Matt

Count on it. I'm planning a pre-cruise episode for the week before I leave and then a post-cruise review after I get back. I'm excited because it's a new itinerary for me. Like you, I've been to San Juan and St Maarten but all other islands and Jewel of the Seas are new to me.

23 days for me!

I haven't had a shake at Ben and Jerrys yet. Sounds like I need a "research trip" to find out ;)

Yes, it's the pre-inaugural cruise. I'd love to do a trans-atlantic someday, especially on a new ship like Quantum because with so many sea days, you'd have lots of time to check out what the ship offers.

That's definitely not the norm of any cruises I've experience in last few years. Usually first classes of the day are at 6am, never mind what time the gym is open to on your own stuff.

Flash mobs require choreography, which is definitely NOT my strong suit. And along those lines, no one needs to see me (attempt to) dance. :D

Sort of related to the original question, I do have my doubts Royal Caribbean would build cruise ships that are the size of Radiance class (2,000 passengers). I think these days, small is Voyager class when it comes to Royal Caribbean.

I just looked up the fitness center on Majesty from the last cruise compass we have on the site: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/majesty-seas/2011-07-11t040000 I see 6am openings once you get past day 1 for the gym. Of course, this is from 2011

I doubt Oasis/Allure is the largest we will ever see. I do think value proposition may be at slightly smaller but soon enough the envelope will be pushed again. Especially with ports upgrading to accommodate much larger ships around the world.

For the Royal Caribbean Blog podcast, we're going to be asking our listeners to share their stories about their first Royal Caribbean cruise and I wanted to extend that invitation here. Please share with us the details of your first Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, including which ship it was, which itinerary, why you chose Royal Caribbean and your experience (briefly). Looking forward to reading everyone's responses and we may read them on the podcast too!

I encourage everyone to get out there and try some local restaurants to sample the local cuisine!

We love exploring restaurants while on shore, especially authentic restaurants. My favorite to this day is a great mexican restaurant in Cozumel called Comidas Caseras Tonita: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2011/09/21/restaurant-review-comidas-caseras-tonita

Definitely have free weights. Can't comment on the other machines but I've seen lots of machines for use, as well as machines for classes. Usually the gym is open something like 6am to 10pm (depends on the ship). You may find this article useful: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/07/31/guide-royal-caribbeans-gym-and-exercise-programs

You never know. Carnival is known to name their ships the same name as ships in other cruise lines. And of course, "Fantasy of the Seas" is not the same as "Carnival Fantasy" or "Disney Fantasy", technically speaking.

They had a Starbucks on Freedom of the Seas in February and I ordered "my usual" but I recall it being slightly different than I usually have it. Of course, if they ever got Starbucks to be complimentary then I would be the biggest fan ever of outsourced restaurants onboard :D

Might be too late now but you can rent a car from MCO and then drop it off in Port Canaveral. If 2 or more people, can be cheaper than transfers

Best bet is to get to port as early as they will let you. Not sure about Southampton, but here in USA, that's usually between 10:00 - 10:30am

I agree with anyone that says any port of embarkation that does not require flying! Now that we live in NY, I'm all about Bayonne/Cape Liberty

My honeymoon cruise on Mariner of the Seas involved dodging storms but we hit all of our ports and nothing terrible in terms of the sea being rough.

Of the ports I've been to, Port Canaveral has certainly been the easiest/fastest. Port Everglades embarkation was great but disembarkation not so much

Cooking classes like this are on my bucket list of things to do while onboard. I haven't done it yet but maybe on my next cruise

I feel the exact same way

Wow! I guess that didn't stop you from going back

The thing I really enjoy about the MDR is the service. I like the waiters know what I want, do tricks for my daughter, etc. To me, it's a big part of the cruise experience.

There's also the Carnival Fantasy (and I believe Carnival has a whole class of ships named Fantasy)