Enchantment of the Seas | ShermansTravel

by Aaron Saunders

Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 2,730-passenger Enchantment of the Seas might not have the size of her fleet-mates Oasis of the Seas or Quantum of the Seas, but she has some of their big-ship flair. Royal Caribbean’s fifth Vision-class vessel, Enchantment is unique amongst her sisters because of a 2005 refit that lengthened her mid-section by 73 feet, adding 151 staterooms and spiffy public areas such as the salsa lounge, Boleros. In 2012, she underwent another spruce-up, debuting the casual (and complimentary) Park Café and the retro R Bar. Other cool stuff? The bungee trampolines and rock climbing wall.

What We Love

Renovated Spaces: You can catch a movie poolside on a giant screen or take your tot to the colorful nursery for fun and games. You can also grab a made-to-order salad or sandwich at the Park Café (it's known for the Kummelweck, a slow-cooked roast beef sandwich with a special bun).

R Bar: This is a classy watering hole with a cool 1960s vibe that serves classic cocktails such as the to-die-for Chivas Sidecar, made with a 12-year-old Chivas Regal scotch.

Best Known For

Pool Deck: Not only does Enchantment of the Seas' Pool Deck feature glass-floored walkways that jut out over the sea below, there's also a pair of enormous suspension bridges that flank the main pool.

Who It's Best For

Value-Conscious Cruisers Short on Time: Per diem rates on Enchantment of the Seas are lower than those on newer vessels. Plus, Enchantment is deployed on three- and four-night itineraries that make quick and easy getaways to the Caribbean.

Mid-Size Ship Fans: If the massive Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas and her six thousand guests are overwhelming, then you'd like this more moderately sized ship that still offers a ton of amenities.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Some Sailings Can Be Crowded: Thanks to her lengthening in 2005, Enchantment of the Seas carries more passengers than her other Vision-class sisters — which you'll feel when you’re queuing for the buffet.

Aaron Saunders

Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

After a career editing animated television shows, Aaron Saunders pursued his love of ships and the sea. He writes regularly about the cruise industry for the Vancouver Province newspaper, Canadian Traveller, Avid Cruiser, River Cruise Advisor, and USA Today. He is the author of two books on maritime history: Giants of the Seas (Seaforth Publishing, 2013) and Stranded (Dundurn Press, 2015). When not at sea, he makes his home in the land-locked city of Calgary, Canada.