DAVE(Darkcabbie)

Just please get a passport. It is an official document that everyone should really have.

Looks like this rumor is moving closer to being a fact: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/09/02/more-proof-anthem-of-the-seas-sail-out-of-southampton

Yes, placing the phone in airplane mode will prevent it from trying to use any cellular data or coverage.  That is exactly what I do on all my cruises to avoid charges.

Hi everyone my name is Dave and I have been married to my wife Samantha for 8 years and we have been together for 28 years. When we married in 2005 and as we love Disney we got married at Disneyworld in Orlando at the Magic Kingdom and even had Mickey and Minnie at the ceremony and reception it was the most amazing day of my life.
 
We began cruising in 2001 and have been hooked ever since. Our other favourite things to do are going to the gym and playing golf and going to Disneyworld as much as possible.
 
I own a small Chauffeur company in the UK which offers a personal and reliable service.

If you are going on a cruise soon I thought it might be fun to know what you are doing while on board and what places you have visited or even post a restaurant review.

I think that most of the time now when we book a cruise the ship is probably first on the list because they all have such great things on board these days BUT if there is a destination we really want to go to then that comes first.
 
Thankfully most of the time the ship has the itinerary we want :)

Chops is great for formal nights.

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

You don't NEED passports but it's strongly encouraged that you do.  If you do not bring passports, then you do need to bring birth certificates.  
 
The reason why passports are better is because if you get stuck in another country, for whatever reason, you can easily fly home with passports.  It's a much bigger problem when you don't have them.

I'm thinking it's just a Majesty thing. Cutting back staff since she's a smaller ship on a short itinerary. She's not their biggest money maker, since the newer ships are the ones with the for-a-fee amenities. Though, to be honest, I'm not sure why ANY of the gyms EVER close. They don't ALWAYS have a staff person in there, so it can't be a liability thing...?

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.

You must be well excited :) . I have just checked out where you are going and it looks like a great cruise. I have been to a few places on your itinerary. I love San Juan and St Maarten.
 
Hope you both have a great time and hopefully you will speak about the trip on your podcast.

You must be well excited :) . I have just checked out where you are going and it looks like a great cruise. I have been to a few places on your itinerary. I love San Juan and St Maarten.
 
Hope you both have a great time and hopefully you will speak about the trip on your podcast.

23 days for me!

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.

Dover is another great port to sail from. They have very friendly staff and the views of the White Cliffs are fantastic especially when leaving port. Also if you are planning an over night stay try the Premier Inn on Marine Parade it's right on the water front opposite the cruise terminals so you get a great view of your ship and others.

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

Have a great Cruise and a fantastic anniversary. 25 years is awesome , my wife and I wish you many happy years to come.

I do agree that the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are quite good.  There's usually been a C&A coupon to help with the extra cost.

Ordering the milkshakes (for extra) is totally worth it.
 
On Oasis, Johnny Rocket's was mediocre. I really enjoyed it on Liberty and Mariner.
 
Also of note, Johnny Rockets serves breakfast--and if I remember correctly, it's free--no surcharge. Omelettes are great.

I have never seen anyone famous on a cruise except for Micky Dolenz from the Monkeys. He was the entertainment on the Liberty cruise I took back in 2008. I sat next to him on the tender to Labadee. Very nice, down to earth guy.

Oasis will be offering cruises from Southampton for a short while (just a few weeks) but it seems like there's LOTS of interest in sailing on her in UK

I was lucky enough to know at the earliest public stages about the plans for the short European season of Oasis of the seas. She will be offering a transatlantic from Ft Lauderdale to Barcelona followed by two, 5 night round trips also from Barcelona, then a 7 night cruise from
Barcelona to Rotterdam where she will then go into dry dock for about 2weeks. This is followed by the final cruise which leaves from Rotterdam back to Ft Lauderdale but stops at Southampton to pick up the majority of the passengers, including myself! I can't wait! :)

Our next cruise is on the 14th of October on the independence of the seas. We can't wait yippee.

Our next cruise is on Rhapsody of the Seas 11 Feb 2014 - to celebrate my wife's birthday and our 25 Wedding Anniversary.