melski94

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.  

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.

I used Cruise Compete once.  They have other agencies bid on your booking.  I wasn't crazy about the service I received. I don't need much help but the one thing I asked seemed like a huge hassle.
I also use MEI.  I'll get some discounts from MEI but I know other agencies offer more.  The biggest reason to use them is if and when something goes wrong.  My past July cruise RC moved one of my rooms (my kids room) to a different deck.  It took my MEI TA and her supervisor 3 days to get to a solution they knew I'd accept.  The amount of business the agency does with RC gives them some power to help their clients when they need it.  I've never had a problem in 5 years but all of a sudden there were problems in 3 of my cruises and MEI helped with all of them.  Hopefully, I won't need this kind of help again but it's nice to know it is there if I need 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.  
 

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.
 

I used Cruise Compete once.  They have other agencies bid on your booking.  I wasn't crazy about the service I received. I don't need much help but the one thing I asked seemed like a huge hassle.
I also use MEI.  I'll get some discounts from MEI but I know other agencies offer more.  The biggest reason to use them is if and when something goes wrong.  My past July cruise RC moved one of my rooms (my kids room) to a different deck.  It took my MEI TA and her supervisor 3 days to get to a solution they knew I'd accept.  The amount of business the agency does with RC gives them some power to help their clients when they need it.  I've never had a problem in 5 years but all of a sudden there were problems in 3 of my cruises and MEI helped with all of them.  Hopefully, I won't need this kind of help again but it's nice to know it is there if I need it.

I used Cruise Compete once.  They have other agencies bid on your booking.  I wasn't crazy about the service I received. I don't need much help but the one thing I asked seemed like a huge hassle.
I also use MEI.  I'll get some discounts from MEI but I know other agencies offer more.  The biggest reason to use them is if and when something goes wrong.  My past July cruise RC moved one of my rooms (my kids room) to a different deck.  It took my MEI TA and her supervisor 3 days to get to a solution they knew I'd accept.  The amount of business the agency does with RC gives them some power to help their clients when they need it.  I've never had a problem in 5 years but all of a sudden there were problems in 3 of my cruises and MEI helped with all of them.  Hopefully, I won't need this kind of help again but it's nice to know it is there if I need it.

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.

Real ID is just a minimum standard of security for IDs.  Your passport is Real ID compliant.  A Real ID drivers license cost depends on the state.  My state just came out with Real ID on its drivers license a few months ago.  It will be required to have a Real ID to fly after 1 October 2020.  

I'm following along.  I love the idea of packing cubes and own so many of them of all shapes and sizes.  However, except the very small ones, I never use them.  I just don't think they pack quite right in my suitcases.  I feel I can get more stuff in by rolling my clothes and placing in my suitcase rather than using my packing cubes.

I've seen it done on Harmony.  In their MTD seating, they had several tables pushed together to accommodate large groups.  If you are in Traditional dining, I think there are a few rounds that seat 12.  Make sure your TA links the reservations and everyone has the same dining.  When you get onboard, go right to the MDR to verify your table.  Good luck!

I've seen it done on Harmony.  In their MTD seating, they had several tables pushed together to accommodate large groups.  If you are in Traditional dining, I think there are a few rounds that seat 12.  Make sure your TA links the reservations and everyone has the same dining.  When you get onboard, go right to the MDR to verify your table.  Good luck!

I've seen it done on Harmony.  In their MTD seating, they had several tables pushed together to accommodate large groups.  If you are in Traditional dining, I think there are a few rounds that seat 12.  Make sure your TA links the reservations and everyone has the same dining.  When you get onboard, go right to the MDR to verify your table.  Good luck!

Last November, we were watching sailaway from Independence's helicopter pad.  We grabbed a bench and enjoyed the view.  There was a know-it-all lady with a large family group who was impressing her family with many "facts" about cruising.  Our favorite was her showing her family the 2 bridge wings and how there was a captain on each wing to maneuver the ship.  As a former Naval officer, we had many giggles about this "fact".  Then again she maybe she is right with at least 2 non-RC ships crashing into piers over the last year!   ?

I wonder how many people are like me and would like to gamble but won't go near the casino because of the smoke.  I can't stand the smell and hate how that smell lingers in your clothes after being around it.  

I wonder how many people are like me and would like to gamble but won't go near the casino because of the smoke.  I can't stand the smell and hate how that smell lingers in your clothes after being around it.  

I just started reading this and I'm so excited for you.  I lived in China for a few years.  I love your attitude of an open mind.  A few tips: 
It will sound like everyone is always mad and shouting.  They aren't, it is the language and tones.  Just take some getting used to.   You do need to be demanding and firm if you want something.  You can't wait for your waitress to bring you the check, or another drink, but you need to ask for it.  It is considered rude to bring the check before it is requested. Don't stand in line waiting your turn.  You will need to push yourself ahead or you will be left waiting forever.  There is no personal space, it will be ok.   Bring addresses of places you want to go written in Chinese characters, not pinyin.   Many taxi drivers can't read pinyin and our translation of Mandarin is terrible as we can't do the tones.  If you can't do the tones, they have no idea what you are saying.   Have a great time!  I LOVE shopping in Bangkok but love the islands even more!

Yes.  My kids love to eat at Playmakers and they love to play the games there with their arcade credits.

This happened to us on Navigator.  The new staterooms were changed from the original passenger capacity after the renovation.  The original JR suite that I booked for my 4 kids was only listed for 2 after the renovation.  My TA was told about 6 weeks prior to our departure and in my case our rooms were originally put on different decks.  Luckily for me, my MEI travel agent escalated the situation and found 2 adjoining aft staterooms.  I have a feeling that RC moved someone else out of the room.  The best part was my TA waited until after she found what she knew would be an acceptable room configuration to tell me ?
Keep escalating the situation.  Ask to speak to a supervisor.  I know people have had good luck complaining on FB messenger and/or twitter.
You still could do this room with you and your younger children in the room for 4 and the 2 teens in your 2 person room.  However, I completely understand this isn't what you wanted and you should get some compensation for the trouble.  
Good luck!

This happened to us on Navigator.  The new staterooms were changed from the original passenger capacity after the renovation.  The original JR suite that I booked for my 4 kids was only listed for 2 after the renovation.  My TA was told about 6 weeks prior to our departure and in my case our rooms were originally put on different decks.  Luckily for me, my MEI travel agent escalated the situation and found 2 adjoining aft staterooms.  I have a feeling that RC moved someone else out of the room.  The best part was my TA waited until after she found what she knew would be an acceptable room configuration to tell me ?
Keep escalating the situation.  Ask to speak to a supervisor.  I know people have had good luck complaining on FB messenger and/or twitter.
You still could do this room with you and your younger children in the room for 4 and the 2 teens in your 2 person room.  However, I completely understand this isn't what you wanted and you should get some compensation for the trouble.  
Good luck!

This happened to us on Navigator.  The new staterooms were changed from the original passenger capacity after the renovation.  The original JR suite that I booked for my 4 kids was only listed for 2 after the renovation.  My TA was told about 6 weeks prior to our departure and in my case our rooms were originally put on different decks.  Luckily for me, my MEI travel agent escalated the situation and found 2 adjoining aft staterooms.  I have a feeling that RC moved someone else out of the room.  The best part was my TA waited until after she found what she knew would be an acceptable room configuration to tell me ?
Keep escalating the situation.  Ask to speak to a supervisor.  I know people have had good luck complaining on FB messenger and/or twitter.
You still could do this room with you and your younger children in the room for 4 and the 2 teens in your 2 person room.  However, I completely understand this isn't what you wanted and you should get some compensation for the trouble.  
Good luck!