Matt

Sadly friends, this live blog must come to an end. Not because I want to end it, but because I am being forced to vacate this ship. 
Thanks for reading and following along. I have to admit I really enjoyed this format of live blogging, and I’d love to do it again. It’s certainly a lot simpler approach compared to my other live blogs. 
Thanks again and hope you enjoyed it.  So long, and thanks for all the fish. 

Another beautiful sunset this evening. 

Scientific proof the weather is absolutely perfect today in Tampa

This is not the first time in Royal Caribbean's history of Labadee that there have been protests/civil unrest elsewhere in the country.  It does not affect cruise stops because Labadee is in a rather remote part of the country, whereas the demonstrations take place in the cities.

This is not the first time in Royal Caribbean's history of Labadee that there have been protests/civil unrest elsewhere in the country.  It does not affect cruise stops because Labadee is in a rather remote part of the country, whereas the demonstrations take place in the cities.

I think this is exactly what everyone ought to be doing. You're spending thousands of dollars on a vacation, wouldn't doing a little homework to ensure you aren't making a mistake or missing out on something greatly benefit you? 
By asking these kinds of questions, you're doing yourself a big favor!

Sadly friends, this live blog must come to an end. Not because I want to end it, but because I am being forced to vacate this ship. 
Thanks for reading and following along. I have to admit I really enjoyed this format of live blogging, and I’d love to do it again. It’s certainly a lot simpler approach compared to my other live blogs. 
Thanks again and hope you enjoyed it.  So long, and thanks for all the fish. 

+1 for getting on ASAP.  The hotel is not that interesting.  And like @Matt said, you paid for it, go enjoy it.

For sure.  Three to four years of speculation and rumors.  I'll start...
I hear they are building a port for her in Denver, CO.  

More photos from around Brilliance! First up is the movie theater on deck 6 near the pub


Speaking of the pub, here it is. 

As requested, a few photos from the mini golf course

We got ourselves ready to go and grabbed a cup of coffee from Cafe Lattetudes.  Amazing how easy it is to get going without kids!

No lines for disembarkation.  We walked off to perfect beach weather. 

Speaking of @twangster I learned one important photography lesson, which is the best time for photos is the hour or so around dusk. Great contrast in the sky and the ship. 

Another beautiful sunset this evening. 

I had heard with Ultimate Dining Package some people had been able to eat at a specialty restaurant for lunch. I figured it was worth the try to see if they would seat us.  Sure enough,  they looked us up and happily seated us for lunch. Keep in mind that if you are cruising soon, you can and should ask politely but be prepared for the answer to be no. The rules clearly state lunch with UDP is for sea days only  

This is the first Royal Caribbean cruise ever I have ever been on that I have not eaten embarkation day lunch in the Windjammer. 
 

Thanks For The Great Blog @Matt

Hey Matt Thanks For The Great Blog. I Really Enjoyed It.

Thanks for breaking with tradition, @Matt, and giving a more-interactive live blog for us to enjoy! Really liked the photos, bot quality and quantity! ?

Welcome to the message boards!
First of all, a great place to start is a tab at the top of this page "Getting Started":
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/getting-started
Adventure is part of the Voyager class series of ship and Independence is part of the Freedom class series of ships.  Freedom class is a stretched version of Voyager class.  Same basic ship, just a little longer.  When first introduced, each was the largest class of cruise ship in it's day. 
Both are excellent ships and both have been updated recently.  I've sailed both over the past six months.  
Itineraries are two ports (Indy) versus three ports (Adventure).  In my opinion Adventure's itinerary does look more appealing, especially for a first time cruiser while Indy's extra length does allow it to have a few more features. 
So it comes down to choosing the cruise leaning towards either itinerary or the ship.  That is the real choice.  
Both are family friendly ships.  Both have ice skating shows, water slides and plenty of things to do.  For seasoned cruisers that know exactly what they want or seek, it would be easier for them to decide.  In the case of a first time cruiser, both ships are going to seem incredible upon first sight, as they should because both are incredible in their own way.  
George Town is a tender port meaning the ship anchors offshore and tender boats are used to ferry passengers to and from shore.  Once ashore the Cayman Islands are beautiful with many excursions and activities to choose from.  
Labadee is Royal's private destination.  Beautiful and a favorite of mine but it's a beach day at a private area versus visiting a port where you can explore another country beyond the port area.  
As far as excursions, being a new cruiser the easiest thing to do is book your excursions through Royal Caribbean.  There is some safety in this approach too since its your first cruise and you can get the swing of things on this cruise.  If you enjoy cruising as mush as most of us do, on future cruises you can venture further out on your own.  
As more people respond you may see answers where the itinerary is more important to that user and answers where the ship is more important to that user.  We all cruise differently and what each of us prefers is different but that's okay, and that is the nice thing about having so many choices.
Indy does have a few more features as you have noted.  However as a first time cruiser are you likely to notice or use them all?    My first cruise was on a ship much smaller than either and with none of the features they have.  I was still blown away by the overall experience.  
I'm not going to tell you what I'd do because you are not me.  What is important to you may not be what is important to me and that is perfectly okay.  I will say you will have an awesome experience on either cruise.

Check it out! Navigator is on the list for the app now!

The pool deck and deck 16 above it have a great sail away energy.  
Balconies are a solid choice for a quiet and private sail away experience.  
Deck 5 aft can be cool and the bridge wings off the solarium will be popular spots too.  
Check out PTZtv.com  The webcams they have focus on the ship every week it sails.  You'll get an idea of the popular spots.
https://www.ftlauderdalewebcam.com/
and
https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/
As I post this she should be sailing any minute now.

No requirement for everyone to purchase the soda package. The rule only applies to the purchase of the Deluxe package.

In the middle of the Atlantic the air temperature is usually pretty close to the sea temperature as there is no land to influence it.  My transatlantic is a couple weeks after yours.
I'll bring some long pants, a couple pairs of shorts, some t-shirts, some long sleeve shirts, a light jacket and a rain coat just in case it's raining anywhere along the journey.   If you tend to run on the cool side, bring a sweater or two, fleece or medium jacket, depending where you are from.  Me in Colorado will find it easier to deal with moderate temperatures compared to someone from Florida.  
Formal isn't as formal as it used to be.  That is personal though.  Many people like to dress up but that isn't an absolute requirement.  Many people will appear 'business casual' even on formal nights.  

Sadly friends, this live blog must come to an end. Not because I want to end it, but because I am being forced to vacate this ship. 
Thanks for reading and following along. I have to admit I really enjoyed this format of live blogging, and I’d love to do it again. It’s certainly a lot simpler approach compared to my other live blogs. 
Thanks again and hope you enjoyed it.  So long, and thanks for all the fish. 

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