Thread: Enchantment of the Seas Feature

This months Cruise Travel has a feature article on the new Enchantment of the Seas after being stretched. Article is very nice including some great pictures.

Check it out

Got it yesterday, not a bad article.

It isn't is it Hanna? They are comparing it to the Radiance Class Ships

Sorry Jim, nothing compares to our babies.

I agree with you.............

Well, I can't wait to try it out.

They have plans to eventually stretch the Vision also...I think in 2007.

Actually Jodi there are 2 Vision class ships they can't stretch and I think the Vision is one of them..........built by a different shipbuilder and I don't know which one..........heard while we were on the ship it has something to do with the way it was built that they can't stretch it...........if it wasn't the Vision it is 2 of the Vision Class they can't stretch for some reason.

Jim...I know the Vision is being stretched based on the TA who set up the lunch that Ruth and I went on....both he and the RCI rep both stated that the Vision would be getting stretched. So based on that logic, I'm guessing it's the other 2 ships you're thinking of that can't be stretched????

What Jim is referring to, if I remember correctly is that the Rhapsody and another one were built in France (?) instead of Norway and they built them from the keel up staggering the hull plates as they went. The other ships were built in nice strait sections and welded together, which makes them easier to stretch. I think they all could be stretched if they really wanted to, but it would take more time and money. It is easier to slap in a premade middle section with straight lines.

Personally, I don't trust a ship buildtin strait sections and welded together like the Voyager class and some of the others were. I prefer the inherent strength you get when you stagger things. It was something I was taught as a kid and was reinforced in college. I would not feel comfortable on a ship where they did not stagger the hull plates.