A Perfect, Quick Get Away!
Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 105
4 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 19, 2019
Ship: Enchantment of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
This is a great Quick Getaway Cruise for anyone! Enchantment of the Seas won't disappoint as she is still a Royal Caribbean Ship that is well maintained and fully represents the RCCL experiences for all guests. The trip across the Gulf of Mexico is full of surprises. You'll see dolphins as you leave Galveston, other ships including Oil Tankers, Cargo and even a Carnival ship heading to Cozumel too! Additionally, if you haven't done the Dolphin Excursion don't miss out on this AWESOME experience, it is well worth the time and money. You'll love it!Embarkation
Of all the ports that we have embarked from, Galveston was the least efficient and in need of some TLC. It needs some attention and updating. The staff was helpful, but due to the configuration of the waiting area, some guests experienced longer wait times after being asked to wait in a different line. It would really help the entire process if all passengers were fully prepared upon arrival and have everything ready when entering the facility. That would help expedite the entire embarkation process and ease the wait times for all passengers in this older facility.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
In typical Royal fashion, they knocked it "Out of the Park" with their food options, preparation and presentation! The dining experiences are always excellent and the presentation of food is as important as the food itself. It was obvious that the chefs took pride in their creations and preparing dishes for so many guests is a daunting task yet each dish was as if it was a custom plate for that particular guest! Excellent job!!
Onboard Activities
Despite being an older and smaller class ship, Enchantment is able to hold her own in all aspects of guest experiences. There is so much to do on board that if anyone is bored, you aren't trying! There is always something to do, you just need to find what you like and do it! The pool deck and Solarium areas are open and spacious even when the Cruise Directors Staff is hosting activities. If you want a more quite or private area in those places, they are available as well as you move toward the aft of the ship. If you like more adventure, the Rock Climbing Wall is always an option and it can test your skills with expert help from the Sports Staff Team. Everyone on the various teams engages with the guests and enjoys what they are doing.
Entertainment
Entertainment is another area where Royal excels, and never disappoints! The entertainment is always EXCELLENT! From the stage shows, comedians, DJ's and various bands that performed in the Centrum all the performers were professional and delivered quality shows. In particular, the bands in the Centrum played music from all genres and guests were always dancing, singing and as much a part of the performance as the bands were. This is one of the best parts of a smaller ship and the interaction of the guests!
Children's Programs
We did not travel with any children.
Service and Staff
All crew and staff were friendly and polite. Everyone blended into the "crowd or mix" on board to help provide a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. Other than attending to your needs and asking what you needed, they were essentially invisible as they did their jobs. They were able to do their jobs and you didn't even know they were there!
Ship Quality
Enchantment is an older and smaller class ship but she is still a beauty and can hold her own! The elevated walks on the pool deck are great areas to experience and take in the view of the ship, the ocean and the ports you are visiting. The crew also showed pride in keeping all areas clean and fresh by continued attention to detail and focusing on the little things. Sweeping, mopping, picking up dirty dishes and cups as needed to keep the areas free and clean so all guest can enjoy the areas and have a clean place to experience the venue they were at. Our personal preference are the Oasis Class ships but we have sailed twice on Enchantment and enjoyed the experience just as much as the larger ships. She is still a great ship!
Cabin / Stateroom
We were in 8057, which was the first time we were in an inside room on any ship. It was functional and efficient as most staterooms are. Our room steward as great and kept it clean and fresh. You typically spend less time in your stateroom than anywhere else on the ship, but it is just as important as the public areas. We do prefer the Inside Balcony Rooms overlooking the Boardwalks on Oasis Class ships but this inside room on Enchantment was AWESOME for sleeping! It was completely dark and comfortable.
Ship tip
Don't forget to visit the Viking Lounge for some spectacular views!
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Ports of call
We did the Dolphin Swim & VIP Experience All-Inclusive and it was an OUTSTANDING Excursion!! We wished we had done this type of excursion before this! To experience dolphins and manatees in their world was exceptional. They are gentle and friendly creatures who like to play and interact with each other and people as well. They let us pet, swim and feed them and the best part with the dolphins was when they pulled and pushed us! I think they had as much fun as we did!
Disembarkation
Similar to the embarkation, it was slow and the directions were not clear enough for some guest who were not prepared. The lines were quite long and due to the age of the terminal it was not as efficient as other ports.