melski94

We always allowed my tweens limited freedom in the evening. We did get the internet package so they could text us where they would be....pool movie, arcade, etc. They weren't allowed full freedom and needed to be back in the room by a certain time. For us it worked out great and about half the time they'd be in our room anyways on their devices.

I think you can but I just think it would be a nightmare bringing it onboard and keeping it until the rooms are ready without destroying any decorations. With my family, we have enough to carry on the ship that I can't imagine keeping tabs on a 3 year old, our other stuff and a cake. Personally, I'd bring just the decorations (Elsa topper) and ask your waiter to put it on a dessert with a candle.

They are also allowed to gamble in the casino.

No. You can wear flip flops. You are on a mat and your feet are tucked inside the mat. I've always used the provided rock climbing shoes.

I've never heard of it either. I think it could have happened a decade or so ago but not really now. Everyone going into the port area needs a reason. You need to show your id and your set sail pass to the gate to enter the port area. Workers also have to show their ID to be allowed in. The porters all know one another and are typically joking around waiting for you and your luggage. If you see a porter alone and this concerns you, don't use them.

Welcome to the boards! Have a great cruise and come back to let us know what you think!

Are you looking for a refund and are you before final payment date? If you booked in North America (US or Canada) and before final payment (typically 90 days), then you can get a full refund. If you are past final payment, then you could get a partial to no refund (outside of port fees). Otherwise, this will not be an issue. We've had a no show before due to a last minute cancellation and no problem from RC. We only receive port fees from the cruise line but that was all we expected and we used trip insurance to get a refund on the cruise cost.

The only potential downside the the amount of Texans (no offense Texans). Texas flag flies in the promenade, limited liquor choices until international waters, and every night you'll hear "the stars at night..." At the same time, you'll get a huge NE crowd out of NJ so similar regional dynamics. That being said, we were never bothered by it. We stayed near the airport the night before not in Galveston.

Biggest mistake: Taking a Carnival cruise! That was our first cruise for our honeymoon! It took 15 years to try cruising again! Biggest RC mistake: Not double checking dates and being one week off for a 3rd party shore excursion. 6 ships were in port and there was no chance of getting on another excursion! Luckily, the company was great and refunded my deposit.

Sometimes these things happen. It really isn't a huge deal. The porters have extra luggage tags and will take care of it when you get to port. Happy sailing!

Seriously wish my husband and kids would understand that compromise! My family tells me I can buy all the matching shirts I want but there is no way they'd wear one. Maybe when I turn 50! Lots of families have matching shirts. My favorite was these kids wearing an incredible shirt about their parents having the drink package. I really wanted to take a picture but then realized how creepy that would be.

Your teens will be in the teen club. If you are sailing on a school break cruise with a lot of kids, then the groups are typically broken into 12-14 and 15-17. The teens then find a group and will hang out the rest of the week. Many don't do the teen activities but use it as a meeting point for their new group.

When my DD was 18 it was a huge adjustment as we cruise a few weeks after she turned 18 and she was still in HS. Now that she is in college, she hangs out with us. Since there are 2 of them they may not need to. We go to the shows, casino (slots are cheaper than table games as $20 goes much farther), or she hangs out with us at the pub or schooner bar to listen to the singers. It is quite fun to hang out together.

At the very least, they should refund your money. If they don't, I would dispute the charge with your credit card company.

What are the scheduled times to be in Maui? All aboard tends to be about 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart. Most of us recommend being back at least 2 hours before all aboard especially if doing a 3rd party excursion. They will wait or get you to the next port if it is a RC excursion but RC will NOT help you with 3rd party excursions or wait for you if you miss the ship (except to maybe get your passport if its in the safe). It is YOUR responsibility to be back on time. Guest are left all the time, just look for the videos on you tube. If your excursion is even remotely cutting it close to the all aboard time, I'd suggest you look at another.

It isn't intuitive but if you go to the dining choices page first, there is a button to make all reservations for the week. I haven't changed my time on the app but it is very easy to ask the maitre'd to change the reservation or call down.

We use the trip insurance from USAA. If you are a USAA member, I'd recommend it. Very easy to handle a claim when my husband couldn't join us this summer. A couple of things to note, at least with USAA, pre-existing medical or CFAR coverage, insurance must be purchased within 30 days of the deposit.

No one can predict it. You may want to look at 8-10 weeks out, just past final payment. I think if you'll probably be ok assuming you aren't trying to travel for Spring/Easter Break. Also be careful if you need a room for 4 as those can sell out. As long as you aren't picky about location or room category, you probably can take a chance on it.

Harmony still at $61! Not sure I'll get it at that price with 4 ports! That being said Voom has finally at a price where I'll buy it!

1. You can purchase it onboard for the remaining days of the cruise. You can't buy it for certain days only (like if you wanted it for only sea days). 2. It doesn't have to be packed but since you can't get into your rooms until 1pm then you are lugging it around the ship however you brought it on. 3. Yes mini fridges 4. Yes 5. If possible I'll rent a locker at the resort. If I'm snorkeling on a boat tour, I don't worry about it. 6. No. If you wanted them close together, you should have picked your own room. I'm surprised that you were allowed to book your sons in a GTY room by themselves. 7. Minors don't need a photo id. However, I'm team passport and bring our passports with us on longer excursions.

Yes they can however it has only happened to me once. When I booked Navigator, I booked one of the new JS and it was listed as occupancy for 4. However after the AMP, the occupancy was changed to 2. So my kids reservation was moved to a JS that could hold 4. Luckily my TA caught it and changed it so both rooms were next to each other. All that being said changing rooms isn't typical. We book multiple rooms each cruise and outside that one time, we keep the rooms we booked. It isn't something I worry about.

I personally would take the birth certificate. Not hard to pack. I would rather have it and not need it than be denied boarding for not having it.

Welcome to the boards! 1. You will most likely have 1 dress your best evening. You don't have to be formal anymore and you will see a variety of attire. 2. I personally don't think the Key is worth it but it depends on the cost and if you can buy it for around the internet price. That being said 2 device internet would be cheaper. You could probably use whatever money you save on the Key for a specialty lunch or dinner. 3. Lots of suggestions for Cozumel if you search Matt's blog posts or the excursion board. Many people like Nachi Cocum.

The wheel chairs were outside but not at their exact muster station. I'm sure someone probably scanned the card in the muster station but they let them listen near the doors. I thought it was nice to let them have a 2 minute head start over the crowd. Just ask the crew.

You need to get into your cruise planner. To get to the cruise planner go to the RC site and then click on "already booked". There you will see the sales. It is better to purchase on the cruise planner since it will be higher on the ship. If you buy it on the cruise planner, you purchase it for the entire cruise. Now you can cancel it onboard if you don't feel it is needed.