Enchantment compared to Sovereign... questions

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We have three Royal Caribbean cruises under our belts - the Sovereign 5 years ago, plus the Allure and Oasis this year. Needless to say, the Oasis class ships were quite impressive. I'd say that one of the reasons that we had so much time between our sailing on the Sovereign and our "return" was how little the Sovereign wow'ed us.

 

After our recent sailings I can definitely say that I am looking at Royal with new eyes.

 

I have, thanks to my Platinum status with Mlife (MGM players card), a free cruise to take each year - where I pay fees/taxes/gratuities. It's for an ocean view cabin on select ships (3, 4, and 5 night sailings). I am seriously considering a 3 nighter on the Enchantment within the next couple of months. They'll credit me the value of the OV towards higher categories - such that we could stay in a GS for about $1500. Not a bad deal as far as I see it!

 

I'd go for a longer sailing (4/5 nights instead of 3), but this year all my weeks off are already spoken for, and I just have a couple of long weekends left to work with.

 

I fully realize that the Enchantment will pale in comparison to the Oasis, but I just want to make sure that it will be a good couple of notches above the Sovereign (layout, amenities, etc...)

 

Any input would be appreciated - THANKS!

 

Tom

[kruzerci]

I've been on the Sovereign twice, Monarch, and Majesty and can tell you after sailing on the Enchantment from Port Canaveral last week, it is a huge step up from those ships in my opinion.

 

There is the solarium, a huge pool deck, Park Cafe, Chops, Concierge and Diamond Lounges, a multi story dining room, and the list goes on. After we sailed on Monarch a couple of years ago, we said no more short cruises because of the old ships. When they announced Enchantment coming to PC, I decided to give it a try. I'm glad we did. The ship is definitely a step above Sovereign. It feels more open and updated, where the Sovereign class ships feel 80's and enclosed to me.

[Clarea]

Compared to the Sovereign, Enchantment has a few advantages, such as the Solarium, Chops specialty restaurant, and the Park Cafe. There are also two levels in the main dining room.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We did enjoy use of the Concierge Lounge on the Oasis, and loved the roast beef sandwiches at the Park Cafe on both the Oasis and Allure. I know what's for lunch! :)

 

Does anyone know if the hors d'oeuvres I found in the CL on the Oasis would be at all similar to what can be found on the Enchantment? I really enjoyed the chicken wings, and would have brought my own buffalo sauce had I given it much thought! Heck, I could make a meal out of those one evening... washing it down with an appropriate beverage! :D

 

Tom

[Clarea]

We did enjoy use of the Concierge Lounge on the Oasis, and loved the roast beef sandwiches at the Park Cafe on both the Oasis and Allure. I know what's for lunch! :)

 

Does anyone know if the hors d'oeuvres I found in the CL on the Oasis would be at all similar to what can be found on the Enchantment? I really enjoyed the chicken wings, and would have brought my own buffalo sauce had I given it much thought! Heck, I could make a meal out of those one evening... washing it down with an appropriate beverage! :D

 

Tom

The hors d'oeuvres you mentioned are pretty standard fare in the CL's and DL's on Royal ships.

 

Note that only Oasis and Allure serve lunch and breakfast in the CL.

[kruzerci]

We did enjoy use of the Concierge Lounge on the Oasis, and loved the roast beef sandwiches at the Park Cafe on both the Oasis and Allure. I know what's for lunch! :)

 

Does anyone know if the hors d'oeuvres I found in the CL on the Oasis would be at all similar to what can be found on the Enchantment? I really enjoyed the chicken wings, and would have brought my own buffalo sauce had I given it much thought! Heck, I could make a meal out of those one evening... washing it down with an appropriate beverage! :D

 

Tom

 

That's actually a very good question. I assumed until last week they were the same on all ships, but apparently they aren't. On Freedom and Navigator they always had the same chicken wings, mini quiche, mini egg rolls, etc, but they only had that two nights on Enchantment. The other nights they had a bizarre (unappetizing) compilation of mini hotdogs in some sort of sauce, mini omelettes, and bacon wrapped scallops.

 

The good news is, they had the usuals two nights ;).

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Anchor Bar wing sauce (just in case)... CHECK :D

 

Tom

[bigque]

I actually liked Sovereign....."My First" even after going on a larger ship! If Sovereign was still doing cruises to the Bahamas I would cruise on her again!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I actually liked Sovereign....."My First" even after going on a larger ship! ...

 

I feel the same way about the (Carnival) Sensation. It holds a special place in our hearts - even went back on a B2B for our 25th anniversary and did a vow renewal. Since we never had a "real" wedding, that was nice!!

 

Tom

[bigque]

I feel the same way about the (Carnival) Sensation. It holds a special place in our hearts - even went back on a B2B for our 25th anniversary and did a vow renewal. Since we never had a "real" wedding, that was nice!!

 

Tom

 

Yes sort of like being a virgin...You always love your first! :rolleyes: That is why I have a picture of her I took in Cococay as my avatar.

[clo6216]

Hi Tom-n-Cheryl,

Ed and I will be on June 7 Enchantment if the Seas. Booked a GS this time and will be happy to tell you about Diamond and Concierge lounges... and, of course, casino experience. We've sailed on Sovereign and Monarch in the past and expect Enchantment to be a step up. Will post or email you when we get back.

Carol O.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi Tom-n-Cheryl,

Ed and I will be on June 7 Enchantment if the Seas. Booked a GS this time and will be happy to tell you about Diamond and Concierge lounges... and, of course, casino experience. We've sailed on Sovereign and Monarch in the past and expect Enchantment to be a step up. Will post or email you when we get back.

Carol O.

 

That would be great - I suppose just posting back here would do the trick.

 

I just learned that they open up the casino at 7 PM while docked in Nassau, and are open while in Coco Cay (9 AM for the slots and noon for the tables). :)

 

Have a GREAT time!

 

Tom

[clo6216]

Just got back from a fantastic weekend on Enchantment. To say it is a step-up from Sovereign or Monarch would be huge understatement. We used to drive to South Florida for our weekend cruises because we did not care for the ships sailing out of nearby Port Canaveral. No more. The staff onboard Enchantment is exceptional! Everyone had a welcome and a smile. Accommodations were clean and comfortable, from our son's outside stateroom, to our daughter's balcony, to our OS (though beware of rooms under the Windjammer -- noisy in the AM from carts rolling). The dining room food was surprisingly good, as was Park Café and the dedicated Indian restaurant. I think they must have an exceptional F&B manager. The casino, possibly because Ed won :D , was good and open most of the cruise. Sometimes the cigarette smoke was bothersome, though. Tom, you won't be disappointed. I'll probably post a review but, in the meantime, feel free to ask any specific questions.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Just got back from a fantastic weekend on Enchantment. To say it is a step-up from Sovereign or Monarch would be huge understatement. We used to drive to South Florida for our weekend cruises because we did not care for the ships sailing out of nearby Port Canaveral. No more. The staff onboard Enchantment is exceptional! Everyone had a welcome and a smile. Accommodations were clean and comfortable, from our son's outside stateroom, to our daughter's balcony, to our OS (though beware of rooms under the Windjammer -- noisy in the AM from carts rolling). The dining room food was surprisingly good, as was Park Café and the dedicated Indian restaurant. I think they must have an exceptional F&B manager. The casino, possibly because Ed won :D , was good and open most of the cruise. Sometimes the cigarette smoke was bothersome, though. Tom, you won't be disappointed. I'll probably post a review but, in the meantime, feel free to ask any specific questions.

 

Hey - thanks for reporting back!! Glad you had such a nice time!

 

Did you encounter the elusive Roast Beef sandwich at the Park Cafe? Also, do they stay open later than 6? (On the Oasis/Allure they closed at 6).

 

What did you think of the Concierge Lounge? I have my bottle of Anchor Bar buffalo wing sauce to add to the wings if they have 'em! :D

 

Tom

[clo6216]

Hey - thanks for reporting back!! Glad you had such a nice time!

 

Did you encounter the elusive Roast Beef sandwich at the Park Cafe? Also, do they stay open later than 6? (On the Oasis/Allure they closed at 6).

 

What did you think of the Concierge Lounge? I have my bottle of Anchor Bar buffalo wing sauce to add to the wings if they have 'em! :D

 

Tom

 

YES, the Roast Beef on Kummelwick Rolls at Park Café were great! The Park Café was open different hours on different days for different meals. You have to check each day. For example, it closed yesterday at 5pm, and then it re-opened from 10PM-to-2AM. The Concierge Lounge was just ok. Rather small. Only one server. We went there Friday and Saturday evening for a couple of drinks and... NO chicken wings :mad:. Other hors d'oeuvres, though. If you think of anything else, just ask.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

YES, the Roast Beef on Kummelwick Rolls at Park Café were great! The Park Café was open different hours on different days for different meals. You have to check each day. For example, it closed yesterday at 5pm, and then it re-opened from 10PM-to-2AM. The Concierge Lounge was just ok. Rather small. Only one server. We went there Friday and Saturday evening for a couple of drinks and... NO chicken wings :mad:. Other hors d'oeuvres, though. If you think of anything else, just ask.

 

THANKS (will do)!

 

Tom

[04cruises]

Having been on the Soveriegn twice and the Enchantment once ,I can tell you the Enchantment is much nicer.Probably do to the "stretch" job they did a few years back.Added like 80-some feet to her length.Sailing on her in Sept. and we can't wait.

[spencercoop]

Here is a great profile of the Enchantment with pictures that may help you make your decision.

 

http://www.beyondships.com/ENOS-Profile.html

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Here is a great profile of the Enchantment with pictures that may help you make your decision.

 

http://www.beyondships.com/ENOS-Profile.html

 

Thanks for the link.

 

I ended up booking a couple of weeks ago (it did not take much convincing)! :D

 

Tom

[spencercoop]

Thanks for the link.

 

I ended up booking a couple of weeks ago (it did not take much convincing)! :D

 

Tom

 

Oops. I didn't even realize this was a couple week old thread. Guess I should start looking at the dates!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Oops. I didn't even realize this was a couple week old thread. Guess I should start looking at the dates!

 

No problem!

 

I had one pop up that was 2-3 years old recently. I started reading and was about to reply! :D

 

Tom

[clo6216]

I just submitted a review of our June 7 weekend cruise on Enchantment of the Seas. I don't know how long it takes to "show up" though.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I just submitted a review of our June 7 weekend cruise on Enchantment of the Seas. I don't know how long it takes to "show up" though.

 

No idea - but I'll keep a lookout for it, THANKS!

 

I trust you had a good time?

 

Tom

[clo6216]

Yes, we had a very good time. We'll probably go again in August (unless we take a week off and go on Oasis.) When we don't have the whole family with us, we'll try Chops for dinner. We heard from others onboard that it was very good. There was nothing wrong with the MDR, but we always enjoy the specialty restaurants. My review is already posted. Here's a link:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=221879

[KeywestK]

We have three Royal Caribbean cruises under our belts - the Sovereign 5 years ago, plus the Allure and Oasis this year. Needless to say, the Oasis class ships were quite impressive. I'd say that one of the reasons that we had so much time between our sailing on the Sovereign and our "return" was how little the Sovereign wow'ed us.

 

After our recent sailings I can definitely say that I am looking at Royal with new eyes.

 

I have, thanks to my Platinum status with Mlife (MGM players card), a free cruise to take each year - where I pay fees/taxes/gratuities. It's for an ocean view cabin on select ships (3, 4, and 5 night sailings). I am seriously considering a 3 nighter on the Enchantment within the next couple of months. They'll credit me the value of the OV towards higher categories - such that we could stay in a GS for about $1500. Not a bad deal as far as I see it!

 

I'd go for a longer sailing (4/5 nights instead of 3), but this year all my weeks off are already spoken for, and I just have a couple of long weekends left to work with.

 

I fully realize that the Enchantment will pale in comparison to the Oasis, but I just want to make sure that it will be a good couple of notches above the Sovereign (layout, amenities, etc...)

 

Any input would be appreciated - THANKS!

 

Tom

 

I have cruised on all three of the Sovereign-class ships, as well as the Enchantment, both pre- and post-stretch, and I will tell you that we loved all of them! It's not fair to try to compare the smaller (by today's standards) ships to the Oasis/Allure, or even the Voyager- and larger classes of ships. They are all different, and they all offer their own unique spin on a cruise ship and the cruising experience.

 

I have long touted on CC my personal preference to the smaller classes of ships, but I do recognize and appreciate what the larger ships can offer. Just remember that smaller does not always have to equate with 'lesser,' and larger does not always equate to 'better.'

 

That's JMHO, and I'm stickin' to it:)