Current Service and Food Quality on Enchanted Princess

[JamieLogical]

Well, despite the claims from my live blog of my Emerald Princess Panama Canal sailings back in December of 2022, I am now contemplating a second Princess cruise. I'll link to my live blog at the bottom of this post for anyone who wants to skim it, but the gist was it was the worst cruise I have ever been on. The itinerary was amazing and that went a long way towards saving the cruise, but in terms of shipboard experience, it was by far the worst and that remains true despite having taken five other cruises since then. My main complaints were:

 

• The room. We were in a normal balcony cabin and that teeny tiny shower with the shower curtain that I developed a deeply intimate relationship with was just not something I can or will ever tolerate again. I also hated the lack of a couch, but that paled in significance to the shower situation.
• The ship. It was old and poorly maintained. There were several broken things in our stateroom, including the A/C for part of the trip. There was rust everywhere. The furniture just seemed old and tired.
• The service. While I loved all of the crew dearly and wanted to just cry for them on a daily basis for how ragged they were being run, the service was just truly terrible due to understaffing. Meals took over 2.5 hours. We would receive the wrong items at meals. Orders of drinks or food through the app would take forever and then just eventually be randomly canceled. It was really really really bad.
• The food. I have some photos in my blog, but the food quality was wildly inconsistent and sometimes just downright inedible.
• The entertainment. We never went to any of the main theater shows but some of the performers around the ship were amateurish at best. It says something that we sought out Karaoke every night it was on offer just to listen to some decent singers...

 

Okay, fast forward to now. We are in the market for a cruise the week of May 4 or May 5, as we have the week scheduled off of work. We were waffling between the NCL Joy and the MSC Meraviglia out of NYC when I got a casino offer from Princess for 35% off and $100 OBC. It was just enough to get me to at least price out Princess sailings for that week and the Enchanted Princess will be sailing out of FLL for what I consider to be a decent price. I am ONLY considering a mini-suite, because I will not endure another tiny shower with curtain situation. The fact that it is a pretty new ship makes me hopeful some of the maintenance issues from the Emerald won't be a problem. I watched some YouTube videos and it seems like the entertainment should be better on the Enchanted.

 

So, the question is, how is the service and food quality nowadays? Has anyone sailed on the Enchanted Princess recently who can give us some accounts of the MDR and buffet food quality? What about service in the MDR and at bars? How is ordering through the Medallion app going?

 

 

[JamieLogical]

Anyone?

[Thrak]

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said:

The room. We were in a normal balcony cabin and that teeny tiny shower with the shower curtain that I developed a deeply intimate relationship with was just not something I can or will ever tolerate again. I also hated the lack of a couch, but that paled in significance to the shower situation.

 

I am 6' 1" and weigh over 200 lbs. so not an exceptionally small person. I will never understand the issues people have with the shower curtain unless it is their very first experience. I simply get the bottom of it wet and then stick it to the bottom of the wall. It never encroaches on me or gives me any issues at all. It's not difficult and it works quite well. If that is not a suitable method one can always clip a few binder clips to the bottom of the curtain and that keeps it "at bay" as the weight makes it hang straight down. (I did this for my second and third cruises as I hadn't learned the easier method until then. My first cruise I had no clue and did the "shower curtain tango" but, like I said, it was my first ever cruise and I had no idea about the shower.)

[JamieLogical]

Just now, Thrak said:

 

I am 6' 1" and weigh over 200 lbs. so not an exceptionally small person. I will never understand the issues people have with the shower curtain unless it is their very first experience. I simply get the bottom of it wet and then stick it to the bottom of the wall. It never encroaches on me or gives me any issues at all. It's not difficult and it works quite well. If that is not a suitable method one can always clip a few binder clips to the bottom of the curtain and that keeps it "at bay" as the weight makes it hang straight down. (I did this for my second and third cruises as I hadn't learned the easier method until then. My first cruise I had no clue and did the "shower curtain tango" but, like I said, it was my first ever cruise and I had no idea about the shower.)

 

I just took out my tape measure and measured the width of my hips. They are 21 inches wide when standing. In addition to that, I am a woman who attempts to shave her legs every day, which means I need to be able to basically bend in half to reach my ankles or lift my leg up so that the full length from the back of my butt to the tip of my knee becomes an issue. I do see that the balcony cabins on the Enchanted Princess seem to have a little ledge along the back of the shower that might make leg shaving slightly easier, but the Emerald did not have that. My husband, who is 6' had issues with the height of the shower head as well. He never even tried to deal with the shower curtain and just solved that problem by putting my dirty towels down on the floor and showering with the curtain open.

[JamieLogical]

Here's a picture of my husband and me from our cruise last month. As you can see, neither of us are small people and I am VERY wide.

 

 

[chrysalis]

we just got off from 40 days on the Enchanted....dining room service was excellent, and the food was generally pretty good.

 

Buffet food was very good at breakfast, as was the couple of times we had lunch there. The only one time there for dinner....it was very quiet and food and service was good with lots of choice.

 

Our first 10 days saw very poor service in Good Spirits, and they must have done something because the service greatly improved after that. Early morning coffee service in the IC was outstanding.

 

We never ordered anything from the App.

 

But, I should add that we heard a rumour that staffing on the ship was down between 200 and 300 crew members.

[chrysalis]

the showerhead is height adjustable....

[JamieLogical]

5 minutes ago, chrysalis said:

the showerhead is height adjustable....

 

That's good news. It was not on the Emerald:

 

[Lady Arwen]

For sure, the mini suite will be a much better choice. I hate the shower curtain, too.   Princess is now probably the only cruiseline that has them.  I believe the new Sphere Class ships have moved to the glass enclosure.  Thank goodness!  The full size sofa is much, much better and you can close the curtains between the bed and sitting area on Royal class ships.

 

We’re sailing on Enchanted in August and looking forward to it.  We only eat dinner in the specialty restaurants and we never eat in the buffet, so I can’t help you there.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[wallyj]

26 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

Anyone?

Currently on page 4, a review of Enchanted 2/26-3/7. 
 

It is a little hassle, but bigger showers are available in the changing rooms for the fitness centers on Emerald and Enchanted. The Emerald had their complimentary steam and saunas removed during it last dry dock, but the larger showers are still available.

 

The Enchanted is a ‘Royal’ class ship and the fitness center is not by the SPA, but there are changing rooms with Glass door showers, they are not very obvious, but deck plans should show location, they are in the fitness center. Royal class ships showers do have ‘ledge’ that helps when you want to attend to lower leg access. Mini suites will have bathtub/shower combo.

[JamieLogical]

18 minutes ago, chrysalis said:

we just got off from 40 days on the Enchanted....dining room service was excellent, and the food was generally pretty good.

 

Buffet food was very good at breakfast, as was the couple of times we had lunch there. The only one time there for dinner....it was very quiet and food and service was good with lots of choice.

 

Our first 10 days saw very poor service in Good Spirits, and they must have done something because the service greatly improved after that. Early morning coffee service in the IC was outstanding.

 

We never ordered anything from the App.

 

But, I should add that we heard a rumour that staffing on the ship was down between 200 and 300 crew members.

 

Kind of went off the rails here with the shower conversation. As I mentioned in my OP, we intend to book a mini-suite to avoid that issue. Definitely more interested in the service and food questions. It is alarming to hear that the Enchanted Princess was down so many crew so recently!

[JGmf]

@JamieLogical Ha! I thought I'd never see you on these boards again! 

 

Yes, consider Princess.  I was on the Enchanted last week and doing it again on 4/21/24.  Here's my review:

 

 

I know you were an NCL regular, like me, so here's my quick take on your questions with NCL as the comparison.

 

MDR and buffet food quality?

MDR pretty much the same quality as NCL, which is kind of 'blah', but formal night has a lobster option (extras are $10/ea.).  That's a nice touch.

 

The Princess buffet is open for more hours than NCL (thankfully) and the quality and variety were better in my opinion.  They have cookies and decent desserts...and if you get the Plus (or Premier) packages, you get those ultimate ice cream desserts, which you access down in the Piazza.  At least last week, they let you pick whichever gelato and toppings you wanted.  (Also, the International Cafe, nearby, is way better than NCL on quality and price (read: free) on their specialty coffees).

 

What about service in the MDR and at bars?

Service in the MDR was friendly and very professional, but kind of slow compared to NCL.  I think b/c NCL has more specialty restaurants, the MDRs on Princess get slammed harder. 

 

The Princess bars had rapid service, in my opinion, with excellent bartenders.  NCL also has excellent bartenders.  As mentioned in my review, I missed the Waterfront, but substituted with the Wake View bar.  

 

How is ordering through the Medallion app going?

Can't help you on that, but saw and heard others talking that they were ordering without any issues.

 

Good luck.  I hope you land with the best cruise you can get.

[Wishing on a star]

1.  It seems like the Emerald Princess does not always get the greatest reviews...  Don't know why this would be.  But seem like something I noticed.

2. The Enchanted is newer... yes, still the showers with curtain in the balcony cabins..  But I believe the shower is a bit bigger on these Royal Class Ships.

3.  If you cruised after the Pandemic when the going was still a bit rough, post re-start, that could also have been an issue.

4.  Know that the food and service can vary, as staff are changed out.   A better Executive Chef, a more adequately staffed kitchen and dining and bars can make a big difference.

It is mid-March now...  I do not know if there might be a noticeable changeover before you sail.

Just know that the food and service, as well as the entertainment, can vary. 

5.  We have a cruise booked on the Enchanted.   We do not expect it to be wonderful and 'perfect' in every aspect.  But we are very much looking forward to it!

 

Just sayin'....  the tip to. wet down the shower curtain so that it it isn't a light, billowing, 'friendly', creature is key!

[candy4040]

I just got off the Enchanted last week after a 30-day stint. 

 

Food was excellent in MDR - better at lunch than at dinner.  Our servers were excellent - thank you Omar and Hannah.  We had a balcony cabin w/o a sofa.  If we had chosen a higher graded balcony, we would have had a couch.  I also drank many times at the Good Spirit bar and had no issues with the service.  The drinks were probably the best to be had on the ship.  We ate at Sabatinis, The Catch by Rudi, The 360 Dining Experience, Alfredos and O'Malley's Irish Pub in addition to the MDR.  All excellent service and great food - especially Sabatinis. 

 

O'Malley's was very slow, but food was good.  It was also very crowded every time it was open.  I

 

Be sure and reserve the MDR you want to eat at and the time.  Once you are on board you can request the same servers and table and the Maitre D' will try and accommodate you.  Our room was serviced twice a day - really only needed once.  Plan on 1 to 1/2 hours to dine.  Much faster if you don't share a table.

 

The crew still seem overworked, but they always had a smile on their faces, and I was often greeted by name.  

 

Casino is very small and smoky.  

Ship was very clean and well maintained.  Only had problem once and they fixed it immediately.  

[SCX22]

On the Enchanted in November 2023 to the Med, the food was fine.  Executive Chef was Italian and the Italian food really stood out.  Arancini is a staple on Princess ships and this was the best.  We never had pasta that was overcooked.  Not really a fan of the fettuccini alfredo because it always tastes doughy/starchy to me, but not on this sailing.  For a 22 day cruise, the variety of food was pretty good too.

 

The service, though, was really lacking.  There was a service crew change a month before we stepped on.  The problem was that many of them were on their first contract, didn't make the cut, and were sent home.  Ours was the last cruise before the TA to Fort Lauderdale for the season and we were told that replacement crew weren't coming until the ship reached Fort Lauderdale, to avoid immigration issues with the incoming crew.  Sad to hear that some are still reporting the ship is understaffed. 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

4 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

I am a woman who attempts to shave her legs every day, which means I need to be able to basically bend in half to reach my ankles or lift my leg up so that the full length from the back of my butt to the tip of my knee becomes an issue.

I found it easier to just put my foot on top of the sink and shave my legs that way.

 

That aside, we loved Enchanted in Nov 2022 and are very much looking forward to our June 1 sailing on her again. You can see my review in the signature. We kept getting the same MDR table over and over again, and that particular team was slow. On the days we got a different table, our MDR dinner service was quick and efficient. Service outside MDR was fine.

 

The ship is still shiny and new, and we loved it.

 

ETA: We will NEVER sail on anything older than Royal Princess again.

Edited March 13 by Itchy&Scratchy

[JamieLogical]

Thank you for all the input, everyone! We went ahead and booked despite the price having gone up $90pp since when I priced it out multiple times this morning and this afternoon. That's what I get for dillydallying and waiting to do a bit more research before booking!

[maggieq]

5 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

Here's a picture of my husband and me from our cruise last month. As you can see, neither of us are small people and I am VERY wide.

 

 

@JamieLogical great picture and why are the sloths sooo darn cute!!!!!

[JamieLogical]

21 minutes ago, maggieq said:

@JamieLogical great picture and why are the sloths sooo darn cute!!!!!

 

They are the cutest! Not for nothing, but part of our motivation to book this Enchanted Princess sailing is it goes back to Roatan so we might go hug some sloths again!

[Wishing on a star]

Great!!!   Just curious, what type of cabin???

Hope you enjoy!

[JamieLogical]

7 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

Great!!!   Just curious, what type of cabin???

Hope you enjoy!

 

We booked a mini-suite to avoid the tiny shower with curtain situation.

[LACruiser88]

We were on the Enchanted this past Nov/Dec for 26 days.  We had a fantastic time.  For details you can peruse our "Live" thread below by expanding my signature.

 

Enjoy!

[Torfamm]

We were on the Enchanted for 2 sailings in the Mediterranean last spring and are have been onboard since February 26. I have no complaints at all with the food in the MDR. The food there on this sailing is the best I’ve had on a Princess ship. The friends traveling with us agreed that this cruise was an improvement over the last, which was absolutely fine. It is MDR food on a large ship, but with that in mind, they do a great job. The service has been exceptional. 

 

We do use the buffet for breakfast and lunch sometimes. I think it’s very good in terms of variety and quality.

 

The only orders I’ve placed with the app have been for coffee in the morning and it’s arrived in our cabin surprisingly quickly. It was just over 5 minutes a couple of days ago.

 

Service at the bars has been fine but Crooners can be a bit crowded right before dinner when I try to get a glass of wine to bring in to dinner. The one thing I dislike about the Enchanted is the lack of Vines.

 

We don’t go to the production shows but have enjoyed most of the comedians we’ve seen and especially like the jazz in Take 5. The music everywhere else has varied from an incredible Latin dance band and guitarist on some segments to okay duos but I think there’s usually something for everyone. 
 

The ship is clean and I’ve seen no issues with maintenance. I hope you enjoy your cruise!!!

[JamieLogical]

2 minutes ago, Torfamm said:

We were on the Enchanted for 2 sailings in the Mediterranean last spring and are have been onboard since February 26. I have no complaints at all with the food in the MDR. The food there on this sailing is the best I’ve had on a Princess ship. The friends traveling with us agreed that this cruise was an improvement over the last, which was absolutely fine. It is MDR food on a large ship, but with that in mind, they do a great job. The service has been exceptional. 

 

We do use the buffet for breakfast and lunch sometimes. I think it’s very good in terms of variety and quality.

 

The only orders I’ve placed with the app have been for coffee in the morning and it’s arrived in our cabin surprisingly quickly. It was just over 5 minutes a couple of days ago.

 

Service at the bars has been fine but Crooners can be a bit crowded right before dinner when I try to get a glass of wine to bring in to dinner. The one thing I dislike about the Enchanted is the lack of Vines.

 

We don’t go to the production shows but have enjoyed most of the comedians we’ve seen and especially like the jazz in Take 5. The music everywhere else has varied from an incredible Latin dance band and guitarist on some segments to okay duos but I think there’s usually something for everyone. 
 

The ship is clean and I’ve seen no issues with maintenance. I hope you enjoy your cruise!!!

 

Thank you for all of this! It is very reassuring!

[Wishing on a star]

I also thank those who have just posted their recent experience...  and we are looking forward to bing on the Enchanted..  Hoping it will also be great when we finally board...  but that is months from now!