Enchanted Princess Review
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Additional details
Planned for this cruise almost 3 years ago. Originally we were booked on the brand new Sky Princess for Jan. 2021, but due to Covid, it was cancelled and later scheduled to the brand New Enchanted Princess. This was our first local group with a bus tour. There were approximately 90 people, mostly seniors who boarded a fairly new coach to drive to our first nights lodging in Vero Beach, FL. Stops were made periodically for restroom and luncheon breaks. We left our hotel at 10 AM the next morning and continued onto Ft. Lauderdale arriving shortly after noon. All luggage was handled by the bus company and shoreside porters which made it so much easier for us. Entering the newest terminal 2, was fast and delightful. I put all of our documents into a clear plastic page protector, arranged so staff could easy see, scan if necessary and approved our embarkation. Our representative was very pleased at how organized I made this portion of our cruise entry. We had a quick photo taken and were set to board our new home for 10 nights. We entered on deck 5 and proceeded directly to the mid-ship elevators to deck 10 Caribe to our stateroom which was all ready for us to unpack. We had KN95 face masks provided by Princess plus instructions on watching the Muster Drill on our TV in the privacy of our room. After we had to check in at the Crown Grill Lounge to confirm we were all set with the drill.
Our first lunch was at the Gigi's Pizzeria on deck 7. While waiting (half hour wait) I went to the Medallion kiosk for a new wrist band as my medallion received about 14 days pre-cruise would not stay securely in the band. We replaced it with a different band due to color choice. Crew there were very helpful.
Lunch at Gigi's was very good with Eggplant Rollatini over spaghetti and a salad. My husband had a personal sized cheese pizza, which I tried and was very good plus a Mozzarella antipasto. I had ordered a drink at a nearby bar where we originally were waiting and it took more than 45 minutes to get. Some of the staff appear to still be in training and getting used to the Medallion App system. If your order is not basic like a beer, soda or Pina Colada, they seem to have an issue with ordering it. We encountered this on numerous occasions.
Cabin Review
We proceeded directly to the mid-ship elevators to deck 10 Caribe to our stateroom which was all ready for us to unpack. We had KN95 face masks provided by Princess plus instructions on watching the Muster Drill on our TV in the privacy of our room. After we had to check in at the Crown Grill Lounge to confirm we were all set with the drill.
Luggage was at our room when we returned but a note was left to come down to Security regarding our other large suitcase. They thought we had some kind of extension power cord in the luggage, but it was just UK adapters and multi plug adapter. We found plenty of space for storage and only had to ask for 6 additional hangers. I like to hang our shorts and matching shirts, for less wrinkles and ease of locating outfits each day.
Our Queen sized bed in this Deluxe Balcony cabin was very comfortable and we had an abundance of pillows to choose from. We had a small sofa bed which made sitting very relaxing. There was the chair at the desk/vanity with the hair dryer hard wired into the draw over the mini-fridge. I asked our Steward for extra ice and he kept 2 ice buckets full every day and put them in our fridge. We opted for just once a day room attendant service (their new protocol during Covid) but he brought an additional set of towels for the morning shower, if we happened to need them. We would see him often during the morning while cleaning the adjacent rooms. Elmer made sure we had the CPAP water and taped down the extension cord which had to run from the desk onto the carpet and to the bedside table. Both bedside lamps had USB plugs, which made charging our phones daily very easy. You do need your phone if you wish to use the Medallion on board but not while in your cabin.
Downside of this cabin was the narrower balcony; it was comfortable if you set the chair sideways. There were 2 chairs and 1 small table. Balcony was completely covered. We were about 6 cabins away from the self service laundry; $3 wash and $3 dry. Very little noise or vibration in our location.
Bathroom was one of the smallest we have had. Why they didn't put in a plexiglass sliding door on the shower is beyond my knowledge. Adequate storage room, as I use a Hanging bag for most of my bathroom supplies.
My walker/Rollator would not fit through the doorway unless folded up. Thank goodness I can walk without it for short distances.
Port Reviews
Antigua
We booked a beach day at BeachLimerz; taxi was pre-arranged with Hilaire and LeShaun for $7 each way. Entry for Pay as you Go was $25 per person, which included chaise lounge, shared Umbrella and drinks, or use of water toys, etc. All Inclusive rate was $65 with buffet lunch and drinks included. They only allow about 40 people so you don't get the ship tours. With at least 4 large ships in port, this was a great choice.
Barbados
We took a government approved taxi to the Boatyard Beach Club = $30 entry, taxi $5 each. Fee includes chaise, umbrella, drink and return taxi ride plus use of any and all water toys, and a boat snorkel tour to swim with the turtles. We didn't prefer to do the snorkeling. This is the closest beach club to the ship where a lot of crew go on their day off to relax. Lovely beach day.
Upon the return, the taxi driver left us off before the terminal gates. It was a very long walk for me with my Walker/Rollator.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
NEVIS: We booked a ship's boat and bus tour to Nevis as we had never been there. Walk to the boat was long with the walker especially. Another snorkel tour group cut into our line and it got a little confusing as to which boat we were to go to. Finally found the boat and off we sailed to the island. It took about 30-40 minutes of fast rough seas with a mist in the air but we made it. We got off at the pier and met our bus tour guide. The tour included many photo ops, lunch by the beach, drink included, then about 2 hours of beach time with chaise & umbrella's being supplied. This was our longest day but very nice and all encompassing to learn about the island of Nevis.
Princess Cays
Our day started out overcast but skies cleared. The tender boat was the most difficult for me with the walker. Seas were rough especially upon our return as we had a rain shower move through. We had to wait out the storm and circle the ship until the seas calmed down. I fell on the tender boat as it rocked side to side.
On the island, only the left side looking at land was open so it was a long walk with the walker on a bricked path. We found the Aqua Hut to claim our Clam Shell and Aqua Lounger for the water. I left my walker at the hut. Wet sand in the water was very soft, thus very unstable for me to walk upon. I merely splashed water on me and did not attempt to use the float. Friends of ours went into the water at another spot and both fell trying to get out. She is a large lady and many Life Guards and others had a very difficult time helping her up and out of the water. There was much sharp jagged Coral on the sea floor. She tore open her two big toes and had to be take to medical.
The BBQ lunch was served until 1:30PM and masks were required. We had forgotten ours at the clam shell and asked if they had any. They would not serve you without you're wearing a mask. Finally they found some and we got some food.
Shortly after eating grey clouds moved in and we went to pack up and return to the tender pier. It was raining by this time and the tenders were having a hard time sailing in the rough seas. Off loading and On loading the crew and provisions took a long time.
The weather and seas really put a damper on a relaxing day unfortunately. I had ordered a drink with a server and never got it.
Hopefully there will be limited tenders in my future cruising.
St. Thomas
We decided to just go downtown to shop. Took a jitney taxi @ $7 a person each way. Found our way to Beverly's Jewelry store and made a few purchases. We then found the Green House restaurant and stopped for a Bushwacker and small lunch. Drink was not as good as I remember from up on Paradise Point.