melski94

Cancellations onboard do happen.  Just go the shore excursion desk right away before they get really busy.
Personally, I'd use trip advisor to search for a similar excursion from a 3rd party.  Many 3rd parties offer the same excursion to RC as well as the public and often for less than RC charges.  

Cancellations onboard do happen.  Just go the shore excursion desk right away before they get really busy.
Personally, I'd use trip advisor to search for a similar excursion from a 3rd party.  Many 3rd parties offer the same excursion to RC as well as the public and often for less than RC charges.  

I ended up chatting with Dolphin Discovery.  Just in case anyone does a search, here are my answers.
Royal Swim VIP includes an upgraded buffet.  You can't ask to do something else with the dolphins.  Because of that, I chose the Dolphin Swim Adventure with memories.  I debated with the Swim adventure only  vs with memories but they said I'll get 10-15 digital pictures each for less than price as purchasing 2 pictures (after bargaining) of each of us.  
The Dolphin Discovery website is offering a promotion (not sure if there is always a promotion) that is cheaper than RC excursion.  My biggest problem with the RC excursion is that it is only 3.5 hours where we can make a full day of it on our own.  Transportation isn't included but I know it is a short and inexpensive taxi to Chankanaab Park. Finally if you book on your own, use the chat feature.  They offer even further discounts and will add in extras (in my case the manatee interaction).  You do have to pay in full but they do have a refund policy if the ship doesn't make it to port. 
 

To me the biggest thing is to try to stay ahead of the crowds, ie don't go to the Windjammer at noon and expect to find a table.  We travel every year over Spring Break and while crowded there are some great things to do.  I avoid Windjammer except on embarkation day and that is only because we head there as soon as it opens.  I won't go into WJ for breakfast or lunch unless it is right when it opens.  We typically eat at El Loco Fresh for breakfast and Park Cafe for lunch.  As for water slides and Abyss, before noon and you will have very little wait.  The last sea day especially can be crazy crowded in the afternoon as people are getting one last ride but there is almost no wait in the morning.  
One thing I didn't know about the Abyss, is you need to wear sleeved shirts (no tank tops).  

To me the biggest thing is to try to stay ahead of the crowds, ie don't go to the Windjammer at noon and expect to find a table.  We travel every year over Spring Break and while crowded there are some great things to do.  I avoid Windjammer except on embarkation day and that is only because we head there as soon as it opens.  I won't go into WJ for breakfast or lunch unless it is right when it opens.  We typically eat at El Loco Fresh for breakfast and Park Cafe for lunch.  As for water slides and Abyss, before noon and you will have very little wait.  The last sea day especially can be crazy crowded in the afternoon as people are getting one last ride but there is almost no wait in the morning.  
One thing I didn't know about the Abyss, is you need to wear sleeved shirts (no tank tops).  

Just watched a scope from @Galveston Steve - Enchantment was allowed to leave (although DAMN, that fog still looked thick).  Hope your honeymoon and birthday aren't still ruined (but really, that attitude).
Side note: I deserve a cookie for not typing the exact things that I'm thinking.  Ok, so I typed them, but then I hit backspace. Ok, three times.  But still.  Cookie.

Not Matt but we've done the waterpark cabanas.  The cabanas are right off the sidewalk.   It isn't restricted access.  I've read other reports that the cabana attendant is willing to give an extra wristband but honestly I doubt the attendants won't be bothered by 2 extra little ones.  They want to make you happy so they can get a nice tip.  Plus I doubt that 8 would be in there at once.  Of course, this is technically against the rules and in typical RC fashion rules could be applied differently.  However, I found if you ask nice and tip well the answer is usually yes.
 Go to the shore excursion desk and try to pick your cabana based on where you think the little ones would like best.  The ropes course is kind of in the middle of both slides.  The wave pool is also popular.  Once again, different ships have different rules and some allow you to pick an area and others won't.  Just try and see if it works for you.  

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.  

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.  
 

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.  
 

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.  
 

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.  
 

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.  
 

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.  
 

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.  
 

I want to thank everyone for the excellent guidance for our first RCL cruise. We are super prepared and most importantly at ease because of this blog's guidance. 
Cheers!

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

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.