Going to greater lengths to create better cruising
Royal Caribbean lengthened and extensively refurbished its Vision-class ship Enchantment of the Seas in 2005.
A 73ft midsection was inserted, increasing the vessels overall length to 990 feet and its tonnage from 74,140 to 80,700 tons. It added 151 staterooms, as well as a number of indoor and outdoor public areas.
The additional space and extensive renovations accommodate new public areas including a new specialty restaurant, Royal Caribbeans hallmark Boleros Latin lounge and Lattetudes coffee shop, where guests can enjoy Seattles Best Coffee(R) and Ben & Jerrys(R) ice cream.
In addition, existing spaces were extensively reconditioned. The ships pool deck, main dining room, shopping area, casino, jogging track, fitness facility, day spa and art gallery are among several areas expanded and revitalised.
Enchantment of the Seas was christened on July 12, 1997. The superliners spectacular facilities included:
- State of the art Las Vegas-style two-deck theatre
- Glass walled lounge
- Indian themed solarium
- A seven deck atrium known as the Centrum, with brass curving staircase, glass elevators incorporating more than two acres of glass and providing spectacular views from almost any spot on the ship
The Las Vegas-style theatre boasted the most advanced technological features of any cruise ship afloat at ther time. The Palladium Theatre, designed for 870 guests, is equipped with hi-tech Broadway-style lighting and stage equipment, as well as an orchestra pit that can be raised and lowered at the flick of a switch.
Passengers are also be entertained in the glass walled South Pacific Lounge, which seats 575 people, and the more intimate Singing in the Rain Lounge which accommodates just 100. Other bars include the nautically themed Schooner Bar and the Champagne Terrace and Bar.
For those who fancy a flutter, the glittering Casino Royale has the latest slot machines and games. The Boutiques of the Centrum with their distinctive storefronts are well stocked with a range of goods to to tempt passengers to part with their winnings.
On top of that …
- The Solarium enables passengers to swim day and night in opulent Indian surroundings, with golden domes and elephants adding to the mystical eastern theme. The whole area has a swimming pool, whirlpools, and comfortable seating, where the less energetic can relax. A fully retractable glass roof, called the Crystal Canopy, covers the area if the weather turns bad.
- The expansive sundeck has two swimming pools, six whirlpools, several bars and a sports area with ping pong and shuffleboard facilities and thousand s of square feet to stretch out and enjoy the sunshine.
- The Observatory provides passengers with a special stargazing platform with planispheres indicating the location of constellations in the night sky.
- Royal Caribbeans hallmark, the Viking Crown lounge, seats 250 and rises from the ships uppermost deck. Passengers can catch a glimpse of the next port of call from this vantage point while dancing to the latest hi-tech music.
- Enchantment offers a packed programme of entertainment for children, with a kids/tweens and teens programme enjoying some of the most comprehensive childrens facilities afloat.
Cabins are available for every taste and budget. There are 975 cabins in all, with 212 having a veranda or balcony, and 576 outside cabins. Most of these have a picture window instead of porthole to maximise light and view.
All cabins are well above the waterline and have private bathrooms facilities, colour TV, three channel radio and individual air conditioning. Fourteen cabins have been specially designed for disabled passengers,.
Enchantment of the Seas also has all the regular features now associated with a Royal Caribbean Supership: The Windjammer Cafe, Conference Centre seating 184 people, ShipShape fitness centre, beauty salon, barbers shop and medical centre.
PASSENGERS : 2,446
BERTHS : 1,128
CREW : 840
FACILITIES : One main dining room (two sittings), alternative dining options, themed bars and lounges, casino, library, solarium with a sliding roof and indoor/outdoor pool, day spa and fitness centre, rock-climbing wall, conference centre, childrens facilities