MyOtherShipIsAMaersk

Doesn't look to be much of a problem according to the models: http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/atlantic/2014/Invest-91L?map=model

Although Port Canaveral could experience some issues. However, anything south should be fine, perhaps a bit more chop than usual. Coming from the north (Charleston, NYC, etc) could pose a bit more of an issue depending on how close to shore it remains and how strong it gets.

I love the relaxed feeling of a cruise. The sounds of the water, the ease of doing things to occupy your time. Most of all, I love the fact that I have no phone, no internet etc. We own a business and our phones go off 24/7 and for those few days, they are off. Whoo hoo

Side note - deladypilot.. does that name stem from you being a pilot? Maybe I'm not alone in the pilot club here in CC after all ;)

As for what I like most about cruising... where to start??

The sea is my first reason... based off my username I spend my entire life at sea, and when I'm not at sea for work, I go to sea for fun. It's an unhealthy obsession.

Meeting new people.

I love bringing friends with me on cruises and many of them have never cruised before so introducing them to it is so fun! Heck, many of them become regulars!

The convenience. Everything you could possibly need is literally always steps away.

Getting to be away from hectic life at home and just escape and relax.

Something I look forward to most is laying in the sun by the pool a few drinks in, putting on an album I've been wanting to listen to for a while and just dozing into another world. It's bliss.

So many things about cruising just help it add up to the perfect vacation.

So if I get early off. We can take our own luggage. Do you think I could be off by 8:30 catch a shuttle to MCO ( I hr drive ) and get on a 10:45 flight

My next choice is 11:45 but that gives me 3 stops to get home to California not liking that at all.

Hmm... off by 8:30 is doable.. an hour to MCO maybe even less since it's a quick hop on the 528... I'd say you'll be fine with a 10:45 flight. Be sure to let RCCL know your travel plans as well so they can ensure you're off in time.

If you're looking for a nice beach day, Junkanoo Beach Club is about ten minutes from port and is alright. They have kayaks and other equipment you can use.

Usually I just find a cab driver who seems cool enough and just let him/her give me the tour of the island and have him take me to more local beaches, which although have less maintained facilities are always less crowded and more fun.

Also consider getting a daypass at the Raddison, I think it's $10 a person and it's great as well.

All three are options to be considered, considering you're with the kids I would overall go with the Raddison.