First Time Cruiser considering RC, Nov 09, Enchantment to W.Caribb.

[Bagbabe53]

Hi guys, I am a first time cruiser anticipating a four or five day cruise w/DH in Nov to W Caribb. on RCL. We are healthy mid-50s, and I am finally getting him to cruise! Around 1985, he worked with a guy who went on a cruise and hated it, and kept that opinion until several friends recently went on cruises and recommended them enthusiastically... one regular cruiser friend recommended RCL. DH likes casinos, beaches, gyms, spas and great dining. I like all of those things except the casinos, but enjoy exploring different destinations and meeting other folks. This will be a quick break for us before he starts a huge project at work, and I want him to have a balance of rest and activity. We are looking at several dates in Nov. on Enchantment of the Seas to the W. Caribb. Would this ship and line be a good choice given our interests and age (kids at college or working)? Have any of you taken RCL shore excursions? What did you think of them? Or do you prefer exploring on your own? The cruises we're looking at depart Lauderdale or Miami and go to Cozumel on several of them, and combine this destination with Key West (and in one case Belize). Please advise. Thanks in advance!

[tikibeach]

Loved the Enchantment, but REALLY, REALLY loved the Navigator! Don't know where its at now, but you couldn't go wrong with a "navigator" class ship. Key West and Cozumel and both great ports, where you don't really have to plan anything. I felt perfectly safe walking all over in both places. Have fun!

[cb at sea]

I think he'll have a fabulous time. Cruising is so neat, because you can be as active or as much of a 'couch-potato" as you like!
The scenery (especially the Caribbean) is gorgeous, and it's always nice and warm.
There are very few "unsafe" areas---these countries KNOW that their economy DEPENDS on us cruisers and vacationers....keep your wits about you and you'll be just fine.
Enjoy your trip!

[GAPaige]

We're leaving in a couple of days for our second cruise on Enchantment. I think she would fit the bill for the things in which you are interested, with the possible exception of the food. I think it's pretty good (maybe b/c I don't have to cook it!), but I know some people aren't that crazy about it. There is a Chops Grille on board, which is certainly a cut above the Main Dining Room. We like the size of Enchantment, she has plenty to offer, but is not overwhelming. I think she's a classy ship.

[FLCruiseGirl]

We've been on the Enchantment three times and I wouldn't hesitate to go again. It's a really nice ship. I think the food was above average compared to other RCCL ships (we've been on Adventure, Serenade, Voyager, Freedom and Liberty). We're about the same age as you (53 & 60). I can't think of a single thing I didn't like about it.

[TheWog]

Enchantment is a beautiful ship and you would love it. It fits perfect for a first cruise and the line is excellent.

[temple1]

Another vote for Enchantment. It has a very nice gym and from what I could see the spa looked really nice. It has a solarium with a retractable roof for guests over 16.

Chops was really nice and service is usually great on board.

In Cozumel we did the cooking class at Playa Mia and had a blast. In cooler weather I would love to go to one of the ruins. If you visit the Ports of Call boards you will get a tremendous amount of info about private beaches you can book on your own or through the cruise line.

Key West - we'll be there in November and we have rented bicycles to get around this visit. There are also 2 types of sightseeing tours - Conch Train (ride and they describe) and Old Town Trolley - you can get off at some of the stops.

In Belize we visited the park and did the jungle bike ride. I believe they also have a number of other arranged tours to take.

[joanskid]

If you are considering the 11/19 sailing, there is a thread on the roll call boards, where a few of us that are going to be on that cruise have been communicating.

If you decide to book, let us know!

Maureen

[stones902]

Originally Posted by Bagbabe53

Hi guys, I am a first time cruiser anticipating a four or five day cruise w/DH in Nov to W Caribb. on RCL. We are healthy mid-50s, and I am finally getting him to cruise! Around 1985, he worked with a guy who went on a cruise and hated it, and kept that opinion until several friends recently went on cruises and recommended them enthusiastically... one regular cruiser friend recommended RCL. DH likes casinos, beaches, gyms, spas and great dining. I like all of those things except the casinos, but enjoy exploring different destinations and meeting other folks. This will be a quick break for us before he starts a huge project at work, and I want him to have a balance of rest and activity. We are looking at several dates in Nov. on Enchantment of the Seas to the W. Caribb. Would this ship and line be a good choice given our interests and age (kids at college or working)? Have any of you taken RCL shore excursions? What did you think of them? Or do you prefer exploring on your own? The cruises we're looking at depart Lauderdale or Miami and go to Cozumel on several of them, and combine this destination with Key West (and in one case Belize). Please advise. Thanks in advance!

We're veterans of over 20 cruises, most on RCL. Just did the Enchantment W. Caribbean in September. We're 47 & 44.

Your hubby will love it. We like the same things you do. A cruise is our favorite vacation. RCL is a good mix of folks from young to old IMHO. There are tons of things to do on board.

One suggestion...the Enchantment is a bit older by cruise ship standards these days although it has been drydocked and outfitted with some more ammenities than it had before. As such, some of the less expensive indoor cabins do not have refidgerators if that is important to you. These cabins are also considerably smaller than some others so if you are concerned about this you might want to upgrade to something better (i.e. balcony).

Bottom line...good choice and I think you'll have a great time.