First Time Cruisers

Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 20

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Enchantment of the Seas

7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 09, 2024

Ship: Enchantment of the Seas

Cabin number: GTY

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 8 months ago

Review summary

As first time cruisers, we probably should not have picked a seven day cruise. There was a little sea- sickness while crossing the Gulf of Mexico, and by day five we were ready to head home. However, the cruise was fantastic and we would most definitely do it again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Relatively stress free. Everyone around the terminal is well versed in embarkation, so those of us that were new at the game could easily ask for assistance.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We ate at the Main Dining Room almost every night because one of my children has a severe food allergy. The staff were made aware of the allergy before we cruised, so they were ready. This was the first vacation my kid has been able to enjoy and not be overwhelmed with reactions to foods. The staff in the MDR were so, so helpful and understanding. We had to be a little more careful at the Windjammer buffet for obvious reasons, but it was still a very enjoyable experience.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
We did trivia almost every day while on board. There are a number of different activities people can enjoy from various forms of trivia, sudoku, karaoke, dance parties, and shows.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
My kids loved the teenage entertainment and activities while on board.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The staff you see everyday are always very friendly and talkative.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
We were on a smaller and older ship, but it was always very clean and orderly. The staff work very, very hard at keeping the ship clean despite people leaving discarded things everywhere. It was easier to learn the layout of the ship because it's smaller, but be prepared for a little rocking and rolling in open waters.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
For three people, an interior cabin works okay, but we should have splurged for a port hole or balcony. It can get a little claustrophobic in a cabin with no windows or doors, especially for those of us that enjoy the outdoors.

Ship tip

This is an older and smaller ship, but that gives passengers an opportunity to learn and interact with the crew much more easily.

Ports of call

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5
Very touristy. The vendors were very pushy and much of their merchandise was overpriced. Very few authentic things inside the port. The scenery was beautiful, though.

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5
We booked an excursion to an eco park with sloths and monkeys. We picked this particular excursion because all of the animals were rescues and therefore not as exploited as other animal excursions. The staff at the eco park were very nice and knowledgeable of their animals. Our driver was very good at his job and even pointed out some things about Honduran culture that we did not understand. Be prepared for the immense cultural disparity when you leave the terminal with your guide, and stick with guides that have been approved by the cruise lines.

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5
There was many more things to do in Cozumel than Costa Maya and the scenery was beautiful. Vendors inside the terminal were not as pushy and much easier to converse with. We lucked out with a beautiful beach day!

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Very easy with passports. We carried our luggage off the ship and completed the entire process from disembarkation to arriving at our vehicle within 30 minutes.
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7 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     5 months ago

Thanks for sharing

kel8556     8 months ago

I did a Trans Atlantic on the Enchantment. No seas sickness luckily. I agree the older ships are more intimate and cosy. I did splurge for a port hole window and now wouldn't sail without one. I was on deck two, midships.

javawoody     8 months ago

Appreciate your comments

AuntPinkie     8 months ago

Appreciate your detailed feedback. Happy they were able to accommodate your child’s food restrictions (most cruise lines can). Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

lincoln     8 months ago

Sorry for the rough seas but glad you enjoyed your cruise. Thank you for sharing your experience.

cruising2004     8 months ago

Welcome to cruise life! Thank you for your review.

HeavySeas     8 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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