Enchanted

[Crusin Karen]

As you can see if you look at my sig I’m a CCL cruiser. Top notch diamond! Tough stuff lol! 🤗 I live in NE NJ and being widowed now I sail solo and sail exclusively from this area. Have “friends on that other site” who are doing a live on enchanted. So I booked her for a 7 day Canada/NE in September. The plus….anyone have any tips/advice for me? TIA! 

[MissP22]

You'll find Princess to be much more calm & laid back than Carnival.

Enjoy the Princess line for what they offer & mostly for what they don't. 

[skynight]

Consider the plus fare. It's a nice value. The breakeven is around 2 to 3 alcoholic beverages per day depending on how much of the unlimited non alcoholic beverages you consume. Gigi's pizza. Really nice casual meal. 

[alijay]

Please post your comments about sailing solo on the Enchanted.  I'll be doing the same in December.  

[Lady Arwen]

10 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

As you can see if you look at my sig I’m a CCL cruiser. Top notch diamond! Tough stuff lol! 🤗 I live in NE NJ and being widowed now I sail solo and sail exclusively from this area. Have “friends on that other site” who are doing a live on enchanted. So I booked her for a 7 day Canada/NE in September. The plus….anyone have any tips/advice for me? TIA! 

I guess it depends on what you enjoy about Carnival.  If it’s the party atmosphere, the very casual way of dining, if it’s the toys and bells and whistles you love, then Princess would not be a good fit for you,

 

However, if you’re wanting to slow things down a notch and enjoy a quieter and more elegant atmosphere, then Princess would work for you.  Food quality is probably close in comparison as would be the service.  Entertainment will not be even close.  Princess entertainment is fine, but nothing bold or innovative and certainly not on the same scale as Carnival.  For many of us, this is a plus!  Depends on how you like to spend your time.  I think you should give it a try and experience something different.

[Crusin Karen]

7 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

I guess it depends on what you enjoy about Carnival.  If it’s the party atmosphere, the very casual way of dining, if it’s the toys and bells and whistles you love, then Princess would not be a good fit for you,

 

However, if you’re wanting to slow things down a notch and enjoy a quieter and more elegant atmosphere, then Princess would work for you.  Food quality is probably close in comparison as would be the service.  Entertainment will not be even close.  Princess entertainment is fine, but nothing bold or innovative and certainly not on the same scale as Carnival.  For many of us, this is a plus!  Depends on how you like to spend your time.  I think you should give it a try and experience something different.

Yes that’s what I’m looking for! I’m not much into shows. I do like to

be where the “action is” just because I am an avid people watcher lol. I enjoy cocktails, I enjoy BEING at sea! I enjoy dressing up! I’m most interested in learning about meals-breakfast and lunch buffet? Dinner in dining room? Is it assigned or any time dining. I did sign up for “plus.” I’m not interested in pay extra specialty dining…does Princess offer excursions to the ports of call? 

[Lady Arwen]

Princess offers quite a large and varied buffet for all meals and snacks throughout the day.  One section of the buffet is always open.  The MDR is open for anytime dining, just show up when you’re ready to eat and you may have a short wait to be seated.  You can also pre reserve each days dining time on the app.  I also enjoy dressing up, and yes you can do that on Princess anytime you choose.  There are many, many threads on this board with regards to the dress code, or lack of, on Princess.  Just do what makes you happy and ignore the rest.

 

Yes, Princess offers excursions to all ports of  call.  You may also prebook these on the app.  I would join your roll call and see what others on your sailing are planning.  Since you’re sailing solo, this is a good opportunity to meet up and engage with your fellow passengers.

 

If you haven’t done so already, you should research the Princess app.  Once you book a cruise, you will do all your planning and preparations on the app and then you will utilize the Medallion once onboard.  Loads of info on this board for you.

 

Any questions, please feel free to ask as we’re here to help.

[Crusin Karen]

^^^thank you! I have gone thru this forum. Just doesn’t seem as active as the crazy CCL forum! I am very lucky that I have cruised so many times on CCL and on same ship so I’m very familiar with everything. So I’m just a bit intimidated-especially cruising solo! I’m very excited-she looks like a beautiful ship. 

[Lady Arwen]

Enchanted is a really pretty ship.  I’ll be sailing on her in August on a Canada New England itinerary.  It’s a very different experience compared to Carnival and I sincerely think you might enjoy the change.  Good luck!

[Crusin Karen]

49 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

Enchanted is a really pretty ship.  I’ll be sailing on her in August on a Canada New England itinerary.  It’s a very different experience compared to Carnival and I sincerely think you might enjoy the change.  Good luck!

That’s the itinerary I’m doing also! 9/14. 

[Wishing on a star]

If you are not big on shows, and 'partying',  but like to be where the 'vibe' is, and enjoy being at sea,  then you should be very happy!  The Piazza that Princess has is the perfect offering.

Depending on who the band and entertainers are onboard, the Piazza could be LOUD on some nights, and more laid back. (but not a snooze-fest) on other nights.    We have seen everything from 'Rock' band shows to 'middle of the road' bands who do numbers like "Isn't she wonderful" (Stevie Wonder)  and "Hello" (Lionel Ritchie)

The piano entertainer at Crooners will alternate with the band/entertainer on the main level of the Piazza throughout the evening.

Things to note, and enjoy -

 The international Cafe. breakfasts sandwiches snacks all day...  This is where you will get your nice specialty coffees.

Gigi's/Alfredos  -  Def. use your Plus Package to get the BEST pizza.  (this. used to be free/included)

Enchanted has The Catch by Rudi, right?   This would be one of the specialty (uncharge) restaurants that you might want to try.

The adult pool area...  The main pool area will be louder, busy, with the huge MUTS screen playing concerts/videos/movies.   (unfortunately, they enclosed the adult retreat pool with cabins, so most seating is on the deck overlooking.)

Princess will have a lot of the same things as CCL - the casino, game shows, etc...

 

ENJOY!!!

 

 

[Lady Arwen]

29 minutes ago, Crusin Karen said:

That’s the itinerary I’m doing also! 9/14. 

We’re on the August 24 sailing.  Your weather should be quite lovely, even in the Maritime provinces.  A bit too early for a big display of the fall colours, but otherwise it will be quite warm.  Of course, you know New England far better than I, but assuming it’s about the same as here in Ontario.

 

We hope to book The Sanctuary for our entire cruise, but you have to board the ship to do so.  No pre reservations.  You might want to take a look at the Sanctuary (there is an extra charge).  You can book half day, full day or full cruise.  Go to YouTube and check it out.  It’s quite lovely!

Edited February 9 by Lady Arwen

[Mangrove Snapper]

2 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

does Princess offer excursions to the ports of call? 

 

Yes, you can check them out already.  We did this cruise last year on the Emerald and we're doing it again this year on Enchanted.  If you log onto Princess's site, go to My Account and then Manage this Booking for your cruise.  Click on Excursions at the top. 

 

You can also book them through the app. 

[skynight]

These are all nice ports. Your ship will sail from Red Hook Brooklyn. Plan transportation to/from that port. On a 7 night cruise there should be two production shows, a boarding day introduction show and 4 guest entertainer shows. They are all walk in.  Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early for production shows.. For other shows arrive around 30 minutes early. Lots of people watching in the Piazza on deck 5. The International Café (IC) is also there open 24/7. No charge for food. In the evening popular lounges Crooner’s and Take Five have live music. There will also be live music in the Piazza probably pre-dinner. Watch the daily activity sheet for live music times and locations. The last day is your only sea day. You have two tender ports, Newport and St. John. If you book a Princess tour you will meet on board and be escorted to the tender. If you wish to go ashore yourself you have to get a tender ticket. The location will be provided the day before. It’s usually one of the DRs. Arrive early to get in line. Tender tickets are given out on 1^st come basis. At some point during the morning, maybe 2 to 3 hours tender tickets will no longer be required. I see you booked the plus fare. It takes about two to three alcoholic beverages per day to break even, so you look good.

Breakfast is served each day in one of the DRs. You can also order room service breakfast, have breakfast in the buffet, or choose a continental breakfast at the International Café. For lunch there is the buffet. Slice (pizza by the slice) and the Salty Dog Grill, by the Lido Pool the IC and room service. For Dinner you can make a reservation in the Dine My Way app. You can also just show up.

Go to the Princess.com website. Sign in and your booking will appear. You can then review all the excursions and book them. Princess requires payment at the time of booking. Each excursion has a cancellation policy. If you have OBC you can use it to pre book excursions. You can also use the Princess app for this purpose.

Edited February 9 by skynight

[Wishing on a star]

We do enjoy our specialtycoffee beverages, waters, Alfredo's....  sodas are included...  as well as gratuities and WIFI.   Unless one really does stick to the offered water, tea, lemonade, etc..  The PLUS package does start to save pretty quickly.

[HS2BS]

We’re sailing on the Enchanted next week(Friday 2/16/24) for 10 days to the Caribbean. Have sailed on the Sky, Regal, Royal and most of the others(17 Princess cruises),but this is our first time on this ship. Chestnut Ridge is exit 172 GSP-10 minutes north of you.

 

Hal

[JGmf]

@Crusin Karen Hello from your neighbor down the Northway.

 

I came exclusively from NCL to Princess and enjoy the contrast, sort of more upscale ship, more adult-oriented experience.  Nicer pools and better drink package.

 

Speaking of which....despite the one-off naysayer, it's a no-brainer to buy the Plus package if you enjoy cocktails.  In addition to the drinks, the Plus package allows you free specialty coffees, water, and juices. 

 

Enjoy your cruise, although your leaf peeping is probably better around Sacandaga!

[Gabrielle R.]

3 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

^^^thank you! I have gone thru this forum. Just doesn’t seem as active as the crazy CCL forum! I am very lucky that I have cruised so many times on CCL and on same ship so I’m very familiar with everything. So I’m just a bit intimidated-especially cruising solo! I’m very excited-she looks like a beautiful ship. 

Also if you do facebook you can search for Enchanted Princess.  I prefer CC since people here are less snarky AND are great with helping you with questions 😁

[Gabrielle R.]

38 minutes ago, HS2BS said:

We’re sailing on the Enchanted next week(Friday 2/16/24) for 10 days to the Caribbean. Have sailed on the Sky, Regal, Royal and most of the others(17 Princess cruises),but this is our first time on this ship. Chestnut Ridge is exit 172 GSP-10 minutes north of you.

 

Hal

I would love to see pictures of Enchanted and hear about your cruise!   I think that would help anyone who will be cruising Enchanted anytime soon 
Gabrielle 

[BamaVol]

2 hours ago, MissP22 said:

Hardly a great deal if you leave 12 or 13 drinks unclaimed.

Isn’t that the equivalent of leaving food on the buffet?  
 

Theoretically I paid for more than I can eat or drink.  But I don’t feel the need to exceed my capacity just to watch the cost per drink or meal drop.

Edited February 9 by BamaVol

[skynight]

2 hours ago, MissP22 said:

Hardly a great deal if you leave 12 or 13 drinks unclaimed.

It's a good value. The breakeven is between two and three alcoholic beverages per day. What you don't consume doesn't really matter. You also have the convenience.

[Lady Arwen]

1 hour ago, voljeep said:

'and away we go'

 

Always, everyday, incessantly.  

[Lady Arwen]

10 minutes ago, skynight said:

It's a good value. The breakeven is between two and three alcoholic beverages per day. What you don't consume doesn't really matter. You also have the convenience.

It’s a very good value.  To those who don’t want it, don’t like it, don’t approve of it, can’t afford it, please stop your constant criticism of the packages.  There are many of us who do enjoy it.  I recently read on these boards that the majority of passengers have one of the packages.

 

Like you, we love the convenience of enjoying our cruise without having to factor in cost.  And, the Princess packages are the lowest price in the cruise industry.   Win, win for us.  Thanks, Princess!

[MissP22]

2 hours ago, BamaVol said:

Isn’t that the equivalent of leaving food on the buffet?  
 

Theoretically I paid for more than I can eat or drink.  But I don’t feel the need to exceed my capacity just to watch the cost per drink or meal drop.

Not quite, since you've paid for those drinks upfront and if you don't drink them, you're not getting your true value from the package price. 

[Crusin Karen]

3 hours ago, HS2BS said:

We’re sailing on the Enchanted next week(Friday 2/16/24) for 10 days to the Caribbean. Have sailed on the Sky, Regal, Royal and most of the others(17 Princess cruises),but this is our first time on this ship. Chestnut Ridge is exit 172 GSP-10 minutes north of you.

 

Hal

Exit 163! Right onto good old route 17! Parents and brother have summer homes at the shore (exit 98 lol) so I travel the GSP very often!