Discover what to expect on a Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, including honest cabin reviews, port experiences in Costa Maya and Cozumel, and essential cruising tips.
Getting to Tampa: The Journey Begins
Our cruise adventure started with the familiar drive from Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, through Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, before stopping in Eagan for an overnight stay. If you’re flying out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) for an early morning departure, I highly recommend booking a park-and-fly hotel package. It’s a strategy I use frequently to avoid the pre-dawn stress of airport rushes. I keep a list of shuttle times to ensure I have the right hotel for the flight time.
Our 7 am flight to Tampa was smooth sailing (pun intended), with just minor turbulence as we approached Florida. However, our first hiccup came at Tampa International Airport, where we waited a full hour for our hotel shuttle (double the promised 30-minute maximum wait time). Despite this frustrating start, the hotel redeemed itself with spotlessly clean rooms and exceptionally comfortable beds that helped us rest up before embarkation day.
Cruising Tip #1: Always arrive at your cruise port city at least one day before embarkation. Flight delays, cancellations, or travel mishaps like our shuttle delay could cause you to miss the ship entirely. The cruise line won’t wait, and you’ll be responsible for catching up with the ship at the next port at your own expense, if they allow you to board later. That pre-cruise hotel night is insurance worth paying for!
Boarding at the Port of Tampa: Smooth Sailing with One Caveat
Enchantment of the Seas lobby
The next morning brought excitement as we headed to the Port of Tampa to board the Enchantment of the Seas. This ship is notably older and smaller than Royal Caribbean’s impressive new mega-ships, but that proved perfect for our group of 22, many of which were first-time cruisers who might have felt overwhelmed by vessels carrying 6,000+ passengers.
We encountered morning traffic due to a local marathon, but our experienced shuttle driver navigated around it skillfully, getting us to the port without delays. With an 11 am boarding time, we arrived before the main crowds descended. The check-in process was remarkably quick—we spent only about 15 minutes in the waiting area (though I must mention those chairs were uncomfortably cramped and positioned far too close to other waiting passengers). Be prepared to stare at your knees to avoid looking strangers in the eye for several uncomfortable minutes.
Cruising Tip #2: Book an early or mid-morning embarkation time slot when possible. The process is smoother before afternoon crowds arrive, and you’ll get on the ship in time for lunch! Be on top of when your cruise check-in opens, as this is when those morning embarkation slots are available.
Enchantment of the Seas Cabin Review: Deck 3 Oceanview
We settled into oceanview cabins on Deck 3 in the forward section of the ship. After decorating our cabin door with magnets (a fun cruise tradition!), we explored our home for the next five nights.
The Reality of Cabin Size and Amenities
Enchantment of the Seas Cabin 3020
Let me be honest: these cabins were notably smaller than others I’ve experienced on newer ships. The most inconvenient design flaw was the electrical outlet placement—all plugs were located by the desk rather than near the beds. Fortunately, I’d packed an external power bank that kept my phone and portable bedside fan charged throughout the voyage.
The in-cabin safe was disappointingly tiny, barely accommodating my iPad. My friend’s laptop wouldn’t fit at all, forcing us to find alternative storage solutions.
On the positive side, the beds were genuinely comfortable. I was particularly pleased to see they were separated as twins, exactly as I’d requested in my cruise reservation. These seemingly small details matter when you’re sharing a cabin, so always communicate your preferences to your travel advisor—they can add important notes to your booking to ensure the cabin is set up the way you need it.
Cruising Tip #3: If your beds aren’t arranged as expected when you board, don’t worry! Your room steward can reconfigure them for you. Most cruise cabins can be set up with beds together (for couples) or separated (for friends or family). Just ask your steward on embarkation day.
Cruising Tip #4: If you find the mattress too firm, request a mattress topper from your room steward on the first day. This complimentary amenity can make a significant difference in your sleep quality, and it’s much easier to get it sorted early rather than suffering through uncomfortable nights.
The Rocking Ship Experience
While the beds themselves were comfortable, sleeping proved challenging due to significant ship motion. Multiple passengers in our group (and others we spoke with throughout the cruise) commented on how rocky this voyage felt. One fellow cruiser suggested the Enchantment lacks stabilizers, though my research indicates she does have them, and I’m fairly certain I heard them operating one evening. Regardless of the technical details, be prepared for noticeable movement on this older vessel.
Cruising Tip #5: If you’re prone to seasickness, pack motion sickness remedies even if you’ve cruised before. Smaller, older ships can experience more movement than their modern counterparts.
My Two-Part Cruise Test: Entertainment and Food
I evaluate every cruise on two critical factors: entertainment quality and food excellence. I’m happy to report that the Enchantment of the Seas passed both tests with flying colors.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
French Onion Soup and Strawberry Lemonade
The ship offers diverse entertainment options for all ages. Families will appreciate amenities like the climbing wall, ping pong tables, multiple pools, and a splash pad area. However, don’t expect some of Royal Caribbean’s signature attractions. You won’t find the FlowRider surf simulator, elaborate waterslides, or go-kart tracks on this smaller vessel.
The entertainment programming impressed me with variety suitable for both children and adults. Whether you’re looking for Broadway-style shows, live music, or family-friendly activities, the Enchantment delivers quality options throughout the day and evening.
Dining Experiences
The food consistently exceeded expectations throughout our voyage. From main dining room experiences to casual eateries, very few dishes disappointed. The variety ensured even picky eaters in our group found satisfying options at every meal.
Port Adventures: Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico
Costa Maya: A Relaxing Day in Port
Pool and bar at Costa Maya cruise port
For our Costa Maya stop, we chose to stay in port and enjoy the local beach club amenities. We spent our day poolside with tropical drinks in hand—truly the definition of relaxation.
Important Update: The pool area tables and loungers now require a $19 minimum purchase per seat. Our group of six shared a table for four, and the servers graciously accommodated us without issue. Given that we ordered well beyond the minimum anyway, it worked out perfectly. The service was exceptional—our servers were both sweet and attentive throughout the day.
Cruising Tip #6: Budget for port day minimums if you plan to use beach club facilities. The purchase requirement is per person/seat, so plan accordingly for your group size.
Cozumel: Dolphin Encounter at Chankanaab Park
Dolphin Experience at Chankanaab Park
Our Cozumel excursion was the Dolphin Experience at Chankanaab Park, and it proved to be a highlight of the entire cruise. We spent approximately 30 minutes learning about and interacting with these incredible marine mammals in an unforgettable experience.
However, there was one big frustration: personal photography isn’t permitted during the dolphin interaction. Park employees take all photos and sell them at $55 per person. For our group of six, this felt prohibitively expensive at $330 total. I wished they offered group photo packages that could be purchased individually, but unfortunately, that option didn’t exist. I ultimately purchased only my children’s photos, which meant leaving without any pictures of myself or my friend with the dolphins.
After the dolphin experience, I consoled myself with an amazing plate of nachos topped with cheese sauce, chicken fajita meat, and peppers, paired perfectly with a vodka punch. Once again, the servers were wonderful, attentive and friendly throughout our visit.
Cruising Tip #7: Research photo policies and pricing for shore excursions in advance. If official photos are expensive, ask about group packages or alternatives before your interaction begins.
The Return Journey: Fog, Fast Sailing, and Safe Arrival
As we sailed back to Tampa, the Captain made an important announcement: fog was expected at our original 7 am arrival time, a common occurrence in Tampa in the winter months. Ships arriving the day before had experienced delays lasting several hours, so the port required us to move our arrival time to 3 am.
Fortunately, the seas remained calm that final night, allowing the Captain to increase speed significantly. We arrived safely and on schedule for disembarkation.
Our tired but happy group began the long journey back to Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin, arriving home safely despite a snowstorm that had rolled through the day before our return, a stark reminder of the winter weather we’d temporarily escaped!
Cruising Tip #8: Build flexibility into your return travel plans, especially during winter months when port fog or home weather can cause delays. Consider booking flights later in the day after cruise disembarkation or staying in a hotel an additional night.
Final Thoughts: Is Enchantment of the Seas Right for You?
Kendie enjoying the Caribbean seas
The Enchantment of the Seas offers a solid cruise experience, particularly for first-time cruisers or those who prefer
smaller ships with a more intimate atmosphere. While she lacks the bells and whistles of Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels, she delivers where it matters most: good food, quality entertainment, and friendly service.
The cabin size and ship motion may be drawbacks for some travelers, but if you’re flexible about accommodations and focused on the overall experience rather than cutting-edge amenities, this ship provides excellent value.
If you’re not sure which ship is best for you, a travel advisor can help! Remember, I don’t charge extra fees to help you plan and book your travels and I often have add-ins you can’t get by booking on your own!
Join Our Travel Community
Want to follow along with more of my cruise adventures and travel experiences? Like to find out whether I’d be a good fit to help plan your future travels? I’d love to have you join our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/groups/stroedetravel! Share your own cruise stories, ask questions, get tips from experienced cruisers, and connect with fellow travel enthusiasts planning their next adventure.
Have you sailed on the Enchantment of the Seas or visited Costa Maya and Cozumel? Share your experiences in our Facebook group—I’d love to hear about your journey!
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
Keywords: Royal Caribbean cruise review, Enchantment of the Seas review, Tampa cruise port, Costa Maya cruise port, Cozumel excursions, Western Caribbean cruise, Royal Caribbean smaller ships, cruise tips for beginners, Chankanaab Park dolphins, cruise cabin review, Port of Tampa embarkation
