Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Sea 2009

Cruising in Panama
Aboard The Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas
7 night Southern Caribbean Cruise

March 8, 2009	March 9, 2009
March 10, 2009	March 11, 2009
March 12, 2009	March 13, 2009
March 14, 2009	March 15, 2009

It had been a while since we had last cruised…and when I arranged this cruise I wondered at the size of the ship – it was large and held a lot of people – 2,730 to be exact…would we get lost on the ship? Would we be treated like cattle, have long lines to wait for to do anything off the ship? What was it going to be like boarding the ship for the first time? I am sure you might have the same questions and I am here to tell you that it was perfect – in every way.

The Enchantment of the Seas went through a major overhaul in 2005 which gave it 73 extra feet in length. This ship is spacious, modern and full of activity. It is run by people who care about you as an individual – from our cabin attendants’ right up to the Captain and yes, we even had a chance to visit the Bridge as well as the Kitchen.

When you decide to book a cruise with RCI you are given a Reservation ID. This ID is in the system and when you log on using your ID you are taken to your area where you are able to pre book off shore activities, pre order any items you may need and tick off the list of things to be done prior to your sail. It’s called Countdown to Cruise and it does simplify things. When you arrive at the port – for us, it was the Port of Colon in Panama – you are directed very efficiently to your sign in station, your luggage is taken and then you board the ship. Simple as that. You can have a rest in your stateroom or watch the others coming on board until you sail. Very impressive but it does make sense to get there early because as the time draws down to when the ship leaves, there is always a flurry of activity and luggage. I would much rather get there early and enjoy the experience on ship, getting to know where things are and having lunch than madly rushing to get there.

We set off on our adventure by enjoying a wonderful meal that night, then taking in the nightly show. Off to bed because tomorrow we were arriving in Cartagena, Columbia.