Enchantment Quick Hits 4/8-4/12/19

[garrymorere]

Back in Orlando after a few days on Enchantment...

 

My first time with expedited check-in. Not sure if I like it or not more than traditional check-in. I like boarding with a SeaPass card and not having to keep the paper handy with drink package code until staterooms are ready but not a big deal really. 

 

Exteriors are definitely in rough shape with lots of rust, especially on the extension bridge supports.  Lots more than I recall on my last sailing on her two years ago. She needs a good paint job for sure...

 

That being said, the interiors were still in great shape, at least the common areas. All the bars and lounges definitely have had lots of care taken. 

 

Main dining service and food were both great. 

 

Bartenders were great as well. 

 

Music was good. I enjoy live music and always enjoy that aspect. 

 

Casino robbed me first night quickly and I put the brakes on quick. Slots are my poison of choice there. 

 

CD was Susan Adams.  My first time with her and she was fun. Activities Manager was a gentleman from India, I think his name was Sami?  He was very enjoyable throughout and all the shows and events were a blast. 

 

Didn't get off in Nassau, but we were docked with Carnival Freedom and Anthem of the Seas. Good pier runner action to take in for Freedom, our sailing was very good on being back on time 😛

 

Shows were good. First time seeing Stage to Screen, as last time I was on EN for whatever reason they had two headliner nights. Definitely like that better, and this cast was better than what I remember that other cast being. Lots of energy.

 

Windjammer was good, lots of variety for lunch selections daily. 

 

CocoCay was an incredible day. We were expecting crummy weather for that day at the onset of the cruise, and we were pleasantly surprised to perfect weather. The new pool is AMAZING. The swimup bar was a lot of fun, just a fresh new vibe to it all and a great addition. That and docking made CocoCay 10x better than last time. Still went in the ocean, saw some rays, sharks, and stuff. Water was warm and allowed for a trip to the floating bar. Lunch was good, until the power went out all over the island for about 15min. Oops!  

 

Any questions I can answer for away, but this was a nice 4 nights on my second and likely final trip with Enchantment, since she's off to Galveston soon. And it was a good one! 

[RCCL Fan]

Thanks for the quick review.

We’re booked on her this fall and I’ve been concerned about her upkeep.

Some staff on Vision told me, “she’s just not nearly as well maintained as this ship.”

Sounds like she still held her course with you.

I look forward to my first time on her.

[CruisinMama2003]

Thank you for this quick review! We sail on her (from Galveston) next month, and i too have been reading reviews about her exterior and that it needs some TLC. We were on Vision last month, and we loved Vision. Glad to read that ENs interior has been kept up!

[Mikew0805]

54 minutes ago, RCCL Fan said:

Thanks for the quick review.

We’re booked on her this fall and I’ve been concerned about her upkeep.

Some staff on Vision told me, “she’s just not nearly as well maintained as this ship.”

Sounds like she still held her course with you.

I look forward to my first time on her.
 

She was in great shape in September. 

[twangster]

12 minutes ago, Mikew0805 said:

She was in great shape in September. 

 

Enchantment was in terrible shape in September.  Worst in the fleet.  I was hoping they might sink her at CocoCay so that divers could have more to see.  Alas she sails another day.  

[garrymorere]

I didn't mean to make it sound THAT bad LOL. Just the exterior was rough. Still had a great time and you will too, I think

 

One thing I forgot is to always check those folios, I got charged for a beer whilst on the drink package. They said I bought two at the same time, so I got charged for one, definitely not the case. Got it refunded, but shouldn't have been a thing in the first place. 

[Mikew0805]

18 hours ago, twangster said:

 

Enchantment was in terrible shape in September.  Worst in the fleet.  I was hoping they might sink her at CocoCay so that divers could have more to see.  Alas she sails another day.  

I guess "shape" is different in everyones view. Enchantment was clean throughout, nothing noticeably falling apart, all gym equipment worked, Solarium was clean and comfortable, and everything in the cabin was clean, including all aspects of the shower. The Diamond lounge was small, but clean and everything worked. The bed is a different story, but then all beds on RCI are uncomfortable in my opinion. All in all, for a 21 year old ship, I thought she was in good shape. Much better than when I sailed on her in April of 2016.

[twangster]

19 minutes ago, Mikew0805 said:

I guess "shape" is different in everyones view. Enchantment was clean throughout, nothing noticeably falling apart, all gym equipment worked, Solarium was clean and comfortable, and everything in the cabin was clean, including all aspects of the shower. The Diamond lounge was small, but clean and everything worked. The bed is a different story, but then all beds on RCI are uncomfortable in my opinion. All in all, for a 21 year old ship, I thought she was in good shape. Much better than when I sailed on her in April of 2016.

 

Fair enough, but Vision in January was in much better shape.  Less rust everywhere, handrails that didn't have the varnish burned off in many locations around the ship.  I've booked Vision again and I'm looking at Grandeur for a repeat.  Enchantment would need to be one heck of deal before I booked her again.    

Edited April 13, 2019 by twangster

[Chitoryubt]

I agree with the rust. We sailed late in 2018, then a couple of times so far this year.  In my opinion, there has been a definite downturn with respect to the outside of the ship. Lots of visible rust. Not just in spots, but like it's draining down on the rest of the ship from above. I was thinking maybe it was cost saving because they are going to dry dock, but like I said, just my opinion. The inside was just as the OP said, looked great. BTW, I have mentioned the rust on the last couple of surveys.

As usual, the crew was outstanding. Galveston folks, y'all are going to love her.

[RCCL Fan]

8 hours ago, Chitoryubt said:

I agree with the rust. We sailed late in 2018, then a couple of times so far this year.  In my opinion, there has been a definite downturn with respect to the outside of the ship. Lots of visible rust. Not just in spots, but like it's draining down on the rest of the ship from above. I was thinking maybe it was cost saving because they are going to dry dock, but like I said, just my opinion. The inside was just as the OP said, looked great. BTW, I have mentioned the rust on the last couple of surveys.

As usual, the crew was outstanding. Galveston folks, y'all are going to love her.

 

When is she headed to dry dock?

[Chitoryubt]

Sorry - haven't been on the boards since my post. I believe she is headed to dry dock in mid-May. Mariner is coming to PC, and Harmony will be doing a couple of 3-nighters out of PC as well.