Enchantment review 4/24-4/29

[ucfan]

Enchantment of the Seas 4/24-4/29/06

 

What an experience! Overall a great cruise for my first. I'll try not to bore everyone with my report, but here goes...

 

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale the day before as to not stress about plane delays. I really think this is the way to go. The embarkation process was fairly smooth as I had printed out our SetSail pass and had passports in hand. We arrived just before noon as suggested, and I thought we would be early, but many, many others had the same idea. Our rooms we to be ready at 1pm, so we explored and then had lunch at the Windjammer. It was packed, but I expected that from advice from this board.

 

We went to our room, and surprise, our luggage came just a couple of minutes later! The room was fairly adequate. I reserved a balcony which was generally wonderful, but probably my biggest complaint was the smokers. Now I don't want to offend anyone, but we had smokers on both sides of us, and yes it did interfere with lounging on the balcony. I wish RCI would at least have smoking on one side, and non on the other side of the ship.

 

Anyway, the next day was Key West. We decided to not do a RCI excursion since we had been to Key West before. We took a jet ski tour around Key West (28 miles) and what an experience, so much fun!

 

Wednesday was Cozumel. We booked the Tulum excursion, and be prepared for a lot of travel. You tender to Playa del Carmen, then an hour bus ride to Tulum, but so wonderful. The guide was fantastic. We didn't make it back to the ship until almost 7pm, so we missed our main seating dining that night.

 

Thursday was Belize, and we booked the cave tubing/jungle walk excursion. Fantastic again, but somewhat strenuous (you have to paddle with your arms down the river). Bought some infamous cashew wine, just tried it yesterday, not sure what to make of it, but only $5/bottle.

 

The last day was at sea, spent some by the pool/ sunbathing and yes got sunburned!

 

Ate meals in both the dining room and Windjammer and room service. Overall pretty good, some better then others. Friday night ate at Chops, and I would highly recommend this to everyone, it's in a class by itself.

 

The service overall was impeccable, they really try to pamper you. The shows each night were outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised as to the quality, don't miss these.

 

Spent a little time in the casino, small, and unfortunately I lost, lost, lost!

 

The ship was impressive, the experience great, and I can't wait to go on another! But next time a longer cruise!

 

I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thanks for reading.

[RaMar]

Thanks for the review. We'll be on this cruise in July. How was the food? Did you tender in Belize? Is there anything around the pier in Belize, shops, etc.? Glad you had a good time!

[ucfan]

The food varied. The dining room overall was good although rushed. he lobster tail was pretty good not Maine lobster, but still good. After all were served they went around and asked if you would like more. That meal came with shrimp which was very good. I had the filet of beef one night, the only way you could have it cooked was medium rare or medium well. The truffle pasta was great, as was the escargot. The desserts were good, not great, but nice presentation. The salads were very nice, fresh and crisp.

 

We only did lunch once in the dining room, but would have done this more often if we had been on the ship. Lunch had many offerings, from salads to sandwiches to entrees. Everyone at my table thoroughly enjoyed.

 

The buffet was good, but the setup is not the greatest. Sort of confusing to get around, but for a buffet good quality. Pretty much everything you can imagine for choices. Room service was a good option, but each time they forgot something we had ordered.

 

Yes you have to tender in Belize, but a short tender, not really a big deal. Shopping was limited in Belize compared to other ports. The shopping inside the terminals have set prices, but the local shopping on the streets they expect you to bargain. It is safe to go outside of the main terminals on the streets. One US dollar equals two Belizian dollars.

 

Have fun!

[starrynites]

:( We were on the 4/24 Enchantment too. We also found the smoking on this particular cruise to be intense. We like to turn our air conditioner off and open our balcony door. For some reason, cigarette smoke smell came in our vent. It was really bad especially the last 2 nights. Seemed like there was a problem with the ventilation system.

 

The staff was sure great! I was disapointed that so many people didn't take the formal night seriously. Seemed like casual dress was prevalant.

 

Personally, you won't catch me in beige shorts and tank top. What do the young people think of the ladies in their 50's wearing skimpy clothes? Does anyone look in the mirror before they leave their stateroom? Sure was a lot of body information out there I would rather not know.

 

Sure was crowded. Must have been 3 people in almost every cabin.

 

We won't cruise on the Enchantment again. We don't like the Disco's weird set up or the pool deck with the band disconnected from the dance floor. I have a feeling we would have liked it more before the stretch with less people on board. We had a terrific cruise on the Vision a few years back. (their disco was the same set-up and that was the only drawback on that cruise).

 

RCL cutbacks were quite evident on this cruise. For first timers, it was probably fine because they don't know how it used to be better.:eek: :rolleyes:

[RaMar]

ucfan: Thanks for your responses.