Enchantment of the Seas- Ochos Rios & Grand Cayman

[maggimus]

Im a complete newbie when it comes to cruising. My DH and I are going in December on a cruise for our 1st anniversary. Its a 5 night cruise on the Enchantment. We know absolutely nothing...

 

Anyone have any tips? Suggestions? Excursion suggestions in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?

 

What is formal night like?

 

Thanks in advance! I'm sorry these questions probably sound stupid. But I know NOTHING about cruises!

[Gonzo70]

My DH and I are going in December on a cruise for our 1st anniversary. Its a 5 night cruise on the Enchantment. We know absolutely nothing...

Anyone have any tips? Suggestions? Excursion suggestions in Jamaica and Grand Cayman?

What is formal night like?

 

Congratties on your anniversary and upcoming cruise! I did that cruise a couple years ago and had a blast. Since that time the ship has been renovated and should be even better! I see that you are fairly young so if you like active/adventurous activities you may enjoy doing the Canopy Tour (involves zip lining) in Jamaica and the Swimming with the Sting Rays in Grand Cayman. If there is a 4x4 excursion (all terrain vehicles) available in Jamaica, that would also be a fun option.

 

For formal night most people dress up and the food in the main dining room is typically the best meal of the trip. It is also fun to people watch that evening (i.e. hang out in the Champagne bar before dinner). They also have formal pictures available (it is free to have them taken and then you buy them afterwards if you like them).

 

A tip is to try out the acitivities such as the climbing wall, bungee jumping etc. early on during the cruise. Each day the lines seem to get a little longer. You can typically board the ship beignning around 11am and you may want to spend an hour walking around the ship famliarizing yourself with all the activities.

 

Another tip is to have a meal in the specialty restaurant. Although it costs extra (I think $20 per person but may have gone up to $25 or $30) the food and service make it well worth it.

 

Enjoy your cruise and ask as many questions as you'd like. :)

[maggimus]

Thanks so much for the reply. I didnt expect to get one soon. What is attire typically like the other nights in the dining room? We do plan on doing the specialty dining one night while we are onboard.

 

Im not too familiar with cruising in December (especially in these areas)-- do you know what the temperature is usually like?

 

Is Jamaica safe? Im used to Mexico (we go to Cozumel about 3 times a year)... so is it comparable to that?

 

What's the nightlife on the ship like?

 

Any tips on what to pack? What not to forget? Must see places?

[maggimus]

I also meant to ask-- I know Iced Tea is included-- but is their Iced Tea, Sweet? LOL im southern and thats all we drink.

[golfer1966]

Thanks so much for the reply. I didnt expect to get one soon. What is attire typically like the other nights in the dining room? We do plan on doing the specialty dining one night while we are onboard.

 

Im not too familiar with cruising in December (especially in these areas)-- do you know what the temperature is usually like?

 

Is Jamaica safe? Im used to Mexico (we go to Cozumel about 3 times a year)... so is it comparable to that?

 

What's the nightlife on the ship like?

 

Any tips on what to pack? What not to forget? Must see places?

 

Grand Cayman is very nice. We did the Stingray City Tour twice now with a private company...Captain Marvins and that is very very cool. This last time we were there we went to seven mile beach and swam and snorkeled. If its your first time, I would recommend Sting Ray City. I cant say there tame per se' but they are pretty close to it. The two stops before or after the stingrays are pretty nice and good snorkeling.

 

Jamaica - Is not high up on our list these days. Allot of people will recommend Dunns River Falls. We havent been there, but most people seem to like it. This port was always a shopping port for my wife and I. Margarittaville right by the ship is pretty neat.

 

The attire in the dining the other nights is basically business casual. I would wear dockers and a golf shirt, and my wife would wear Capris and a blouse. I would surely hit one of the specialty rest. one night for sure. I think its Chops Steakhouse. The cost is 20 bux pp and in my opinion its well worth it. The temps in the Caribbean will still be quite warm. ( mid 80's ) The night life on the ship is decent. There are night clubs that you can dance, just sit and listen to music ..etc There is a casino too.

[Azuka]

Thanks so much for the reply. I didnt expect to get one soon. What is attire typically like the other nights in the dining room? We do plan on doing the specialty dining one night while we are onboard.

 

Im not too familiar with cruising in December (especially in these areas)-- do you know what the temperature is usually like?

 

Is Jamaica safe? Im used to Mexico (we go to Cozumel about 3 times a year)... so is it comparable to that?

 

What's the nightlife on the ship like?

 

Any tips on what to pack? What not to forget? Must see places?

 

maggimus If you go to the top of this thread and open the sticky titled Royal Caribbean FAQ you should find answers to most of your questions.

 

The Temps will probably be in the high 70's low 80's. We are a little older than you and do not see to many late nights. Early risers. But there are lots of lounges and the Viking Crown Lounge is open late with either a band or DJ every night.

 

WE have been to Jamaica 10 time or more and have never had any problems. Just be aware that the Jamaicans can be pushy and are looking to sell you anything they can. Just be alert and you should have "no problem mon". I would recommend a ship tour for your first time. Dunn's river falls or river rafting etc. There is plenty to do.

[early 30's couple]

We did stingray city and the bob Marley Zion experience tour.

 

Both were good, but the Bob Marley tour was excellent. You get to drive through the mountains and see the 'real' Jamaica, not just the touristy parts.

 

 

I have lots of pictures if you'd like to see some.

 

Tony

[maggimus]

Thanks, ive been reading the FAQ thread. I found it after posting!:D

 

Azuka- Whats "the ship tour"?

 

Golfer1966- Is there enough shopping to be done in Jamaica? We might just do that. We like to do things leisurely so we might do that in Jamaica.

 

Also- I looked in the FAQ and didnt see anything about the tea. Is it all unsweet? LOL i know that sounds so petty. LoL

[early 30's couple]

Double post, sorry.

[maggimus]

We did stingray city and the bob Marley Zion experience tour.

 

Both were good' date=' but the Bob Marley tour was excellent. You get to drive through the mountains and see the 'real' Jamaica, not just the touristy parts.

 

 

I have lots of pictures if you'd like to see some.

 

Tony[/quote']

I would LOVE to see them! We were thinking something like a trolly tour or something. Just to see more than just one area. I just dont want to regret not doing Dunns River Falls.

 

Any ideas for Grand Cayman?

[bambam2972]

Unfortunately the tea is unsweet :( (I'm also a southerner :p). You know as well as I do that once the tea is cold you just can't add enough sugar, it doesn't dissolve right. Therefore I just stick to water or lemonade that week.

 

A ship tour is one that is booked through Royal Caribbean. If you go online and under "Before you Cruise" (something like that) you can search for shore excursions. There you will see all the tours that the ship sells.

 

I'd also like to recommend Stingray City.. it was amazing! Also we went to Dunns River Falls in Jamaica and had a blast.

[early 30's couple]

Is there a way to send a PM so you could send me your email address? I can email you pictures or if you send your Myspace name I can send you a link.

[maggimus]

haha this is the part that stinks about not having enough posts! LOL. Im a regular on another board and know all about how the PMing requirements suck.

 

My myspace is

http://www.myspace.com/maggimus

[golfer1966]

Thanks, ive been reading the FAQ thread. I found it after posting!:D

 

Azuka- Whats "the ship tour"?

 

Golfer1966- Is there enough shopping to be done in Jamaica? We might just do that. We like to do things leisurely so we might do that in Jamaica.

 

Also- I looked in the FAQ and didnt see anything about the tea. Is it all unsweet? LOL i know that sounds so petty. LoL

 

 

See, I have to promise to go shopping with my wife in Jamaica, becuase we usually go snorkeling and or to Stingray City in Grand Cayman...:D

Actually there are two shopping areas right by the ship as you exit. Tajmuhal...just ok, but Island Village is pretty nice. Thats where Margarittaville is too. Youll have plenty of time to shop and do a short excursion if you want. Again, Id recommend Stingray City in Grand Cayman...awesome time !

[maggimus]

Unfortunately the tea is unsweet :( (I'm also a southerner :p). You know as well as I do that once the tea is cold you just can't add enough sugar, it doesn't dissolve right. Therefore I just stick to water or lemonade that week.

 

A ship tour is one that is booked through Royal Caribbean. If you go online and under "Before you Cruise" (something like that) you can search for shore excursions. There you will see all the tours that the ship sells.

 

I'd also like to recommend Stingray City.. it was amazing! Also we went to Dunns River Falls in Jamaica and had a blast.

What a bummer!!

 

Does Dunns River Falls take up the entire time you are in Jamaica? Is there any leftover time for shopping?

 

What about with Stingray City?

[Azuka]

Thanks, ive been reading the FAQ thread. I found it after posting!:D

 

Azuka- Whats "the ship tour"?

 

Golfer1966- Is there enough shopping to be done in Jamaica? We might just do that. We like to do things leisurely so we might do that in Jamaica.

 

Also- I looked in the FAQ and didnt see anything about the tea. Is it all unsweet? LOL i know that sounds so petty. LoL

 

I am behind the curve. I see that bambam2972 has answered your question on ships tour.

[early 30's couple]

Ok,jsut sent you a firneds request. Pictures are under the files called "cruise".

[maggimus]

See, I have to promise to go shopping with my wife in Jamaica, becuase we usually go snorkeling and or to Stingray City in Grand Cayman...:D

Actually there are two shopping areas right by the ship as you exit. Tajmuhal...just ok, but Island Village is pretty nice. Thats where Margarittaville is too. Youll have plenty of time to shop and do a short excursion if you want. Again, Id recommend Stingray City in Grand Cayman...awesome time !

Ill be honest, im somewhat afraid of the stingrays. I know the Steve Irwin thing was a freak accident-- but it does put the fear in ya. How does that work. Do you get off of a boat right in the middle of a certain area? How hard is it to get off and on the boat? I dont want to look stupid- lol!;)

[maggimus]

Ok' date='jsut sent you a firneds request. Pictures are under the files called "cruise".[/quote']

Thanks I'll take a look! I appreciate it!

[early 30's couple]

Uploading more of the ports now.

[LDR]

My husband and I did this same itinerary for our 20th anniversary this

summer. You will have a great time, and EOS is a beautiful ship.

 

We rented a jeep in Grand Cayman and drove to Rum Point. It was the 3rd

time we had been there and we have done the Stingray Swim, which is

awesome, and an Island Tour. Something different, that's for sure!

 

There is plenty of shopping within walking distance of the ship in Jamaica.

The Taj Mahal and there's another one a little closer with the Margaritaville,

I'm drawing a blank on the name. Lots of neat shops to explore in both places.

 

Make your Chops reservations when you get on the ship the first day. It

was absolutely delicious!

[maggimus]

Thanks!

 

What type of room did you stay in? Ours has the window hole thing but we have talked about upgrading to a balcony. Any suggestions?

 

The stingray pics didnt look bad at all!

[cruissett]

You're going to have a wonderful time, we're thinking about doing this cruise in Jan or Feb. Can anyone tell us what the meal choices are on formal night? I understand they don't serve lobster on the shorter cruises.

[LDR]

We had a Junior Suite on Deck 8. A balcony is very worth it, IMHO, in whatever category you can get one!

 

The stingrays are really neat, and the water is so gorgeous.

[early 30's couple]

I'm adding more pictures of the room (an Aft JS) and the ports.

 

Sting Ray city in Grand caymen is pretty cool.

 

The Marley tour starts with a bus ride up into the mountains (Open Bar).

 

Several times we thought we were going to die on the trip. The guy does 50 MPH up a mountain that is only wide enough for one car. Several times we had to stop and back up to let someone pass. He makes this drive several times a day, so...Still, keep our hearts going, but after several punches, we didn't care.

 

You then visit the house where bob grew up and learned to play an instrument. You learn a little about his life (wife was more of a fan that I was until I learned more about him) It's also his final resting place, and you walk past the marble shrine that contains his remains.

 

Then you bless Bob by partaking in some rasta stuff, (completely voluntary). About half of our tour partook (some very surprising: a 70 Yo woman did and a mother and her 18 YO son).

 

Then you have about an hour to wander around and buy stuff.

 

Last is the bus trip back down the mountian...though people seemed a lot less concerned coming down the hill :)

 

They then take you to lunch and give you a few more drinks then will drop you off in the tourist area near the ship for shopping.