Photo: Webwolf67, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Enchantment of the Seas was the second of the larger Vision-class ships built for Royal Caribbean at the Kvaerner Masa-Yards shipyard in Helsinki, Finland, entering service in 1997. Originally around 74,000 GT, she embodied the class's light-filled design, with a glass-crowned Centrum atrium, expansive windows, and a glass-enclosed Solarium, along with the funnel-wrapped Viking Crown Lounge that remained a Royal Caribbean signature.
What sets Enchantment apart from her fleetmates is a dramatic 2005 modernization, during which she was cut in two and lengthened by an approximately 22-metre midsection, raising her tonnage to about 82,910 GT. The stretch added cabins and, more distinctively, an expanded pool deck fitted with bungee trampolines and the first suspended bridges at sea, along with one of the largest poolside movie screens then afloat, reinventing her as a family-focused ship.
Enchantment of the Seas was christened by Colleen Fain, wife of longtime Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain, underscoring the ship's place within the company's leadership era of aggressive fleet expansion. Across her career she has been a dependable performer on short and week-long itineraries, particularly from Florida ports.
Enchantment of the Seas remains in active service with Royal Caribbean International, registered in Nassau, Bahamas. She currently sails Western Caribbean itineraries from Tampa, Florida, continuing to serve the value-conscious, family-oriented segment of the market that her 2005 lengthening was designed to capture, a testament to the adaptability of the Vision class.
Onboard Highlights
Signature attractions, dining, bars and entertainment aboard Enchantment of the Seas.
Top attractions
- Rock Climbing Wall
Full-scale climbing adventure onboard the ship. - Solarium
Indoor-outdoor adult-only retreat with lounging and swimming. - Royal Caribbean Arcade
Games from the 1980s and 1990s plus modern favorites. - Adventure Ocean®
Kids' programs and activities for the youngest family members. - Vitality Spa
Full menu of spa services and VIP pampering experiences.
Specialty dining
- Chops Grille℠
Classic American steakhouse with prime-cut dishes. - Chef's Table
Ultimate specialty dining experience for culinary connoisseurs.
Bars and lounges
- R Bar
Vintage-themed bar serving classic cocktails. - Boleros
Live merengue music paired with mojitos and dancing.
Entertainment
- Stage to Screen
Original production featuring Broadway and box office hits with live orchestra.
Where She Sails
Ports of call on Enchantment of the Seas itineraries, with a signature highlight at each.
Specifications
| Status | In service |
|---|---|
| Entered service | 1997 |
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Vision class |
| Gross tonnage | 82,910 GT |
| Guests (double occupancy) | 2,252 |
| Guests (maximum) | 2,741 |
| Crew | 770 |
| Est. annual guests | ≈ 120,000 / year (estimated) |
| Length | 301 m (988 ft) |
| Beam | 32 m (105 ft) moulded |
| Draught | 7.7 m (25 ft) |
| Decks | 11 |
| Staterooms | 1,142 |
| Shipyard | Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, Finland) |
| Build cost | ≈ US$280 million |
| Christened by | Colleen Fain |
| Flag | Bahamas |
| Port of registry | Nassau, Bahamas |
| IMO number | 9111802 |
| Home port | Tampa, Florida |
| Region | Western Caribbean (seasonal) |
About the Vision class
Mid-1990s ships emphasizing glass, light, and sweeping ocean views.
Ownership & loyalty
Part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL).
Sister brands: Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Loyalty status match - members keep an equivalent tier across the group's brands:
- Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean International) ↔ Captain's Club (Celebrity Cruises)
One-for-one tier status match across Royal Caribbean Group brands: Gold <-> Classic, Platinum/Emerald <-> Select, Diamond <-> Elite, Diamond Plus <-> Elite Plus, Pinnacle Club <-> Zenith. - Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean International) ↔ Venetian Society (Silversea Cruises)
One-for-one status match with Silversea Venetian Society: Gold <-> 1 day, Platinum/Emerald <-> 100 days, Diamond <-> 250 days, Diamond Plus <-> 350 days, Pinnacle Club <-> 500 days.
References
Descriptions on Cruise Ship Wiki are original write-ups paraphrased from public sources; facts are compiled from the references below and cross-checked. How we source our information.
- Photograph by Webwolf67 (Public domain), via Wikimedia Commons - Primary ship photograph