cliftoncruiser

I was on Oasis June 9-16 and loved it. I was worried about crowds however it wasn’t bad. I saw lines for Windjammer at lunch but it appeared to move quickly (I did not eat in WJ so I may be off on that). Although the ship was at capacity, the crowds were spread and I never felt it was a problem. Most bars stayed open to 1am and the nightclub even later. My 22 year old had things to do with the 20 something year old she met until the 2 or 3 am. Hyperlink (ages 18-25?) was a great way to meet other young adults. There were also a few late night spots for food (pizza). My nephew enjoyed the teen camp (13-17) and said there was lots to do in the camp area as well as meeting other teens. Everyone has different expectations but I did not have any negative experiences and enjoyed the cruise. Enjoy yourself. It is vacation!!!

On 6/15/2023 at 12:35 PM, gail-s said:

Please forgive me, I've been trying to search the boards for answers to my questions and it keeps erroring out on me.  I'm hoping someone can help me with my specific questions about being in an Owner's Suite on the Enchantment.  I read all of RCLs documentation and understand that there are different levels of suite perks and they aren't the same between the older and newer ships.  I wasn't clear on a few things though.  The highest class we've sailed on RCL before was a Junior Suite which didn't get all of the perks.  

Originally I had ordered the Key for wifi, etc because we were in a Junior Suite.  Since we've been upgraded "most" of those features are part of the suite perks.  The differences that I can see are that I'd need to buy a wifi package, no lunch in the MDR on embarkation day and I'm not sure about the luggage drop off.

In the suite documentation it says private breakfast and lunch seating for suite class guests - does anyone know where this would be on Enchantment?  and is it open on embarkation day?  

For a suite when it says Complimentary Room Service 24 hours a day - does that include things like breakfasts that you would normally have to pay extra for?  

It also mentions some tours that may be available.  My husband is a licensed captain and would love a tour of the bridge.  Does anyone know how to arrange this?  I'm assuming I'd talk to the concierge on board?  

Thanks for any help you can give me specifically about the Enchantment.  We're excited to be sailing on her again in just a few weeks.  

I’ve stayed in the same OS, room 8014 as you have on Enchantment when it was in Baltimore last year.  Great location. To answer your questions based on my experience…

- unlike the larger ships, Enchantment suites do not get free WiFi you need to buy the WiFi package.

- For breakfast, Suites are provided the meal in Chops. It is a nice breakfast. Lunch and dinner are regular dining (nothing special for Suite guests) in a regular basis. 
- As far as room service, yes, it is complimentary for Suite guests. You can also order room service from the MDR during the hours it is open at no charge (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) or go with the regular room service menu (also no charge).

- As others have mentioned, the Suite concierge will send you an email about a week prior to your departure outlining the services. At that time, I reply to the email with any special requests (the bridge tour). I just got back from a cruise today and was able to get a bridge tour.  In the past, I’ve had instances where it was at capacity and I could not go so I ask earlier nowadays. Hopefully you get yours.  Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

I will be on the same cruise with my DD to celebrate her college graduation. DH and I began cruising with our girls when they were 3 and 5 and they love cruises. Hard to believe one is now entering the working world after this trip. 😁 We are both excited about Oasis as it will be the largest ship we’ve cruised on. Enjoy your cruise with your family and let’s hope for great weather!

My DH and I will also be sailing with you tomorrow.  This cruise was a lift and shift from Grandeur in March 2020.  I have sailed both ships and love the smaller ships.  Looking forward to your live review.  I always enjoy learning the experiences of others particularly when it is a ship or port that I use.

I removed a 3rd guess from my room about a month ago.  I told RC I was trying to figure out restrictions for DC and needed to look at options. I than had RC verify the current reservation price and final payment, calculate the price with removing the 3rd person, and calculate as a reprice for 2 people before deciding which to do. I ended up repricing for 2 and saving money plus they were offering a small promotional OBC.  Once I had all the numbers and since I had a good rep I went ahead and made my final payment while on the line because I was not sure I’d get the same answers if I called back.  

Although I haven’t had surgery, I eat a low carb keto diet.  On my cruise, I told the MDR waiter I am on a keto diet the first night.  He was GREAT.  Every night he would make suggestions on what meals are low carb, substitute the starches for veggies and eliminate sauces and butter (I cut butter too).  Often times he would bring veggies that weren’t on the menu and they were well prepared.  I did not have to ask each night as he was prepared with my options.  He would also bring the next nights menu over so I could peak.  He knew the ingredients and definitely watched out for me.  The waiters were on target and never questioned the amount I ate.  

8 hours ago, KATHYMAC68 said:

Thank you so much for this review! I know its months later but I will be on this ship for the first time in 10 days so I was searching for some tips. Your review was so thorough. I feel like I was already there... lol

 

I am so glad you found the review helpful!  I hope you have a fantastic time on your cruise and enjoy yourself.  I had such a good time that I book another cruise on the Grandeur for the final cruise  before she leaves the RC fleet.   Ten days is just around the corner.  😁

11 hours ago, ashleyhaugh said:

Thank you! We're doing this itinerary next June, and this helps so much with what to expect, it will only be our 2nd cruise. I'm especially excited by your weather report- we'll be coming from South Texas, so those temps sound AMAZING , lol

One of my biggest worries was how to pack for the weather.  I packed both summer and spring attire plus a lightweight jacket.  I definitely overpacked and had my kids overpack because of the uncertainty of weather.  I hope your trip has fantastic weather as well.  Enjoy your cruise!!!!

54 minutes ago, Somesail_wecruise said:

Thank you! Thank you!  Thank you!  You have been an amazing reviewer!  Thank you times a million and three!

I am glad I saved to compasses.  I started to throw them away onboard when packing but decided to pack them instead.  It is nice to know they came in handy.  And I learned something new on CC.  I didn’t know a person could react.  Now I need to figure out how.  😂

1 hour ago, Seawishes said:

Thanks so much for your trip report and for the cruise compasses!! We cruise this itinerary in two and a half weeks, and this is exactly what I needed to help with precruise excitement. 

Ah, the precruise excitement!  I am glad the excitement is building.  The NE area is so beautiful .  Have a fantastic vacation.  I keep thinking about my next cruise and scanning the RCI website looking for the raise that jumps out to me and fits into the families schedule.  Hopefully it jumps out soon!  Haha.

And at last, the Compass for Day 9 😃.  I hope these provided the information you were looking for.  Now I can go watch some mind numbing tv like The Bachelorette and see what the men have to say in Men Tell All ... ☺️

Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 9.pdf

I could not find the Day 8 Compass but did find a photo of 3 of the 4 pages that I took while aboard the ship (I took pictures each day rather than carrying the compass that way I could refer to it throughout the day 😀).  The quality if so-so but it gives the activities for the day.

On 7/19/2019 at 8:09 PM, Luckynana said:

 

Thoroughly enjoyed "cruising" along with you.  What a great job you did with your blog;  your pictures were awesome!👍

Thank you.  I had so many pictures it gets hard choosing, especially trying to find thumbnail size pictures while avoiding pics with people.  

Attached are the Compasses for Day 6 & 7.  I still have not found day 8.  

Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 6.pdf Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 7.pdf

The compass for Day 5.

Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 5.pdf

9 hours ago, mzhibbs said:

Thank you for all your information!

 

No problem.  I actually enjoyed writing about the day each day.  It was almost like journaling my vacation.  I’ve never done that before but at the end of each day it was a way to unwind before bed.

Compasses for Days 43& 4.

Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 3.pdf Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 4.pdf

Attached is the Day 2 Compass.  I also came across the Meet the Officers handout and attached that in case there is any interest.

Grandeur NE 9 Day Compass Day 2.pdf Grandeur Meet the Officers June 2019.pdf

4 hours ago, Somesail_wecruise said:

I know it's a pain but did you happen to keep the cruise compasses?  I know, I know; it's one of the top ten most annoying requests but we're sailing this itinerary this fall and there are no Grandeur compasses.  It seem like Allure does this run (or did) but Allure has different features. Would love to have more current info.

 

Regardless, your review was great and we've already made some adjustments to our schedule based on your report so thank you for the time and your attention to detail!

 

 

I am so glad my review was helpful.  You will have to let me know what you think of the cruise/itinerary after your cruise.  I hope you enjoy the cruise as much as I did,  😃Looking through my papers, I see all of the compasses except Day 8.  Day 8 was a sea day and the 2nd formal.  I will keep looking to see if I can find Day 8.  I will have to scan the itineraries in and try to figure out how to upload a pdf (versus picture).  I will upload them in pieces (by day) as I get the time.  Day 1 is attached.  If this works, I figured it out,

2019-07-18_194902.pdf

3 hours ago, lpmom said:

@cliftoncruiser you mentioned the GoFundy tour company. Most of the companies I've looked into are based on a minimum of 4 people. Any idea how I can find excursions for just two people instead of using RCCL

GoFundy charges a flat rate, not per person.  The maximum is six people but they will take less since he is not loosing money.  The nice part is that you can stay longer in areas you like and less time in other areas.  I do not know of any other suggestions but would highly recommend GoFundy.  If you want to lower the cost, you may look on the roll call and see if anyone wants to join the two of you.  As a side note, my DH sent the tour guide Alexei an email asking where he got the maple hard candies he gave us to take home and received a quick response even after the fact.   My husband really liked the candy (lol).  

14 hours ago, cincicruisers said:

Great review!  Thanks for sharing.  Do you have any photos of your suite?

As requested, here are some suite pictures of the owners suite from my stay (cabin 8502)...

8 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

Thanks for the detailed review. It looks like you enjoyed the ship and the itinerary. 

 

I am curious about how you learned of the embarkation day suite lunch. Were you told on board, did you received an email in advance? Do you know if the lunch is offered  to pinnacles members, as many suite benefits are also provided to pinnacle cruisers. 

 

Thanks

 

m

I received an e-mail a few days before the cruise from the Carlington, the concierge, that listed perks.  One was the embankment day lunch.  When I first walked into the MDR for lunch, staff told me it was closed for a private function but when I showed my sea pass card I was seated.  Carlington was in the MDR greeting individual tables.

15 hours ago, Jarmo said:

Scanner was up there a couple weeks ago.

Maybe I missed it.  I just know my DD ran back to the room to get her license because she couldn’t use the sea pass at the Viking Lounge during late night hours.

21 minutes ago, cincicruisers said:

Great review!  Thanks for sharing.  Do you have any photos of your suite?

Yes, I have tons of pictures.  Let me gather a few with different cabin views and I will post them.  It will most like be tomorrow as my iPad is at 2%.  

1 minute ago, CruisinCons said:

 

We got certificates while we were eating.  No instructions.  Oh, and our names were written backwards...last name first name. LOL 

I didn’t notice how the name was written.  I am glad they gave instructions as my DD loves sushi and I can actually see her making it at home in the future.  She really enjoyed the class and said she would take the class again.  I wish I had gone with her (my initial intent) but her class ended up being at the same time as the Captains Reception so I went with my hubby instead.