We chose the 28 Jan 2012 cruise to celebrate a birthday. Embarkation could not have been any smoother. Once we were allowed to enter the gate at approx 10:45, we dropped off our luggage, paid for parking (they do indeed take credit cards), parked then entered the terminal, it was like a well-greased machine. Baltimore is one of our favorite ports because they have their act together. Check-in was a breeze, got our SeaPass Card then waited about 15 minutes before boarding. We lunched in the Windjammer, met some wonderful people and kicked off our vacation with a couple frozen drinks.

We were allowed to enter our room at 1:30. Our room was great but as usually too few hangers in the closet. Knowing this, we always bring a few of our own. Our cabin steward was good, but VERY unfriendly...needless to say, his tip voucher was not padded! Our wait staff in the dining room (Albert and Alberto) were awesome. We were seated next to the Captain's table but unfortunately, we never saw the Captain at dinner. Food selection/preparation is one of the things that make us unhappy. This is the second time I saw Beef Stroganoff made w/pickles and beets...I've never seen a recipe include pickles and beets, and they sure did NOT help the taste of the Stroganoff. The other food that made us (and MANY MANY others) unhappy was the Steak Diane. Even the waiters were suggesting we not order it. Those of us who ordered it did not like it. The Head Waiters were beside themselves with all of the complaints. My favorites menu items: the fruited soups (the cranberry/mango was awesome), scallop risotto, shrimp cocktail, sea bass and lobster. Speaking of sea bass, we had lunch in the dining room because "Trout" was on the menu. When it was delivered, it looked like salmon. When I asked about it, I was told it was a "Salmon Trout." OK...someone was pulling someone's leg. It was served with an aioli with a touch of citrus and it was very good. My other favorite in the dining room is the Tutti Salad...very yummy! One of my complaints last year was that the service in the MDR for lunch was extremely slow. This was not the case this time. Timing was prefect making it very easy to do whatever activity we had planned.

The Cruise Director's staff is very good...but it's time for a new Cruise Director on the Enchantment...I'll stop right there on this issue. There were plenty of activities on the ship...something for everyone! Read more