PPPJJ-GCVAB

Each class (and ship within it) is unique and will always be a great experience.  I would suggest (like others) that you look at the Fleet Guide and get a good overview of what is available.  
As @Matt has pointed out in several posts and videos, the "latest and greatest" features tend to be on the "newer ships" so make sure you do your research to know that the item you saw on the commercial is available on your trip
One tip that I have heard and i still use is to figure out what your vacation is about.  If your itinerary is heavy on ports, then the ship is secondary, if the itinerary has more sea days, then then the ship is primary.  The key is to find the balance for your interests and plans.  
 
There is no "wrong way" to do a cruise which is something to remember and each member of your party can do totally different things and have a wonderful time.

Absolutely tears of joy will be falling...?    My first activity will be slowly taking in all the scenery as I walk?‍♀️ around the ship since I have never sailed on Oasis.  I am also looking forward to finding a great spot to enjoy sail away!!     ?️

AARGHHH!!!! Things have already gotten less-than-great again, and doctor wants me back on the Dakin's Solution. Quarter strength this time instead of half, but I imagine that's still going to irritate the heck out of the skin that's still healthy.
In hindsight, Royal canceling my August cruise might have been a blessing in disguise. At the rate things are going, this might be healed enough by then to have taken that trip or enjoyed it to the fullest.

Yesterday’s follow-up went about as well as I guess it could have gone. Doc said the pseudomonas infection was definitely cleared out, and I can stop using the Dakin’s Solution. Everything is looking as good in his eyes as can be expected after that, now it’s mainly a matter of waiting through the delay in healing this caused.
Even before yesterday, I could see that some areas are starting to fill in again with healthy new skin. So fingers crossed I’m back on track, although the doc was more conservative this time in his estimate. He hoping that in two more weeks, I’ll be healed enough that I can safely start wearing a compression stocking, or maybe just my Bombas compression socks. That’ll also help with the swelling as I sit for longer and longer.
Got a silver nitrate swabbing before I left, to cauterize the open areas and promote more healing. He gave me a few sticks of the stuff (looks like a long match stick) so I can self-apply round 2 in a week and save the expense of another follow-up for just that. Hurt like the dickens in one spot by the time I was home, but I had some Tramadol left from before the surgery and one of those let me get the first 8 solid hours of sleep I’ve had in a couple months. Woke up feeling a hell of a lot better.
Oh, and I’m down to just a light gauze wrapping around the site. He wants it to get air, and it’s healed enough (finally) that the wrap is enough. No more ace bandages or gauze pads. So all around, things are finally turning the corner.

I think I'll get our picture taken as we walk from the boarding area to the ship. We never do that, it'll be a form of celebration.

Oh man....
 
With this Sicilian blood, I guarantee I'll be boo-hooing my fat butt off, probably as I walk the gangway.
1)   Get a squirt of sanitizer (i can't stand the stuff, but I'm all in for cruising)
B)  Take in such a huge breath that people within 100' will feel the breeze headed toward me
3)  Get a drink (still not sure what'll be first (kraken colada, painkiller, mai tai?)
4)  Walk through Central Park, grab a second drink and maybe a sammich, and head up to the Solarium.
5)  Give the Solarium bar tender a tip first, then get a drink and hit the hot tub.  I hope to stay in until dinner.

I'd argue it doesn't matter. If you know you want to buy it, go ahead and buy it.
If there's a better price anytime between now and your cruise, you can cancel and rebook without any penalty.
Booking now also protects you if the price goes up.

Absolutely tears of joy will be falling...?    My first activity will be slowly taking in all the scenery as I walk?‍♀️ around the ship since I have never sailed on Oasis.  I am also looking forward to finding a great spot to enjoy sail away!!     ?️

Wow - glad to see crying is a common response and I'm not alone!   When I booked my son's first shot I burst into tears on the phone and the nurse says "happy tears"  me "yea"  her "that's good - let it out, you're not alone I really do get this response a lot"   lol.   
 
Maybe the ships should have giant tissue boxes beside the hand sanitizers as we all board!   Followed with bubbly!
 

Here's another thing I imagine myself doing as soon as they let passengers into the stateroom.  I'd lie down on the bed and make "snow angels" (or "sheet angels")

I've said this multiple times when discussing the pandemic because there are others who have really suffered but I've lost two years that I will never get back of cruising and going to Michigan football games with my son - we are both graduates continuing a long family tradition on both sides. Yeah, first world problems!
But this is a huge deal for me at my age. Losing two years of cruising, something similar to loosing chunks of heart and soul, to the shut down of life sucks when you know there aren't many years of that left.
We have a routine. The first thing we say when walking into the Grand Foyer is, "honey, I'm home." We go from there.
I liked the post that said, the first thing I'm going to do is ..... tip a crew member! Fantastic. I think I'll bring a stack of bills and each crew member I encounter is going to get one until I run one
 

It will be emotional for sure...getting goosebumps just thinking about it... I am getting a slice (or two, or three) of Vegetarian pizza @ Sorrentos!!! 

My face will hurt from smiling
 

AMEN!!?

Checking in and getting onboard the ship has always been an emotional experience for me.  I’m already imagining how much more emotional I will get this time around after all the craziness we’ve gone through.

Boardwalk Dog House followed by hanging out on deck 17 until sail away!

Absolutely tears of joy will be falling...?    My first activity will be slowly taking in all the scenery as I walk?‍♀️ around the ship since I have never sailed on Oasis.  I am also looking forward to finding a great spot to enjoy sail away!!     ?️

Absolutely tears of joy will be falling...?    My first activity will be slowly taking in all the scenery as I walk?‍♀️ around the ship since I have never sailed on Oasis.  I am also looking forward to finding a great spot to enjoy sail away!!     ?️

The Love Boat may have done more for the cruising industry then many realize. He spent over 30 years as a brand ambassador for Princess. RIP.

R.I.P., my friend. Thank you for The Love Boat which started my obsession with crusing. You will be truly missed !! ???????
https://www.avclub.com/r-i-p-the-love-boat-and-mary-tyler-moore-show-star-gav-1846998975
 

First I'm gonna cry because we are finally back on a cruise ship and on Oasis headed to Coco Cay which we have been trying to get to for well over a year. Then we are gonna go to our Central Park balcony and check out all the goodies I ordered for the start of our cruise. Its become tradition that I order a bunch of things for embarkation day, flowers for the wife and note to her and our son. Some sweets like chocolate covered strawberries which my wife and son love. And usually a few other things and then we will sit out on our balcony and take in Central park in all its glory as we have never sailed Oasis. 

Yes, crying is a very acceptable answer.

13 days away for me. We will be dropping our stuff into our cabin, then heading to Chops to finalize our 3 night dining reservations, then getting something to eat. After that, we will be getting a drink! Or maybe 2.
My favorite part of the first day is sail away, I plan to be on the helicopter pad!.

Crying was my answer, too.  I've already prewarned Mr. SpeedNoodles.