Become “Enchanted” With the “Freedom” of Cruising from Port Canaveral!

Recently I had the opportunity to spend two days in Port Canaveral touring Royal Caribbean’s “Freedom of the Seas” and “Enchantment of the Seas.”  For those of you who have sailed on the “Monarch of the Seas”, she was retired this past April, and the newer and bigger “Enchantment” came into Port Canaveral to take her place. 

Port Canaveral is only 2 to 2 ½ hours away by car, and the cruise port itself is very organized.  Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line both have dedicated terminals, but Norwegian and Carnival have ships departing from the Port as well.  Unlike the 21-terminal Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral is easy to navigate. The on-site garage parking makes embarking and disembarking your cruise easy and convenient. 

The Enchantment of the Seas currently sails 3 and 4 night Bahamas itineraries.  Come on board the Enchantment, and you’ll walk into the Centrum, the new and shiny multi-story central atrium.  On deck you’ll find generous pool spaces, a rock wall, and a bungee trampoline.  There is a huge screen in the main pool areas, designed for night-time movies on deck.  The Solarium adults-only area features a peaceful pool, two Jacuzzis, a bar, and covered but open-air seating & dining areas.  The Enchantment is also particularly geared for families, having several categories of staterooms that can sleep 5, 6…even 8 people!  The youth program areas are bright and modern, and the main theater is spacious and elegant.  All Royal Caribbean ships have a Schooner Bar, and the Enchantment is no exception.  The Enchantment is a huge step up from the old but beloved Monarch, and is a wonderful option for anyone seeking a shorter cruise itinerary. 

The Freedom of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Bahamas rotation.  The Freedom has been recently upgraded with many of the most popular features from the Oasis-class of ships.  Cruise on the Freedom and enjoy the rock wall, the Flow Rider surf simulator, a boxing ring, and even an indoor ice skating rink! The adults-only Solarium has what may be the ship’s most recognizable features:  oversized Jacuzzis that sit cantilevered over the edge of the ship.  Kids will love the huge H2O splash zone, with plenty of places nearby for mom and dad to relax.  The Johnny Rocket’s restaurant looks exactly like the land-based version, except with ocean-view deck seating (red vinyl booths and all!)  The most striking area of the Freedom of the Seas is the Promenade – an interior gallery of specialty restaurants, cafes, and shopping venues.  You can catch a parade featuring Alex the Lion and Shrek, along with your other favorite Dreamworks charaters, in the Promenade.  The 3-story main dining room is spectacular, and the many smaller lounges are fun and easily accessible throughout the ship.  The Freedom is a bigger ship that doesn’t feel crowded.  The wonderful kid’s programs and the dedicated adult areas make the Freedom of the Seas a great choice for families. 

A little known fact about Royal Caribbean ships are the Conference Facilities.  Both the Freedom of the Seas and the Enchantment of the Seas have state-of-the-art meeting facilities, perfect for any corporate or educational event or seminar.

Port Canaveral also offers great opportunities for pre or post-cruise stays in a variety of hotel properties.  World-famous Cocoa Beach is 6 minutes away, and the Kennedy Space Center is nearby as well.