked an unprecised inside room, we got updgraded to an oceanview stateroom... which is better than nothing. Actually, the second time, we got a room at the very back of the ship on the aloha deck, just right next to the terrace swimming pool. It was great, you step off your room and... bam! Beautiful view! And no problems with the sea rolls and the noise.
I am so jealous of all of you though, you have a great time!
Mel
