rozmat Posted October 28, 2005 #1 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Just back from our 4 day cruise that ended up being 6 days. We had a great time and didn't mind the extra days at all, even though the seas were really rough the last two days. We arrived at the port around 10:30. Not really by choice, but we had an early flight so just caught a taxi to the pier. It was around a $20.00 fare with tip. When we got to the pier, the ship was still unloading previous passengers. There were around 3 wedding planners trying to get their groups together since one wedding was scheduled for 12:00 and the ship wasn't going to be cleared until around 11:30. There were guests that would be attending the wedding, but not sailing, so they had to report to security to get passes. So the amount of people standing around was major. Finally about 11:45, we were allowed to get in line to board. There was a line for suite passengers, platinum and diamond members. We used this line and it went quite fast, but the other passengers were taken to a different line and were being seated to wait. Once on the ship, we checked to see if cabins were ready to drop off our carry on luggage. They were not. Told to check back around 2:00. So we went to the windjammer to eat lunch. The windjammer is divided into food stations on this ship. I liked this feature because if you only want a salad, you can just go to the salad bar and don't have to stand in a long line. There were separate stations for bread and rolls, salads, deli type sandwiches, a grill, carving station, Jade, which served oriental style, and the deserts. Some people didn't like this arrangement, but I thought it made more sense than going past all the offerings just to get to the type of food you want. The ship is beautiful and the crew were amazing. They kept smiles on their faces, even when some passengers were really upset about the extra days. Hello people. There's a hurricane out there, and the captain can't bring you to the port in it. Some people just didn't get it. A lot of passengers canceled before the cruise because they lived in the Bahamas, and those would be our ports of call. We went to Nassau and Freeport. So the dinning room was never full. We had table number 3 and though it was set for 6, there were only 4 of us. My husband I and two very nice ladies. Hi, Lynn and Nancy. We enjoyed your company very much. Our waitstaff were very friendly and helpful. Always checking to make sure everything was just right. As far as the food went, I though there was a nice variety. I do think that the food was better when I first starting cruising around 11 years ago but I still enjoyed every meal. We ate in the dinning room for dinner and the windjammer for lunch and breakfast. In the windjammer, the crew comes around to get you drinks and clear your plates. There was always lemonade and iced tea. In the mornings, juices were apple and orange and a blend of some other juices. The activities were the usual. Bingo, art auctions, sexy legs contest, belly flop, and dance lessons. Of course the love and marriage game and quest. The movies shown were monster-in-law, batman begins, bewitched. These are the ones I remember. Might have been more. There were also movies shown on your TV. They had the world series play off games in the casino bar and in the schooner bar, which made my husband very happy, He's a White Sox fan, growing up on the South Side of Chicago. There were many Sox fans watching the game as well. The captain, Captain Per, was very entertaining. His announcements were informative but always with a sense of humor. He tried to get us to Port Everglades because the Enchantment was going to Cozumel to rescue the stranded people, and he thought they would let us in sooner. It turned out that wasn't going to happen, and he had to announce it. He said he was sorry for breaking his promise, but it was the US government who said no, but he was going to be wearing his bullet proof vest, (or west) as he pronounced it, and stay in his cabin. I had to laugh at this. Guess you had to hear him to enjoy it. He offered 15 min. INTERNET time to try and change air or get hotels. We also had two 15 min. free INTERNET for being platinum crown and anchor members. We used the INTERNET to e-mail everyone at home, and to try and change our airline reservations. And each time, we were charged. The customer relations fixed the charges, but we still had to wait in line to do this. The last bill, still had the recent charges on it, but for $2.50, I wasn't waiting in line again. I did call a Crown and Anchor Rep. to tell about this problem, so perhaps they can rectify it soon. Speaking about Crown and Anchor Reps, the loyalty ambassador, Carlos is a really nice man. Very friendly and helpful. We booked a cruise on the Freedom of The Seas with him for 2007. Love those on-board credits. All in all, this was a great cruise on a wonderful ship with excellent staff. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to find an answer. I do have all the cruise compasses. If you're going on this ship, I'm sure you will have a great time. Roslyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted October 28, 2005 #2 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Thank you, rozmat. We will be on the November 7th sailing and it was interesting to hear of the windjammer stations. How were the deli sandwiches? I have to admit that I love Carnival's deli, especially the pastrami on rye. Does Enchantment do justice to a good pastrami sandwich? We will be taking our first cruise as platinum members and was wondering if you could share some of the new benefits we should experience. You mentioned check-in. Is there an additional on-board "event?" How about good coupons? I appreciated your review and look forward to your answers. Yogi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 28, 2005 Author #3 Share Posted October 28, 2005 We didn't eat any of the deli sandwiches, but they looked good. Different meats and cheeses on French bread. Yes there was an additional on board event for the diamond and platinum members. It was held in the Viking Crown Lounge around noon. They had hot snacks, like fried shrimp, and cold canapés and deserts. Also mimosas, or champagne, but I did see guest ordering different drinks without charge. The Loyalty Ambassador, Carlos hosted the party, and went around to each table to great the guests. As I said, very nice man. If you get a chance to talk to him, tell him Matt and Roslyn said hello. We used several of the coupons, so I don't have them, but will try and remember some of them. 15 minutes free INTERNET, 15% discount on bottle of wine on second bottle purchased, free glass of wine, beer, water or soda, free picture when purchasing another one, discount on Ben and Jerry's ice cream, free bingo card, two casino credits of $2.00 each, match play for $5.00 in casino, discount of 10% in the Royal Caribbean logo store, and discount on Seattle coffee. I think there are more but can't remember them right now. If there are two members, then you get two books, so all these are doubled. There's also a priority lounge before getting off the ship. On ours it was the dinning room, but since we did not get off that day, we didn't use it. They serve pastries and coffee. It was scheduled for the 7:30 in the morning the day we were supposed to be at the port. The day we did get off, it was not offered because we didn't know what time we would be allowed to leave. We, however used the express disembarking option. You fill out your choice to do this when the cabin steward leaves the information in your cabin. They give you a blue piece of paper, and you are the first ones off the ship, even before the priority passengers. You have to take your luggage off yourselves, but we only had one large piece and carry ons. This also means you don't place your luggage in the hall the night before, which worked out well, since the guests that did, didn't have access to their clothes when the cruise was extended. Roslyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted October 28, 2005 #4 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Thanks Roslyn for the answers! We are really looking forward to experiencing Enchantment, although our ports will probably be changed. Last year we had a 5 night cruise transform into a seven nighter and enjoyed the extra days. We were even able to change our flights back to New York with minimum difficulty. I'm sure we will attend the special event (can't pass up free food and drinks!) and will mention your names to Carlos. Did you take advantage of booking a future cruise while onboard? Thanks again! Bill (aka Yogi) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 28, 2005 Author #5 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Yes we did. Booked 3 Grand Suites for March 2007 on the Freedom of the Seas. Taking my adult children and grandsons. There will be 12 of us. We've cruised together before and all enjoyed it. Next year we are going to Hawaii on NCL Pride of America. Wish RCCL had a 7 day Hawaiian cruise, by unfortunately if we want to see Hawaii without going to a foreign port, NCL it is. Roslyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted October 28, 2005 #6 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Yogi, we were on the Enchantment for the Oct 2 sailing. I don't remember a pastrami sandwich, but there is a different Panini sandwich everyday that were fantastic and a different wrap sandwich that was also good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 28, 2005 Author #7 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Murphy, I remember you from another post a long while ago, asking where everyone was from. Do you remember? You stated you golfed at Chapel Hill, and I live near there in Chapel Hill Estates. Some day maybe we'll end up on a cruise together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted October 28, 2005 #8 Share Posted October 28, 2005 Yes, Rozmat, I remember the post. It was quite interesting, as it turned out there is another "murphy" on Cruise Critic who also lives in McHenry. It used to be that we lived in a small town, but I guess we are growing up or out or at least have residents who like to cruise! It would be neat if we all ended up on the same cruise some time! I've got 4 cruises booked for next year, do any of them interest you? :) See my signature line for specifics... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mariapd719 Posted October 29, 2005 #9 Share Posted October 29, 2005 Was there a hair dryer in the cabin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy Posted October 29, 2005 #10 Share Posted October 29, 2005 Was there a hair dryer in the cabin? Yes, there is a hand held hair dryer in the vanity drawer by the electrical outlet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4marty4 Posted October 29, 2005 #11 Share Posted October 29, 2005 Hi Rozmat, Thanks for the info. I am going on Enchantment December 15th and can hardly wait. I think our stop in Cozumel will be getting changed to Costa Maya but who cares. I just wondered, did RC give you any "freebies" while on board for th extra time? Did they give you free credits since they were disrupting many peoples plans? Glad to hear you had a great trip. This will be my DH first cruise and my 4th! Thanks, Marty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 29, 2005 Author #12 Share Posted October 29, 2005 The captain offered 15 minutes free INTERNET service, and I think a free phone call. If anything else was offered, like a free drink, I missed it. Sometimes if you were in public places, it was hard to hear the messages on the PA system. Not everyone stops talking to listen. Of course we had 2 free days and nights of meals, entertainment, and some great photo opportunities. I'm sure some wanted more, and maybe they got it by complaining, but I personally knew this could end up being a longer cruise, and we did have the option to cancel before the cruise and receive a credit for the cruise portion. The staff worked very hard to keep us safe and out of a hurricane. That was good enough for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caughrons Posted October 29, 2005 #13 Share Posted October 29, 2005 Rozmat, Thanks for the review. It sounds like you love to cruise. My wife and I have been on a few ship and are returning on the Nov 7th Enchanatment Cruise. Yogi if you have never been to the cocktail party for Plat and diamond cruisers please go or come to this one. The food and drink are better (probably because its smaller than typical welcome back party) and we (my wife and I) have always had a few words with the Captian at these. Enjoy the cruise and enjoy the party. Caughrons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted October 29, 2005 #14 Share Posted October 29, 2005 Rozmat, Thanks for the review. It sounds like you love to cruise. My wife and I have been on a few ship and are returning on the Nov 7th Enchanatment Cruise. Yogi if you have never been to the cocktail party for Plat and diamond cruisers please go or come to this one. The food and drink are better (probably because its smaller than typical welcome back party) and we (my wife and I) have always had a few words with the Captian at these. Enjoy the cruise and enjoy the party. Caughrons Yes, we will be there. This is our first cruise since attaining platinum and are looking forward to it. Does the platinum and diamond party take place at the same time as the regular welcome back party, or do we get to go twice? BTW, since we are on the same cruise, I received a response to an email to RCL. It stated we would either stop at Costa Maya instead of Cozumel or have an additional day at sea and to call reservations closer to the date of the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 30, 2005 Author #15 Share Posted October 30, 2005 The welcome back party as well as the wine tasting are only offered on 7 day or longer cruises for crown and anchor members. Since in essence, this was booked as a four day, we only had the one party for diamond and platinum as well as the Captain's cocktail party on formal night. But I'd doubt that on 7 day or longer, they would have them at the same time. This is supposed to be an extra event for the loyal cruisers, and I think they arrange them at two separate times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve20832 Posted October 30, 2005 #16 Share Posted October 30, 2005 Hi rozmat, I'm going on the same 4 night cruise in January and was wondering what night is the formal night. Also, did you try Chops? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 30, 2005 Author #17 Share Posted October 30, 2005 Saturday was formal night and that was also the Captain's welcome aboard reception. I didn't try Chops, but our table mates did, and they enjoyed it. One lady had the fillet and said it was quite good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan1_2000 Posted October 30, 2005 #18 Share Posted October 30, 2005 Any possibility of posting the compasses that you say you have? I am on the 4 night on 2/9/06, gettin' close...and thanks for your descriptions, it sounds like a great ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozmat Posted October 30, 2005 Author #19 Share Posted October 30, 2005 I'd be glad to e-mail you copies of the cruise compasses. I don't know how to post them here. My e-mail address is in my profile, so if you'd like me to do it, send me an e-mail address and I'll forward them to you. Plus I doubt that they'd be large enough to read here. By e-mail, they could be enlarged. You do realize that my itinerary is different than yours will be, since we couldn't go to either Key West or Cozumel but I'm sure the daily activities will be similar. Roslyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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