My Bermuda Review - Enchantment, Aug 3-9

[TerpsBball]

My family and I (plus 4 other families in our group) just returned today from the Enchantment’s August 3rd sailing to Bermuda. So, I figured I’d add my 2 cents…

 

Background: We are a family of 4. I am 43, the wife is 43-ish, our son is 10, and our daughter is 8. We are also Diamond RCCL members. We live in Harford County, MD.

 

Reservations: We booked this trip ourselves over the phone directly with RCCL. I checked often for price drops and coupons. We were able to use a C&A coupon and also took advantage of 2 price drops. We booked an outside stateroom on deck 4 - #4544.

 

Other Planning: After research, we decided to visit Warwick Long Bay Beach. We’ve done Horseshoe Bay before and wanted something a little different and less crowded. We also booked the Glass Bottom Kayak excursion.

 

Embarkation: We left Harford County around 9:45 on the 3rd, which was a Friday. We did hit a little traffic, but this was caused by road construction, not commuter traffic. We arrived at the Port of Baltimore around 10:35. Our bags were promptly off-loaded, we paid the parking fee ($15/cruise night) via credit card and were easily parked within minutes. There were a few people heading in, but for the most part, there was not a large crowd. We passed through security easily, filled out the required medical form, and walked right up to an agent. Our paperwork was processed quickly and efficiently, we were presented our Sea Passes and 4 WOW cards, and then we were shown the Diamond area. There were drinks and cookies. By this time, it was approximately 11:00. We were told boarding would begin at 11:30. Some of our friends arrived a few minutes after we did. Also, while we were sitting there, the famous cruiser Radio sat right behind me. I introduced myself and my wife. He’s quite a nice man, as were his daughter and son-in-law, whom we also spoke with.

 

At approximately 11:20, they began boarding. We were quickly ushered on board after having our photos taken for security.

 

Day One: Once we were on board, we went directly to Deck 9, Forward, for the Windjammer. I had the Honey Stung Chicken (awesome) and a bunch of other calories. We then walked around the ship. Most of our friends were 1st-time cruisers, and they were also very impressed. Staterooms opened at 1:30. We were on Deck 4. We have had balconies before and opted not to get one this time. We loved our cabin, but we did miss our balcony. Our stateroom attendant was Sandra, and she took good care of us.

 

Sail-away was approximately 4pm, and by this time, the kids were in the pool. For dinner, we met our Waiter and Assistant Waiter, Alvin & Bogdan, respectively. These guys were awesome! I had the Vidalia Onion Tart and the Sea Bass, which was excellent. After dinner, we went to the Welcome Aboard Show, but we couldn’t get a seat. There was only ONE show…why?? In the past, there was also one show for EACH dinner seating. Many folks who couldn’t find a seat left, including us.

 

The kids went to Adventure Ocean, but they weren’t overly enthused when they returned. They said the area was small, which it is due to the size and age of the Enchantment.

 

Day Two: This was a sea day. We ate breakfast in the Windjammer, and the kids promptly headed for the pool. However, we ran through some thunder and rain for a while. But, later in the day, it cleared off. The seas never got choppy. We basically spent all day out on deck. The kids had a ball playing in the pool, pingpong, and the beanbag toss. The parents enjoyed each other’s company, took in the stores, etc. A few from our group did participate in some of the pool games and had a great time. Ice cream was served (soft serve machines) each day and was very good. Usually, they had chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

 

This was the first formal night. We wanted to have a photo taken, so we were sure to be ready by 5:30. This worked out well, as we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get ours taken. Folks who showed up closer to dinner time were waiting in long lines. Then, we went in the Dining Room. I had the Chilled Fruit Soup (can’t recall which fruit, but it was good. My family is quite partial to the chilled fruit soups.) and the Parmesan Crusted Turkey, which was quite good. I don’t think we did anything special after dinner, although a few of our friends took in the late night (adult oriented ) comedy and said it was quite funny.

 

Day Three: We ate breakfast again in the Windjammer. Our one friend, Son, had a Western omelet every morning. She said they were wonderful. The kids were in the pool, and we all played ping pong some. We checked out the shops. Compared to the Voyager (and larger) class ships, the shops are limited. We understand that, but it is noteworthy.

 

Around 3pm, we arrived in Bermuda. It was more beautiful than I recall. The water was different shades of blue, and the sun was warm. The ship was quickly cleared. The women and kids in our group headed for Sea Glass Beach. Using the directions from Cruise Critic (see the Bermuda section), they decided to get a cab and guided the driver. There were about 10 people and they got 2 cabs for about $15 per cab. They were quickly there in about 10 minutes. The beach was loaded with sea glass, and they brought back a lot after spending about an hour there. They walked back, and that took about 30 minutes. My recommendation is took take a cab over and see if they will pick you back up after a set amount of time.

 

While the rest of the group was at Sea Glass Beach, two other guys and I headed to the Frog and Onion. We had some really good beer and watched a little of the Olympics. Then, we walked around the shops a bit before heading back to the ship for dinner. We also purchased our transportation passes and checked the bus/ferry schedules.

 

Dinner was filet mignon and was spectacular. The rest of the group joined us about 10 minutes into dinner. Our waiter also showed the kids (and us) some cool magic tricks.

 

Day Four: We wanted to get a jump on the bus crowds (the NCL Dawn was in port, too), so we ate breakfast early and got to the bus stop to catch the 8:20 #7 bus. The bus was full, but everyone but us got off at Horseshoe. We went to Warwick and got there about 8:55. Warwick was gorgeous and we had it to ourselves. However, the waves were a bit rough for the kids. But, the back-up plan was Jobson’s Cove. Man, that was paradise. We snorkeled and basically had that to ourselves, too. We had to wait a while for a return bus. When one came along, it was packed. But, the next stop was Horseshoe Bay, and most of the people got off. I cannot say enough good things about Jobson’s Cove. We stayed about 2 hours, as we wanted to go to Hamilton in the afternoon.

 

We got back to the ship around noon, showered quickly, changed, and grabbed a bite to eat. Our intention was to catch the 1:45 ferry, but we just missed it. Not to worry, we thought, as there is a 2:00 ferry. However, 2:00 came and went. The ferry people said they were having maintenance issues and they hoped it would be 2:30. The next scheduled ferry wasn’t until 3. Around 2:30 a ferry appeared, but it was for St. George’s. The people said they hoped the Hamilton ferry would arrive by 3:30. One family in our group had reserved the Nighttime Glass Bottom Boat excursion and didn’t want to chance not getting back. So, we took in the shops, and had another drink at the Frog and Onion. We all really enjoyed watching the glass makers at the Dockyard Glassworks. That was really interesting. The Phoenix Pharmacy also had some nice souvenirs.

 

When we returned, we had dinner in the Windjammer. After dinner, we headed to the Dockyard for the Dockyard Party. From the ship, there was a magician (quite good) and juggler/comic/unicyclist Rick Novell. He was hysterical and quite talented. More on him later…

 

Our friends did the Glass Bottom Boat Excursion and said it was exceptional. They highly recommend it.

 

When we got back to the ship, we took a chance and were able to experience the Jump Zone. Be prepared… You have to sign a waiver (for you and your kids), you have to have socks, you have to have dry clothes on (not even damp swimsuits are allowed), and you have to be under 225 (we are).

 

Day Five: We got up early again, as we had the Glass Bottom Kayak excursion at 7:45. They picked us up at the pier and gave us a little Bermuda history on the way to the kayaks. The kayaks were 2-person, so my wife and I each took one kid. We would paddle for about 10 minutes, stop, and the guide would tell us stuff about where we were. Paddling was not difficult, but it wasn’t floating down a lazy river, either. There really wasn’t much to see through the glass bottom, but the scenery in the area was gorgeous. All of us who did this (13 of us) would do it again. We had a nice time. They had us back promptly at 11:20 for the 11:30 sailaway.

 

Two of our friends golfed at Belmont Hills (I think that’s the name). They had an 8am tee time, so a bus was not possible. They arranged for a cab the night before. The cab also agreed to pick them up when they were finished. They said the course was well-maintained and very tight. They had a good time. After, the cabby took them to a PGA course to look at, which they said was amazing.

 

In the afternoon, we jumped some more at the Jump Zone. That was a lot of fun and gives you more of a work-out than you would expect. I was able to do some flips, much to my kids’ delight.

 

We had dinner (2nd formal night), and I had the Shoulder of Beef (quite good!). After dinner, we were all pretty tired, so we turned in early.

 

Day Six: This was another sea day, but the weather was cloudy and rainy for most of it. We took advantage of some sales (bought some sea glass sculptures and t-shirts). Many in our group also played bingo. The jackpot was about $4200 and was won by one person.

 

For dinner, I had the Thai BBQ chicken. My wife also had it and liked it very much. It didn’t do much for me. After dinner, we said our goodbyes and thanks to our Dining Room staff and took in the Farewell Show. Rick Novell was awesome. He asked for 2 volunteers, and one lady from our group was picked. She and Rick played off one another as if it was rehearsed. It was a good show enjoyed by all.

 

We also bought some photos. Photos are $19.95 each, and you can have a different size made. However, the price remains at $19.95.

 

We spent some time in the casino. I won a whopping 5 cents. I will say I am not a gambler (obviously).

 

We also, sadly, had to pack.

 

Day Seven/Debarkation: We chose self-assist, since we had driven to the port. The Windjammer opened at 6:00. We left the room at 6:45 and gathered in the Centrum on Deck 4. At about 7:10, they let us off. We were in our car by 7:45 and on the way home. Again, this is handled quite well at the Port of Baltimore. Traffic on 95 North was no problem. 95 South was heavier, but was moving.

 

Positives: Although and “older, smaller” ship, the crew is fantastic, and there was plenty to do. Bermuda is as beautiful as ever. I highly recommend Jobson’s Cove if you want to avoid the Horseshoe Bay crowds. Our friends also took in Church Bay and said snorkeling there was great.

 

I gave our WOW cards to our waiter, assistant waiter, and stateroom attendant. I also gave one to an assistant waiter in the Windjammer who really went out of her way to be attentive to us and our kids. This was on the 4th or 5th day, and she was very appreciative.

 

Driving to/from the Port of Baltimore is a snap. Everything is handled quite efficiently.

 

I thought the food overall was excellent. This is always a highly touchy subject. I will say there was no escargot. Every dessert I had was great, especially the warm chocolate lava cake and the dessert sampler. Dessert in the Windjammer was also delicious, and I had plenty there (the coconut cookies were a particular favorite). I also had excellent fruit while on board.

 

Negatives: The only two negatives I can give this cruise were the single seating for the Welcome Aboard Show and Room Service. On all our cruises, we place a standing order for cookies, fruit, and water at night. This gives the kids (and us) a snack before bed. We placed this order on the 2nd day to occur at 9:30 that night, and every night thereafter. It came on time once, 30 minutes late once, 45 minutes late once, an hour late once, and not at all once (not necessarily in this order). We’ve not had this problem before.

 

Ship Condition: For a 15-year old ship, she’s in great shape. Wear there areas of wear – yes, things that didn’t function (ex., the speaker in our cabin) – yes. Did it matter overall – not one bit. If you have a 15-year old home, I bet it doesn’t look like the day it was new, either. It’s obvious the crew takes great pride in her.

 

Summary: While we like the bigger class ships a little better, I can say we had a fabulous time on the Enchantment. We love to cruise and this was another home run by RCCL. I’ll try my best to answer any questions. Now, if someone can just stop my house from swaying!

[retiredgram]

Thanks for your review.

[StingrayBob]

Great review of your cruise. Thanks for sharing with all of us. I went to Bermuda proably 20 yrs ago. Between you and Radio you have me dreaming of going back. Have wonderful memories of my trip there. Wish I could make the trip on the Enchantment. Sounds like a wonderful ship.

[roscoegirl]

I really enjoyed reading your review...Hubby and I sailed to Berumda on the Explorer in June of this year. That was the first time we'd been to back Bermuda since a 'land vaca' in 1991. I loved traveling there on a cruise ship...I love Bermuda. I had also sailed on the Enchantment in 2010 and I love that ship!! You actually had the best of both worlds!!:):) Glad to hear you had a great time...

[KeywestK]

Thanks for your great review! I've been following Radio's "live" blog from this same sailing, but also enjoyed your take on the cruise. DH and I are taking our first cruise to Bermuda next August and reading all these reviews is just getting me more and more excited. So glad you enjoyed your cruise!

[vivavegas]

Great Review! Thanks for taking the time to write your review and share your experiences with us! Glad you had a good cruise!:)

[attitudeda]

Great review, we have sailed on the Enchantment of the Sea's twice. It's one of my favorites. It's something about her. Thank again for the great review.

[webnut]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. I think you went with some people we know. My son is friends with Jason, Son's little boy. We've been looking thru Radio's pictures to see if we could spot them...no luck!

 

Glad to hear everyone had a great time and we can't wait to get all the details from them in person!

 

Dorothy (and Brennen)

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for the nice review of you cruise. Glad you had a good time.

[trafficbabe2000]

THANKS Wayne! That's the kind of review I love!!!!! ;-)

 

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Xparent SkyBlue Tapatalk 2

[TerpsBball]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. I think you went with some people we know. My son is friends with Jason, Son's little boy. We've been looking thru Radio's pictures to see if we could spot them...no luck!

 

 

Too cool! Yep, that's them. We've known them since Jason and my son were in pre-school together. They are a WONDERFUL family!

 

I did see one family we traveled with in one of Radio's photos, but none of the rest of us sneaked in. The family in the photo are close friends with Son.

[Philly Steve]

Thanks for the review of two of my favorite things: Bermuda and Enchantment. :)

[sailawayjack]

Thanks for the nice review of you cruise. Glad you had a good time.

 

:cool:Glad you had a great cruise. Went there from Baltimore last year, going just for one day in May 13. I love Swizzle Inn. Cannot get enough of their rum punches:cool:FEAR THE TURTLE, JACK I$ $AILING AGAIN

[superduper123]

Great review! I did this itinerary in May, and after reading your review I have the urge to book another one. I loved the Enchantment, love sailing from Baltimore, and Bermuda is beautiful!

[cmitch9999]

Just wondering if you booked this tour from the ship or private? I don't remember seeing this as an option for our cruise leaving 8/31?

 

Glad you had a good cruise. Were you on early seating? We might ask for your wait team if they are available?

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your review

 

Chrissy

[cruiseguy4567]

Thanks for the info specific to the ship. My wife, two kids and myself will be taking the Enchantment out of Baltimore next February for a 9 night cruise.. Can't wait!

[shorbr]

Great review of Bermuda and some good tips.

[hollon]

could someone post some pictures of bermuda and their beaches, i want to go but don't know what it looks like, thanks

[TerpsBball]

Just wondering if you booked this tour from the ship or private? I don't remember seeing this as an option for our cruise leaving 8/31?

 

Glad you had a good cruise. Were you on early seating? We might ask for your wait team if they are available?

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your review

 

Chrissy

 

We booked the excursion through the ship. I think it was called West River Kayak or something along those lines.

 

We were on the early seating. However, the Dining Room staff will work both seatings.