Having just gotten back from a cruise on the Anthem of the Seas, what better way to celebrate than going on...another one!

Last year, when we sailed on Freedom of the Seas, we were planning to visit the Eastern Caribbean, but were diverted to the Western side due to weather. Instead of visiting St. Thomas and St. Maarten, we went to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. I had a great time, but some folks in my group would have preferred we didn't divert.

Here's where we're heading this time:In addition to this being a cruise with a great group of people, it's also a special cruise since it is occurring during the full solar eclipse that's happening in the month of August! I can't wait to photograph this event, and hopefully get some great images. I've never taken pictures of an eclipse before, so it's a good thing I have time to learn how best to prepare.

This will be the largest cruise ship I'd ever go on, holding just over 6200 at full capacity. The Anthem holds just over 4100 fully loaded, and Freedom which I was on last year holds almost 3800 fully loaded. Majesty, which I got off of in February, held just under 2800 passengers. These numbers don't include crew.

Basically, the Oasis of the Seas is more than twice the size of Majesty.  It's almost like combining Freedom and Majesty together on one vessel.

Wow.

The design is pretty interesting, in that the ship is divided into what are referred to as "neighborhoods". These areas have a distinct theme, and are a significant part of how a single vessel holding so many people doesn't feel as crowded.  I look forward to seeing how this pans out, as the idea of having so many people in one place is somewhat daunting.

I know many folks that have gone on ships like this (There are currently 3 in this same class; Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and the 2016-released Harmony of the Seas, and the fourth of this class, Symphony of the Seas is coming next year) and absolutely loved it. I'm sure I will too. I'll definitely write about my experiences here.I'm counting down the days until embarkation day!