A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE FROM START TO FINISH
Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 35
4 Night Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: February 12, 2018
Ship: Enchantment of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 7626
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
This may have been my top cruise so far. It was the most fun and relaxing for both my wife and myself. We hope to go again either in the fall or next year.Embarkation
As a member of Crown Anchor society, embarkation was a breeze. We were shown a special line reserved for members and were able to get everything done in about 15 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The ships main dining room was beautiful our wait staff was attentive and saw to our every need. The food was great, portions and selections for each meal were abundant and flavors were wonderful. The only negative we experienced had nothing to do with the Cruise Ship or staff. We were placed at a table for 8 and only one other couple dined with us. They were wonderful table partners, but it just seemed odd that more people didn't take advantage of formal dining.
Everyday for breakfast or lunch we choose to eat in the main buffet. Though finding a table was sometimes not easy, the staff never seemed to get behind. The quality of the food on the buffet was excellent. We could not have been more satisfied with the selection and quality of the food at every meal.
Onboard Activities
We were able to visit the spa for a quick massage on the day of departure which was wonderful. We enjoyed playing trivia, and the dance parties poolside.
Entertainment
We saw 2 musical performances in the main theater, and 2 different comedy acts. The musical were both great, they were well staged and the talent was perfect! I really enjoyed one of the 2 comedy acts. The other just was not of my taste though many in the audience seemed to enjoy it.
There was usually live music at one of the lounges, the Centrum or poolside all the time.
Service and Staff
The ships personnel were great. Our wait staff was attentive and very helpful. Our room steward remembered us and called us by name every time he saw us. Our cabin was clean and well cared for. all in all the ships personnel was great.
Ship Quality
My first impression of the ship was how beautiful it was. When you enter the ship you find yourself at the Centrum which is beautiful. The ship is laid out in a way that makes finding your way around very easy. One of the most helpful upgrades that we saw were interactive ship floor plans located throughout the ship. You could simply press on the screen and bring up a list of different venues. By pressing on a venue you would be shown where it was located in reference to where you were on the ship. This made finding one's way around easy. It was clear the ship had a bit of age on her, but she still was great.
Cabin / Stateroom
Our cabin was very spacious. It had plenty of storage in both closet space and in shelves and drawers around the cabin. The balcony was perfect size for a table and 2 chairs. The bed was comfortable. The cabin also included a couch which I believe would open into a 2nd bed. The bathroom was quite small. There was no tub but a small shower. I am 6 feet 4 inches tall and the shower was a challenge because it was so small. The one issue that was disappointing was the lack of Television service. There was a flat scree TV, but often late at night or early in the morning I like to watch TV. The channels were quite limited. Most were not in English which also made it disappointing.
Ports of call
We arrived a day early and had booked an overnight in a hotel through Royal Caribbean. The hotel was fine, but the transportation to the ship the next day which was also booked through Royal Caribbean was a disaster. Upon arrival I was given an envelop with instructions about transport to the ship, it would be through one of Royal Caribbean sister companies Azamara Club Cruises. It was on their letter head, it stated that we should be in the lobby at 10:15 for a 10:30 departure. When no one showed up we had the front desk call and were told they were on the way. After calling Azamara, and Royal Caribbean numerous times the bus finally arrived at just after 12:00 noon. The driver offered no apology or explanation, or credits.
After the cruise, because our flight did not leave until almost 10 pm we did a hop on hop off tour of south beach. It was fun with lots to see. And the cruise company stored our luggage and transported us to the airport when we were ready to go.
Thumbs Up
0
We have been to the port of Nassau before and didn't really want to do the touristy shopping thing. So this trip we book an excursion to Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantas on Paradise island. It was awesome! I am 62 and my wife and I still love water parks, river rides and slides. This one rates right at the top. From the river rapid tube ride, to the Mayan temple slide into the shark infested tank it was great. We also loved seeing the Aquarium that is also included in the admission. Don't miss it.
Cococay (Cruise Line's Private Island)
Cococay was probably our favorite stop. We both love to snorkel, the beach was beautiful, the water blue. We were able to see both halves of the sunken ship, cannon and all that is located off shore. But the highlight was swimming with the Manatees as we made our way back to the beach. They were so docile and friendly coming right up to us. It was clear they felt no threat from us, and have probably gotten use to having people at the beach. Lunch on Cococay, was good. I am sure it was prepared onboad and brought to the island. seating was a bit lacking. Overall it was all we could have hopped for.
Having been to Key West before, our trip there was to have lunch and to visit a museum to lean more about the History of Key West.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation was a snap. because we had signed up for a hop on hop off excursion for the day the ship docked, we were one of the first off the ship. We had to take our luggage, and meet in one of the bars as a staging area, then were were escorted off the ship to our waiting rides to our excursions.