That's fab news Jeni
I can't wait to meet everyone after all these months and it's a great chance for all our kids to meet each other. It's great to know what everyone will be wearing, we are sure to find each other. So, I have finished our t-shirts, they aren't as good as I'd hoped but they aren't too bad. They are white and have a Mickey head on with "Keep Calm and Cruise On" and under the Mickey head it says The Laba Family.
Crackleandpop - we wear casual clothes and take evening clothes for the 1st evening with us in a carry on. I Also pack swim wear in our carry on but hubby and I have never had time to swim on the first day as we like to explore and have a relaxing lunch before the life boat drill. however we have never cruised with the kids before so maybe we will hit the pools after a quick lunch this time. In all honesty we have never needed to carry on evening clothes as our cases have always got to our room on time but I'm a born worrier so I carry them on "just in case"! In fact at least half the clothes I am packing are "just in case"!
So in answer to your question - I think it is probably personal preference, what ever you feel most comfortable with, you'll see some people with just a small bag or ruck sack and others (like us) with a small case. I've also got a small box of FE gifts that I want to distribute for the kids before sail away (I'll hang them directly on the fish) so a small case is the most practical carry on bag for us this time.
Right, time for me to get back to the packing