Enchantment of the Seas: Honest Review & Cabin Tips

Cruising on an older ship can feel like a gamble — the price is right, but will the cabin be noisy and the food disappointing? For Enchantment of the Seas, a Vision-class vessel that debuted in 1997, the answer depends on two decisions: which stateroom you book and where you choose to eat.

Year built: 1997 ·
Gross tonnage: 82,910 ·
Passenger capacity: 2,252 (double occupancy) ·
Number of decks: 11 ·
Last refurbished: 2022 ·
Average passenger rating: 3.5 / 5 (Cruise Critic)

Seven specs define this ship at a glance:

The implication: Enchantment is a midsize ship built for shorter, value-oriented cruises, and its 2022 dry dock was the most recent refresh.

When was Enchantment of the Seas last refurbished?

Major refurbishment timeline

• 2005 – Mid-body stretch added 73 feet and 151 cabins (Royal Caribbean Blog)
• 2015 – Minor dry dock with soft goods updates (Cruise Critic)
• 2022 – Extensive refurbishment included new carpet, furniture, upgraded dining venues, and technology updates (Royal Caribbean)

What changed during the 2022 dry dock

The Royal Amplified program touched pool decks, staterooms, and dining spaces (Royal Caribbean). Cruise Critic noted the ambience was refreshed, though not every cabin received new furnishings (Cruise Critic).

What this means: The ship is noticeably cleaner and more modern than before, but older decor lingers in pockets — especially in balcony cabins on lower decks.

What rooms to avoid on Enchantment of the Seas?

Noise-prone cabins

• Aft area of Deck 2 – above the theater and nightclub (Cruise Mummy)
• Cabins near elevator banks (constant foot traffic) (Royal Caribbean Blog)
• Rooms directly under the pool deck (deck chair scraping) (YouTube)

Obstructed-view staterooms

Oceanview cabins on Deck 4 have partially blocked windows because of lifeboats (Cruise Mummy). If you want a clear view, book an oceanview on Deck 3 or higher.

Older decor on lower decks

Passengers report that some cabins on Decks 2 and 3 still have the original 1997 furniture and carpets (YouTube). The 2022 dry dock prioritized public spaces.

The catch: A cheap rate on a Deck 2 aft cabin may save money, but you’ll pay in sleep quality. Upgrade to a midship balcony on Deck 7 for peace.

Is Enchantment of the Seas the smallest ship?

Enchantment size within Royal Caribbean fleet

With 82,910 gross tons and 1,126 cabins, Enchantment is one of the smaller ships but not the smallest. Grandeur of the Seas (73,817 GT) and Rhapsody of the Seas (78,491 GT) are both smaller (Cruise Critic). Vision-class ships generally offer a more intimate, less crowded experience than Oasis or Quantum class.

Comparison to Vision-class sisters

Enchantment is the second-largest Vision-class ship after Rhapsody. Its 2005 stretch added 73 feet and 151 cabins, giving it more space than its sister Grandeur (Royal Caribbean Blog).

Why this matters: If you’re looking for a quiet, easy-to-navigate ship, Enchantment is a good fit. But if you crave water slides and Broadway shows, look at the larger classes.

What is the rating of Enchantment of the Seas?

Passenger satisfaction scores

• Cruise Critic average rating: 3.5/5 (Cruise Critic)
• U.S. News Travel rating: 3.0/5 (based on expert and user reviews) – note the source is Cruise Critic

Common complaints and praise

Positive: value for money, friendly crew, rock climbing wall. Negative: dated facilities, small cabins, limited entertainment (Cruise Mummy).

The pattern: Ratings reflect a budget-friendly ship that delivers on basics but lacks the polish of newer vessels.

Which is better: Enchantment of the Seas or Rhapsody of the Seas?

Three differences, one trade-off:

Both ships are Vision-class and offer similar dining and entertainment. Enchantment has a rock climbing wall; Rhapsody has a golf simulator (Cruise Critic). If you want a more recent refurbishment and don’t need a golf simulator, Enchantment edges ahead. If longer itineraries matter, Rhapsody wins.

The trade-off: Enchantment’s 2022 refurb makes interiors fresher, but Rhapsody offers slightly more dining variety in the main dining room.

Full ship specifications

Six technical specs, one pattern: Enchantment is a midsize ship built for shorter, value-oriented cruises.

Pros and cons of Enchantment of the Seas

Enchantment of the Seas timeline

Four milestones, one trajectory: from 1997 launch to 2022 refresh.

• 1997 – Ship launched (Cruise Critic)
• 2005 – Stretched by 73 feet, added 151 cabins (Royal Caribbean Blog)
• 2015 – Minor dry dock: soft goods updates (Cruise Critic)
• 2022 – Major refurbishment: new carpet, furniture, dining, and technology (Royal Caribbean)

What we know and what’s uncertain

What passengers and experts say

“We are excited to welcome guests aboard a refreshed Enchantment of the Seas.”

— Royal Caribbean press release (2022)

“The ship shows its age in places, but the crew is excellent.”

— Cruise Critic review

“Cabin was small and dated, but the cruise was cheap and we had fun.”

— Passenger on Royal Caribbean Blog

For budget-conscious cruisers sailing from Baltimore or Tampa, Enchantment of the Seas can be a great deal — provided you avoid the noisy aft cabins on Deck 2 and stick to the complimentary main dining room and Windjammer. Choosing a balcony room on a higher deck and booking a My Time Dining slot will make the difference between a frustrating trip and a genuinely enjoyable getaway.

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Frequently asked questions