Enchantment review

[gatorphin]

This was my wife and my first RCI cruiseand we wanted to compare it to Carnival, which we've been on several times.
Check in was easy and smooth. No problems. Got on ship around 1pm. Went straight to our cabin. And yes they are small but nice.
Our cabin stewart was OK but we hardly even saw him, not much personality. But he did a good job.
The ship itself was very nice and I'd say nicer than Carnival ships we've been on. Never did get to try the rock wall or trampolines - too windy the entire trip. Capt. said there were 20 mph winds and with us traveling 22 mph against it it was like a tropical storm on deck. So we never got to really lay out on deck, even though plenty of others were up there with their stuff blowing around.
It was a good mix on board - kids, spring breakers, middle agers, & elderly.
We felt the entertainment was a little better than Carnival. But, we thought Carnival does a better job with activities and getting people involved. Matt Sole was our cruise director and he was very good. Loved the Quest. Too funny.
The casino was always packed at night and was a fun place.
We loved the workout room. It was great working out while looking out at sea. My wife misses it everyday since being back.
Food - the food was OK. I thought Carnival does a better job overall. However, Chops was fantasic! I really recommend you try it. You won't be disappointed. We were very surprised with the lack of late night food. The Solarium food was BAD! Bad pizza, bad burgers, bad service. Only 2 late night buffets on the 5 night cruise. First was Mexican and after waiting in line everything was gone! I mean everything. Walked through the Chocolate buffet. Very little there as well, but nice sculptures. They need to put more time and effort into food on RCI.
Ports:
Jamaica - Scary place. Went zip lining on the Original Canopy Tour. We had the best time. Jamaica has beautiful mountains. I would recommend this tour. Everyone from young to old enjoyed it.
Grand Cayman - Nice and upscale. However, the locals seemed to frown with all the Americans. Did the Stingray Swim. That was fun too. They pack a lot of people out there. Neat! Had a good time shopping.
Overall, I don't really get why people are so polarized toward one cruise line or the other. RCI was nice but still had lots of flaws. We thought Carnival was better. However, if the price is right I'd do RCI again with no problems.
Best part was when the Head Waiter, AJ - a great guy from India - told us of all the weird folks he's seen. People who try to put cockroaches in their food to get free stuff, guy who was ordering expensive wine and sending it back. Said the capt. just left them at port! !
I'll answer any questions you have if you reply.

[Dave the Wave]

Glad you had a great time. Will be going again soon myself. Make sure you submit your review in the "Reader Reviews"

[Banshee]

Good to see an Enchantment review since we will be leaving for the same 5 day cruise on April 15th. Thanks for posting.

I know you said that you didn't think there were as many activities as you thought ere should have benn but what kind of activities DID they have?

What was your overall impression of Jamaica? We have decided not to do an excursion and check it out ourselves. MArgaritaville and probably shooping. Maybe a beach. I'm not intimidated by the peddlers and such so I'm thinking we will be OK as long as we don't go off the beaten path.

Did you eat at any of the restaurants on either of the islands? Any suggestions?

We are doind an early (8:00) Stingray excursion. Did you walk through Georgetown at all? Much going on there?

What were some of the meal options in the main dining room?

Just got a call from our TA about an hour ago saying that our Docs were in...time for the doc dance?

Thanks,
Jay

[gatorphin]

Activities - Well, since it was so windy you really couldn't lay on deck although there were a lot of people up there. Activies at sea during the day were lacking since the rock wall and trampolines were always closed. Only so many times you can go to the casino and eat.
Jamaica - If you fell safe around guys wih long knifes then by all means walk around. Honestly, there was a strong police force out on all the corners with rifles and guns in clear view. Yes there are beggers. Margaritaville and the surrounding shops were safe. Wouldn't go too far from there. Heard lots of stories about kidnappings.
Restaurants - Ate at Margaritaville in Ocho Rios. Great jerk chicken there and good beer. Party atmosphere with lots of spring breakers.
Ate at Paradise restaurant & bar in Grand Cayman. Typical bar food. Heard from several other people that ate a very expensive burger joints that weren't happy with food or service.
Georgetown - Great shopping area. Very safe. Liked this island much more than Jamaica. Upscale. You'll love the stingray swim. Great fun!
Meals - I'll just say very forgetable. Had duck one night, good. Lamb, awful. Chicken - OK but dry. Lobster - really the best I've had on a ship and had good flavor. Ate at Chops - fantasic! Scallop alfredo was good too. But, my favorite were the lettuce wraps at lunch in the dining room. I had them everyday while on board! Great!
Enjoy the cruise!

[Dave the Wave]

I was onboard in November and we also had very windy sea days. So windy you could barely run around the track. But that did not stop the fun at the pool. The pool games went on and the newer pool by the bandstand had water going out of it from end to end. There were people floating in it (me included) just having the best time being sloshed about. The pool bar was always active. I don't need to be entertained with activities. Create your own. Socializing over beers or cocktails is my favorite activity anyway. 8)

[BEERBUCKETDAVE]

Originally Posted by Dave the Wave

I don't need to be entertained with activities. Create your own. Socializing over beers or cocktails is my favorite activity anyway. 8)

as they say in Jamaica.....Ya Mon!