Advice for First Timers on Enchantment - 8/4

[PAJJJ]

:) We are newbys to cruising and are scheduled for RCCL Enchantment on 8/4 to Ochos Rios and GC. We are 2 adults and a 12-yr old booked in a JS on 8th deck (862X). Looking for any advice you have specific to this ship. We have been reading the excellent tips throughout the site but wonder if anyone has specific feedback on the following:

- Maybe a stupid question (since we are first timers) but as we are in JS, do we get any type of priority boarding, disembarking or special on board priviliges?

- We enjoy wine with our dinner, any value in pre-ordering the wine card on the website? advice on which package?

- Have heard horror stories about Jamaica excursions-- any ideas for unspoiled beach or falls trips?

- Best pools for sunning and swimming? do you really need to get there before 9AM to get a seat?

- How's the food in dining room. I keep hearing it might be worthwhile to eat at Chopps multiple nights...

- How crowded does the fitness center get and are there off-peak times?

- How does room service work? Can you order the same meal as you would get in dining room to eat on balcony? Seems like that would be fun to do one night-- agree?

- Who should I make sure I tip with cash at cruise outset (in addition to the end of crusie gratuities)?

 

I know that's a lot but any insight would be helpful as we hope to make the most of our first cruise and see if it's something we want to do more of...

 

Thanks in advance!!!!;)

[Tanker4]

:) We are newbys to cruising and are scheduled for RCCL Enchantment on 8/4 to Ochos Rios and GC. We are 2 adults and a 12-yr old booked in a JS on 8th deck (862X). Looking for any advice you have specific to this ship. We have been reading the excellent tips throughout the site but wonder if anyone has specific feedback on the following:

- Maybe a stupid question (since we are first timers) but as we are in JS, do we get any type of priority boarding, disembarking or special on board priviliges?

- We enjoy wine with our dinner, any value in pre-ordering the wine card on the website? advice on which package?

- Have heard horror stories about Jamaica excursions-- any ideas for unspoiled beach or falls trips?

- Best pools for sunning and swimming? do you really need to get there before 9AM to get a seat?

- How's the food in dining room. I keep hearing it might be worthwhile to eat at Chopps multiple nights...

- How crowded does the fitness center get and are there off-peak times?

- How does room service work? Can you order the same meal as you would get in dining room to eat on balcony? Seems like that would be fun to do one night-- agree?

- Who should I make sure I tip with cash at cruise outset (in addition to the end of crusie gratuities)?

 

I know that's a lot but any insight would be helpful as we hope to make the most of our first cruise and see if it's something we want to do more of...

 

Thanks in advance!!!!;)

Welcome to cruising!

 

You'll love the Enchantment. We've been on both smaller and larger ships but sailed the Enchantment a couple of months ago and found her to be the perfect size (at least for us).

 

Don't have answers to all of your questions but there are folks here who probably do. Will share with you our thoughts:

 

1. We were also in a JS and yes, you do get priority boarding.

 

2. We didn't do the preboarding wine card deal but since we also enjoy wine with our meals, we did order a few bottles in the dining room. It's more expensive than what you would pay at home but what the heck, we were on vacation.

 

3. We went to Key West, Cozumel and Belize so I can't comment on Jamaica.

 

4. The outdoor pool is in the sun and yes, you might want to get there fairly early before the "chair hogs" take over. The pool in the solarium is a much quieter atmosphere but it's in the shade.

 

5. We enjoyed most of the food in the dining room but, it's not in Chop's league. Try Chops at least once-- you won't be disappointed.

 

6. Room service is available 24 hours a day. You can order some of the items off of the dining room dinner menu but not all. Just call from your in cabin phone and don't forget to tip the room service person a few bucks when they deliver.

 

7. As for tipping at the outset, there are opinions both ways. We personally do not except for room service, and if we find a favorite bar with a favorite bartender, I sometimes slip him/her a $5.00 tip early on. You'd be amazed how well they take care of you for the rest of the cruise.

 

Enjoy Enchantment and your first cruise. I'll bet you all will be back....

 

Tanker 4

[Merion_Mom]

:) We are newbys to cruising and are scheduled for RCCL Enchantment on 8/4 to Ochos Rios and GC. We are 2 adults and a 12-yr old booked in a JS on 8th deck (862X). Looking for any advice you have specific to this ship. We have been reading the excellent tips throughout the site but wonder if anyone has specific feedback on the following:

- Maybe a stupid question (since we are first timers) but as we are in JS, do we get any type of priority boarding, disembarking or special on board priviliges?

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising!

You will get priority check-in and embarkation. On our 6 day, we got priority disembarkation as well; I hope that you get that on the 5 day, too. Other than that, the only onboard privilege is that you will be staying in a beautiful JS!

- We enjoy wine with our dinner, any value in pre-ordering the wine card on the website? advice on which package?

You *can* pre-order a wine package, but you can still buy the package on board.

- Have heard horror stories about Jamaica excursions-- any ideas for unspoiled beach or falls trips?

Sorry, can't help you there. Only been to Jamaica once, and we went on an organized excursion. There are a LOT of local companies that are recommended on these boards. Go to the Ports of Call boards and check out Jamaica there. :)

- Best pools for sunning and swimming? do you really need to get there before 9AM to get a seat?

All of them! The stretched Enchantment has a great new pool deck. I have never been up at that hour on a cruise, except to go on a shore excursion, so I can't answer your question about pool lounges. :D

- How's the food in dining room. I keep hearing it might be worthwhile to eat at Chopps multiple nights...

We had excellent meals on the Enchantment. Chops *is* fabulous, though, and worth going to once out of five nights.

- How crowded does the fitness center get and are there off-peak times?

Wasn't crowded the one time I was in there. ;)

- How does room service work? Can you order the same meal as you would get in dining room to eat on balcony? Seems like that would be fun to do one night-- agree?

You can get MOST of the menu items via room service, only during the dinner hours, of course.

- Who should I make sure I tip with cash at cruise outset (in addition to the end of crusie gratuities)?

You don't need to tip beforehand. The crew of the Enchantment are happy to do a wonderful job for you, and will be happy with receiving your gratuities at the end of your cruise.

 

I know that's a lot but any insight would be helpful as we hope to make the most of our first cruise and see if it's something we want to do more of...

 

Thanks in advance!!!!;)

Have a blast!

 

(I'm leaving up my signature in this post so that you can read my "Live From The Enchantment" threads, if you like)

[Chicagomom]

Don't let bad reviews scare you. We had a wonderful time in Jamaica (Ocho Rios). Brenda from A-Z Jamaica Planners was fantastic at organizing a tour just for us, and Oscar was the best tour guide! There are too many fun things to do in Ocho Rios to just lay on the beach (unless that is what you prefer to do).

 

We also loved the Enchantment. It's been refurbed since we were on her and I understand she's even better now. Enjoy!

[PAJJJ]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. We are ver excited...:)

[Newbieflorida]

:) We are newbys to cruising and are scheduled for RCCL Enchantment on 8/4 to Ochos Rios and GC. We are 2 adults and a 12-yr old booked in a JS on 8th deck (862X). Looking for any advice you have specific to this ship. We have been reading the excellent tips throughout the site but wonder if anyone has specific feedback on the following:

- Maybe a stupid question (since we are first timers) but as we are in JS, do we get any type of priority boarding, disembarking or special on board priviliges?

- We enjoy wine with our dinner, any value in pre-ordering the wine card on the website? advice on which package?

- Have heard horror stories about Jamaica excursions-- any ideas for unspoiled beach or falls trips?

- Best pools for sunning and swimming? do you really need to get there before 9AM to get a seat?

- How's the food in dining room. I keep hearing it might be worthwhile to eat at Chopps multiple nights...

- How crowded does the fitness center get and are there off-peak times?

- How does room service work? Can you order the same meal as you would get in dining room to eat on balcony? Seems like that would be fun to do one night-- agree?

- Who should I make sure I tip with cash at cruise outset (in addition to the end of crusie gratuities)?

 

I know that's a lot but any insight would be helpful as we hope to make the most of our first cruise and see if it's something we want to do more of...

 

Thanks in advance!!!!;)

 

Just got back from 7/16 Enchantment to Key West/Cozumel/CocoCay. Don't know all the answers, but can help a little.

 

About the pools - 9 seems early. We still found chairs on the At Sea day at around 10:30. Not alot of chairs were left on Deck 9, right by the pool ,but there were still tons available on Deck 10, which overlooks the pool. It definitely gets very windy up on Deck 10, though.

 

My husband went to fitness center twice. Crowded at around 1pm, but was deserted at night.

 

Make sure to eat at Chops. We absolutely loved it. Make sure to reserve ASAP, though. We were on board by noon, and one night was completely booked already. We went formal night. My kids didn't want to get dressed up. Wasn't crowded at all. We enjoyed dining room food. Veal Parm, lobster the last night, chicken caesar. We ended up eating in the dining room only twice, though. We enjoyed the casualness of the Windjammer. Also, some of the food from dining room was at Windjammer that same night or the next night. Windjammer not crowded at all at night. It was crowded at breakfast, though.

 

Wanted to tell you someting about the Adventure Ocean, since you mentioned a 12 year old. We had a 12 year old, too. He loved the kids program, although a few of the events were cancelled because not enough kids showed up. They had some great contests, activities for the kids. They'll also do free video games for different age groups on different days during the cruise. It really was free, too, except for the games where you can win a stuffed animal. Game room is small. The biggest complaint we had about Adventure Ocean is that the activities ended at midnight, unless my son wanted to go watch a movie. He wasn't interested in "Over the Hedge," and that age group isn't supposed to be wandering after midnight, so he had to hang with us. It's kind of hard to go to casino, adult comedy with a 12 year old!! Maybe the midnight movies will be better/more age appropriate during your cruise.

 

Also, I wouldn't go on a cruise ever again without taking the plastic over-the-door shoe rack thing. It was a life saver.

[megnsamsgracie]

Can you get lobster in the regular dining room or only by going to Chops?

[cb at sea]

Chops doesn't serve lobster--it's only in the dining room, and it's not just lobster anymore--now, it's a fisherman's platter. The food in the dining room is fine--unless you really want to spend an extra $60.00 a night for your family of 3!

As far as the pool--there are plenty of loungers--as long as you don't mind being NOT right beside the pool! The upper decks always have empty chairs! It's not a big deal to walk down to take a dip and then back to your seat.

[megnsamsgracie]

Does anyone have a typical menu for the dining room? I NEVER get to have seafood home.. would love lobster a couple of nights!

[turquoisesea]

Are the safes on the Enchantment opened by a card with stipe or a number pad?

[Laurie12820]

Does anyone have a typical menu for the dining room? I NEVER get to have seafood home.. would love lobster a couple of nights!

 

The menu changes nightly. Just off the Enchantment yesterday. Lobster was offered in the Fisherman's plate and in a plate with shrimp on the last day.

[akupupule]

You'll love Enchantment! Cruiser her April 05 just before the lengthening. Plenty of good advice about the ship already. Couple of thoughts about the ports: Jamaica-Ocho Rios- Took the RCI 4X4 excursion up into the mountains and REALLY enjoyed that. Beautiful scenery and really friendly locals in the small towns we went through. That excursion also went to Dunns River Falls which is beautiful. We had at least a dozen in our group (4 Toyota Land Cruisers) and everyone thouroughly enjoyed the trip. Others that went "shopping" were adamant about NOT doing that due to the "hawkers". Beach-goers reviews were mixed. Whatever you do in this port I would recommend doing a ship sponsored excursion.

 

Grand Cayman- that is a tender port so it has to be relatively calm. Took a private excursion- google native way water sports. Had a private 40 ft boat all to ourselves, group of 6. Took the Rays, Reef, and Rum Point excursion. Stingray city was fun, we were soooo glad we were not on a cruiseship "cattleboat" with hundreds of passengers in the water with you. We had the rays (scores of them) to ourselves. After that, snorkeled a nice reef for about 1.5 hrs then the captain took our lunch order and had it ready for us when we docked at a beach that looked like the "Corona beach". We spent a couple hours there where you could swim, lounge in the sun, or take a nap hammocks under australian pines.

 

Hope you become a cruisin' addict! Enjoy!

[Tigergal31]

Are the safes on the Enchantment opened by a card with stipe or a number pad?

 

 

Just off of the 7/16 sailing....it was card swipe for safe use for us.

[novacpl]

I've read many posts about 'chair hogs', but wondered exactly how that's classified. I mean, am I considered a chair hog if I bring my towel, book and other necessary items, put them next to or on my chair, sit and read a while and then go take a 15 minute dip in the pool and expect to come back and find my stuff where I left it? :confused:

[Laurie12820]

I've read many posts about 'chair hogs', but wondered exactly how that's classified. I mean, am I considered a chair hog if I bring my towel, book and other necessary items, put them next to or on my chair, sit and read a while and then go take a 15 minute dip in the pool and expect to come back and find my stuff where I left it? :confused:

 

No you aren't. Chair hogs are the people who unearth themselves from their cabin at an ungodly hour, grab their things, find the perfect chair by the pool, drop their things, go have breakfast, go to the fitness center and then 2 hours later come back to sit in their chair.

[PAJJJ]

Do you think the over the door rack is still a necesity in Jr Suite?