EOTS 6 night Bermuda review

[jerseygirl3]

We just returned yesterday from our sailing aboard the Enchantment of the Seas 6 night Bermuda sailing from Baltimore.  Here's a review:

 

Demographics:  Me (67), friend (73), my sister (61) and BIL (70).  We are all very experienced cruisers, but this was our first cruise back since the pandemic.  DH stayed home due to work schedule, so a friend shared the cabin with me.

 

Precruise:  All of us tested through Rapid Test and Trace and it was a great experience.  $20, used our own home test, and had results (all negative) within 15 minutes. We all stayed at Best Western Plus in Elkridge and used their Park and Cruise package.  Included complimentary parking, breakfast, and shuttle to and from port.  My friend and I drove there from southern New Jersey, and sister and BIL from Williamsburg, VA.

 

Check-In:  Was rather slow due to the fact that they now have to take a photo of your negative test and Bermuda Travel Advisory and download it into the system.  They used to have the passengers do this, but now the check-in staff does it.  I would say we stood in line for about an hour. They also weren't verifying your check-in time, so I'm sure people showed up earlier than they should and that slowed down things.  We were given a time of 11:30 to 12 and we arrived at 12. 

 

Cabin:  My friend and I shared an interior cabin on Deck 7.  We had the cabin attendant split the bed into twins.  No complaints about the cabin; everything was as expected.  Our attendant was wonderful and kept it spotlessly cleaned.  Our wine bucket was always refreshed with ice.  My extra pillows arrived promptly .  The shower is small and since the shower head is on the wall opposite the shower curtain (it's usually on the same wall as the faucet), it was difficult to keep the water inside the shower stall and not all over the bathroom floor.  I had an issue one evening with the safe in the cabin, and when I called maintenance, they sent up a maintenance worker within 10 minutes of my call. 

 

Main Dining Room:  We had My Time Dining and had pre-selected a 7 p.m. reservation for each night.  The first night we were seated at a lovely 4 top table by the window.  Our wait staff was wonderful, and upon leaving dinner that first night, we spoke to the hostess and requested that table for the duration of the cruise.  She took care of it and that table and wait staff was ours for the rest of the cruise.  The Head Waiter (Charles), was excellent.  We've been on over 40 cruises, and we've never had one that was so engaged in ensuring our dining experience was good.  The first night none of our food was hot (some was downright cold), we mentioned it to him, and the next night everything was served as it should be.  To be honest, the food in the MDR was hit or miss.  Some items good, some great, and occasionally inedible (don't order the chicken parm).  Charles said he had so many complaints that evening about the chicken parm that it will prompt a meeting to find out what was the issue.  The pasta dishes weren't great, the beef was always outstanding.  Forgot to mention that our first day we had made arrangements to have lunch in Chops because the Windjammer can be crazy on boarding day.  While the food was good, the service was not.  It took forever for a waiter to take our order, and the same with ordering a cocktail.  In all fairness, I think there was only one waiter on duty, so I don't blame him.  There did seem to be plenty of waitstaff in the MDR at all times.  Our Asst. Waiter had just come out of quarantine (he was sent to the Serenade for quarantine) due to a case of Covid, and he seemed happy to be back.  Although masks are not required for the guests, all staff must wear them.  I think it was more for the crew's safety because they don't want to lose them to quarantine.  It was, at times, difficult to communicate.  Between different nationalities and masks, communication at times was difficult.

 

Windjammer Buffet:  Although we were going to avoid the buffet and go to the MDR for lunches, the Windjammer proved to have very good food.  Our first lunch in the MDR was not good, so we gave up on that and had breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer from that point on.  Plenty to choose from and the staff were always willing to help you with getting your coffee, juice, water, etc.  And the main attraction in the Windjammer continues to be The Sheriff.  What a happy, joyful man!  He represents Royal Caribbean well and it's a treat to engage in conversation with him. 

 

Entertainment:  The piano player and, of course, everyone's favorite band, Rockport, was always enjoyable.  We didn't attend any shows. My sister introduced my friend and I to Skip-Bo, and we became quite addicted, so that's what we spent our leisure time doing. 

 

Staff:  The staff on this ship are outstanding.  Probably the friendliest we've ever encountered.  Always smiling, always happy, always going overboard (forgive the pun)to make your cruise experience a positive one.  I can't say enough about how wonderful every staff member we encountered were. 

 

Debarkation:  The easiest, quickest of any cruise we've ever been on, and we've been on a lot!LOL  From the time our group was lead off the ship from the lounge until we were outside the terminal waiting for our shuttle was less than 10 minutes.  The Port of Baltimore has this perfected and kudos to them!

 

I'm sure I've missed things, but I'm busy with laundry and getting my land legs back.  Any questions, ask away!