Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas - Cruise Review

Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 18:13:05 -0400
From: marydbaker@comcast.net (Mary D. Baker )
Subject: Review

This was my first cruise experience. Our Ports were Key West and Cozumel. We were located on Deck 2 with a window. I took my 20 year old daughter because she is about to leave the nest (again), and wanted some quality time with her while doing something grand. This was perfect and fit our needs so well. As a first timer, I was impressed with everything. The ship was a beehive of helpful, smiling happy crew people. Everything was very clean. I filled out the automatic tip form (39.00/person)immediately because I wanted to be most fair. I still don't really know though what percentage I tipped which is why I let other people do the math for me in the first place. I was very pleased with all of the entrees and other offerings of the My Fair Lady Dining room. The Prime Rib dinner at the last night was the very best, and that night the appetizer of creamed mushrooms in a flaky pastry crust was also my favorite. My daughter had a cheescake with the chef's autograph in white chocolate I may not get out much, but I watch a LOT of foodtv, and that impressed us. I took a picture of it!

Our waiter Milton from India and his assistant Girlie were just wonderful. It was fun watching my daughter be impressed with such a high degree of service. Neither one of us is much of a drinker, yet our complementary wine bottle that our Travel Agent had sent to our state room had fresh ice twice a day, Every Day. We did not avail ourselves of the drinks or gambling activities, so we can't comment directly. But one comment from a new friend was that it would be hard to get drunk on the drinks served by the pool. Our Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada's were almost 5.oo each. We did use the Windjammer Cafe for breakfast one morning and for lunch the other days. Everything was excellent, especially the salad bar. I missed the midnight chocolate buffet, but heard that it was very memorable.

I loved meeting so many people from all over the world. I will never forget some of the people we met. That was the most fun for me as a people person. Both of us utilized the work out facility twice, and found that most helpful. We were there after dinner both times so no staff member was present. On a longer cruise, we would have gone to the Yoga and Pilates classes. We would have liked the 6 or 8 Jacuzis to be opened past 8PM. I think that's the only thing I would have changed about the cruise.

Our first choice of in port activites was sold out, as was our second choice. Our fault for waiting, we were warned about that! We finally decided on the Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel, which was very enjoyable. It was just a bit pricey at 91.00 each. The other activies looked just as much fun for half the price. We did purchase the tourist pictures taken on site and I am sure will help keep alive the wonderful memories of that day. The tour guide there just couldn't have been better.

I heard that the Talume Mayan ruins trip was incredibly HOT, and a very long day,(no time for shopping on that encounter) but well worth it. At our encounter, we still had time to grab a cab and shop in town. I went to one of the two shopping forums before we arrived at either port. Looking back on the shopping experience of both sites, I felt the ship shopper represented the shops more than the buyers. (FREE DIAMOND EARRINGS JUST FOR STOPPING IN!! she said loudly) Diamond International. We knew they would be chips set in steel, but these were a homeopathic dose of diamond dust. So then say that up front! I dunno, I'm not a high roller, but I really considered purchasing a decent sized tanzanite ring. The one that was acceptable to me in Key West was quoted at $795.oo in one of the suggested jewelers, and I didn't buy although I've been wanting one for more than 10 years. I just wasn't sure I was getting the best value and had trouble trusting. I did some preliminary shopping!
at the area malls before I left to get a idea of price. The same ring probably would have been higher, but not by all that much. I do have trust issues though.

I ended up buying some "real" tanzanite set in a sterling silver bracelet at a tiny shop in Cozumel for $60.00. The little guy swore it was real. I knew it wasn't at that price, but he was so sure. For those younger than me, I would have liked to hear more "buyer beware" messages aboard ship. To be fair, maybe that was said at the forum that I did not attend. I know there is a buyers remorse agreement within 30 days of purchase with Royal Caribbean and that is comforting. Shopping aboard ship was so very convenient and fun, and the prices were not at all out of line. If I get serious about a real ring next time, I would probably purchase from the shop on the ship. The Art Auction looked like a lot of fun too for people with extra money and wall space. To sum up: Key West was better for shopping at all price ranges than Cozumel. I wish I had known that. I may have bought more stuff in Key West.

For those of you who think you might need some motion sickness meds, take them. Most of the time you could not tell you were moving, but there were a few rough hours, especially that last evening. Both of us did well without the meds, and would not take them on a subsequent cruise. I'm a little woozy 24 hours after though! I would like to go 7 days next time, and would definitely use Royal Caribbean again.

Entertainment: Both comedians were very funny, Daniel Rosen and John Wing. We both enjoyed all of the entertainment that we were able to attend, especially the farewell show put on by the cast and crew. Special thanks to Matt Baker, the cruise director (no relation) for making it all so much fun. What a job he has!
Mary Baker

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