Enchantment of the Seas--questions???

[mets550]

As a former Enchantment of the Seas cruiser and an enthusiast of the ship who read everything about it before leaving, I'd love to answer any questions anyone has about Enchantment or the cruise in general. My cruise was 5 nights in an interior cabin. The ship called in Key West, Cozumel, and Belize. I'd be happy to answer questions about the ports, excursions, the ship, the food, the service, etc.

[RickyandLucy]

HI Mets, I would love to hear about the ship (condition, layout, food). Can you post some pictures? Looking to sail on her when she comes to Baltimore. Thanks. Lucy.

[mets550]

Hi Lucy. The ship itself is beautiful. It is in the second smallest class of RCCL ships, but it underwent renovations a few years ago where they actually lengthened the ship. The entire ship was always very clean, the dining rooms and public areas were elegant, and the bars were very nice too.

 

The pool deck was where we spent a lot of time. There was never a problem getting a chair right by the pool except for the last sea day. The Windjammer was usually crowded at meal times, but after a few minutes of looking we always found a table too.

 

Overall, the ship itself is beautiful, and the views are even better! Hope you enjoy the few pictures I was able to upload.

 

The ship layout is similar to most other RCCL ships. The ship has three pools (one of which has a retractable roof and is for adults only). The Viking Crown Lounge is at the top of the ship. At night it becomes something of a night club and during the day it just has beautiful views. The theater was very nice, as were all of the bars and lounges that we used. The casino was also very good. It got crowded after dinner, but I usually played in the afternoon or just before dinner.

 

The food was excellent. There is a lot of selection everywhere. The Windjammer had your standard buffet selections. The quality here was okay to good--nothing too memorable but certainly nothing to complain about. The main dining room was a step up, ranging from good to very good. The lobster tails were amazing! I had a few things that were a bit bland, but I ordered so many different dishes each night that everything else made up for it. Finally, we ate at Chops Grill one night. I'd highly recommend this--totally worth the extra $25. The steak is amazing, the shrimp cocktail is phenomenal, even the caesar salad is a notch above your standard salad.

 

Also, the service onboard the ship is probably the best part. You seldom have to ask for things twice, and sometimes not even at all. Our cabin attendant was great and our dinner waiters were amazing.

 

Hope you end up sailing--I'm sure you will enjoy it!

[waterbug123]

HI Mets, I would love to hear about the ship (condition, layout, food). . Lucy.

 

I was on Enchantment in May and was pleasantly surprised. Prior to that I had always been on RC ships when they were relatively new....Voyager in '02, Mariner in '06 and Jewel in '07. I knew Enchantment was older, and was really expecting sort of a dumpy looking ship. Boy was I wrong! I was very pleasantly surprised at how well she had been maintained, the overall decor, etc. Granted she has been through a major refit that also increased her length, but still, she looked great overall. I'm actually saling on her again in April.

[mets550]

That sounds great! I hope you have an amazing time.

[RickyandLucy]

Mets, thanks for the positive review, you hit on all I was courious about. The pictures were great.

Waterbug, thanks for your input, I was fearful about the same thing, the age, but I should have known that with RCL's standards it wouldn't be an issue.

Lucy

[bjohio]

This is our first cruise on Enchantment (6/18/10 out of Baltimore-New England/Canada) and it sounds like the kind of ship we will enjoy. We are scheduled for the 6pm seating at a small table (4-6). We(older married couple) didn't want the huge tables, but hope there will be 6 at our table for more interesting conversation. From your observance is it likely that it will be 6 instead of 4? Can this be requested by going to main dining room ahead of time? Also what do you think the %of men who wear suits as opposed to nice looking long sleeve shirt/slacks on "formal night"? I know few wear tuxes and I wouldn't, but I will bring a suit along if I would stand out not wearing one.

Thanks

[mets550]

bjohio--Right when you get on the ship go to the main dining room and make sure you have been assigned to a table for six. Sometimes they do not give you what you request (although this is more common when people request a table for two, and I believe that the more RCI cruises you have been on the more likely they are to honor your initial request). Also, make sure that there are actually six people at your table even if your table seats six. I have seen tables for six (or even eight) occupied by only one or two couples, so check that right when you get on.

 

Of course, there is always the possibility that your tablemates do not end up eating in the main dining room. There is really no way of knowing this until that first night, and even then a lot of people miss MDR meals throughout the cruise. If you check with the dining room staff when you first board and are told there are six people at your table but not everyone shows up the first night, I'd recommend mentioning something to the maitre 'd. They will probably be happy to put another couple at your table considering a lot of people end up switching after the first night.

 

On formal night I would say a lot of men wear a suit and tie, a few wear tuxes, and others wear just a nice shirt and slacks (maybe a sports jacket too). They do recommend a suit/tie for the formal night but I don't think you would look out of place if you wore more of a business casual attire. It is probably smart to bring the suit along just incase you change your mind.

 

Hope you enjoy the trip!

[Pointegirl]

Hey!! I was looking to book additional rooms on Enchantment for a Dec 2010 cruise. I just wanted to know the main differences between the Family suites since there are two forward and two aft. I am guessing the afts have larger balconies but is there a constant vibration back there? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

 

Michelle

[mets550]

I believe the afts do have larger balconies. I doubt you will feel much of a vibration in the back. If anything, the very front of the ship might be a bit rockier.

[F355c5]

lots of vibration in AFT cabin if the seas are rough. And don't let anyone tell you different.

[Cruisearcher]

Taken from last cruise March/April 2009

Enjoy

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4291116852_f433a6b7b9_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4290376593_c55f951c49_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4291116718_7df341b752_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4291116600_5c6371a061_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4290376227_193ec9722b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4291116206_c9c8705856_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4291116078_570d9dbfd8_o.jpg

[Aquahound]

On a ship like Enchantment, you have to carefully pick your room. For example, I would avoid a deck 7 aft room. They are above a lounge that hosts parties at night...and the speakers are in the ceiling.

 

I picked a JS on deck 8 that appeared to be between the pool areas near the elevators. Turned out, we were under the ping-pong table. A nap in the daytime was out of the question.

[aharris0614]

Aside from the deck, is there much difference between a D1 and D2 cabin? The description on the website lists them as the same size, both cabin and balcony.

[dixieva]

I think the only difference is the location of the rooms.

[seacats]

Mets, We will also be on the 7/29 sailing, are the beds comfy and do they have the waffle station? Thanks, Sharon

[mets550]

Seacats..the beds are very comfortable. I am not sure if they have a waffle station. They do have an omelette station but I don't remember if there were waffles around there. They do have pre-made waffles on the buffet though.

[kicker]

With a June cruise scheduled, your thread is very much appreciated. Thanks Mets550. I posted last week asking for comments on Enchantment and got zero responses - your comments are very helpful.

[mets550]

Glad to help.

[jotabecu]

As a former Enchantment of the Seas cruiser and an enthusiast of the ship who read everything about it before leaving, I'd love to answer any questions anyone has about Enchantment or the cruise in general. My cruise was 5 nights in an interior cabin. The ship called in Key West, Cozumel, and Belize. I'd be happy to answer questions about the ports, excursions, the ship, the food, the service, etc.

 

 

Are there 2 person tables in the main dining room? Thanks

[dmdicato]

My husband and I are doing our second cruise on the Enchantment of 9-days to the Eastern Caribbean in July. The first experience was so wonderful that there is no hesitation in repeating this adventure!

[mets550]

Yes there are, but there are not many. A lot of them are reserved for My Time Dining. Have your travel agent request a table for two when you book (or asap). When you get onboard the ship go to the main dining room to make sure you got what you want. If not, ask them to change it for you. Get to the main dining room as early as possible because there is usually a line and a long waitlist for tables for two.

[madelinerose]

Flat screens in cabins? Interactive tv?

[mets550]

I was in an interior and there was no flatscreen in there. There might be in some of the nicer rooms but I'm not sure. You are not able to access your account through the TV. We booked all of our excursions online beforehand so there I didnt check to see if that could be done.

[jotabecu]

Yes there are, but there are not many. A lot of them are reserved for My Time Dining. Have your travel agent request a table for two when you book (or asap). When you get onboard the ship go to the main dining room to make sure you got what you want. If not, ask them to change it for you. Get to the main dining room as early as possible because there is usually a line and a long waitlist for tables for two.

 

 

 

Thanks