Photo by Jeff Sauers/courtesy of Cruise Maryland. Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas being escorted into berth at the Cruise Maryland Terminal by a Baltimore City Fireboat on the day of its inaugural sail, June 18.
Published on: Wednesday, July 28, 2010
By Elissa Simmons
I cannot think of anything more inviting on a hazy, hot and humid day in Maryland than sailing away – far, far away. And you do not have to travel far.
Forget about making plane reservations and cruise right from the Port of Baltimore. The Cruise Maryland Terminal is only 2.5 miles from Baltimore's Inner Harbor and only 10 miles from BWI Airport. Its easy access off of I-95 makes it an easy way to get out of town.
And there are plenty of cruise lines to choose from. This year the Port of Baltimore will have a record 91 home-ported cruises.
Photo by Bill McAllen/courtesy of Cruise Maryland. The two-level My Fair Lady Dining Room.
This summer, joining Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International has brought its newly renovated ship, Enchantment of the Seas, to Baltimore for year-round cruising through April 2012.
The 2,252-guest, double occupancy, Enchantment of Seas offers a variety of onboard amenities that cater to families, coupled with delectable dining options and compelling itineraries to make for a memorable cruise vacation.
Enchantment of the Seas underwent an enormous change giving it new life by adding 73 feet to its length. Cutting the ship in half and placing the new section in its middle was by far the most involved endeavor—we’re talking "Extreme Makeover."
The rest of the ship underwent extensive refurbishment to enhance and refresh, including more accessibility features, cabins, ramps and thresholds.
Photo by Bill McAllen/courtesy of Cruise Maryland. The 10-deck Centrum of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, considered the main hub of activity on the ship, provides easy access to the purser’s desk, the shore excursion desk, the library, various shops, bars and eateries.
The newly renovated vessel emerged updated and exhibits a wonderful display of remarkable engineering and craftsmanship.
New additions feature spacious sun and pool decks, multi-colored splash pool, the Oasis Bar with sea views and suspension bridges swaying overhead. There is a new twist on buffet dining—Mediterranean fare is served food station style in the court-like Windjammer Marketplace.
Other new dining and snacking options are Chops Grille, Seattle's Best Coffee and Ben & Jerry's. Vacationers can salsa dance the night away in the swinging new Latin inspired Boleros Lounge.
Physical activities for the kids and young at heart are certainly part of the package. Discover your agility and strength on the rock climbing wall or on one of four bungee trampolines. The youngsters will enjoy the award-winning Adventure Ocean Kids Program.
For those wanting to keep those extra pounds off, vacationers can visit the Fitness Center. Need to be pampered? Rejuvenate yourself in the Day Spa.
As each year passes, Baltimore is definitely becoming more popular with cruise vacationers. In 2008, only 27 cruises left from Baltimore. Last year, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 167,000 passengers on 81 home-ported cruises.
For 2011, 113 cruises are already scheduled, with an expected 240,000 passengers, compared to only 47,000 three years ago.
In the 2010 to 2011 summer and autumn seasons, vacationers can choose among five-night Bermuda, nine-night Eastern Caribbean and nine-night New England and Canada itineraries aboard Enchantment of the Seas.
In winter and spring 2010-2012, vacationers can choose among nine-night Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.
"Royal Caribbean is delighted to bring Enchantment of the Seas to historic Baltimore to offer year-round cruises," said Ken Muskat, vice president of Sales, Royal Caribbean International, at a welcoming ceremony in June for nearly 400 travel agents, dignitaries and media aboard the ship.
"Enchantment of the Seas offers so many ways for guests of all ages to enjoy an exciting family vacation or romantic cruise getaway, conveniently accessible by car.
“We thank the Maryland Port Administration, the Port of Baltimore, our valued travel agent partners, and past guests for their outstanding support to help us bring a new option for area vacationers," added Muskat.
For information, visit www.cruisemaryland.com.
For more information on Mid-Atlantic travel destinations, visit www.tripsandgetaways.com.
