From the Enchantment - Feb 27 cruise

[Cuizer2]

 

 

 

Cruizer2,

 

Wow, what an unusual depth of field you were able to achieve in this first, front-facing image of the Enchantment (just compare her seemingly short, blunt "snout" to her more accurate long, elegant bow in the second, side-ways view.) Do you have interchangeable lenses for your camera? I have also noticed other creative, interesting perspectives in some of the earlier pictures you have posted. You must either have very good equipment or a really good eye!

 

I have a Nikon D5100. I have the standard 18-55 and 55-200 lens. However, most of the pictures (probablable all) were taken with a 16-85 lens. I use it so much I'm considering an upgrade to an 18-105.

 

My other two cameras are a Canon A590IS and a Canon D10.

 

The reason the bow looks different in the top picture is because of the angle I was shooting from. In a top down shot the bow will appear to be shorter. The picture was taken from more than one mile away. If I had the time I would have changed to the 55-200 lens. I cropped the picture - which still looks good because it was originally a 16MB picture.

Edited March 4, 2012 by Cuizer2

[Cuizer2]

 

Looks like two completely different ships. Great pictures. Keep them coming.

 

Gwen :)

 

That could be a problem. The ship's Internet stinks! I could not remotely connect at all yesterday or this morning. Last night I tried the ship's computers and got nowhere after two minutes on each. Tried to remotely connect this morning (I get an excellent signal from my balcony since it is just above one of the hot spots) and that didn't work. But this time, after a little effort and a few swear words said under my breath (there is someone sitting next to me) I finally got on.

 

In case you don't know, I cannot post pictures from the ship's computers. But I'll keep checking, or if I run into an Internet Cafe (or Internet Bar). That is how I posted yesterday and upload a few pictures (I actually have a few more ready to upload).

[cruzinlady1947]

 

That could be a problem. The ship's Internet stinks! I could not remotely connect at all yesterday or this morning. Last night I tried the ship's computers and got nowhere after two minutes on each. Tried to remotely connect this morning (I get an excellent signal from my balcony since it is just above one of the hot spots) and that didn't work. But this time, after a little effort and a few swear words said under my breath (there is someone sitting next to me) I finally got on.

 

In case you don't know, I cannot post pictures from the ship's computers. But I'll keep checking, or if I run into an Internet Cafe (or Internet Bar). That is how I posted yesterday and upload a few pictures (I actually have a few more ready to upload).

 

Don't put yourself out. You are on vacation, so enjoy! We appreciate all you are doing in keeping us informed. I hope you can post some more of your fantastic pics when you return home. I will just have to wait, since we board the Enchantment when you get back. Just enjoy yourself and thanks again for all you've done so far. ;)

 

Gwen :)

[Cuizer2]

Well, we stopped again. And for those doubters out there, here is proof ...

 

 

I was able to get a night time shot of our ship ...

 

 

And the ship is starting to lean. Here is proof ...

 

[ready2sail40]

Hope you are having a great cruise, awesome pictures. May I ask a question....are there any drink specials..like buy one get one?

[welovetocruisetwo]

Well, we stopped again. And for those doubters out there, here is proof ...

 

 

I was able to get a night time shot of our ship ...

 

 

And the ship is starting to lean. Here is proof ...

 

 

Awesome pictures; I especially like the night shot!:cool:

[stevensoap]

It looks like from what I can see on marine traffic that you are anchored out and tendering. Is that the scoop?

 

Sudsy:)

[Cuizer2]

Hope you are having a great cruise, awesome pictures. May I ask a question....are there any drink specials..like buy one get one?

 

The emerald coupon had two for soda, beer and wine. As to the other drinks I don't know. I don't really drink that much.

[Cuizer2]

It looks like from what I can see on marine traffic that you are anchored out and tendering. Is that the scoop?

 

Sudsy:)

 

No we are docked right next to a Costa ship. We are in St. Maarten.

[TPKeller]

No we are docked right next to a Costa ship. We are in St. Maarten.

Now that's the scariest thing I've read since this power problem began!!

 

:eek:

 

Theron

[CarpeCerevisi]

Now that's the scariest thing I've read since this power problem began!!

 

:eek:

 

Theron

 

Cruel, but fair.

[sculptress]

February 27, 2012 – Embarkation Day

 

 

This morning I learn that the hotel delivers the bill the same way the ships do. They slipped it under my door early in the morning.

 

 

My plan is to get ready to leave around 10am and that should get me out of the hotel by 10:30am and to the dock by 11am. So the next time you hear from me I’ll be on the ship.

 

 

Well I made it on board. I left the hotel a little after 10:30am and I was through security and checked into the priority boarding area by 11:10am. While I’m waiting I read the handout. Its says …

 

 

Dear Enchantment of the Seas Guest:

 

 

We would like to provide you with important information regarding modifications to your scheduled itinerary. We attempted to reach every guest with phone calls on Friday, February 24, and we apologize if for any reason you did not receive our message.

 

 

On Saturday, February 18, while Enchantment of the Seas was docked in Baltimore, Maryland, we became aware of a mechanical issue with one of the ship’s two port propulsion motors. We were able to bring technicians onboard that assisted us in making repairs that restored partial power to the affected motor. However, despite the repairs to the second propulsion motor, the ship is cruising at a reduced rate of speed. It should be noted that this issue has no impact on the maneuverability of the ship or on the safety of our guests and crew.

 

 

After reviewing your scheduled itinerary and taking the ship’s reduced speed into account, it is necessary to make some adjustments. We apologize for this development and regret its impact on your scheduled itinerary. We have made every effort to minimize the disruption, and have also extended your stays in several ports of call. Your revised itinerary will be:

 

 

Monday – Baltimore, Maryland - Departure 4:00pm (no change)

Tuesday – at sea (no change)

Wednesday – at sea (no change)

Thursday – at sea (no change)

Friday – Tortola, B.V.I. - Arrive 8:00am - Depart 6:00pm (depart one hour later)

Saturday – St. Johns, Antigua - Arrive 8:00am – Depart 1:30am (depart 8 ½ hours later)

Sunday – Philipsburg, St. Maarten – Arrive 8am – Depart 12:30am (depart 7.5 hrs later)

Monday – Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – Arrive 8am – Depart 6pm (depart 1 hr later)

Tuesday – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Arrive 7:00am – Depart 5:00pm (depart 4 hours later)

Wednesday - at sea (skipping Labadee)

Thursday – at sea (no change)

Friday – at sea (no change)

Saturday – Baltimore, Maryland – arrive 7:00am (no change)

 

 

As a gesture of goodwill, and to thank you for your cooperation, Royal Caribbean International will provide your stateroom with an onboard credit of $300. The credit will be applied directly to your onboard account and may be applied to any onboard purchases. Any unused portion of this will be refunded to you. Also, as it is necessary to cancel your call to Labadee, Haiti, guests who purchased shore excursions for Labadee will have those funds automatically refunded to them in the form of credit to their onboard account.

 

 

Again, we apologize for these developments and their impact on your scheduled itinerary and your vacation. Our entire onboard team will do its very best to make your sailing as enjoyable as possible.

 

 

Signed Captain Gus Andersson, Master, Enchantment of the Seas

 

 

Boarding began shortly after 11:30am. The first thing I did was drop my carry-on bags in the room. I made sure the room steward knew I had dropped off the bags; I took my camera and then got out of his way.

 

 

The next thing I did was take pictures around the ship. Then I grabbed lunch, a mixture of lunch meat, sliced cheese and pasta. While looking for a table I ran into a couple of people from the roll call, so we chatted a bit. We have agreed to meet in the Viking Lounge after muster.

 

 

After lunch I walked the ship some more as the cabins were not ready yet. I found my dining table, it sits four. Rats, I wanted a large table. Oh well. I do remember the last time I had a four top my only other table mate only showed up half the time.

 

 

I returned to my cabin shortly after 1:30pm. My bags have not arrived yet. However, luggage did arrive outside my door before 2:00pm. I found a couple of issues with my cabin and went looking for my cabin steward. The two issues are: 1) if I want ice I have to request it and 2) the sink stopper is down and I can’t get it back up. I found out the room steward would return around 3:00pm. So I left the cabin door open and started to unpack. My plan worked to perfection. My room steward saw my open door and can in. Soon I had ice and the sink was unplugged. Life is good.

 

 

Just as I finish packing there are seven short blasts on the horn followed by one long blast. Time for the muster drill. We do not take our life jackets. Roll is taken at the muster station. This was the shortest drill I have ever attended. There was a demonstration on how to put on the life jackets and then the captain announced the drill was over. It was so quick I thought the captain was kidding, but that was in fact the end of the muster drill.

 

 

So I headed up to the Viking Lounge to meet the rest of the roll call group. 81 signed up and 50 – 60 showed up, including a couple with three young active children. I know the parents though the kids were bothering me, but they were not. At any rate the kids noticed my belly stuck out further than the rest of me. I told them it was because I eat little children. For some reason when I asked, they all denied tasting good. I’m sure they keep their parent on their toes, but I though it was kind of fun.

 

 

Soon we left port and soon after than we sailed under a bridge. It sure didn’t look like we were going to make it, but there was likely at least two to three meters clearance. By this time it was after 5:00pm and I went back to my cabin and found what I call the Travel Channel. It is actually the ship information channel. It provided heading, speed and position information. Then I uploaded my photographs, 155 from the prior two days and over 220 today, too the computer for better viewing (fortunately for me, digital pictures are free to develop). Then I started on this.

 

 

Soon it is 8:00pm and I head down to dinner. The buffet is in the front of the ship and the restaurant is in the rear of the ship. I am in a rear facing junior suite. I’ll make diamond about half way through the cruise.

 

 

I get to the restaurant and I’m the first to arrive at the table. Naturally the waiter wants to know if my friends are coming. I have no idea, so I say I don’t know. After a while no one shows up. My waiter asks again and I explain I’m cruising alone and have no idea who is assigned to the table. I order and as you can imagine I’m the first one finish. I don’t mean the first one at the table; I mean the first one in the section. I finished dessert and I am out of the dining room in less than one hour.

 

 

So I come back to finish this, which I have now done. So now it is time to edit the pictures so that I can upload them. We will see if I can make this work.

 

OMG we are going to hit the bridge ...

 

 

We made it ...

 

 

We are moving ...

 

 

 

 

Wow...just came across this board. Was on Enchantment Feb. 18th sailing (we're none as the freebee cruise). Your pics are great! Will follow your great posts! Thanks.

[wrkfire911]

On the Pride they have cellular service with most major carriers. I have a smart phone (although it's a lot like a smart car, not really so smart!) and I have Verizon (hate em) service. I had service through my phone which I has a wifi hotspot. I called Verizon long before I went on the cruise and they (customer service)said something like "you have unlimited data service so it really doesn't matter how you use it. You should see no additional charges." I Just paid an extra $75 this month for that service. (I cut it off after 2 days at sea when I started getting messages that I had used $25, then $50.) BUT THE SERVICE WAS GOOD. I measured a square 1.5 Mbps (up & down) at one point. There's really a lot more to it but that's the jest!

 

Sudsy:)

 

I have a 4G (Verizon which has the best coverage and service that I like) phone BUT I wont be using it on the ship once we get out of the Bay..the extra charges are crazy!

[wrkfire911]

Hope you are having a great cruise, awesome pictures. May I ask a question....are there any drink specials..like buy one get one?

 

 

No...only the coupons you may find in your coupon book for beer wine or soda..but "out by the pool" kinda drinks No....they do have a drink special of the day IE: Yellow Bird for $5.95 etc

[stevensoap]

Wow...just came across this board. Was on Enchantment Feb. 18th sailing (we're none as the freebee cruise). Your pics are great! Will follow your great posts! Thanks.

 

Well at least now I don't have to go way back to find the itinerary.

 

Sudsy;)

[clean1owner]

Perhaps when the ship is "docked" in a port, you could post "we are in port", "we are docked in Antiga" or even simply "alls well, we are in our next port"!!!!:confused::rolleyes::p

 

 

So this guy is taking time out of his vacation, spending money on internet service, posting great pictures, and you'r going to complain about the way he words things?

 

Just when you think you have seen it all............................

[stevensoap]

It looked like you all left a little early. I guess everyone was back on-board and they took advantage of the opportunity. Your now reporting 17.5 kts and on schedule (marine traffic)

 

 

I used to work on helicopters until I retired, and several years ago (2008 maybe) while in St. Thomas I met up with a friend from there that I met while working on helicopters. His grandfather is the namesake of the Post Office building (last name Jenson was the first postmaster of St. Thomas)and he has spent his life there. He is a crewman on the Dark Blue helicopters that you may see in the area . He took us to his home to meet his family but then took us to Bolongo Bay [bolongobay.com]for lunch. (point is he is a local and this is where he took us) Food was very good and reasonable. I had a fish sandwich. I thought it was a nice place and very tropical. I'll send a picture from the website.

 

Just a suggestion. But if anyone visits this place I would like to get a report.

 

Sudsy:)

Attached Thumbnails

[Cigar King]

We are at the dock in St. Thomas right now. This has been a great cruise. The extra time in the ports has allowed us to take extra time exploring. I can't see any obvious problem with the engines, and both propellers are making the same wake. Gotta get some food and head into town.

 

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[Cigar King]

 

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[Cuizer2]

We are tied up starboard today. To port are a couple dozen yatchs. Perhaps there is a boat show. And the ship's Wi-Fi is working again (it has not been for the last two days). We were supposed to arrive at 8:00am. We were early. Before 7:30am we were cleared to go ashore.

 

The Carnival Victory is tied up behind us and the Adventure of the Seas in tied up behind the Carnival Victory, and all are dead in the water. :)

 

There is also a Princes ship dock on the other side of the bay where Princess docks. I don't know which Princess ship it is.

[sea_la_vie]

 

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Beautiful photo!! Am thinking we need to do this itinerary next based on this thread:D

[oldbluechaircruiser]

Yet another beautiful pic!!! ;)

[Cuizer2]

The fourth ship is the Caribbean Princess. I'm at an Internet Cafe, so I can post bigger pictures ...

 

Here is the Carnival Victory coming into St. Thomas in the rain ...

 

 

Here is the Adventurer of the Seas coming into St. Thomas ...

 

 

Then we got attacked by pirates ...

 

 

Here is one of them coming in through the doors ...

 

 

Here are the three ships docked at Havensight ...

 

 

And here is everything ...

 

Edited March 5, 2012 by Cuizer2

[cruzinlady1947]

Awesome pictures. Thanks! :cool:

 

Gwen :)

[oldbluechaircruiser]

:DThanks for sharing!!! As I look at your pictures I notice it's snowing here in PA! YUCK!!!!