shipgeeks

The item I looked for, to make sure it was included, was a hat. I absolutely wore mine, with big brim, the entire day of the Canal. White shirt for comfort plus sunburn protection. It was very hot and very humid, but so worth being out on deck to watch everything.

We sailed on Enchantment five times in the last 14 months. On all of those cruises there were two Formal nights, with an additional Dress to Impress on one or two of the longer ones. A fair amount of participation.

Did you book through a travel agent? We always give our preference to her, and she takes care of it at the initial booking. If not, and it is set up not the way you want it, just ask your cabin steward to fix it.

I, for one, am happy there is no coffee maker in my cabin. It would be just one more thing taking up space, and making clutter. I have clutter at home; I appreciate not having clutter in my ship cabin.

We have sailed on Enchantment five times in the last 14 months, doing all our meals and snacks in MDR and WJ. Overall, we rate the food good to excellent, including the new menus last month. Re the Indian food: We have enjoyed having some choices available in WJ at both breakfast and lunch. We are aware that many people don't even consider trying it because it is "way too spicy". It's not. For comparison, last week we were treated to a multi-course meal from a new local Indian restaurant. Our host ordered all dishes at "2" level of spiciness, out of 10. All were comparable to the tasty but not too spicy dishes we had on Enchantment.

And when we were there, we were anchored out, requiring us to wait for a tender.

Going back a few years, we have done exactly that, for Cunard cruises from Manhattan, from a couple of hotels in your area. A cool way to start the cruise! The only downside was pulling large luggage down and up the curbs along the way, but well worth it. Just be alert to traffic.

We did a 12-night in March, on Enchantment. I think only one menu was repeated. All of our selections were good to excellent. lovesthebeach2, we ate a lot of Indian food in both WJ and MDR, by choice. It was not overly spicy at all.

Where do you live? Have you also considered Baltimore as a departure port?

That's why we love Freeport and Panama Canal.

I just saw some photos from Enchantment's stop at Bimini. Looks nice! What is it like? What is there to do?

100% OV for us. Twice we have had balconies because they were cheaper than inside or OV, and both times we were disappointed. OV on deck 4, or forward-facing OV on deck 7 or 8, are perfect.

On the three that we have done, most days were sunny and mild, BUT the wind, due to the speed of the ship and not having land to divert the air, made it feel cool a lot of the time. I frequently wore a couple of layers, with long sleeves, if I was out on the open decks. I might also mention that in the Med, on land, we have experienced everything from short-sleeves days (but not shorts) to days in which I wore layers of shirt, fleece, and rain jacket. But I am envious; it is my favorite kind of cruise!

Are the reservations linked, for the five of you? That would give you a table together.

We always dress up for dinner and the evening's activities.

Or do it at the terminal, verbally, as we always do.

Did you request a table for two? We travel as a twosome, but are always seated at a larger table (usually round) with a number of other people. If that is what you'd like, just ask.

I used to live near a bagel bakery. My favorite, at the time, was an egg bagel, taken home to toast, topped with cream cheese. They were bright yellow! Are egg bagels still around?

We hand carry as little as possible, with the big stuff sent through. That also allows us to use the stairs, instead of waiting for packed elevators, when we want to go to another deck. We don't try to arrive early. If muster drill can be done singly, we do it as soon as convenient. We try to have a concept, in advance, of what is on which deck, and forward or aft, so we can go there (eatery or open deck) as easily as possible. This also applies to our cabin, so we can go there when the announcement comes.

If you want freestyle-type dining you have to book an Aurea cabin, not Bella or Fantastica. Regarding evening attire, we found MSC to be dressier, overall, than RC and similar lines, due to the large number of non-Americans onboard.

Interesting! When we sail on MSC again I'll have to try them....if I can tear myself away from my daily sticky bun at least once. Oh my, I think I'm drooling a bit here.....

We have been very impressed with the band currently on Enchantment, Son del Rio's. Percussion, keyboard, male singer. The group previously on Enchantment was Latin Dream, also a threesome, and very good. What groups are on the other ships, and what is their makeup?

For those who have a neighbor (kid?) come over to feed and clean, how much do you pay them?

No, would never even consider it. Cell phone only goes on the cruise, and it stays in the safe until the trip home.

Ok, what is an egg cream? I see it on menus in NYC coffee shops. Have asked what it is, never got a clear answer. So have never ordered one.