PinkSandGirl

No hand washing station on the Equinox (October 2021). 

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Hi!  I sailed on the Equinox in October 2021.  We were in Aqua Class so the rooms were 'revolutionized' which means new carpet, curtains, bedding, couch reupholstered, pictures & a larger TV so the little shelves that used to be next to the TV are gone.  The table on the balcony is now small (I don't know the reasoning for this).  The Concierge Class rooms were revolutionized as well.  The room was in great shape: no dings, stains or scratches anywhere.  The only thing I would say that showed some age was the wood railing on our balcony.   I understand the salt air is rough but it showed it's age.

The ship was well maintained.   There are some areas that have received new carpet, furniture and decor.  There is also Craft Social that replaced the wine venue.  Craft Social was a nice cozy spot.  

Service was excellent.  I would venture to say the best ever and we've always thought service was wonderful but it was even better.

Food and cocktails (every bar and Cafe Bacio) were great.  We ate in Blu (between the four of us at least one of us ordered something from the MDR menu each night as well) and a few specialty.  The only area for food I think they need help are some desserts. They do some desserts absolutely wonderful and then there are some that they should not even serve again until they get them right. 😉

Here are some pictures of my cabin.  AquaClass. 

If you want some interior ship pictures just let me know and I will post.  Any particular spots or random.  I have tons of pictures.  😉

Enjoy your cruise!   I would say you will still love the Equinox.  😃

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23 hours ago, DCPIV said:

 

 

I don't get to wound up if someone muddles the orange peel a bit, but don't dare muddle the cherry.  It's not a fruit punch.

 

If the only cherries they have are the nasty, bright red things, then I'd just as soon they leave them 

Definitely no maraschino cherries.  😉

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1 hour ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

Hello!

It all sounds so good. Boy you are the “daughter of the year” for working so hard to get your dad the ingredients for the Kentucky blu drink.

 

 

 

Hi!  I try.  Hehe. 😉

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1 hour ago, markeb said:

 

The funny thing is, the Old Fashioned is supposedly the oldest and arguably the simplest cocktail out there, but I've seen it done so many different ways. In the purist recipe, the only thing muddled is the sugar cube, but so many bars automatically muddle the garnish (cherry and orange) which I really don't care for at all. If that's how you like them, it's your drink and enjoy, but I'd like a choice! But definitely Luxardo cherries and ditch the food coloring red candied things!

 

And then there's the whole rye versus bourbon thing...

 

But I do have fun playing around at home! Some things work, some things don't 

Hi!  Definitely no muddling of fruit for an Old Fashioned. 😉

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1 hour ago, miched said:

 
I will drink Old Fashions.  I am always tweaking it.  We were at a Distillery and they were using Luxardo Cherries.   Started to use them.  made a big difference.  Then another bar would add some Grand Marnier.  Started using some of  that.    Adjusted here and there to make sweeter or not as sweet.    My wife likes it sweeter than I like mine so I make hers a little different.   It is like smoking a brisket or pork butt.   Keep tweeting and adjusting 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

 

Exactly.   Sometimes it's perfect from the start, other times you need to adjust and then it's perfect and/or adjust to taste for certain people. 

Your creation sounds like the foundation of the In Fashion:  Russell's Reserve 10 year Small Batch, Grand Marnier, Amarena Cherries, Black Walnut Bitters and an orange sphere (he takes a peeler and puts orange rind at the bottom of the ice sphere mold).  When my dad makes it for my boyfriend he uses a tad less Grand Marnier for him.  

I like Bourbon as well.  I love mint juleps. I started having Kentucky Derby parties because of them. 😉 

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11 hours ago, miched said:

Originally  it was made with Knob Creek and to us tasted better.   They changed distributors that don’t handle Knob Creek and now use Bulliet

 

Dont know what the proportions are but I would try using about the same as for a Manhattan.   Combining the liquors to equal the amount of sherry and the Bulliet the amount of the main spirit.  

 

Changing stuff and experimenting may end up with a drink that taste better
 

All drinks usually consist of  the same ratios.  Make it and adjust according to taste.  If you want more bourbon taste add more, and etc

 

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

Hi!  Thank You.   Yes, during my research I saw that it was originally made with Knob Creek. 

The same taste or even better is always good. 😉

My dad likes the 'In Fashion' at Capital Grille so a few years ago I bought him everything to re-create that.   He makes it with the same ingredients along with the orange ice sphere but him and boyfriend say his are even better than Capital Grille's.  😉

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10 hours ago, DCPIV said:

If no one comes to your rescue by the time we're on Reflection next month, I'll see if I can remember to ask a bartender about that for you.  I like the sound of that drink, myself!

Hi!  Thank You!  😉  My next sailing isn't until the fall so I thought I would come here for insight. 

Enjoy your cruise!   I was on the Reflection in 2017.  😃

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11 hours ago, markeb said:

Bulleit has a recipe on their web page for something they call a "Kentucky Calling". it's a PDX sherry-based drink, not vermouth. Pretty much the same ingredients (they're using mole bitters instead of angostura).

 

0.75 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
0.25 oz. solera sherry
0.25 oz. medium style amaro
2 dashes mole bitters

 

The fernet is an amaro. I'd probably try something like Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 Sherry, which also comes in 375ml bottles, and the angostura from the menu. I'm kind of guessing the drink in Blu is a slight adaptation on Bulleit's drink.

 

Sounds interesting.

Hi!  Thank You!   I scoured the internet but never looked on Bulleit's site.  😉

I initially was going to go with a Sherry but decided on a Vermouth.   Thank you for the Sherry recommendation.   I will look for that. 

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Whiskey Blu

Bulleit Bourbon, Cruz Conde, Fernet, Angostura 

Hi!  This past October we sailed on the Equinox and my dad enjoyed the Whiskey Blu in Blu.  For Christmas I bought him everything to create the cocktail at home.  While looking up what I needed, Cruz Conde was listed.   I looked it up and they have a Vermouth & a Sherry.  I couldn't find either and after trying to decide what to get, I went with a Vermouth.  I found a description of the Cruz Conde flavor profile and was able to find a very similar Vermouth.   I thought this would be a good addition to his Christmas presents.   I also included locally hand blown 'blue' glasses to add to his cocktail collection.   Great idea, right?  😉   We both enjoy creating new cocktails so I thought between him and I we could re-create the Whiskey Blu.   Well... it just does not taste the same.   So...is it a Sherry instead of Vermouth and/or does Cruz Conde really make the Whiskey Blu a Whiskey Blu?  

It isn't listed as part of the drink description on the menu but the Whiskey Blu was also served with an orange rind so we included that as well. 

If anyone could help, it would be greatly appreciated!  😉

1.  Does anyone know the measurements of the Whiskey Blu?  

2.  Is the Cruz Conde a Vermouth or Sherry?

3.  Is Cruz Conde the answer to making it right?

If someone knows the answer or if anyone is interested for themselves and also to help, perhaps someone onboard in Blu could ask?   I know they give out food recipes if you ask so I am guessing they will give cocktail recipes as well.  😉

Thank You!  😃

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Whiskey Blu on the left

Hi!  Fellow Roll Call member.  😃

Yes, thinking about the joy of cruising is always good.  😃

It's not new to the line (only on S-class ships) but while on the Equinox in October the bartenders at the World Class Bar told us the World Class Bar will be on the Beyond will have it's own new drink menu.  20 new drinks with only two from the current World Class Bar drink menu.  I asked if they had any input and they did!  They did not on the current menu on S-class.    

This will be my first E-Class ship.  I was very hesitant about the Edge and Apex but while on the Equinox an update about the Beyond came out and after looking at the online brochure...We thought, "Why Not?"  I am really excited to see and experience the Beyond.  😉

I love the look of the Sunset bar which is different from the other ships.  It reminds me of a bar overlooking the Mediterranean coast.

The martini bar will be larger and circular. Why they got rid of the ice on E-class?!  I have no clue.  I like the ice.

There are cantilevered pools that will be new.  Not sure I like the idea of that.  They do look neat.  😉

The Edge has a kind of "cold" feel to it, Apex too but it seems they improved some things.  The Beyond seems like they are improving upon the others and some areas/color palettes don't seem as sterile.  I love Cafe Bacio on S-class ships.  Cafe Bacio, from the renderings...eh, I don't know.  We'll see how it is in person.

The Retreat areas are a bit more enhanced.

Have you looked on Celebrity's website under the Beyond?  There is the .pdf brochure and short video.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond

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10 hours ago, aruzinski said:

 They gave us all the recipes to take home as well! 

Us too. Well, not an actual printed sheet to take.  They came around with a piece of paper that had the recipes and we could take a picture. 

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Yes, I think it is worth it.  I took the Mixology Class @ The World Class Bar on the Equinox in October.  We booked the class the first day of the cruise while at the World Class Bar since we knew beforehand we wanted to do it.  The bartenders make / show you 4 drinks that are off menu.  Any time during the cruise after class you can ask for those same drinks.  The drinks are full size and are not 'weak' by any means.  They teach you techniques and there are some hands on experiences.   I saw videos a few years ago and it used to be that you went behind the bar to make the drinks but this was not the case in October...but still fun and worth doing.  The bartenders were great and that also is part of the experience.

This was our experience.   I love making and creating cocktails but it's always great to learn new things and it's fun being together.  We all said we will definitely take the class again.

Space is limited. There were 3 afternoon classes during our 9-night sailing. 

Enjoy! 😉

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New York Sour, Tea Time Negroni, Ciroc Eau-De-Vie Collins, Zacapa 23 that they Smoked

I usually do not use transfers with Celebrity because I usually have a later flight and we use Luggage Valet so we go into town for lunch. 

My October 2021 cruise, since we had a 2:20pm flight and Luggage Valet is suspended, we thought we would use a transfer through Celebrity.   Well...we get off at our assigned time, get a porter to take our luggage and then we see the buses.  There were 4 or 5 coach type buses and a long line of passengers waiting to give their luggage and board the buses.  The buses looked like they were being filled to normal capacity.  We all looked at each other and said, "Um, No!".  We tried to get a taxi right there but the taxi guys were not very cooperative or helpful.  So... we went over (with our luggage since the porter left us at the bus since that was the plan) to the Uber waiting area and had an Uber arrive within minutes.   We were at FLL in no time.  We couldn't check our bags right away since FLL won't let you check bags until 4 hours exactly before your flight.  I really hope Luggage Valet comes back soon. 😉

I was imagining different buses.  One time with Royal Caribbean they were transit type/Airport like shuttle buses that the seats were wide and alot of openness on the bus.  I imagined the same with Celebrity but they were coach buses.  Any other time, maybe they would be fine if you don’t mind waiting to give luggage, sit in close quarters and then wait for luggage but when we saw the line and people, we turned around. 

The Uber waiting area is to the left of when you come out of Terminal 25 at Port Everglades.    

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On 11/28/2021 at 10:37 AM, Stem to Stern said:

@PinkSandGirlThank you so much Kelly.  Your photos turned out great.  Looking forward to checking out the staircase.  I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays.

Paul,

Hi!  Have a wonderful cruise!  I hope you & Tim enjoy the holidays as well.  😀 

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On 11/28/2021 at 4:17 PM, Stem to Stern said:

Is there anything else worth visiting in the immediate area of the staircase?

Paul,

Hi!   In the immediate area, no.  Not that we saw.   There are some nice buildings along the walk, depending on how you go.   Some of the areas were a little sketchy but we were fine.  We did see people and noone bothered us.  We used Google maps to get us there. 

We walked from the port to the Queen's Staircase and then back to the port area and had lunch.  We ate at Pirate Republic which is a Brewery.   A small food menu but the chicken sliders and burger sliders were good.  Beer flights and cocktails too.  Our waiter who they call Tracy Morgan, because he looks like him, was friendly and fun.  It was so hot so we then went back to the ship for Solarium Pool time.  😉 

From the time we stepped off the ship to when we were back on, it was 2.5 hours.  I would have loved to go in the water but we weren't planning to get off since ship excursions were a requirement up until the day we set sail so we did some quick planning. 😉

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On 11/28/2021 at 12:26 PM, 39august said:

Did you walk back down the stairs or was there a path toward the right as you leave the staircase that led downhill as an alternative descent?  That is how I got back down several years ago.  Great pix by the way. 

Hi!  We walked up the stairs and then went right (walked on Prison Lane).  We did a loop to then go back to the water.

My boyfriend and I went up the stairs and did not go back down.  My mom and dad did not want to go up the stairs (extremely hot that day) so the gentleman that was our 'guide' told them how to walk back and for us to walk and where we would meet up, which was perfect.  

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For my October 2021 cruise I had MGM OBC applied.  The cruise was booked Jan 2021.  I booked an October 2022 cruise in November 2021 and called to get the MGM OBC added and was told it was now only for cruises booked with Blue Chip.  I was pleasantly surprised at the discounted rate so I switched my booking to be booked with Blue Chip and the MGM OBC was added to the reservation.  It shows on the invoice and is part of my OBC in my Cruise Planner. 

I will be booking another cruise this month and was hoping for more MGM OBC.   I'll try and see what they say and report back.  😉

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On 11/7/2021 at 8:23 PM, Stem to Stern said:

Kelly,  We are thinking of doing the Queen's Staircase next time we are in Nassau.  Would you say it was worth doing this on your own and seeing it up close and spending some time there?  It seems Celebrity's excursion just does a drive-by which doesn't sound too exciting.  Thanks.

Paul,

Hi!  Here are some pictures of the Queen's Staircase. 

Enjoy your cruise!!! 

Kelly 😃

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> That guardrail is where buses would stop.  As you can see it is dark. You have absolutely no idea there is something to see.  

> This is the other side of the guardrail but there's a downgrade from the road.  You see how dark it is at the entrance and the foliage.  

> This is 'inside'.  It is brighter than at the entrance but yet covered like you are in a forest.

> Inside (not quite a quarter the way through) looking back to where we entered.  You can see that guardrail

> 100+ year old tree with roots

> Waterfall

> Steps

> View from top

> View from top

> Signs at the top.  We entered from the bottom and there aren't any signs.

Hi!  I just recently learned, by accident, about Blue Chip pricing.   I booked a cruise with my travel agent (not Celebrity).   I then called the Celebrity MGM # to get the MGM Onboard Credit added for us.  I was told they no longer do that, it's only for cruises booked through Blue Chip. I said I just sailed in October and had the OBC.   (There was a thread a few months ago about this OBC.  Now I know from experience it isn't offered like before).   I asked what Blue Chip pricing was.  I had AquaClass cabins booked on the newly just booked cruise.  The price she gave for AquaClass was the same as the travel agent.  She then said she had a Sky Suite discount.  The Blue Chip Sky Suite price was less than Aqua.  I asked if it came with all of the Sky Suite perks.  Answer = yes.  I then gave my dad's Celebrity #.  Another discounted cabin booked.  I wasn't sure what to do since I needed a third cabin for my aunt.  I was told that special rate couldn't be used for my aunt.  I called the next night and found out I could do one Friend & Family and get my aunt a cabin for the discounted rate.  So, I booked another.  Since my dad has a cabin booked with a Blue Chip discount, he could also do a friend and family if needed.  I was then able to apply the MGM OBC for those of us that it applies to.  

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Hi!  I was on the Equinox in October.     We had the Always Included Surf internet and in the beginning it seemed ok but then it became impossible to access some sites... CruiseCritic being one of them.  We upgraded to Stream with the Captain's Club discount.   CruiseCritic basically "locked" up.  I cleared history and cache numerous times.  I couldn't reply or post pictures or my posts would disappear.  It became very frustrating that I just stopped trying.  I started a "Live Review" but it quickly became a limited "Live Review".  I still have to do a full review...I've just been so busy since getting home. 😉

When we went to the iLounge to inquire about the speeds and differences, we quickly learned...by asking, that the included internet a few years ago as a perk was the stream internet.  Now the included internet is a downgrade.

WiFi calling on the ship is impossible with Surf.  We had no problem doing that with the included internet from a few years ago.   Now, not a chance with Surf.  Stream, yes.   Text messages would also get delayed at times with Surf.

Now we know.   We need Stream.  

Just like factoring in the Premium Beverage upgrade if not included, I now need to factor in upgrading to Stream.

I just booked our next cruise and we chose SkySuites so Stream and Premium are included.  Hopefully they don't add a third tier that makes Stream like Surf. 🤣

Have a wonderful cruise!

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29 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

You might consider trying your device out in different locations on the ship.    I have had a couple rooms with internet dead spots and poor internet connections.  

 

While in the hallway look up at the ceiling and see how far you are from the router (on the ceiling or wall).

Hi!  Thanks, Jim.   It did seem to work better in some spots more than others but accessing CruiseCritic was a challenge.   My replies and posts would disappear or not allow me to post them whether trying from my phone or tablet.   It was odd.   Other sites would work fine.  We did have an Aruba access point in the cabin.  Not sure if every cabin has one but having one in there didn't seem to help.  I did not check the hallway.  I'll have to go through my pictures and see if I see one near the cabin.

I do want to say, "Thank You!" for the time you put into your reviews and posts while you are onboard.  They are always enjoyable and informative.  Your reviews on the Equinox just before it was our turn were always fun to read and I looked forward to reading each day.  😃

Kelly 😃

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On 11/7/2021 at 8:23 PM, Stem to Stern said:

Kelly,  We are thinking of doing the Queen's Staircase next time we are in Nassau.  Would you say it was worth doing this on your own and seeing it up close and spending some time there?  It seems Celebrity's excursion just does a drive-by which doesn't sound too exciting.  Thanks.

Paul,

Hi!  Yes, I think it is definitely worth walking through it, up the stairs and seeing it up close and learning about the history.  I will post pictures of it and also show where the buses would drive by/stop.  Now that I've been there, I can't imagine why the buses wouldn't stop and let people out.  It wouldn't be a long stop and if people didn't want to hear the history or walk through, they wouldn't have to. 😉

I apologize for just answering now.   I was away for the weekend.

I signed in to Cruise Critic thinking I need to get started on my review (since it's been a month already, crazy!) since my "Live from" wasn't very informative...  and then I saw your notification.  😉

Kelly 😃

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1 hour ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Can you use the Book Now option as a place holder? IAW can we book a (refundable) cruise say in April 2023 and then later change it to an itinerary we would rather cruise on and keep the OBC perks? That's what we used to do before this new program went into effect.

We were told you can change it as many times as you want. 

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48 minutes ago, Josie201 said:

We are planning on taking our extended family in a cruise.  We will need six or maybe seven cabins.  I know my husband and I can each buy three.  Would I also be able to buy another one (different trip) on a specific sailing in addition to the three each TBD ?  

That I don't know.  We were told 3 per passenger so we didn't ask if we could purchase additional ones.  We thought we could only do 1 so we were pleasantly surprised about 3, so we did that. 😉

If 6 cabins are what you need, then you and your husband getting 3 each would cover that.  If you need a 7th cabin, then I'm not sure.    

As another poster mentioned, a group booking is an option. You need 8 or more cabins to make a group and then you get additional benefits with that.  

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