Good value, but once was enough.
Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas
Bahamas
Sail date: September 19, 2016
Ship: Enchantment of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 3593
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
Overall, Enchantment is still a beautiful ship despite being nearly 20 years old. I've read others complain about the condition, but I'd have to disagree.It was a perfect first cruise for our children, but the attention to detail and service excellence I've experienced on previous cruises was subpar. Nonetheless, for the price, we found value in the Enchantment 4-Night Bahamas trip.
We were pleasantly surprised with the spacious interior staterooms, even with 3 people per cabin.
The itinerary's diversity allowed for a cultural experience, relaxing beach day, and historical education- however it also resulted in little time for R&R between activities.
Previous cruises ensured that everything was as promised. Enchantment delivered what was promised, but not without error. For example, we ordered a birthday package for our son 3 weeks ahead of time for $65. While the room was decorated as promised, the cake that was supposed to be presented in the dining room was actually in the stateroom when we arrived- hours before dinner. When we arrived at dinner, the rolls were fresh, but served cool enough to not melt butter. Little things detracted from a perfect experience.
Service was nothing spectacular.
The Windjammer staff seemed primarily concerned with clearing and cleaning tables to ensure turnover of a consistently crowded space. Beverages were not offered at the table and sometimes required a wait for preparation at the beverage station.
Aside from during dinner in the main dining room (where service was exceptional), I was only offered a drink once while on the entire cruise. Otherwise, a bartender had to be asked. While the drinks were prepared quickly, the service was strictly transactional with the glass and a receipt provided and no subsequent conversation. Though I didn't desire an extensive exchange, pleasant small talk would have been appreciated.
Again, the waitstaff in My Fair Lady main dining room made each night's dinner service wonderful. This is not to say that the dinner experience was perfect, though. Bar service was routinely slow. Drinks arrived after appetizers on more than one evening. The food was generally very good, portioned appropriately, and aesthetically presented. I missed the cultural themed nights related to ports of call that previous cruises have offered. Also, lobster and steak cost extra- though definitely worth $15 plus gratuity for a perfectly prepared filet.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Great option for a first cruise or budget friendly vacation. Don't expect service excellence or attention to detail.
Ports of call
Cococay (Cruise Line's Private Island)
7 Comments
Medic9701 8 years ago
Our formal dinner was on night 2. We had early seating to keep the kids routine, but both seatings should offer a very similar experience. Dining staff will make sure you are satisfied with the meal selection and portions. If not, just ask for something different or another helping. On day 2, our waitstaff found out that our little one loved the shrimp cocktail and brought her our 3 appetizers (12 shrimp) at once on the third night!