jodymc Posted February 27, 2005 #1 Share Posted February 27, 2005 We just returned from a cruise on the Enchantment. As I was on this site for monthes before our cruise taking in any info I could on this ship, I would now like to share my experience. Day 1 Arrival into Fort Lauderdale We flew Delta and arrived in Fort Lauderdale at around 10:30pm. WE stayed at the Marriott Sprinhill Suites and they have complimentary shuttle to and from the airport and pier. The flight was excellent and we came in right on time. WE got our luggage and within 15 minutes our shuttle was there. After getting all our luggage to the room, everyone was starving as we had been traveling since before dinner time. The only thing open was drive thru's at BK, McDonalds and Taco Bell. Since we did not have a car with us they would not allow us to order. We came back to the hotel and asked for suggestions. One of the people who worked at the desk offered to take us over in the van. The hotel was very accomodating and they went out of their way to ensure that you had a good stay. Day2 The cruise begins The shuttle service from the hotel had scheduled times to go to each ship. We were scheduled for the 11:30 shuttle which worked out perfect. We got to the ship and pretty much walked right on with no lines or waiting. You enter onto the 4th floor into the Atrium area and it is just beautiful. We headed to the Windjammer for lunch. After lunch we were able to get to our rooms (lg interiors) on the 7th floor. We then spent some time walking around and familiarizing ourself with the ship. Our luggage was in our room by the time we returned and we were all unpacked before the muster drill. After the muster drill we went on deck and had a drink as we sailed away. I believe the drink of the day was the Miami Vice which is a combo of Pina Col. and Straw. dacquari which was great. We had table 150 at the early seating. Virgil was our waiter and Jackie was our ass't. waiter. They were both awesome. That night we went to the show which was a comedian/juggler. The show was good. Day 3 Sea Day It was very windy and was nearly impossible to sit on the upper deck. Of course if you were not out there by 7am there were no chairs on the lower level as the chair hogs wer out in full force. We did find an area upstairs that was partially blocked so we spent some time up there and played some Bingo and of course ate. We went to the show which was "Cant Stop the Rock" and it was excellent. We then went to the game show "Majority Rules" and that was alot of fun. Day 4 Jamaica We had booked a tour with Trevor Hudlin. We were 10 people and there was another group of 8 from our ship. We were with Trevor and the other group was right behind us in another van. We went first to Dunns River Falls which was great. I am glad we went early as it was getting very crowded by the time we left. We left through the entrance so as not to have to go through the market. Trevor was there and we waited til everyone was back and then went for a tour. We went through Fern Gully and into a town. We stopped at some panaromic views for pictures. Along the way Trevor stopped and bought some sugar cane for us to try. We then went to the Pottery Factory which was interesting. We had planned to go River Tubing but it started to rain so we decided not to go. After the tour we went back to the ship to change and eat and then went to Margaritaville which was about a 5 min. walk from the ship. Margaritaville was alot of fun and should not be missed. After dinner we went to "The Grand Illusions of Haines Magic" which was exceptional. From what Danno (the cruise director) said, it sounds like this was just a one time show on this ship but if you see it in the Cruise Compass, dont miss it. The Love and Marriage show was that night which I heard was funny but I missed it....just needed to catch up on some sleep. My husband and sons went to the Poolside midnight buffet and they said it was very good. Day 4 Grand Cayman Again we had booked a tour based on what we read on the boards. We went with Nativeways and went to Stingray City and Snorkeling. The tour was great and all the people on the boat who worked for Nativeways were very helpful. We had been here before a few years back and had booked a tour through the cruiseship. This tour was much better and half the price. After the tour we spent a little time shopping and then went back to the ship. We waited until the Windjammer had snacks (nachos, tacos, taco salads, sandwiches, ice cream, etc.) and got something to eat. The show that night was "Stage to Screen" which we skipped. We did go to the gameshow "Quest" which was great. Get there early as they have Bingo in there first and many of the seats are taken so there are limited places to sit and it gets packed. We were way in the back and did not get a number to participate so we watched. The game was hillarious but I do think it would be more fun to be in a group who is participating. Day 5 Sea Day Again it was very windy. I went to breakfast before 9am and every chair around the pool on the lower level had something on it but only about a third of them actually had people sitting there. We watched the "Crew Parade of Flags" and just spent some time taking everything in. We also went into the Hot Tub in the Solarium which was the first time I really spent any time in there. The Farewell Show was good and then we went to the "Battle of the Sexes". Overall Rooms-we had 2 large interior rooms (7061 & 7065), my husband and I in one room and 4 boys (ages 12,16,17,18) in the other room. The rooms were fine for us and there was plenty of storage space. We never really saw the room stewards but they did an excellent job making up the rooms regularly. Food-We found the food to be very good. The Windjammer had good variety and we ate all of our breakfasts & lunches there. There was an omelet station every morning and a sandwhich station every lunch along with full buffets. Every afternoon they had snacks of nachos and tacos and ice cream. Dinners were very good. Our waiter Virgil and Ass't. Jackie were excellent. I cant say enough about them and we consider ourselves very lucky that we had a table in their section. Entertainment-The shows were very good and the games were hillarious. Danno was our cruise director and he was very good. That was his last cruise on Enchantment as he is going to another ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
music Posted February 27, 2005 #2 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Jodymc, Glad you had a great cruise. We did the same itinerary a couple of years ago. I see you are from Roch. I am in PA, but a transplant from Henrietta! We have the Enchantment booked for this summer after the stretch, canada / New England. Can't wait!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheboro Posted February 27, 2005 #3 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Jodymc, Great review. I am interested in the tour you did in Jamaica with Trevor Hudlin. How did you book? Any info on this would be appreciated. Thanks Fran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elleluv Posted February 27, 2005 #4 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Jodymc,Glad you had a great cruise. We did the same itinerary a couple of years ago. I see you are from Roch. I am in PA, but a transplant from Henrietta! We have the Enchantment booked for this summer after the stretch, canada / New England. Can't wait!! I've been looking with interest at anything posted for Enchantment, we too have a cruise booked on her after the stretch. I'll be very interested in reading reviews for those going after the stretch, because I'm anticpating there may be some changes in experiences. Please let us all know how you enjoy your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jodymc Posted February 27, 2005 Author #5 Share Posted February 27, 2005 I have seen some pix of the Enchantment after the stretch. I believe they are adding another outdoor pool which is definitely needed. I hope they add a basketball court as this was one thing that was missing for us...having traveled with my 3 sons and my oldest sons friend. I know there have been alot written on these boards about the stretch and I believe some have included links to pix. Music-I live in Henrietta now. My husband grew up here and attended RH school district. I am a transplant from LI. Uptheboro-I basically got all my info from these boards. I emailed 3 or 4 differnt tours based on what I read. I got back a few responses and based on those I decided to book with Trevor. He was awesome. I highly recommend him. He met us at the dock and we boarded a modern, comfortable van/bus. We were a total of 10 on the one bus. There was a group of 8 also from the Enchantment and they boarded a second bus with another driver. The 2 vans followed each other. We asked to go to Dunns River Falls to beat the crowds which we did. Below is info for you to use to contact him. let me know if you have any other questions. His website is: http://www34.brinkster.com/trevhudlintours/default.html Trevor's email is: trevorhudlin@hotmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixthree Posted February 27, 2005 #6 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Great Review Jodymc, I'll be on the Enchanment mid-March, I can't wait. Thanks for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finzo's Posted February 28, 2005 #7 Share Posted February 28, 2005 Can you tell us how much your hotel was??? Did you say that there were shuttles from the airport toooo???? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amamba Posted February 28, 2005 #8 Share Posted February 28, 2005 Thanks for the review! I leave on Enchantment tomorrow and I am so excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWog Posted February 28, 2005 #9 Share Posted February 28, 2005 Sounds like you had a good time. Yes, the Quest is a lot of fun if you participate. Can't wait to see her post-stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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