RCI Goes Year-Round in Baltimore

Enchantment of the Seas recently launched a year-round program in Baltimore, Md., Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) second Northeast homeport.

Of the new cruise itinerary, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley said, “Even in these tough times, Baltimore’s geographic location, its entertainment and cultural attractions and our cruise terminal’s easy access off Interstate Highway 95 continue to attract passengers in record-setting numbers.”

Baltimore is the closest East Coast drive-to port from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Chicago, and is also within a three-hour drive from the New York City’s metropolitan area. The Cruise Maryland Terminal is located 2½ miles from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, 10 miles from the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and within an approximately 90-minute drive from three other major airports.

The port is scheduled to have a record 91 homeported cruises this year, with a total economic value to the state of approximately $90 million — an increase of about $10 million from 2009. Last year, Baltimore broke previous records with 167,000 passengers on 81 homeported cruises.

The 2,252-passenger Enchantment received a 73-foot extension in 2005, adding a new 2,939-ton midsection. She offers fine dining in three restaurants, including RCI’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and evening entertainment in eight lounges, including the Latin-themed Boleros, Broadway-style productions in the Orpheum Theatre and gaming in the Casino Royale.

With three pools and six whirlpools — including the adults-only Solarium and the Splash Deck interactive fountain play area for kids — guests can exercise or relax in the water. RCI’s Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, with five age-tiered curricula, also entertains younger guests under the age of 18. On Enchantment, teens gravitate toward the Fuel hangout and disco. Additionally, a bungee trampoline and rock climbing wall attract the active set.

Ken Muskat, RCI vice president of sales, told nearly 400 agents at the launch, “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.”

During the 2010-2011 summer and autumn seasons, travelers can choose among five-night Bermuda, nine-night Eastern Caribbean and nine-night New England and Canada itineraries onboard Enchantment. Winter and spring cruises offer nine-night cruises in the Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. 

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