Just off Empress of the Seas

[wingmom2]

I wore leggings and a longer shirt, guys were in khakis. There were a lot that still did formal but we went on the more casual to save space in our luggage. We even had people show up in pool type attire it was crazy.

[2heatons]

Great news. What about formal night?

 

 

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[Retired LEO]

Itinerary change. Engine trouble (1), just announced by Captain. Reduced speed. We're heading to Nassau and Coco Cay. Still going to Key West. Refund as OBC of 10% of purchase price.

Not a big deal to us. We're enjoying the ship!

 

They started having engine problems last week. Extreme vibration in the dining room.

[Retired LEO]

Great news. What about formal night?

 

 

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There are no formal nights.

[chengkp75]

They started having engine problems last week. Extreme vibration in the dining room.

 

As I answered your post in the other thread, the vibration issue most likely was not caused by "engine problems".

[horseymike]

Are the engines the originals from when the ship was built ?

[OceansOfTravels]

Itinerary change. Engine trouble (1), just announced by Captain. Reduced speed. We're heading to Nassau and Coco Cay. Still going to Key West. Refund as OBC of 10% of purchase price.

Not a big deal to us. We're enjoying the ship!

 

Do you know if other itineraries have been impacted?

[chengkp75]

Are the engines the originals from when the ship was built ?

 

Yes, but they have been overhauled repeatedly. Overhaul intervals for medium speed engines like these are every 12,000 hours (about every two years, since they don't run continuously), and during overhaul they are literally torn down to the bare block. All injectors, fuel pumps, and piston rings are renewed every time, everything dismantled and cleaned, and the bearings, pistons, and liners renewed based on wear. Life expectancy for the "engine" (meaning the block, since everything else can and does get renewed as required) is almost infinite.

[Paulette3028]

Port of Miami is now home to Empress and Enchantment. Enchantment has the 3/4 day weekly routes of Monday to Friday and then Friday to Monday. Empress does a 5/5/4 day schedule and therefore on some Mondays (for example), both ships are docking and then again embarking later in the day. How is parking handled?

 

On a Thursday departure for Empress (like we have at the end of August), the nearby parking garage must be filled with the cruisers who embarked on the previous Monday on Enchantment and don't return until the next day.

 

What experiences have cruisers had so far?

[2Shoes2Go]

We arrived at the garage at 1045; the ship was cleared and we boarded at 1110; very easy. The garage was quite full when we arrived, but as we went further up, some spots were still available. Not sure which passengers were parked there; likely Enchantment's. The price for parking at the port may keep the garage from filling completely.:eek:

[stormynow]

The cruiser's departing Thurs am off the Empress should free parking spaces for the next cruise. I hope as we also sail on a Thurs, 7/14. Stormy

[Paulette3028]

The cruiser's departing Thurs am off the Empress should free parking spaces for the next cruise. I hope as we also sail on a Thurs, 7/14. Stormy

 

You will experience it before I do....come back and let us all know, how it goes. Enjoy your cruise....it all works out in the end.

[Paulette3028]

We arrived at the garage at 1045; the ship was cleared and we boarded at 1110; very easy. The garage was quite full when we arrived, but as we went further up, some spots were still available. Not sure which passengers were parked there; likely Enchantment's. The price for parking at the port may keep the garage from filling completely.:eek:

 

Parking is expensive in the lots in Miami, and off site parking lots are not really nearby. For short cruises, we don't care what it is....for long cruises out of Miami, we would take car service and leave our car in our garage.

 

It is much cheaper to part in Fort Lauderdale, and there are nearby off site lots which are very very reasonable.

[aichambaye]

I just really want to thank everyone who has been posting! I feel a lot better about this cruise now. Still on the fence about the beverage package.

[wingmom2]

If I had to do it all over again-I would have just bought the Royal Replenish package for the soda and water...We did buy 2 premium packages but are not big drinkers and I definitely don't think I got my money's worth that's for sure. Especially days that you are at port by the time you get back to the ship you are getting ready for dinner and then we were exhausted and went back to our rooms and crashed. So if you aren't a big drinker you might be better off using your onboard credit for a few drinks here and there.

Just my thoughts...

[Master0396]

Hey Guys!

 

Just got off the Empress today and wanted to share some updates with the status of the ship:

• The Casino air conditioning is fixed!
  
• Dining has gotten a whole lot better. Especially in the MDR
  
• Shows were good. I really like Sequin and Feathers :)
  

 

Overall, I was impressed with service, although the ship is smaller than its sisters. Good value for a short getaway...

[shemp2000]

Hey Guys!

 

Just got off the Empress today and wanted to share some updates with the status of the ship:

• The Casino air conditioning is fixed!
  
• Dining has gotten a whole lot better. Especially in the MDR
  
• Shows were good. I really like Sequin and Feathers :)
  

 

Overall, I was impressed with service, although the ship is smaller than its sisters. Good value for a short getaway...

 

Did they fix the engine?

[BusyBlond]

How was disembarking? I need to set up a shuttle time pickup to get us back to FLL, I am in no hurry. I'm sailing in later July.

Is 10:00 ok? Do they kick you off super early? Or is it a slow process? Thanks

 

We did self debark, fastest we've ever gotten off the ship. . We left our cabin at 7:20 and were in the car driving away at 7:35.

[BusyBlond]

Thank you so much for the review! :D It was very informative and uplifting. Quick question: Are there lots of deck chairs and rail space to view the passing scenery? I was looking at some pictures and the upper deck space looks limited. We enjoy laying out and going into the pool on sea days, will it be too crowded to relax? Also, since we have an OV cabin, we will need to use the upper rails to watch the ship leave. Is there enough rail space for everyone or should we make sure we get up there early?

 

Thanks again! :D

 

The pool deck is always crowed, but the upper deck was usually ok. I personally like the outside on deck 6 for watching the scenery, it's in the shade. :) Also, the aft of deck 6 behind boleros is a really nice place to watch the wake.

[Shellygonz]

Thank you for the reviews. I was a bit nervous but you guys have put me at ease. I will be sailing with my 4 and 7 year old. Hopefully they love the club so I can have more adult time. Cant wait:)

[ksadonnab]

Itinerary change. Engine trouble (1), just announced by Captain. Reduced speed. We're heading to Nassau and Coco Cay. Still going to Key West. Refund as OBC of 10% of purchase price.

Not a big deal to us. We're enjoying the ship!

 

Yep, so did I - great cruise!!

I was initially disappointed - didn't want to do Nassau again for the 3rd time but even that was surprise!

Edited July 8, 2016 by ksadonnab

[DENNAS]

Hi! July 23rd cruiser here- bumped from an April sailing-

 

1.) What night is Lobster and free wine night? I'm on 5 day cruise in 2 weeks-

 

2.) Any update on CHOPS? Should we go? Heard the 'earlier on' cruisers weren't impressed -

Has it gotten any better? Thanks!

[ReneeFLL]

Good to read a positive post about the Empress. Seems like there were a lot of problems in the beginning.

[2heatons]

Hi! July 23rd cruiser here- bumped from an April sailing-

 

 

 

1.) What night is Lobster and free wine night? I'm on 5 day cruise in 2 weeks-

 

 

 

2.) Any update on CHOPS? Should we go? Heard the 'earlier on' cruisers weren't impressed -

 

Has it gotten any better? Thanks!

 

 

Just got off the July 4 sailing. Lobster tails were free in the MDR the next to last night. The last night was free wine and a seafood buffet in Windjammer. No lobster tails on buffet.

 

This was a great cruise. Very low key and relaxing. Pack more casual than you anticipate. No night is formal.

 

We did not eat at chops but others did and liked it. You can order a filet in the MDR for $17 if you're craving a steak.

 

 

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Edited July 9, 2016 by 2heatons

[jt1120]

Where do C&A members meet up for a cocktail before/after dinner? Most ships have a dedicated lounge but I'm guessing the Empress does not.