Once passengers check in, they are given a boarding card o seas pass, this card has their names, restaurant information on where they should eat, as well as the turn and table number. The card will also be used to open passengers´ cabin door and to register on board consumptions. The Seas Pass is some kind of an on board credit card and to activate it, it is necessary to use a credit card or you can open a cash account which requires a US$200 deposit.

Priority

One of the priorities of Enchantment of the Seas cruise is the safety of all guests, reason why at 4:30 p.m. all guests are must attend the emergency drill that is done on deck number 5. This helps passengers to familiarize with the security routine and with its emergency station. It is also important to remember the cabin number and location, since the big size of the ship may confuse passengers. Each corridor has a stateroom attendant in charge of receiving guests, keeping rooms clean and handing in the daily Cruise Compass.

The Cruise Compass is a very useful since it is a guide of daily activities on board. It includes schedules, clothing suggestions for dinner times, land excursions, time and currency of each destination as well as a brief description of destinations among others. The ship has a capacity for 2.252 passengers in double rooms, a total of 1.126 rooms most of them with ocean views, some of them with balconies; some are cabin class. Inside each cabin, guests have hotel style comforts; such as bathroom, closets, cable TV, phone, air conditioning, security box and a hair dryer, it also has water bottles and sodas.

Excursions

Before making any trip, it is suggested that guests take breakfast at deck 9, in the Windjamer Café, where they will find a great variety of rolls, beverages, fruits, desserts and others. Enchantment of the Seas has remarkable trip personnel called Explorations, who will advise you to book your land tours. Once passengers step on land, the Sea Pass must be presented as well as the trip ticket and an ID with a picture. In our case, we had the chance to know this cruise in Fort Lauderdable, Miami, United States where we departure to Key West in Florida.

When people get off the cruise, some personalities such as dolphins or birds are found and pictures are taken; then posted in the photo gallery of deck six where they can be purchased. In Key West, we had the chance to walk by avenues where guides explained about the real estate development sector. We also had the chance to know Ernest Hemingway´s house, better known as The Ernest Hemingway, Home and Museum. Hemingway was one of the most important journalists and novelists of the first half of the XX century in the United States.

When people get off the cruise, some personalities such as dolphins or birds are found and pictures are taken; then posted in the photo gallery of deck six where they can be purchased. In Key West, we had the chance to walk by avenues where guides explained about the real estate development sector. We also had the chance to know Ernest Hemingway´s house, better known as The Ernest Hemingway, Home and Museum. Hemingway was one of the most important journalists and novelists of the first half of the XX century in the United States.The two story house is often visited by tourists.

Inside the house, there are around 50 cats which have the singularity of having six fingers, most of these cats were named after the artists Pablo Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, Simone de Beaunvoir; among others. One tour took us to Cozumel, México; one of the most famous destinations of the world for diving and snorkeling. Its beaches, markets, caves, underwater caves and old Mayan ruins are part of its attractions. Once guests get off the cruise, they will find a market where they can buy handcrafts, curiosities like can purses, souvenirs and silver goods since México is one of the biggest producers of this metal in the world.

Activities on board

While traveling from one destination to another several hours go by on board, this time can be used to enjoying a good drink under the sun in some of the pools and who participate in the various activities offered there. If you are a sport loving person, you may have the chance to visit the ShipShape gym or to breathe fresh air enjoying the sight of the ocean during the one mile walk on deck.

For the most active ones, there is a climb wall or a 61 meters jump harness over the ocean. You can also shop on board in the stores located on deck six where you will find purses of remarkable/well known designers 10% and 20% less expensive than in the United States and you may also purchase a worldwide watch or participate in the US$10.00 watches sale.

Night life

Enchantment of the Seas has a great variety of options for night time schedules. First thing is to find the fine restaurant where you´ll dine every night, just, make sure to wear the right outfit,; you should wear casual clothing, not jeans though. However, there is a gala night and is highly recommended to wear cocktails outfits for ladies and a suit and a tie for men. We had the chance to dine at My Fair Lady Dining Room located in deck five. In this restaurant, guests can good wine, and a complete menu that includes white meat or seafood. And of course, you can’t miss/you cannot leave out a good dessert.

Sherly Díaz / The Panama Post sherly.diaz@rimolamedios.com