Royal Caribbean International
Enchantment of the Seas Cruise Review
Western Caribbean

Len
Age: 68
Occupation: Accountant
Number of Cruises: 1
Sailing Date: May 31st, 2007

This was the first time my wife and I went on a cruise. We were surprised about the ease of boarding. We found our cabin quite comfortable, and spacious. We had the large stateroom, (not the suite) but the outside view with the rectangular window (not a porthole).

Upon arriving in Key West the tropical storm Barry hit us. No one can control the weather of course, but the cruise line should be prepared to shorten the boarding by increasing the personnel checking the documents. We had to wait under the rain for about 6 to 8 minutes to go to the tent where the checking was taking place. If they had more people checking the documents then the wait could have been shorter. We never met the cabin attendant except the last night (tipping time).

Cabin, though, was always ready and clean. But I would have expected to have the attendant to come by and say "hello" in person; it did not happen. The attitude at the Guest Relations desk in the ship by the personnel is far from being friendly. Actually some are not too patient. Some of their faces seem to be made out of granite. 

The personnel at the Windjammer is just doing their job. At the restaurant the service was pretty good, efficient, friendly and at the same time respectful. However, there is a problem in communicating with the crew: quite a few of them are limited on the English language and to maintain a friendly exchange of comments is just impossible. Simple questions/answers are just the extent of the communication. Such a situation does not encourage a pleasant, light communication. 

 I don't know how can the crowd around the pools can be tamed down, but even though there are signs reminding people not to reserve chairs, it is just about  impossible to get one. Some larger groups took over the chairs by placing towels on them, these chairs became "reserved." Crowd is just fine although a little rowdy in some cases.

The Orpheum Theater is impressive in its size and seating as well as in its decor.

The sailing was quite smooth except around the tropical storm Barry on Friday, June 1st in Key West.

Cozumel is just a locale but nothing out of this world.

The bargains aboard the ship were abundant and attractive in prices, and selections.

We did not go to the Casino; we are not gamblers.

The Library has comfortable large chairs and a good selection of reading material. 

The waiting time to disembark is rather long; our turn took about 3 hours of waiting, although comfortably at the Theater. Once the authorization was given to leave the ship the Immigration and Customs process went quite fast and efficient.

In our opinion, this being our first cruise was uneventful and a little disappointing.

Will we go in another cruise? Don't think so. What happens is that it takes a bunch of passengers to become rowdy and pushy, that takes away the fun out of the trip.

Prices for drinks are reasonable and drinks are readily accessible, this makes it easier for those passengers who do not how to behave around others.

Will I recommend this trip to friends, relatives? We may but with some footnotes.

If those like us, who are first time vacationers on a cruise, expect to find a "Love Boat" environment, they are for a letdown.

 

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