PinkSandGirl

Hi!  Here are pictures of the form.  I was on the Oct 8th Equinox and took advantage of the offer.  It was $100/person for a cabin NOT $100/per person then x 2 for a cabin.   It was recently changed to this.  

Each passenger is able to purchase 3 Future Cruise Certificates.  You have 90 days to choose your ship & sail date and you still get the extra onboard credit as if you booked onboard. You also get to take advantage of any current promotions.  This can be done with Celebrity or your own travel agent.  

After the 90 days passes and up to 1 year, you can still take advantage of the reduced deposit you paid ($100.00) but you won't get the onboard credit.   

After 1 year, if you don't book anything,  then the $100 per certificate gets refunded back to you. 

It creates Booking #'s.  In my Celebrity account it shows the 3 bookings but no cruises yet since we didn't choose the cruises onboard. 

You can also buy them and 'give' them to family or friends.  Unlimited name changes are allowed up until you pick your ship & sail date.  

Hope this helps. 😉

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Hi!  You can book in advance online in the Cruise Planner and choose your day and time.  The app does not allow for booking.    You can also go right to the spa when you board if you want the best selection of appointments.  Captain's Club Members get a discount with % based on tier. I booked onboard for a pedicure and manicure and was able to get an appointment the next day.   As the week went by, they did offer 'package' discounts for massage type services.  

I just got off the Equinox and the spa was openly daily from 8am - 10pm.  You can definitely make appointments for embarkation day.  

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Hi!  I was on the Equinox for the October 8th sailing.   We were Aqua so ate in Blu. However, we did have lunch in the MDR on one sea day and the tables are spaced the same as they have always been.  They fill them without social distancing but just ask to sit away from others and they will accommodate your request.   In Blu, that's what we did as well.  Blu seemed booked to capacity.  There were two round tables on the right by the white sculpture flower wall as you walk in and we dined there every night we ate in Blu with the same servers with plenty of space around us with noone right up against us.  We gave an estimated time and they were extremely accommodating.   The two nights we ate in specialty restaurants,  we told them the night before so they didn't have to hold our table those nights.  I am sure you can do the same in the MDR.  😃

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On 10/8/2021 at 6:29 PM, sunsetme said:

What's the passenger count?

1,267 passengers with a 2,852 capacity.

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On 10/8/2021 at 5:35 PM, TXranchgal said:

We are sailing on the Equinox on October 20th, so we REALLY appreciate your updates and commentary.  It was exciting to follow Jim & Iain for the past month to gather info.  We'll be following your updates with particular interest since we are leaving when you get back and going to the same ports.  Hoping you have a fantastic cruise.

I didn't get to 'live blog' like I thought due to the internet.  I will be doing an extensive review but the whole thing will likely come out after you Set Sail.  If you have any questions, just ask.  😃

Have a wonderful cruise!   I am sure you will.  We did.  Absolutely wonderful!!! ❤   I will say the islands were much, much hotter than we expected.  We knew it would be hot but it was a different kind of heat.  It was usually 84° but it was an intense 84°.  We were told it was hotter than usual due to less wind.  ???   Make sure you bring cold water with you if you explore and an insulated bag to keep it cold.  We did and glad we did.  

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On 10/10/2021 at 2:24 PM, Stem to Stern said:

Ominous sky after this mornings rain.

Wow.  Look at that sky!  Thankfully that was only for a short time...during the whole cruise.  😃

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3 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Thank you so much for your observations. Celebrity has in the recent past, advertised the fact that they have flown these covid positives back home in a private plane. Thought this policy was ending Oct 31, 2021 and went on the Celebrity Web-site to confirm.

It has been extended to December 31, 2021, which is reassuring.   Not that anyone wants to experience the procedures but it is good to know they are there to help in a time of need, if needed.  

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1 hour ago, Alabaster Cruiser said:

Kelly as we were getting off in Aruba we saw staff escorting another staff member with luggage to a private vehicle.  All were masked.  We assumed that the positive case was a staff member.  I also agree with you about personal hygiene teaching.  It never fails  while I am eating that I hear someone blowing their nose!  NASTY and RUDE!

Sue,

Hi!  Wow, this must have been our room attendant.  Our room attendant was changed on Day 3.  I saw her Saturday night around Cafe Bacio and we were talking for awhile.  The next day we had a new attendant and I asked why and he told us because of rotation which seemed odd.  I later found out she was taken off in Aruba for a medical reason, she hurt her wrist earlier and it wasn't getting better.   She was so nice.  We had met someone she was friends with at Cafe Bacio who told us why she was no longer there.  

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1 hour ago, PinkSandGirl said:

I did not wear a mask at all on the ship. 

 

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I stand corrected.  I did put on a mask one time.  When we got off the ship in Curaçao I was putting my passport away and the glass evian bottle I was holding fell (all wet from condensation) and shattered.  The glass somehow came back up and sliced both legs above my knee.  Very odd.  I was looking down to get the glass away from my feet and toes and make sure I didn't get cut but then saw blood on my legs so I put band-aids on.  My family was there and then Celebrity personnel came over.  They kept asking if I wanted to go to Medical but I said I was ok.  They kept asking and the band-aids looked like they may not have lasted all day going around Curaçao so I went.  They cleaned the glass on the ground and had caution signs. There was someone from Celebrity who walked with me to Medical.  When I went back on the ship, I had to scan my SeaPass &  go through security just like getting back on any other time.  They asked my stateroom # and wrote it on a list for Medical/incident tracking I guess.  Medical is right there on Deck 2 by the elevators, kind of hidden in the corner.   I sat in the waiting room and had my mask on.  (The one time I wore a mask onboard)   A doctor came out and asked what happened, took the band-aids off, looked at it to make sure there wasn't any glass in the cuts and put a new larger band-aid on.  It had already started to slow down.  She asked if I had diabetes or any other conditions or had any concerns and if not then to not swim for two days but if out by the pool let it get fresh air and sun, just do not go in the water.  She gave me a bunch of the larger band-aids as well.   I put neosporin on later and it started to heal quickly.  Thankfully, so I could go in the water after a few days. 😃  All of the Celebrity personnel I encountered seemed very concerned and wanted to make sure I was ok.  

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View I had while sitting in a chair in the waiting room.  

58 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Any word on what happened to this passenger that was 'let off' in Aruba ? Quarantined for 2 weeks in Aruba and being flown home by Celebrity? Any announcement on the ship on how this was conducted? Were the plates and silver ware handed out to guests or were they still allowed to get their own plates at the Oceanview Cafe ? Still no hand washing station, just squirts of hand sanitizer at buffet?

Hi!  We only heard that a passenger tested positive and would be getting off in Aruba.  There weren't any other announcements but I would say based on Celebrity's current policy that the passenger was sent home on private charter as soon as possible from Aruba.   There were an additional 2 that tested positive that we found out about on Day 9, so they got off in Fort Lauderdale.  Thankful I do not know first hand about the procedures.  

In the Oceanview Cafe you picked up your own plate and utensils were rolled in a cloth napkin that you picked up yourself. Hot & Cold beverages were self serve.  No handwashing stations.  Someone standing to squirt hand sanitizer as you walked in (only from inside entrance not from outside entrance) and also standing hand sanitizer stations at the entrances.    We went in a few times throughout the cruise and would sit away from people which was easy since capacity was 1,267...however the last day we went during lunch (1st time going in at that time) and it seemed packed.  Found a table as far away from people but as we were finishing a guy behind me sneezed mulitple times in the air and just kept going about his routine as nothing happened.  We got up immediately and left.   This would 'freak' me out anytime, not just during the current 'environment'.    Some people need lessons on hygiene but that isn't just on a cruise.  😉  The same day in the Solarium pool,  again a sneezing lady in the air as no big deal and then a guy who swam under water and came up to blow out/clear his nose into the water.  We immediately got out.  Unfortunately people do this on land as well.  I am not by any means saying it’s acceptable and I don't mean to scare anyone, but unfortunately some people in this world do not care or are oblivious to the fact they shouldn't do those things.  Except for those 3 times when I cringed,  I felt safe on the cruise.  I did not wear a mask at all on the ship. 

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Hi!   We are back home.  Safe and sound.  A wonderful trip!!!  😃 I have a lot of information to share and pictures.  I will update this thread.   

Posting became impossible while onboard.  I think it was partially the internet but a big hurdle was cruise critic.  I was able to get other sites to load but cruise critic basically seemed to freeze even when trying to refresh / re-load

A few #'s

~ 1,267 passengers (2,852 capacity)

~ 3 positive covid cases (1 announced on Day 4 and 2 announced on Day 9)

* Prayers for full recovery for all.

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Here are pictures of the Equinox I took from the plane this afternoon.  It was sad to see it and know we weren't on it but...until next time!   Lots of smiles thinking about the wonderful time we had.  😍 

On 10/12/2021 at 11:39 PM, abbydancer said:

I had a very descriptive post, but CC deleted it.  We were rocking because we were maintaining over 21 knots all day.  We arrived about 12:30 and about an hour later they took a person off and into an ambulance.  

 

 

I had such problems posting onboard and cruise critic would not refresh.  

Hi!  Today I got off the Equinox October 8th 9-night sailing and there were 1,267 passengers.  We asked Guest Relations.   Ship capacity is 2,852.

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Hi!  Just got off the October 8th 9-night on the Equinox.  There were 1,267 passengers.  Ship capacity is 2,852.

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Hi!  I was on the October 8th 9-night Equinox.  When we boarded there was a letter in our cabin with updated  information for each port.  We were allowed to get off in Nassau and be on our own.  There were a total of 3 ships in port that day.  

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Hi!  It's been a few days.  It has been difficult to post.  We are currently in Aruba so I am connected with my cell phone provider and TravelPass. 

I have so much to fill you in about.  I will do a comprehensive review on this thread when I get home, earlier if the WiFi cooperates.   

A few notes though. 

The Captain came on the speaker on Sunday morning saying we would be stopping somewhere, unscheduled, to let off a passenger for a medical emergency, not Covid related.   Late that afternoon the Captain again updated us saying we would not be stopping in Turks & Caicos to let the passenger off, they all felt it was better to pick up speed and go right to Aruba and we would be arriving early AM Monday.  We arrived around midnight, Monday going into Tuesday.  The ship has definitely been rocking at times.

Monday night the Captain again came on and said a vaccinated guest presented themselves to the medical facilities with symptoms and then tested positive for Covid.   Contact tracing procedures were put into place.  The guest would be taken off in Aruba. 

When the Captain came on the speaker,  everyone became extremely quiet to listen.  

We are having a wonderful time.   I will attempt to post pictures.   

If you have any questions,  just ask.  

I may answer them in my posts ahead but I don't know when I will be able to update this as much as I'd like.

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Hi!  Good Afternoon.  Currently sitting on my balcony watching the birds soar by and listening to them squawk =),  listening to the waves as the Equinox sails through the deep blue Caribbean water and watching some white caps in the distance.  

I still can not get pictures to post.  I will keep trying. 

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Day #2. Nassau 

We had an enjoyable day.  My mom and dad went to Blu for breakfast and they loved it.  I decided last night I would order room service for breakfast.   We got off in Nassau.  We needed to show our vaccine card, passport and scan our Sea Pass in order to get off.   We walked to the Queen's Staircase.  It was a little tricky realizing where it was but figured it out.  We entered from ground level (below).   There are locals there that will explain the history.  It isn't a requirement to go through with a 'guide' but I am glad we did.  We learned a lot.  Tipping was greatly appreciated.   It was a beautiful area.  A sad story of the lives lost and pain that many people went through but it's good that they share the stories of their ancestors and to make sure that never happens again.  It was hot.  It was good we brought water with us. 😉 We then walked back close to the port and ate at a brewery/restaurant, Pirate Republic Brewery.  Friendly service, good food (limited menu but food was good) and local beer.  We didn't have to wear masks to walk around, thankfully...because it was hot.  Some restaurants and stores had signs posted that masks were required but not all did.

We then decided to go back to the ship.   Ahh...Celebrity had the tents set up with flavored waters,  cold towels and seating.  

Getting back into Port we needed to show our Sea Pass.  To get on the ship, a flash of the passport and Sea Pass and then the Sea Pass scanned onboard.  You go through x-ray security after that. 

It was hot so the pool was calling our names.   The outdoor pool was more crowded than I imagined based on recent accounts of other cruises.  It wasn't like it was on fully booked ships though.  It was hot so we went to the Solarium.  The water was perfect.  Oh, we did get drinks at the Pool Bar as well.  After some pool time it was time for another drink and a snack.  We went to the buffet.  There was limited food due to the time but enough for us to snack on.  The ship was supposed to leave at 4pm.  We pushed back around 3:40pm. The water is a beautiful color so of course more pictures were taken.  We had some 'errands' to run.   A stop at Cafe al Bacio for an Iced Black Tea. A reservation for Le Petit Chef (we couldn't find anyone to book with but a bartender in the Ensemble Lounge said we could do it on the app.  Yes, we could and we did).  A visit to iLounge to inquire about the not so great internet and then upgrade.  If you are a Captain's Club member you get a discount (different % based on tier).  Then, Craft Social for a cocktail.  We sat outside of Craft Social since there were very enthusiastic sports fans watching a game.  It was then time to Blow some Glass.   Well, My dad's turn. He made a pumpkin.  Very cool thing to do.    His time was 6pm which was perfect since it wasn't so hot.  I have a class tomorrow.  We have both done it before at home, we made paperweights at a glass place at home.   We went to the Sunset Bar before the class and then after.  Afterwards the Sunset was so picturesque.  

We then got ready for dinner in Blu. Another enjoyable night.  We asked for a certain table again as we left last night and it is being held for us this week.  Everyone is so nice.  

After dinner we went to see Topper.  It was enjoyable.  Colorful and the singers have good voices.  

I went to Cafe al Bacio for another Black Iced Tea and sat in one of the big yellow comfy chairs.  There were only 2 other people there.  My mom and dad joined me.  My boyfriend went to Craft Social and World Class.  As I was at Cafe al Bacio, our cabin attendant stopped by to talk.  So friendly.  I then went to Craft Social.  I am here now as I type this.  😉

I drink evian.  They are little 11.2 glass bottles.  I drink a lot of evian so I get bottles constantly at the bars.  I walk up and they know as soon as I walk up and it's only day 2. Hehe.   In Blu they have bigger bottles that they keep chilled and fill your glass as needed.  

Cruises are always wonderful.  This cruise is absolutely wonderful!  😃

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS. 

A quick but big update.  We were able to get off and explore on our own.  This just changed.  We found out yesterday when we boarded.  There was a paper with information for each port.  

Originally Grand Cayman was a port stop but that was switched out to Nassau.  We were going to get off but then they changed it to only being able to get off with Celebrity Excursions. We were not going to do that because we didn't want to chance getting caught up in a possible covid close contact tracing scenario.  However,  we were able to get off.  Only vaccinated guests.  Any kids onboard under 12 could not explore on their own (or their parents).

We went to the Queen's Staircase and then a brewery/restaurant near the ship.  

I will post pictures.  

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Hi!  I apologize for not updating more often with information and pictures.  I go to post and the posts will not upload/stay.  I also can not get pictures to upload.  They show up with an 'X'.  

We upgraded the internet late this afternoon so hopefully I can get things to post and pictures to upload. 

The last we sailed, the internet we had was great and we were able to use WiFi calling.  The standard internet that is part of the All Inclusive is not capable of WiFi calling and the internet...it all depends on the site you are on.  Texting and e-mails come through fine.  

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6 hours ago, M&JfromSDL said:

So excited for you.  We are sailing on Edge tomorrow. We are staying at the Hilton Marina tonight and will take some photos of your sail away!  Enjoy your cruise!

Have a great cruise!  We stayed at the Le Meridien.  It is by the airport but a great hotel.  We would stay there again.  Nice atmosphere, lovely pool and outdoor area, friendly staff, clean, and good food/cocktails. 

They also have a shuttle to pick you up from the airport.  

7 hours ago, cbfb said:

So excited for you! Nothing like being back on the ship!! Enjoy! We are on the Equinox in January. I have never sailed out of FLL. Is the terminal walking distance from the parking garage? I thought I read something about a shuttle. 

We had transportation to bring us so I don't know where the parking garage is.  I can find out.  I know someone parked and had a shuttle bring them.  I don't know if that's the only parking and the one you would park at.  I didn't notice a parking garage directly within walking distance. 

3 hours ago, bessinfl said:

And I’m following because we’ll be on the Equinox in January. It’s hard to believe the date is finally getting near.  Have a wonderful trip!

I know. I thought the same thing as it was getting closer and still couldn't believe it.  As we were walking through the walkway bridge to the ship and just before that last turn to board is when it really sunk in and felt real.  It was a wonderful feeling!  

Hi!  I will answer all questions and post more pictures and information.  Internet has been 'spotty'.  Funny because I couldn't access cruise critic in port for awhile but now I can and we are out to sea. 

Just a quick overview. 

Everything is wonderful!!!   The crew is outstanding and so friendly.   They always were but even more so, if you can imagine.   Food was wonderful in Blu.  Yes, you can get the main dining room menu as well if you wish,  just ask.   We chose all dishes from Blu except a ceasar salad and French onion soup as well.  Will post food pics. 

It was great to be back at the Martini bar.  We also visited Craft Social, the Sunset Bar and the World Class Bar.  

I will find out the passenger count.   It is definitely noticeable that there are less people than normal.  Which is nice.  As others have said, if you are able to cruise now, definitely do it.  😃

It was nice to meet fellow Roll Call members this afternoon and to put a face & real names to screen names.  😉

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Onboard!!!  By the time they got everything fixed with the system we were inside at the terminal getting our negative test looked at @ 12:36pm and we left the terminal at 12:50pm to board the ship!  😃

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