Enchantment of the Seas questions

[hellokitty86]

Hello everyone! I am new here and I am learning alot of good information...but have a few questions!!

 

My husband and I just booked a mutual Christmas present for each other- we are going on the Enchantment of the Seas leaving December 20 2007. Anyone else going to be on this sailing?? I would love to meet up with people!!!

 

1- We are booked in cabin 2526, in an oceanview room. I am so nervous about this because I've never cruised before and I am worried about seasickness and the room being in a bad location in general...can anybody give me any thoughts about this?? What are the odds of getting your room upgraded or moved, and how does this work with your luggage?

 

2- Are there refridgerators in the room? Can we pack a 12 pack of soda in our luggage?

 

3- How much are the soda cards? I've read 2 different prices so just want to make sure! I know you can't use your soda cards for room service but can you in the dining room?

 

4- Does anybody know the schedule for formal night, etc? We want to book Chops and we plan on going to reserve it the minute we get on the ship!! What day do you suggest we try to book it? We will be sailing from December 20-24.

 

5- My husband's birthday is the first day we get on the ship, December 20. I saw you can order the birthday cakes and decorations for your room...Is it worth it? Will the room be decorated when we board? I would like it to be decorated that day since it is my husband's 'official' birthday.

 

6- How much cash do you suggest we bring for 'extras'? I know we tip cash for room service- how much is the norm? Is there a charge for an ice cream cone or anything like that? I know alcohol is extra so we are planning a budget for that- but you pay for that with your room card right?

 

7- We requested a table for 2 for dining but I realize it is rare to get one. We are so nervous about the idea of eating with other people!! When do you find out if your request was granted?

 

Thank you so much in advance if you can help me!!! We are first time cruisers and are very excited!!

[cb at sea]

Don't be nervous about dining with others! That's what make a good cruise better! Everyone will be on the ship for the same reason--to have fun and relax! There--you have something in common already! Honestly, tablemates really can make the cruise special!

Room service tipping--anywhere from $2.00 for coffee and danish to $5.00 for a full meal. Base it upon what the server has to carry!

Upgrades are really rare. 2526 is pretty far forward---You'll probably be just fine, but bring some Bonine, just in case! If you've never suffered motion sickness in a car or a ride, you'll most likely be just dandy!

As far as paying to decorate the room--personally, I think it's a big waste of money. The cabin is very tiny. The birthday cake at dinner is really nice, tho. That's as far as I'd go! (I'd give hubby a "special present" later!!!)

If you have to fly to port, packing soda is not an efficient use of your luggage weight! Sodas are only $1.50 per can--unless you drink alot, buying onboard isn't a budget breaker. If you DO drink alot, you can get the soda card, so you can drink all day long! There should be a small fridge (dorm style) but you'll have to get the attendant to empty it for you--it's stocked with the attendant's sodas and such.

Have a great cruise! You'll be soooooo addicted!

[hellokitty86]

Don't be nervous about dining with others! That's what make a good cruise better! Everyone will be on the ship for the same reason--to have fun and relax! There--you have something in common already! Honestly, tablemates really can make the cruise special!

Room service tipping--anywhere from $2.00 for coffee and danish to $5.00 for a full meal. Base it upon what the server has to carry!

Upgrades are really rare. 2526 is pretty far forward---You'll probably be just fine, but bring some Bonine, just in case! If you've never suffered motion sickness in a car or a ride, you'll most likely be just dandy!

As far as paying to decorate the room--personally, I think it's a big waste of money. The cabin is very tiny. The birthday cake at dinner is really nice, tho. That's as far as I'd go! (I'd give hubby a "special present" later!!!)

If you have to fly to port, packing soda is not an efficient use of your luggage weight! Sodas are only $1.50 per can--unless you drink alot, buying onboard isn't a budget breaker. If you DO drink alot, you can get the soda card, so you can drink all day long! There should be a small fridge (dorm style) but you'll have to get the attendant to empty it for you--it's stocked with the attendant's sodas and such.

Have a great cruise! You'll be soooooo addicted!

 

Thank you so much for your help!!! I am nervous about the sea sickness because I get sick from just sitting in the backseat of a car- but I am going to bring some draminine which will hopefully help!! We are flying into Ft.Lauderdale (my hometown) the day before the cruise so we were planning on just buying soda that night and packing it, if its allowed. It seems thats a debate on here on whether its allowed or not!! Thanks for the advice about the room decorating...can you have the cake delivered to your room, or does it have to be at dinner?

[Jsme]

Buy ginger pills and start taking the a day before your cruise.

 

I am not sure which night you should book Chops but do book it the minute you walk on board.

 

You can buy a cake but it is not all that wonderful but I guess it is the thought that counts.

 

I have never given $5 for tip for room service. Nor do any of the people I cruise with. A dollar or two at most for each order.

[emdia43]

It might help you to take Bonine every night- to ward off seasickness and since all those meds make you drowsy, it can work for you while you're going to be asleep anyway. I can feel nauseous just thinking about motion sickness, but I have never had it at sea, and I bet you'll find you just won't feel any motion at all.

Soda cards are $6 per day for adults, $4 for kids. Worth every penny . You can use it anywhere- if you want soda with your meal in the dining room then someone from the bar brings your drink to you, not your waiter.

As for your room, deck 2 is fine, the lower the deck the least motion you will feel. You are a little further forward than I like to be, because it means a lot of walking to and fro, but there's nothing wrong with your location really.

You will need cash for extras when you're ashore- you can pay for excursions with your seapass but if you plan on seeing any resort by yourself then you'll need cash for taxis, beach fees etc.

[ChristieNJ]

And here's the link to your roll call here on Cruise Critic:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=645730

Everyone in that thread will be going on the same cruise as you. Enchantment is a beautiful ship, you will have a great time!! :)

 

P.S. Here is a link to my Enchantment pics from our cruise on her back in May:

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/559312583dJNhnR

[Merion_Mom]

Hello everyone! I am new here and I am learning alot of good information...but have a few questions!!

 

My husband and I just booked a mutual Christmas present for each other- we are going on the Enchantment of the Seas leaving December 20 2007. Anyone else going to be on this sailing?? I would love to meet up with people!!!

Christie has provided the link for your Roll Call. It is one of the best features of CC.

 

1- We are booked in cabin 2526, in an oceanview room. I am so nervous about this because I've never cruised before and I am worried about seasickness and the room being in a bad location in general...can anybody give me any thoughts about this?? What are the odds of getting your room upgraded or moved, and how does this work with your luggage?

It's a good location to avoid motion sickness - low in the ship. Being forward shouldn't be a problem. Forget being upgraded; just enjoy what you have!

 

2- Are there refridgerators in the room? Can we pack a 12 pack of soda in our luggage?

No. Yes.

 

3- How much are the soda cards? I've read 2 different prices so just want to make sure! I know you can't use your soda cards for room service but can you in the dining room?

$6 x days of your cruise + 15% per person. You can use them anywhere on deck, in a theatre or bar and in any restaurant.

 

4- Does anybody know the schedule for formal night, etc? We want to book Chops and we plan on going to reserve it the minute we get on the ship!! What day do you suggest we try to book it? We will be sailing from December 20-24.

They will know about formal night in Chops.

 

5- My husband's birthday is the first day we get on the ship, December 20. I saw you can order the birthday cakes and decorations for your room...Is it worth it? Will the room be decorated when we board? I would like it to be decorated that day since it is my husband's 'official' birthday.

Happy Birthday, DH. Lots of people love those decorations. My daughter is often celebrating a birthday on a cruise. I have never bought the decorations, and I don't think that she regrets that. If you tell your waiter that it's your husband's birthday, he'll put a candle in your husband's dessert. :) If he doesn't want dessert, maybe he'll do what waiters have done for my daughter: Brought out a plate with Happy Birthday spelled out in chocolate sauce!

 

6- How much cash do you suggest we bring for 'extras'? I know we tip cash for room service- how much is the norm? Is there a charge for an ice cream cone or anything like that? I know alcohol is extra so we are planning a budget for that- but you pay for that with your room card right?

Minimal. You can get cash in the casino on your SeaPass card. Everything goes on your SeaPass card; you can even charge your regular gratuities on it.

 

7- We requested a table for 2 for dining but I realize it is rare to get one. We are so nervous about the idea of eating with other people!! When do you find out if your request was granted?

Chances are very good that you will enjoy your tablemates and will be glad that you are having this traditional cruise experience. If you don't get along, just ask the maitre d' for a change.

 

When you check in at the pier, you will receive your SeaPass cards. Your dining table seating and table number will be printed on your card. When you board, go to the dining room and find that table.

 

Thank you so much in advance if you can help me!!! We are first time cruisers and are very excited!!

There's nothing like your first time! Savor every moment and every memory!

 

:)

[hellokitty86]

Wow!! This is a great community- thanks everyone for your wonderful input. Thank you especially Christie for posting those pics- the ship looks gorgeous!!!

[hellokitty86]

double post!

[Darkwolfe]

Can't add much to it, but I will give you a link to my review from when we were on in October. Try to find the people I have mentioned as they are extremely good people to meet.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=34008

 

Soak it up and ENJOY! Enchantment is a wonderful ship for a first cruise.

[jaxon41]

no refrig. I sailed on deck #2 OV on Enchantment Nov 1st. We brought on our own pop -- nice to have in the room. Couldn't get an extra ice bucket, but we brought a small soft sided cooler. Room steward filled it with ice, daily, and placed it on the shower floor because of drips. It always outlasted the ice in the bucket.

 

As has been said, low is the best place to avoid sea sickness and mid ship, but you should be ok. Preventative medicine, motion sickness pill at bedtime.

 

I tip $1 or $2 for room service, depending on if it is just ice, or food.

 

First cruise where I had to take towels from the room (beach towels, the yellow ones on the shelf) to the pool -- my other cruises always had a vendor poolside -- so be aware of this so you do not have to go back down to your cabin.

 

room decorations are not worth the money -- our birthday cake was ($8). It was very good and the birthday girls got sung to.

[t-bonz]

We usually cruise around my husband and step-daughters birthdays. I have the cabins decorated but I do not get the cake (there's a Gifts & Gear package for just room decorations - $30 I think?). The decorations are in your cabin when you arrive and stay up until you take them down (or leave the ship). You can get a glimpse of the room decorations by drilling down in the Gifts & Gear section. Decorations include a door sign and ceiling steamers/decorations.

[Merion_Mom]

no refrig. I sailed on deck #2 OV on Enchantment Nov 1st. We brought on our own pop -- nice to have in the room. Couldn't get an extra ice bucket, but we brought a small soft sided cooler. Room steward filled it with ice, daily, and placed it on the shower floor because of drips. It always outlasted the ice in the bucket.

 

As has been said, low is the best place to avoid sea sickness and mid ship, but you should be ok. Preventative medicine, motion sickness pill at bedtime.

 

I tip $1 or $2 for room service, depending on if it is just ice, or food.

 

First cruise where I had to take towels from the room (beach towels, the yellow ones on the shelf) to the pool -- my other cruises always had a vendor poolside -- so be aware of this so you do not have to go back down to your cabin.

 

room decorations are not worth the money -- our birthday cake was ($8). It was very good and the birthday girls got sung to.

They will also just stick a candle in whatever dessert is ordered!

[ChristieNJ]

Wow!! This is a great community- thanks everyone for your wonderful input. Thank you especially Christie for posting those pics- the ship looks gorgeous!!!

 

No problem, Kitty! Thanks. :) The ship really IS sooo beautiful, Have a GREAT cruise!!!!

[hellokitty86]

Does anyone know if you can get the birthday cake delivered to your stateroom? We want to enjoy the desserts when we eat in the dining room, and even with my wishful thinking I don't think I can eat cake and whatever dessert Royal Caribbean is providing....(Although I can try :D )

 

Also- I don't think I want to eat at Chops on formal night...Or is it recommended that I eat there then? I think I've read the best food is served on formal night in the dining room.

 

How many guys wear Tux's on formal night? We were thinking of renting one but my husband doesn't want to look out of place! He just got a new suit that he plans on wearing on the other nights...is it acceptable to wear that on formal night?

 

Thanks again for all your help guys!

[CruiseAddict74]

I haven't cruised on the Enchantment (but I will in Jan) However, on the Explorer I saw very few men in Tuxedos (mostly older gentlemen.) A nice dark suit is FINE for your husband on formal night. For the other nights nice slacks & shirt/shoes are fine.

You will have an amazing time!

[Darkwolfe]

How many guys wear Tux's on formal night? We were thinking of renting one but my husband doesn't want to look out of place! He just got a new suit that he plans on wearing on the other nights...is it acceptable to wear that on formal night?

 

Thanks again for all your help guys!

 

If your hubby wears a suit on the regular nights, he'll be over dressed. Wear a shirt with a collar and be done with it.

 

I tend to warp formal night a bit as I go wearing 1880's Western formal. Yes the Stetson in my avatar is part of the getup! :) I can't stand regular suits or tuxes so that's how I make formal night enjoyable for myself. Besides, it's a fun way to get away with jeans that night too.;)

[I Love RCI]

Hellokitty, we are also on that cruise and from the DC area so hope to meet you! And I know someone else gave you the link but join the roll call:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=645730

 

As for dining in Chops, when you go to make your reservation you can ask them what night formal night will be in the main dining room and therefore avoid booking Chops for that night. We have always eaten in Chops on a non-formal night. As for eating with others, it really can make the trip -- we have always enjoyed meeting other couples over dinner so don't be too worried about it.

 

For the room decorations, we went on Liberty for my 30th a couple weeks ago and the room was decorated. It was neat -- streamers and some other decorations hanging down and a big sign on the door. I would skip the "flower cake" though, esp for a 4 night cruise.

[hellokitty86]

Hellokitty, we are also on that cruise and from the DC area so hope to meet you!

 

That is great!!! We are relatively new to this area, we just moved here from Ft. Lauderdale 2 1/2 years ago. (Well 3 years this December!!) Isn't it ironic that we move from our hometown and now fly down to Florida all the time for vacations and this is our first time on a cruise ;)

 

It doesn't seem like alot of people are on the role call- I hope I can meet you guys!! That would be great :)

 

I think I'm just going to do the room decorations, but we'll see! I do plan on booking Chops ASAP when we board.

 

I had more questions but haven't had enough caffeine today to remember them so I guess I'll be back :o ETA, I remember them...;) Do you guys know of any packing lists or any 'must pack' things that I wouldn't think about to need as a first time cruiser???

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!