iamjohnbamber

I used to use cruises.united.com to browse available cruises, then I discovered MEI Travel (Thanks @Matt) and now, I don't need any website... Stephanie @ MEI hooks me UP!

Oooh good question since I'll be on Anthem on Thursday...

The appointment times are just a guideline, you don't have to show up at the time they gave you. I'd recommend going as early as you can (no earlier than 10ish) just so you get on the ship soon as possible and start your vacation early! Have a great cruise!

Everyone who attends the Periscope sessions. That would make for a fun dinner for sure... but we'd have to take over the Windjamere.

How about a Saturday in July in Austin? Maybe Saturday July 15th?

Totally!

Very much yes... supposedly Icon class ships are going to be smaller than Oasis which is a good sign.

I'm actually craving Sorrento's right now...

I wasn't allowed to "like" this... but I like that post. I even made a new thread about how Majesty needs more love. She's being dwarfed by the Oasises and the Harmines, and the Freedoms and Navigators...

Everyone's always talking about Oasis this, and Harmony that, and while those are fabulous ships... I think Majesty needs some love. She's been around the block a few times, she's not the biggest or newest, but she's amazingly special. I had such a great time on the 4-night Bahamas cruise back in February, got me thinking: What's your favorite thing about Majesty of the Seas? For me, it was that feeling of nostalgia, taking me back to what it was like cruising with my family in the late 90's. My first cruise was on Celebrity's Horizon, but with Royal Caribbean was on Legend in 1997; Majesty reminded me of that time period. It didn't feel dated or old; the ship still felt relevant just not bursting at the seams with technology. It let me focus on relaxing, and the overall cruise experience more so than inundating me with tons of activities and things to try. The crew were so warm and welcoming, it didn't even feel like a big cruise ship. I felt like I was a guest in the crew's home and they were thrilled to have me staying with them for a few days.

I know it's been too long since I last cruised when I disembark a cruise...

You always have a countdown going until your next cruise! In my case, I count down work days which feels like it goes faster! :-)

Let's have some fun with this... fill in the blank: "You know you're a cruise nerd when ______________________ "

The early bird gets the worm... or in this case, the early passenger gets the tender. :-D

I've been wondering that myself...

I wonder if you can bring your own mattress top to put under the bottom sheet? Worth asking... Bedding on Majesty was on the firmer side but still very comfortable.

I'd stop by Guest Services and ask what deck and location the tenders will leave from, then just wait down by there until they open up the tenders. The earlier you get there the better. I don't know if Shore Excursions can help since the trip wasn't purchased through the cruise line, but maybe they can get you in with their groups since excursions booked through the cruise line get priority tendering.

That's the best thing to do, even if you're not super hungry get some munchies and head out by the pool...

Maybe Sorrento's?

I'm very much looking forward to my cruise on Anthem of the Seas coming up in 7 DAYS! I'm going to be posting live blogs from my website, but I'll also link to the posts here as well. I just did a periscope about the tech I'll be bringing with me. Very excited, and looking forward to doing periscopes and live blogs from the beautiful island of Bermuda, and wonderful Anthem of the Seas!

Cool thank you sir.

Perhaps you can make this post sticky? Just wondering what the preferred format is for live blogs, and if you have any rules for posts etc: and had a few questions: a) Is it best to create one thread and then put replies in for each day of the cruise? Or create one thread per day of the cruise - "Anthem - 4 Night to Bermuda Day 1, Anthem - 4 Night to Bermuda Day 2" etc... b) Since I'll be live blogging on my website, I was thinking I'd post links to my site as each day's post on here - is that okay?

Also, not to further complicate things, but don't write off the smaller ships. Yes, the Oasis and Quantum class ships (Anthem/Harmony/Oasis/Allure/etc) are big but for a first cruise a smaller ship can be a more memorable experience since it lets you get into the spirit of cruising without being overwhelmed by the sheer size and variety of everything on the bigger ones. I'm a big fan of ships like Majesty, because it's the epitome of "less is more" - there's less to do on the ship but it allows you to detach and just relax. You can't go wrong with any Royal Caribbean ship, though! :)

Definitely be sure to look at shore excursions since they'll be organized around the times the ship will be in port. My friend and I went to Nassau on Majesty back in February and did the Rainbow Reef Snorkel, which was incredible. Highly highly highly recommend. Nassau is an interesting city, worth looking around a bit, but staying on the ship is always a good option too since there's always going to be things to do. I'm going on Anthem for the first time in a few weeks, so I can report back, but I'll be live blogging that experience here and on my website if that would be of help. Also I'd recommend downloading the Periscope app and following TheRCLBlog, since @Matt does regular Periscope broadcasts and its a fun way to learn about Royal Caribbean and get some great questions answered. Also check out The Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode #200 since there are some great first time cruiser tips in there. Have a wonderful cruise!

I'm in full agreement... I like the surprise of finding out the entertainment when I get on the ship.