Royal Caribbean International's Newly Lengthened E

[JoeyandDavid]

MIAMI, July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Royal Caribbean International's Enchantment of the Seas re-enters service on July 7<] following an extreme makeover that included the addition of a new 73-foot midsection and bow-to- stern renovations. The undertaking introduced 151 additional staterooms, several of the line's most popular venues from its newest ships, and first-of- their-kind features unique to Enchantment of the Seas, including suspension bridges, a Splash Deck for kids and bungee trampolines.

"We've committed ourselves to providing innovative, exciting and unexpected experiences for our guests, and we are willing to stretch ourselves and our ships -- literally -- to fulfill that promise," said Royal Caribbean International President Adam Goldstein.

Architectural Innovations<]

The most visible additions to Enchantment of the Seas are two 75-foot-long suspension bridges, supported by dramatic arches, that run along both sides of the top deck of the ship. The bridges cross over two new areas of the Pool Deck that extend out over the water. On the port side, the overhanging platform features a new island bar, while the starboard side has plenty of room for relaxing and enjoying the pool band. Both overhanging areas include peek-a-boo windows in the floor for glimpses down to the sea.

Extraordinary Activities<]

The "new" Enchantment of the Seas offers guests numerous ways to enjoy their time onboard -- at a variety of activity and adventure levels. At the upper end of the adventurous scale, E[nchantment offers a new adrenaline rush. In addition to the line's signature rock-climbing wall, the ship has four bungee trampolines on Deck 10 forward. Guests push off from inflatable trampolines, while harnesses connected to bungee cords send them soaring skyward.

Guests who prefer to stay grounded can work up a sweat on the new vitality course, also on Deck 10. Runners and walkers follow the quarter-mile jogging path to four fitness zones that focus on stretching, cardio, agility and toning.

One level below, Enchantment of the Seas features two pools and four whirlpools in its main pool area, which was expanded by nearly 50 percent. The highlight, however, is the new interactive fountain for kids. With 64 water jets on the floor, perimeter and a central dome, the Splash Deck allows kids to spray one another or create their own fountain effects with a touchpad system. At night, the circular area closes down and transforms into a fiber- optic light and water show.

Expanded Entertainment and Dining<]

Several entertainment and dining concepts from Royal Caribbean's newest ships were added to Enchantment of the Seas during the renovation, including the line's latest hot spot, Boleros Latin lounge. Located in the new midsection on Deck 5, Boleros is the perfect spot to be social while enjoying live Latin jazz and Central and South American drink favorites, such as mojitos, caipirinhas and specialty tequilas. Enchantment's Boleros also features a special surprise -- a spectacular glass ceiling reminiscent of a Mayan sunburst.

On Deck 6, a former pass-through lounge has been transformed into the elegant, 108-seat Chops Grille specialty restaurant. This traditional steakhouse offers everything from succulent filet mignon to delicious salmon. Side dishes like hearty mashed potatoes are served family-style for guests to share, while a selection of decadent desserts like Mississippi Chocolate Mud Pie are offered to complete the meal. Reservations are required and a $20 charge applies.

Enchantment's other dining options also were updated. The My Fair Lady Dining Room was renovated and expanded to accommodate additional guests, while the former Windjammer Cafe is now the Windjammer Marketplace. The self-serve Windjammer Marketplace offers multiple islands, each featuring dishes from a different region of the world, as well as a carving station, deli, extensive salad bar and a cook-to-order pasta station. For quick snacks and sweet treats between meals, Enchantment's new Latte'tudes coffee and ice cream shop serves up espresso drinks from Seattle's Best Coffee® and the creative flavors of Ben & Jerry's®.

Upgrades and Additions Throughout the Ship<]

Further renovations and additions to Enchantment of the Seas include two family staterooms that sleep six, a new lounge for guests to book future cruises, more space and additional slot machines for the Casino Royale, and a refurbished, 100-seat conference center. The enhanced shopping area includes a Fossil® watch store, a fine jewelry store and a photo electronics retail shop, while the nearby, extended photo gallery offers digital photo kiosks from which guests can select their souvenir cruise photos.

The Enchantment Day Spa was expanded, now offering five additional treatment rooms, for a total of 13, including two couples' massage rooms. In addition, new accessibility features have been added throughout the ship, including improved thresholds and ramps, pool lifts and access to the Splash Deck.

Enchantment of the Seas will complete two preview cruises for area travel agents before officially re-entering service on July 7, 2005, with a four- night cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Enchantment of the Seas then will sail a series of Canada/New England cruises from Cape Liberty (July 7-11), Philadephia (July 19-Aug. 21) and Boston (Sept. 4-25). She returns to Fort Lauderdale in October to resume four- and five-night Caribbean itineraries.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise vacation company with 19 ships in service and two more under construction. The company also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Canada and Europe. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.royalcaribbean.com or by calling 800-327-6700.

[JohnG]

Can't wait to see her. My Sept 11 travel agent seminar at sea is aboard her for the 7 night Maine and Canada sailing from Boston.

[JoeyandDavid]

soJohn does that means we get an upclose and personal review?

[GottaCruz]

that splash deck with fountains is about my speed. The Windjammer Marketplace with deli sounds amazing. I will definitely be looking to sail this ship one of these days. :grin: I can't wait to see some pictures of her taken by Crazies that will be sailing on her.

[sailinglisa]

Here is a link to some pics taken by someone on the first TA cruise after the Enchantment's arrival. All I can say is I can't wait to board her!

http://community.webshots.com/album/387207233jehnTC

Edited to add: The owner of the album can only add 5 "free pics" to the website daily...the album changes daily and I am really looking forward to seeing more of these pics.