wingmom2 Posted June 26, 2016 #51 Share Posted June 26, 2016 I wore leggings and a longer shirt, guys were in khakis. There were a lot that still did formal but we went on the more casual to save space in our luggage. We even had people show up in pool type attire it was crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2heatons Posted June 26, 2016 #52 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Great news. What about formal night? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired LEO Posted June 26, 2016 #53 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Itinerary change. Engine trouble (1), just announced by Captain. Reduced speed. We're heading to Nassau and Coco Cay. Still going to Key West. Refund as OBC of 10% of purchase price. Not a big deal to us. We're enjoying the ship! They started having engine problems last week. Extreme vibration in the dining room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired LEO Posted June 26, 2016 #54 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Great news. What about formal night? Sent from my iPhone using Forums There are no formal nights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chengkp75 Posted June 26, 2016 #55 Share Posted June 26, 2016 They started having engine problems last week. Extreme vibration in the dining room. As I answered your post in the other thread, the vibration issue most likely was not caused by "engine problems". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare horseymike Posted June 26, 2016 #56 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Are the engines the originals from when the ship was built ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OceansOfTravels Posted June 26, 2016 #57 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Itinerary change. Engine trouble (1), just announced by Captain. Reduced speed. We're heading to Nassau and Coco Cay. Still going to Key West. Refund as OBC of 10% of purchase price. Not a big deal to us. We're enjoying the ship! Do you know if other itineraries have been impacted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chengkp75 Posted June 26, 2016 #58 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Are the engines the originals from when the ship was built ? Yes, but they have been overhauled repeatedly. Overhaul intervals for medium speed engines like these are every 12,000 hours (about every two years, since they don't run continuously), and during overhaul they are literally torn down to the bare block. All injectors, fuel pumps, and piston rings are renewed every time, everything dismantled and cleaned, and the bearings, pistons, and liners renewed based on wear. Life expectancy for the "engine" (meaning the block, since everything else can and does get renewed as required) is almost infinite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulette3028 Posted June 29, 2016 #59 Share Posted June 29, 2016 Port of Miami is now home to Empress and Enchantment. Enchantment has the 3/4 day weekly routes of Monday to Friday and then Friday to Monday. Empress does a 5/5/4 day schedule and therefore on some Mondays (for example), both ships are docking and then again embarking later in the day. How is parking handled? On a Thursday departure for Empress (like we have at the end of August), the nearby parking garage must be filled with the cruisers who embarked on the previous Monday on Enchantment and don't return until the next day. What experiences have cruisers had so far? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Shoes2Go Posted June 29, 2016 #60 Share Posted June 29, 2016 We arrived at the garage at 1045; the ship was cleared and we boarded at 1110; very easy. The garage was quite full when we arrived, but as we went further up, some spots were still available. Not sure which passengers were parked there; likely Enchantment's. The price for parking at the port may keep the garage from filling completely.:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormynow Posted June 29, 2016 #61 Share Posted June 29, 2016 The cruiser's departing Thurs am off the Empress should free parking spaces for the next cruise. I hope as we also sail on a Thurs, 7/14. Stormy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulette3028 Posted June 29, 2016 #62 Share Posted June 29, 2016 The cruiser's departing Thurs am off the Empress should free parking spaces for the next cruise. I hope as we also sail on a Thurs, 7/14. Stormy You will experience it before I do....come back and let us all know, how it goes. Enjoy your cruise....it all works out in the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulette3028 Posted June 29, 2016 #63 Share Posted June 29, 2016 We arrived at the garage at 1045; the ship was cleared and we boarded at 1110; very easy. The garage was quite full when we arrived, but as we went further up, some spots were still available. Not sure which passengers were parked there; likely Enchantment's. The price for parking at the port may keep the garage from filling completely.:eek: Parking is expensive in the lots in Miami, and off site parking lots are not really nearby. For short cruises, we don't care what it is....for long cruises out of Miami, we would take car service and leave our car in our garage. It is much cheaper to part in Fort Lauderdale, and there are nearby off site lots which are very very reasonable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aichambaye Posted June 30, 2016 #64 Share Posted June 30, 2016 I just really want to thank everyone who has been posting! I feel a lot better about this cruise now. Still on the fence about the beverage package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingmom2 Posted June 30, 2016 #65 Share Posted June 30, 2016 If I had to do it all over again-I would have just bought the Royal Replenish package for the soda and water...We did buy 2 premium packages but are not big drinkers and I definitely don't think I got my money's worth that's for sure. Especially days that you are at port by the time you get back to the ship you are getting ready for dinner and then we were exhausted and went back to our rooms and crashed. So if you aren't a big drinker you might be better off using your onboard credit for a few drinks here and there. Just my thoughts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master0396 Posted June 30, 2016 #66 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Hey Guys! Just got off the Empress today and wanted to share some updates with the status of the ship: The Casino air conditioning is fixed! Dining has gotten a whole lot better. Especially in the MDR Shows were good. I really like Sequin and Feathers :) Overall, I was impressed with service, although the ship is smaller than its sisters. Good value for a short getaway... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shemp2000 Posted June 30, 2016 #67 Share Posted June 30, 2016 Hey Guys! Just got off the Empress today and wanted to share some updates with the status of the ship: The Casino air conditioning is fixed! Dining has gotten a whole lot better. Especially in the MDR Shows were good. I really like Sequin and Feathers :) Overall, I was impressed with service, although the ship is smaller than its sisters. Good value for a short getaway... Did they fix the engine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyBlond Posted July 4, 2016 Author #68 Share Posted July 4, 2016 How was disembarking? I need to set up a shuttle time pickup to get us back to FLL, I am in no hurry. I'm sailing in later July.Is 10:00 ok? Do they kick you off super early? Or is it a slow process? Thanks We did self debark, fastest we've ever gotten off the ship. . We left our cabin at 7:20 and were in the car driving away at 7:35. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyBlond Posted July 4, 2016 Author #69 Share Posted July 4, 2016 Thank you so much for the review! :D It was very informative and uplifting. Quick question: Are there lots of deck chairs and rail space to view the passing scenery? I was looking at some pictures and the upper deck space looks limited. We enjoy laying out and going into the pool on sea days, will it be too crowded to relax? Also, since we have an OV cabin, we will need to use the upper rails to watch the ship leave. Is there enough rail space for everyone or should we make sure we get up there early? Thanks again! :D The pool deck is always crowed, but the upper deck was usually ok. I personally like the outside on deck 6 for watching the scenery, it's in the shade. :) Also, the aft of deck 6 behind boleros is a really nice place to watch the wake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellygonz Posted July 6, 2016 #70 Share Posted July 6, 2016 Thank you for the reviews. I was a bit nervous but you guys have put me at ease. I will be sailing with my 4 and 7 year old. Hopefully they love the club so I can have more adult time. Cant wait:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksadonnab Posted July 8, 2016 #71 Share Posted July 8, 2016 (edited) Itinerary change. Engine trouble (1), just announced by Captain. Reduced speed. We're heading to Nassau and Coco Cay. Still going to Key West. Refund as OBC of 10% of purchase price. Not a big deal to us. We're enjoying the ship! Yep, so did I - great cruise!! I was initially disappointed - didn't want to do Nassau again for the 3rd time but even that was surprise! Edited July 8, 2016 by ksadonnab Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DENNAS Posted July 9, 2016 #72 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Hi! July 23rd cruiser here- bumped from an April sailing- 1.) What night is Lobster and free wine night? I'm on 5 day cruise in 2 weeks- 2.) Any update on CHOPS? Should we go? Heard the 'earlier on' cruisers weren't impressed - Has it gotten any better? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ReneeFLL Posted July 9, 2016 #73 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Good to read a positive post about the Empress. Seems like there were a lot of problems in the beginning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2heatons Posted July 9, 2016 #74 Share Posted July 9, 2016 (edited) Hi! July 23rd cruiser here- bumped from an April sailing- 1.) What night is Lobster and free wine night? I'm on 5 day cruise in 2 weeks- 2.) Any update on CHOPS? Should we go? Heard the 'earlier on' cruisers weren't impressed - Has it gotten any better? Thanks! Just got off the July 4 sailing. Lobster tails were free in the MDR the next to last night. The last night was free wine and a seafood buffet in Windjammer. No lobster tails on buffet. This was a great cruise. Very low key and relaxing. Pack more casual than you anticipate. No night is formal. We did not eat at chops but others did and liked it. You can order a filet in the MDR for $17 if you're craving a steak. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Edited July 9, 2016 by 2heatons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1120 Posted July 9, 2016 #75 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Where do C&A members meet up for a cocktail before/after dinner? Most ships have a dedicated lounge but I'm guessing the Empress does not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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