Last Updated: July 2026
If you’re considering sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, you’ve probably wondered one question:
Is this older ship still worth cruising today?
After sailing on Enchantment four different times, we can confidently say that the answer depends on what kind of cruise experience you’re looking for.
If you want giant waterslides, surfing simulators, zip lines, and dozens of specialty restaurants, this probably isn’t the Royal Caribbean ship for you.
But if you appreciate ocean views, a relaxed atmosphere, shorter walking distances, friendly crew members, and one of the most spacious pool decks in Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class, Enchantment still delivers a wonderful cruise vacation.
One thing we love about Enchantment is that it feels like a traditional cruise ship. Rather than constantly trying to entertain you with flashy attractions, it encourages you to slow down, enjoy the ocean, listen to live music, meet fellow cruisers, and simply relax.
We’ve explored every public area on board—from the iconic Viking Crown Lounge all the way down to Deck 1—and in this guide we’ll show you exactly what to expect before you book.
If you’d rather see the ship in action, we’ve also created a complete video tour that walks through every public area on board.
Watch our complete Enchantment of the Seas Ship Tour on YouTube here.
Enchantment of the Seas Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship Class | Vision Class |
| Entered Service | 1997 |
| Major Stretch | 2005 |
| Last Major Amplification | 2017 |
| Gross Tonnage | 82,910 GT |
| Length | 990 feet |
| Guest Capacity | Approximately 2,250 guests |
| Crew | Around 850 |
| Pools | 2 Main Pools + Adults-Only Solarium Pool |
| Specialty Restaurants | Chops Grille & Chef’s Table |
| Best For | Couples, retirees, first-time cruisers, relaxed vacations |
Our Overall Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
What We Love
✔ Spacious pool deck
✔ Beautiful Viking Crown Lounge
✔ Relaxing adults-only Solarium
✔ Fantastic ocean views
✔ Easy ship to navigate
✔ Friendly atmosphere
✔ Excellent live music
✔ One of our favorite Royal Caribbean ships despite its age
Things to Know
• Windjammer can feel crowded.
• Limited specialty dining.
• No FlowRider.
• No waterslides.
• No ice skating rink.
• No Central Park.
• Fewer “wow” attractions than Oasis or Icon Class ships.
If those aren’t deal breakers, you’ll likely have a fantastic cruise.
A Ship with an Interesting History
Enchantment of the Seas has one of the most fascinating stories in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Originally launched in 1997, she was already one of the largest ships in the Vision Class. But in 2005, Royal Caribbean did something almost unheard of—they literally cut the ship in half.
The two halves were separated, and engineers inserted a brand-new 73-foot midsection, making Enchantment the only Vision Class ship to undergo such an extensive transformation.
The stretch added:
- Boleros Lounge
- Expanded pool deck
- Additional public spaces
- More cabins
- More outdoor walking areas
Today, if you know where to look, you can actually spot where that extra section was added. One of the easiest clues is the distinctive bridge structure visible from outside the ship.
Whenever we’re in port and see Enchantment from another ship, that’s usually how we recognize her immediately.
Is Enchantment of the Seas Still Worth It?
This is probably the question we get asked the most.
Our answer is yes—but only if your expectations match the ship.
Royal Caribbean has spent the last decade introducing ships packed with attractions like surf simulators, zip lines, neighborhood concepts, robot bartenders, escape rooms, and water parks.
Enchantment is different.
Instead of overwhelming you with activities, it focuses on what cruising used to be about:
- Watching the ocean from comfortable lounges
- Listening to live music throughout the ship
- Meeting other passengers
- Relaxing by the pool
- Enjoying leisurely dinners
- Walking outside on real teak decks
Some travelers actually prefer this style of cruising.
We certainly do.
In fact, we’ve cruised on Enchantment four different times, and we’d happily sail her again.
Deck 10 – Viking Crown Lounge & Crown Lounge
If there’s one place that defines Enchantment of the Seas, it’s the Viking Crown Lounge.
For many longtime Royal Caribbean cruisers, the Viking Crown Lounge is iconic.
Located high above the ship, it offers panoramic views in nearly every direction. Whether you’re sailing away from port, watching a sunset, or simply relaxing with a drink, this is one of the best observation lounges you’ll find anywhere at sea.
One thing we appreciate about the older Royal Caribbean ships is how much thought went into creating comfortable gathering spaces.
Rather than one giant open room, the Viking Crown Lounge features multiple seating levels, cozy conversation areas, and plenty of windows. It’s easy to find a quiet corner whether you’re traveling as a couple or with friends.
During the day, it’s peaceful and often surprisingly uncrowded.
At night, it transforms into one of the ship’s entertainment venues with music, dancing, and plenty of energy.
And yes…
There’s a bar.
Actually, one thing you’ll quickly notice on Enchantment is that wherever people gather, there’s usually a nearby bar.
Crown Lounge (Diamond Lounge)
Just behind the Viking Crown Lounge is the Crown Lounge, reserved for Royal Caribbean’s loyalty members.
Access is generally available for:
- Diamond
- Diamond Plus
- Pinnacle Club members
Compared to some newer ships, we found this lounge to be surprisingly spacious.
While it doesn’t have direct exterior windows, it overlooks the Viking Crown Lounge below, so you still get plenty of natural light and a pleasant atmosphere.
It’s a comfortable place to enjoy complimentary drinks during happy hour, grab a snack, or simply escape the crowds for a while.
Deck 9 – Adventure Ocean, Sports Deck & Outdoor Spaces
Moving down one deck, you’ll find several family-friendly areas before stepping outside.
At the front of the ship is Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s supervised youth program.
Nearby is the ship’s arcade, conveniently located close to the younger children’s areas.
Families with kids will appreciate having these spaces grouped together.
One of the Best Outdoor Decks on the Ship
Once outside, you’ll quickly notice something that surprised us the first time we sailed Enchantment.
For an older ship, the upper outdoor decks feel incredibly spacious.
There are multiple levels of seating, plenty of loungers, and quiet corners where you can escape the activity around the main pools.
One of our favorite things about older Royal Caribbean ships is that they seem designed to help guests enjoy the ocean itself.
There are so many places to simply sit and watch the water—a feature that isn’t always as easy to find on some of the larger, attraction-focused ships.
If you’re someone who enjoys reading a book, enjoying a morning coffee, or watching dolphins while cruising, you’ll probably love these quieter forward decks.
The Famous Ship Stretch
As you continue walking around Deck 9, you’ll eventually reach one of Enchantment’s most recognizable features.
The bridge-like structure marks the section that was added during the ship’s 2005 stretch.
It’s a fascinating reminder that this isn’t just another Vision Class ship—it has its own unique history.
Because of this expansion, many outdoor areas feel larger than you might expect.
The walking paths are wider, there are more seating options, and the overall flow of the ship feels surprisingly open.
Walking Track
Marshall has one confession to make.
For years, he somehow managed to walk the running track in the wrong direction.
On this cruise, he finally decided to follow the posted arrows—and discovered that avoiding oncoming walkers made the experience much more enjoyable!
If you enjoy getting your steps in while at sea, the outdoor walking track provides wonderful ocean views and plenty of fresh air.
Rock Climbing Wall
At the aft section of the ship you’ll find Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall.
Although it’s smaller than the climbing walls found on newer ships, it still offers a unique experience.
From the top, it almost feels as though you’re climbing directly above the ocean.
It’s one of those classic Royal Caribbean attractions that continues to be popular decades after it was first introduced.
What You Won’t Find Here
It’s important to understand what Enchantment doesn’t offer.
Unlike newer Royal Caribbean ships, you won’t find:
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Ultimate Abyss slide
- Waterslides
- Ice skating rink
- Zip line
- Sports court
Instead, there’s a smaller recreation area with activities like table tennis and open deck games.
If your family expects non-stop adrenaline attractions, a Freedom, Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class ship may be a better fit.
However, if you’re looking for a more relaxing cruise where the ocean is the main attraction, Enchantment still shines.
Deck 9 – Windjammer Marketplace
For many cruisers, the Windjammer Buffet becomes their home away from home. It’s where you’ll grab breakfast before a shore excursion, enjoy a quick lunch after returning to the ship, or stop for a late-afternoon snack.
The Windjammer on Enchantment offers everything you’d expect from Royal Caribbean, including:
- Fresh fruit
- Made-to-order breakfast favorites
- Eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes
- International dishes
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Desserts
- Daily specials
- Beverage stations
Like every Royal Caribbean ship we’ve sailed, crew members greet guests at the entrance and encourage everyone to sanitize their hands before entering.
Our Honest Opinion
This is probably our least favorite public space on Enchantment.
Not because of the food—we generally enjoy Royal Caribbean’s buffet—but because of the layout.
The buffet itself feels noticeably narrower than on newer ships, creating several bottlenecks during busy breakfast and lunch hours. It can become crowded quickly, especially on sea days.
If you’re someone who dislikes navigating through crowds with a plate of food, you’ll probably notice it too.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid it.
Instead, consider visiting:
- Early breakfast (before 8:00 a.m.)
- Late breakfast (after 9:30 a.m.)
- Early lunch
- Later in the evening
Those times tend to be much more comfortable.
Outdoor Seating Makes a Big Difference
One feature we really appreciate is the outdoor seating just beyond the buffet.
Instead of staying inside, you can easily carry your breakfast or lunch outside and enjoy ocean views while you eat.
There’s something special about having coffee outdoors while watching the ship sail into another beautiful port.
It’s one of those simple cruise pleasures that never gets old.
The Main Pool Deck
If there’s one area where Enchantment exceeds expectations, it’s the pool deck.
Because of the ship’s unique stretch in 2005, this area feels surprisingly spacious.
Instead of squeezing everything together, Royal Caribbean created a pool deck that offers room to spread out.
You’ll find:
- Two swimming pools
- Multiple whirlpools
- Plenty of lounge chairs
- Poolside bars
- Games
- Family splash area
- Live music and activities
Compared to many ships carrying over 5,000 passengers today, finding a chair here is often much easier.
We actually spent more time relaxing by the pool on Enchantment than we have on several larger ships.
That’s saying something.
Sailaway Parties
Don’t let Enchantment’s age fool you.
This ship knows how to throw a sailaway party.
On one of our cruises we watched guests dancing, singing, and celebrating as the ship pulled away from port.
The atmosphere was energetic without feeling overwhelming.
Whether you join the dancing or simply enjoy watching from an upper deck with a drink in hand, sailaway remains one of our favorite moments on every cruise.
Next time, we may actually join the crowd instead of dancing from the sidelines!
Splash Area for Kids
Families traveling with younger children will appreciate the dedicated splash zone.
This colorful water play area gives kids a place to cool off while parents relax nearby.
Considering Enchantment’s age, it’s a welcome addition that helps the ship remain family-friendly.
Plenty of Lounge Chairs
One thing you’ll notice throughout the pool deck is just how many places there are to sit.
Whether you want:
- Full sunshine
- Partial shade
- Quiet corners
- Views overlooking the ocean
there are plenty of options.
We especially like that the seating is spread across multiple levels rather than concentrated around one pool.
That creates a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.
Poolside Games
Royal Caribbean always finds creative ways to keep guests entertained.
Around the pool you’ll often find:
- Ping pong tables
- Cornhole
- Pool games
- Music
- Trivia
- Dance activities
Even if you aren’t participating, it’s fun simply watching everyone enjoy themselves.
The Adults-Only Solarium
One of our favorite places on the ship is the Solarium.
If you’ve never cruised Royal Caribbean before, the Solarium is an adults-only retreat designed for relaxation.
Here you’ll find:
- Indoor pool
- Whirlpools
- Comfortable loungers
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Beautiful natural light
Unlike the lively main pool area, the Solarium offers a much quieter experience.
Whether you’re reading a book, taking an afternoon nap, or simply watching the ocean, it’s one of the most relaxing places onboard.
We also appreciate how spacious it feels.
Some ships squeeze everything together.
Enchantment doesn’t.
The seating is well arranged, and it’s usually easy to find a comfortable place to spend a few hours.
Of course…
There’s another bar nearby.
It wouldn’t be Royal Caribbean otherwise.
Solarium Bar
This smaller bar is perfect for grabbing:
- Frozen cocktails
- Specialty drinks
- Beer
- Wine
- Soft drinks
without leaving the adults-only area.
It’s one of those convenient little features that helps you settle in for a relaxing afternoon.
Spa & Vitality Fitness Center
Walking through the Solarium naturally leads you into the ship’s spa.
Like most Royal Caribbean ships, you’ll find a variety of treatments including:
- Swedish massages
- Deep tissue massages
- Facials
- Hair salon
- Nail services
- Pedicures
- Teeth whitening
- Acupuncture
Whether or not you book a treatment, it’s worth walking through simply to see the facilities.
One feature we especially like is the waiting area overlooking the ocean.
Having natural light instead of a windowless waiting room makes the experience feel much more luxurious.
Fitness Center
Upstairs you’ll find Enchantment’s fitness center.
It’s certainly smaller than those found on Oasis or Icon Class ships, but it’s well equipped.
Equipment includes:
- Treadmills
- Ellipticals
- Exercise bikes
- Weight machines
- Free weights
Large windows let you exercise while watching the ocean pass by—a view that’s hard to beat.
Park Café
One of the hidden gems aboard Enchantment is Park Café.
Many first-time cruisers walk right past it without realizing how convenient it is.
Instead of heading back to the Windjammer every time you’re hungry, Park Café offers quick grab-and-go options throughout the day.
Depending on the menu that day, you may find:
- Fresh salads
- Sandwiches
- Pizza
- Fresh fruit
- Cookies
- Desserts
- Coffee
- Tea
- Juice
We found ourselves stopping here surprisingly often.
Sometimes you don’t want a huge buffet.
Sometimes all you want is a quick slice of pizza or a light snack before heading back to the pool.
Park Café is perfect for that.
One of Our Favorite Pool Bars
Toward the aft section of Deck 9 you’ll discover one of our favorite hangout spots.
The large outdoor pool bar has plenty of seating nearby and incredible ocean views.
Even if you aren’t ordering drinks, it’s a wonderful place to relax, meet fellow cruisers, or simply enjoy the sea breeze.
This area often feels quieter than the central pool while still remaining close to all the action.
Deck 8 & Deck 7 – Staterooms
Decks 7 and 8 are devoted almost entirely to guest accommodations.
During our cruises on Enchantment we’ve stayed in several different cabin categories, including inside, ocean view, and balcony cabins.
If you’re trying to decide which cabin is right for your cruise, be sure to check out our separate cabin tour videos where we walk through each room in detail and share what we liked about each category.
Deck 6 – Orpheum Theater
Moving down to Deck 6, we arrive at one of our favorite entertainment venues.
The Orpheum Theater is surprisingly beautiful.
Unlike many cruise ship theaters, it feels bright and welcoming thanks to its lighter color palette.
One feature we especially appreciate is its accessibility.
Instead of requiring guests to constantly climb stairs, the main seating area is designed with gentle slopes and wide aisles, making it much easier for guests with mobility concerns.
The seats are comfortable, sightlines are excellent, and Royal Caribbean consistently delivers high-quality entertainment here—from production shows and comedians to musicians and guest performers.
Even on a smaller ship like Enchantment, the evening entertainment never feels like an afterthought.