Enchanted Princess Review
Dining and entertainment above expectations
Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Enchanted Princess
onyourmark
10+ Cruises • Age 70s
Rating by category
Cabin
Family
Value for Money
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Dining
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Sail Date: Mar 2023
After two days in Barcelona following our transatlantic sailing on Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas we were excited to board Enchanted Princess, extending our vacation by another 6 nights in the Mediterranean. The ship was docked in Terminal E, a long way from the port gate, but the shared taxi from our hotel was better than using public transit/Port Bus combo.
Although there was no Wi-Fi in the terminal, embarkation was quick using our passports instead of the QR code in the App, we collected our Medallions and headed to our cabin. The ship was about 65% full, so it did not feel crowded at any point.
We went to the World Fresh Marketplace buffet for lunch. Those stairs were really narrow, fitting only one person at a time. Now here was our first eye-opener. Plenty of food choices in a labyrinth of aisles. I got lost more than once, not remembering the location of our table and doubling back to food areas I was sure I’d already covered. The quality and variety of the offering was outstanding. And the service was impeccable. There was no pesto sauce for the penne pasta I wanted. One of the chefs (with a tall white hat) said he’ll personally prepare it for me. Not more than ten minutes later he brought two delicious plates to our table. Another dish of note was the tasty and tender lamb shawarma. I asked for a pita instead of the soft tortilla, and within a few minutes a cook brought a dozen warm triangle-shaped pita to our table. I was hoping for the larger round-shaped pita, but managed fine just the same.
Cabin Review
The cabin on Deck 9 (Dolphin) D7** was smaller than expected yet had ample closet space. It had a deep balcony (about 9x10ft.) with slight residue of soot that was promptly cleaned up by Cynthia, our efficient cabin steward. The bathroom felt cramped, and you had to dry off inside the shower stall. While there was good lighting, it would have been nice to have a night light. The TV screen was large but the remote functions were rather difficult to navigate.
Port Reviews
Barcelona
Went on a day trip to Montserrat with lunch in a winery cellar.
Bought two Epidor beers at Fabrica Moritz near our Hotel Jazz, and had them on the Rooftop Terrace Pool area at sunset.
Enjoyed tapas and beer at Ciutat Comtal.
Marseille
Marseille – due to labour protests the port entry was blocked by many trucks. The ship’s shuttle bus was suspended, but when it resumed we took it to Joliette depot in town. The cost was $16 return per person. There was a free port bus but it was suspended due the protest. Other people managed to exit the port on foot and ride the local bus to the old city.
We had booked a free walking tour at 11am and managed to get there in time, walking from Joliette. Our guide provided an intensive review of the history of the city, walking by archeological digs, post war reconstruction, the eclectic Le Panier neighborhood and the huge Cathedral La Major. After over 2 hours we returned to the shuttle pick up point and back to the ship for lunch and gelato.
Corsica (Ajaccio)
Corsica - in Ajaccio the ships docks in the city, so we walked to the market, the beaches, parks, the SPAR store, then back through the pedestrian alley way near the port. After a lunch break on the ship and change to cooler clothing we took the yellow open-top tourist bus at 1:45pm (not HOHO) for €9. This is an hour ride with recorded commentary. It takes you through the city, up to the Napoleon monument, then out of the city along the coastal road to the Sanguinaires Islands and back.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar - I had pre-arranged a taxi tour with Tours of Gibraltar. Our guide Luigi met us and 3 other couples at the port and for the next three hours we visited many of highlights Gibraltar has to offer. The price included admission to the Nature Reserve. After lunch we explored Main Street. Based on the number of people carrying multiple bags I figured there were good deals to be had here.
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