reeb4

We just returned and in Costa Maya we did Jaime's at the Blue Reef.  I read great reviews of both Jaime's and Maya Chan.  Maya Chan was booked so we went with Jaime's.  $8 Taxi ride.  Personal palapa, really good food, drinks were as plentiful as wanted, and my wife said the beach massage (I think it was $20/45 minutes - originally said $35, but it was a slow day and later came and offered for $20) was better than any she has gotten in the States!

In Cozumel, we did the 3-reef snorkel, though the ship.  It was also a great time.  Small group (maybe 10-14 people) and a great crew.  Beautiful water, reef, and snorkeling.

Wow, not good.  We were on Enchantment 6/14-6/19 in a JS on deck 8.  We noticed an A/C issue one day, let our Cabin Steward know, and it was very promptly taken care of and had no further issues...we would have been very unhappy if it lasted, as I am sure you and other passengers are.  I echo the comment to take to social media, as well as Guest Services/Hotel Director.

We sailed 6/14 for the 5-day out of Galveston.  Just submitted in the review section, so it should be up soon.  Basically, we loved it!  Enchantment is mature, but a beautiful ship.  No crowd issues despite being sold out.  Dining was excellent.  Common areas clean, roomy, comfortable, and yes, lots of brass and glass!  I would not hesitate to return to Enchantment!

We just got off Enchantment yesterday.  After Embarkation, I went to MDR and made a My Time reservation for that evening.  We thoroughly enjoyed our waiter and assistant, so as we were leaving that evening, I stopped at the desk and asked if we could have the same table/same time each night.  Not an issue.

1 minute ago, CruisinMama2003 said:

Compass was more accurate

Thanks, that's what I figured. 

Thank you.  Very helpful for the coming weekend!

32 minutes ago, CruisinMama2003 said:

We sailed on Enchantment 2 weeks ago and the app & compass did not coincide on several events (i.e: compass would show an event, but the app did not , or the app showed something that the compass did not). So just make sure to check both so you don't miss anything 😉

Just curious, which was more accurate - Compass or App?

Great to see all the Song of Norway references!  Our first cruise, in 1988!  Over the years, going on to Song of America, and then Rhapsody, Majesty, Adventure, Radiance..I know I'm missing some others...man have they changed.

Jumping on Enchantment for a last minute trip next week, and already looking to go back to Alaska next summer!

42 minutes ago, casadetexas said:

Good morning!  I wanted to write a review for this ship for a few reasons.  Mostly because not many write a review on this ship that I have read.  Also, most responses were if you are thinking of Enchantment, it would be better to take the Liberty.  I have sailed the Liberty and do have kids.  🙂 So my review will also be comparing both ships.

 

The ship is what I expected from all the research I have done.  They are correct.  First look at the ship and you do see a lot of rust.  You can tell it is a small ship as well and may have seen better days.  This is also JUST COSMETIC.  So my first impressions were not that great at all.  I was unimpressed.  Especially since the Liberty was amazing to look at.  So, if you want to be those people who when in port wants to say, "I have the better ship" yeah, this is obviously not for you.  

 

Getting onto the ship, you can tell it is a classic feel.  A lot of brass.  I would not say it is ugly in any shape of form.  The Liberty was dressed to impress and EOTS was for function.  At this point in time it did cross my mind if we were going to even have a good time.  I admit.  I was being snobbish about the whole situation at this point. 

 

However that is where my bad review stops.  I kept an open mind and boy I am sure glad I did.

 

Food:

 

Windjammer: On the Liberty, we HATED Windjammer.  It even had a smell to it as we were walking up to it and for us it was unpalatable.  But we were forced to eat there a few times do to what we had planned for that day.  It was what it was.  On the Enchantment it was a bit more crowded due to the smaller space, but the food was very good.  The coffee still sucked but that was about it.  WAY better hands down.  

 

Chopps Grille: Both ships performed amazing

 

Dinning room: Both ships were great.  I will add higher scores to EOTS simply because we never got tired of the food as we did on the Liberty.  We also got our food out much faster.  I do eat Gluten Free and not sure if it was because of the couple years in between both sailings, but EOTS had a TON of options whereas the Liberty I was limited.

 

Drinks: This will have to go to the Liberty.  We like to have the occasional drink but still bought the drink packages.  EOTS we felt like we drank all freaking day.  The drinks tasted good for sure!  But I SWEAR there was no alcohol in them even though I watched them put it in!  My husband and I are light weights in this category and for us to have drinks all day without so much as a buzz, headache, or hangover should tell you something.  Beer and wine, for obvious reasons, were right on par but that is because they can't mix them hahaha.  

 

Shops: This defiantly goes to Liberty.  I don't shop much.  But had fun going through all the little shops.  EOTS didn't have hardly any.  But I suppose it is because it is such a smaller ship.  What was there was ok.  But I was in and out of there in 10 minutes.  

 

Water activities: This one is a hard one to compare.  On Liberty we did everything we could from the slides, to the pools, to the waverider.  We did them a lot and had a blast.  I was worried that we would be bored with the small pools on EOTHS.  This was a surprising win going to EOTS.  People may differ on this opinion so I need to expand on this subject.  Our kids are in Elementary, Middle, and High school.  The only times the pool was crowded on EOTHS was during certain games that were listed.  I hate crowds, yet I found myself standing near the pool to see the action on EOTS.  I did not dare to do that on the Liberty.  WAYYYYY toooooo many folks trying to get a look and we couldn't even see what was going on.  EOTHS we could see all the action and the Entertainment staff really really got the crowds going.  They had the same size pools as Liberty, but since it is a smaller ship, there aren't as many people on board.  So it made for an enjoyable time at the pool.  We found lots of opportunities to hop into the hot tubs as well.

 

Kids clubs: My youngest hated the club on the Liberty.  But I honestly believe it was because of his age and not because of the environment.  The older kids had a blast.  We didn't enroll them in the clubs this trip.  However I spoke to many families who's kids were in the clubs and said they were all having a blast.  Would rather go there than hang with the parents.  So take that for what it is worth.  

 

Stage shows: We did see a couple shows on the Liberty.  They were good.  I can't for the life of me remember which shows we saw at the moment.  But I remember that they were good.  We went to two shows on the EOTHS.  The first show went through several musicals.  MY middle child is into musicals so we wanted to make sure we went to see it.  I have to say, all the music was performed live which made the whole experience amazing.  The singers were just, wow.  We have seen a few shows on Broadway in NYC, and I would say defiantly comparable!!!

 

Other entertainment: We didn't do as much of this stuff on the Liberty just because there was sooo much to do.  But what we did do was so mild and didn't make that much impression on us.  We did things like the scavenger hunt, etc.  Fun little 20 minute deals.  But I am gonna give this one to EOTS.  I suppose because it doesn't have all the thrills, you have time to look through the planner and pick and choose.  We did a LOT more of these on EOTS.  The same activities we did on the Liberty we did on EOTS and the entertainment staff was so energetic that EVERYONE wanted to do something.  Trust me.  I would have NEVER EVER in my LIFE want to dance in front of a million people but I won 3rd place (GO ME!) in a dance off!  Even got myself a medal and had a TON of fun doing it!  Believe me when I say I am one of the shyest people you will ever meet.  The staff is just so freaking fun you swear you have known them your whole life haha.  

 

We did go to the 70's disco dance.  HANDS DOWN the best cruise party we have been to.  ALL our kids are STILL talking about it.  I won't say much.  Just know if you sail EOTS and this is offered it is a MUST.

 

Overall: EOTS is the surprising win.  Of course a cruise it what you make of it.  If you feel like you need to be the biggest and the best, or need all the latest tech, etc, EOTS will surely disappoint you.  My family likes to stick to ourselves.  We aren't prudes, but we don't really talk to others if you know what I mean.  We enjoy each others company and have fun just the same.  We have sailed Disney Dream, and the Liberty.  Each have their unique qualities.  But EOTS we felt like family.  Everyone.  I mean EVERYONE on that ship was our best friend.  Because it was smaller we saw the same people all the time and by day 3 everyone was BFF's with everyone.  Lots of laughter.  Everyone encouraged each other to make a fool of themselves during games and everyone no matter how terrible you were was winner and cheered on for a great job.  High fives in the hallway.  EOTS was a very unique experience and one for the record books.  

 

 

 

Thank you for the very informative review.  My daughter and her boyfriend just sailed EOTS in early May, as well.  My daughter has sailed on Radiance, Adventure and Rhapsody...her report on EOTS was very positive.  Much like your review, she said it had a "small ship" feel - nothing was ever over-crowded - but had plenty to do and enjoy.

When we realized that my wife had to either use or lose 4 days of vacation before June 30, we booked EOTS for next week!  We are looking forward to it.  I can accept that it is an older ship, with some age marks...but a great crew and "feel/vibe" of the ship makes the difference.  Of course, our first RCCL cruise was on Song of Norway (most of you won't remember that one!) so "small ship" feel isn't a bad thing to us!

1 minute ago, norhel said:

You don't have to print it if you have the app, but I would print and bring it anyway just to be sure. 

Belt AND suspenders!  Like-minded!  I was thinking of putting it in my backpack, but was hoping the phone would do the trick.

Thanks!

Is it still necessary to print the pass?  If you have downloaded the App, can't you just use that?  Asking because next week is our first cruise since 2014 and the App wasn't around then (or if it was I didn't know about it 😀)

36 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Yes, in my opinion the JS seems much larger.  They are usually around 50% larger in the stateroom area, and are shaped more like a square.  Seems more like a tyoical hotel room.

Thanks...alot...now you've peaked my curiosity!!!!

Just curious...is a JS upgrade from Oceanview Balcony THAT noticeable?  Asking from ignorance, because we haven't yet had a JS.  Just wondering if it is worth spending the money for it.  It's not that much more, but what does one get?  Sorry if this should be in another thread.

Just coming back around...Jaime emailed me and the customer service/communication has been great.  We are looking forward to it.

1 minute ago, Host Clarea said:

One formal night, dress suggestions not enforced, wear what you like.

Thank you, that's what I thought.  Just checking because sometimes my wife wants to go "old-school" and dress up anyway...like we did on our first cruise - Song of Norway, 1988!

Is there one, in the traditional sense?  Or smart casual every night?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you.

Adding to this post...

On our last RC cruise (2014) we were able to buy a "wine" package of a certain number of bottles that we could have with dinner each night...it looks like that is gone.  So my question is: if we buy the Deluxe Package, which includes wine by the glass - and 40% off bottles - are we allowed to order by the glass in the main dining room?  Or would that be a required bottle purchase?

Thanks!

Thanks!  Just nervous because of the last minute thing...I'm sure I'll hear something today.

We just booked last minute on Enchantment of the Seas, and are looking at options in Costa Maya.

I sent an email through the contact page on Jaime's website.  If I do not get a response in a day or so, does anyone have an alternate contact?

TIA!

Yes, that's it, Chilkoot Bakery. Very delicious. And I just assumed the coffee was free because we made a purchase! But it had a really nice, family run feel to it, so it doesn't surprise me that the coffee is always free.

We were on Radiance last week and were at Hubbard on Thursday, 6/19. Captain Goran Peterson was not only a great host throughout the cruise, but he took us right up to the glacier that morning. We were on the helipad by 7:00 or so, and as we kept moving forward towards the glacier were we stunned that he just kept going...more and more ice hitting the ship, lots of loud and exciting calving.

The weather could not have been more perfect, and that is always the gamble from what I understand. After one turn, the Captain said he had to move back a little, as the ice was getting too thick. He backed out just a bit and then did another turn. Simply amazing.

In speaking with a very experienced Alaska cruiser later in the day, she said that she had never seen the glacier as close as we were able to get that day.

I made the reservation months before our cruise, and don't think there were any available cars for walk-ups. We just got back and when we were in Skagway on 6/18, we left the ship at 8:00 and there were several people in line already. All had reservations.

It is an easy, and a beautiful drive. We had Murray's Guide and I think it is well worth the $5. We decided to get there (Emerald Lake) first, and do our stopping and seeing on the way back, just to manage our time. Great little bakery in Carcross - can't recall the name at the moment, but you turn off the main highway into town and it is easy to spot. Excellent sourdough cinnamon rolls, and free coffee with every bakery purchase. Unbelievable scenery, many chances to pull off the road, and I would suggest pulling into one or more of the boat launches to get an up close view of the water and mountain scenery.

High lights were: having Suiite Perks on the Ship, Misty Bay Lodge whale watch,

We are doing Misty Bay on 6/16... Can you give some insights into what we can expect... we are really looking froward to that particular adventure.

Thanks!

We plan to do things in and around Seward after leaving the ship, until our train to Anchorage that evening. Does anyone know if there is a luggage storage at the Seward port, or anywhere in town?

Thanks.