This was our first, too. We did an Eastern, so the first photo is leaving Port Canaveral, then we headed to Tortola and St. Thomas. I think the second was Tortola, but I could be wrong. It was 2 years ago.
We really enjoyed being on the 9th floor, but the next year we wanted to try Starboard, so our only choice was to go down a level to 8th. It's nice, too, though. I'd choose either quite happily. The 9th makes it easier to take the stairs to the pool/Cabanas on deck 11. Also, we found when the hoards were leaving for excursions or with suitcases at the end, being on the 9th meant we had less waiting for elevators. People on the 7th or 6th would get a full elevator opening up to them, so would have to wait until then next empty one came by. Little things.