This article will give you some insight as to what to expect from the time you arrive at the cruise terminal in Baltimore until the ship sets sail.
You will have no trouble finding the Port of Baltimore Cruise Terminal. In fact, it couldn’t be more convenient to I-95. After dropping off your luggage and going through security you’ll enter the terminal area. No camera or cell phones allowed here as it is secure. During check in you’ll receive your SeaPass card. You use this in place on money on the cruise. Check out the Port of Baltimore’s web site for more details on checking in.
Come hungry! The Welcome Aboard lunch buffet is served from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm in the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 9, forward.
There should be a copy of the ship’s daily newsletter, the Cruise Compass, waiting for you in your stateroom. This is must reading every day. Here’s a copy of the Cruise Compass from an August 26, 2010 sailing of Enchantment of the Seas.
From 1:45 to 2:45 pm is the Enchantment Expo! This is an introduction to the services and amenities on board. It takes place in the Centrum, Deck 5. It’s like a tabletop trade show. There are a lot of things to take in during this hour and this page will prepare you to make the most of that time.
You’ll find this Frequently Asked Questions sheet for pickup. You might as well read it before you board. Note the information on Chops Grille, the only specialty restaurant on board. Don’t be disappointed! The restaurant seats 108 people and the ship might have over 2,000 passengers on board. You do the math. See the Dining FAQ section of this web site on how to reserve in advance of arrival.
If you’re interested in a menu of the services offered at the Enchantment Day Spa check out this flyer.
Are you a big soft drink consumer? If so, you should know that the soda on board is additional. They sell a Fountain Soda Package that costs $6.00 per day for adults and $4.00 per day for children. Of course you must purchase for the whole cruise. So multiply that number by 8.
The fountain soda package entitles you to unlimited refills at any of the bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, and Main Dining Room. A complimentary Coca-Cola® souvenir cup is included as part of every fountain soda package.
There are also Bottled Water and Juice Packages for sale. You may purchase any of these packages online before your cruise begins or on the first day of the cruise.
You may order the Cruise In Review DVD for $29.95. There’s a copy of the DVD from the August 7, 2010 sailing to Bermuda posted on a separate page so you may get a better idea of what will be on the DVD that you order. Also it will provide those that are interested in the cruise more information about the Enchantment of the Seas experience. It’s worth watching.
Don’t miss this brochure for the Crown and Anchor Society. You will be a Gold member when you complete your first cruise with Royal Caribbean. You may enroll while on the cruise.
Crown & Anchor Society members now have the exclusive privilege to reserve their next cruise while onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. The new and exclusive “Onboard Booking Bonus” offers members an onboard credit of up to $200 per stateroom for making a reservation on a future sailing. This Bonus can now be used with either a Crown & Anchor Savings Certificate or a Balcony & Suite Discount (the latter applicable for our Platinum, Diamond or Diamond Plus members), offering members great savings for their next cruise before their current cruise ends.
In addition to this bonus you can also help Marian Homes by asking the Loyalty Staff member to retain your current travel agent. That way Marian Homes will receive a financial benefit as outlined here.
There will be a Loyalty Staff member at a table to answer any questions you may have during the Enchantment Expo! and other times throughout the cruise.
When we set sail we have to go under the Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor and the Bay Bridge on the Chesapeake. You’ll want to be on the top deck when we pass as the clearance is less that 20 ft! By the way, very top of every Royal Caribbean ship is the Viking Crown Lounge. On the Enchantment it’s on Deck 11, aft.
The gaming tables and shops are not open until be are in international waters. However, once we pass under the Key Bridge, there’s no other place to go but the open seas. Therefore, the gaming tables open approximately 40 minutes after we set sail!