Embarkation Day onboard the Enchanted Princess
Embarkation Day
Embarkation day is one of the most thrilling parts of any cruise, and it all begins as you approach the cruise terminal. For us, the sight of the Enchanted Princess towering majestically at the dock truly took our breath away.
Port Arrival
To ensure a smooth check-in process, make sure to arrive at the terminal during your assigned embarkation time. We found our experience at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale particularly seamless, thanks in part to the Princess Cruises Medallion Class. Be sure to download the app before your cruise!
Medallion Magic
We pre-ordered our Medallions and received them about a week before our sail date. These Medallions contain all the essential information for a seamless boarding process, including the travel documents we submitted during online check-in. The best part? We were granted a green light—also known as the green lane—to board before even arriving at the port!
Check-In Area
Upon arrival, simply follow the signs to the check-in area. Look for the green and blue light lanes. Have your identification and Medallions ready. The check-in staff are friendly and efficient, guiding you through the process. Even though we uploaded a photo during online check-in, our attendant took a new one to link to our account. After checking in, we received helpful information and were directed toward the ship. Just before entering the striking Princess Blue arch, staff photographers were there to capture those first cruise memories.
Boarding the Ship
Walking up the gangway, the excitement was palpable. We were greeted by the ship’s crew, who scanned our Medallions. Once inside, we took in the beautiful piazza with its gold and blue decor, complemented by a steel drum player playing Caribbean music that set the perfect mood.
Exploring the Ship
Since we boarded around 11:00 am, our stateroom wasn’t ready yet. This was a great opportunity to explore the ship and make our way to The Sanctuary. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so we had to move quickly. Lounge chairs can be reserved for $20 for a half day or $40 for a full day, and private cabana rentals are also available.
Safety Drill
Next up was the mandatory safety drill. Princess makes this easy, and it’s best to get it done early. Thanks to our Medallions, we checked in at our assigned muster station and watched the safety video on our phones. You can also watch it in your room, which is super convenient.
Time to Eat
One of our favorite cruise activities is dining! After working up an appetite, we were ready for lunch. The Medallion app showed us available food options. The buffet was open, but we opted for GiGi’s Pizzeria, a casual dining spot not included in the complimentary options. Luckily, it was covered by our Princess Premier package. The gorgonzola pear pizza with pistachio blew us away!
Sail Away Celebration
The Enchanted Princess staff hosts a sail-away celebration featuring music, drinks, and opportunities to meet fellow cruisers. It’s a fantastic way to kick off your journey. We preferred a low-key experience and celebrated from our stateroom balcony instead. Our thoughtful room steward even brought us complimentary champagne to toast the occasion—nothing beats sailing away while hearing the Love Boat theme horn!
First Dinner Onboard
As evening approached, we had our first dinner onboard. Princess Cruises offers various dining options, including the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and casual buffet venues. We chose room service from O’Malley’s Irish Pub, enjoying delicious Irish food while watching an in-room movie.
Settling Into Your Cabin
After dinner, we unpacked and settled into our cabin. Packing cubes made this process so much easier!
Conclusion
Embarkation day on the Enchanted Princess was just the beginning of our incredible cruise experience. We looked forward to planning our upcoming days using the daily newsletter and app, ensuring we made the most of our time at sea. Be sure to check out this ship tour for even more tips!
