Cruise
Immersed at Sea: Dining, Discovery and Delight Aboard Enchanted Princess
Article and photography by Pat Lee
Our evening aboard Enchanted Princess begins with a sense of mystery. Drinks in hand, we gather outside a discreet, unmarked dining room, mingling with 20 other guests. All we know is that we are about to take part in an immersive culinary journey and the team behind 360: An Extraordinary Experience is masterful at building anticipation.
“Are you curious? Are you excited? Are you hungry?” asks our host Johannes as we are ushered into an elegant space and seated around a horseshoe-shaped table. What follows is a 90-minute, multi-sensory dining experience that combines a seven-course meal with wine and Champagne pairings, all enhanced by 360-degree visual storytelling. Through light, sound and imagery projected onto the surrounding walls and our table, we are transported to evocative settings around the Mediterranean.
The result is a true feast for the senses. Each course is thoughtfully paced, allowing time to absorb both the courses and the shifting scenes around us. It’s immersive dining that’s well worth the advance reservation.
Cruising is a bit like the immersive meal. You might not travel around the world on a single sailing, but each port stop is different and offers up a chance to experience something new, be it a fun excursion, a regional treat or exotic scenery.
On this eight-day round-trip Western Caribbean itinerary starting in Fort Lauderdale, our ports of call included Cozumel, Mexico, Roatán, Honduras, Belize City, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico.
When I wasn’t wandering the streets of a sun-drenched town, I opted for several fun excursions. In Cozumel, an Atlantis Submarine adventure took us nearly 110 feet below the surface, revealing coral formations, sharks and more species of fish than I could identify. In Roatán, I tried the BOSS Underwater Adventure, which was a first for me, zipping along the ocean floor on an underwater scooter while wearing a helmet supplied with air from an external oxygen tank. Gliding past colourful tropical fish felt part thrill ride, part underwater ballet.
Costa Maya offered a slower-paced adventure. A small group of us explored the Mahahual district by bicycle, pedalling toward a nearby beach and poking around the lively commercial area before returning to the ship.
While there was much to do off the boat, the activities on board are almost too many to mention.
The Enchanted Princess carries up to about 3,600 passengers and on this cruise sailed close to capacity. Despite that, the wide range of dining options easily absorbed demand, from refined evenings at the Crown Grill Steakhouse to casual bites from poolside grills.
Entertainment and activities were equally plentiful. Days were filled with poolside music, fitness classes, including a few invigorating spin sessions I joined, and indulgence at the Lotus Spa. Evenings brought stage shows and live music across the ship.
As I had recently visited Belize before this cruise, I opted to stay on board during the Belize City port stop and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and relaxation of the adult-only Sanctuary Club, which is reserved for those staying in higher-tier staterooms or accessible for a block of time for a fee.
A quiet oasis away from the bustling energy found elsewhere on the ship, there is plush lounge seating, private cabanas, a pool and jacuzzi and light bites and drink service.
As the Enchanted Princess pulled away from each port playing its signature Love Boat theme, it was hard not to fall in love with this relaxed but engaging sailing, both on and off the ship.
