RichardE954

New to the Oasis class ships. Confirmed in a deck 12 cabin, figuring it was closer to the Diamond Lounge (if we can get in haha) - but now thinking that deck 8 could be more convenient to restaurants, etc. Anyone have any wisdom on this or doesn't it make a huge difference??

Thanks,

Linda

Depends on how often you'll be using the Diamond Club. If only for happy hour, then I wouldn't worry about it. But if you plan on going there in the morning for coffee, etc., then I would want to be close. It's nice to be able to walk down there in the morning for coffee and a Danish without having to worry about getting on the elevator and travelling.

We boarded Allure on New Years Eve and while they had various midnight celebrations, it was NOT listed as a formal night. I don't think any ship would make it a formal night as they don't promise you'll have your luggage by early dinner seating.

Next time, fly in early and spend a few days in Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors. You'll find it less expensive and you'll have a nice time. Nice pictures, what type of camera/phone are you using?

My husband and I are doing the Equinox for New Years Eve, leaving on Dec. 30 so I'm looking forward to the rest of your review.

Damian Sebastian Delorezis will be replacing Rich. Sorry it took so long

 

 

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When is this happening?

We will be on Equinox sailing Dec. 30 doing this same itinerary. Looking forward to the rest of your review!

No, it was not worth the money, would not do it again. It was too windy to have the canopy up so it was in the direct sun all day. The only time we enjoyed it was at night when there was a guitar player on the lawn.

We rented an alcove on our last Celebrity cruise and will never do it again. There is hardly anybody up there during the day and it is very boring. Depending on which way you're sailing we had direct sun most of the day and it was very hot. It was too windy when we were out to sea so they said they could not put the canopy up. Very disappointing. The only time we enjoyed it was at night when they had a guitar player on the lawn and served sangria and tapas. I would not recommend renting one.

Also, they are given out on a first come, first served basis, so if there is a particular one you want, or a particular side of the ship you want to be on, make sure you get up there early as soon as they open.

I don't really care if it's included or not included. These ship servers are working for peanuts, living on a ship, away from their homes and families. If they get a few extra dollars out of me, that's fine. As long as it's the server getting it and not the ship. Moral of the story, tip in cash.

From everything I have read here regarding this, the soda package is good for the duration of your cruise. It does not include bottled water. The lunch is only good once, whether you have two people in your room or four, so two people could not eat for free at JR's twice.

 

We will experience this ourselves for the first time in October on Oasis. Nice perks!

This is all correct. Plus you get a private lesson on the rock climbing wall for 4.

Is there any shade to sit in when getting food from the Mast Grill by the pool?

Paul - Looks like you had a beautiful day in St. Maarten! Are you going to St. Thomas? If so, and you dock at the Havensight Pier, there is a great jewelry store right across the street from the pier. It's called Majestic Jewelers and ask for Litul. Tell him The Goodnights from Fort Lauderdale sent you, he should remember us. We've been buying from him for years. The store is nothing to look at, but don't be put off. He has beautiful jewelry at good prices and stands behind everything he sells. We have purchased many pieces from him over the years.

Richard...I don't want to hijack ChicagoPaul's wonderful review...but since you're in South Florida, can I ask you a question about restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale? Send you an e-mail perhaps looking for a recommendation?

Thanks,

Susan

Hi Susan - Sure, feel free to email me. The address is 281846 at comcast dot net.

Thanks for the advice. If you ever sail out of Fort Lauderdale, let us know and we can meet for dinner or drinks the night before you sail.

Thanks for the review, keep it coming. I'll be doing the same itinerary for New Years Eve.

Paul - Thanks for posting and I'll be following closely. My husband booked Equinox for a New Years Eve surprise for me and accidentally let the cat out of the bag! I'm glad he did because now I have the excitement of looking forward to the cruise. I may have a few questions for you along the way. We've been on this class ship before, but not the Equinox specifically. We will have a concierge class cabin, so thanks for posting the video. Where do you recommend having lunch on boarding day? Is the GastroPub open for dinner? We are having dinner New Years Eve in Murano!

We just lost our beloved cat a few days ago...we have a great pet sitter which makes such a diff...still had to limit trips to under 2 weeks so we understand about travel and pets..

 

Hoping to get a new kitten in the future when we are ready...

I do volunteer work at the Humane Society in Fort Lauderdale. We have lots of kitties looking for their forever homes. When you are ready I'm sure you will find a new fur baby to love. It won't be the same, but it will help fill that empty space in your heart.

HI Richard, like everyone said I spoke with my planner and the new deployments will be out in December 2017. My fear is like everyone else says it will go overseas, and we can't do that currently (2 Golden Retrievers who would miss us terribly! LOL)

I can certainly understand that. Luckily for us we have an excellent pet sitter. Unfortunately that does not come cheap!

What a nice looking couple. And you don't look a day over 49!

Where would you recommend eating lunch after boarding the first day? We hate going to the buffet. Did you book Tropicante on your own? How long was the taxi ride there? It looks awesome. And most importantly, how did you get that great price? Through a travel agent or own your own through Celebrity?

I've been waiting for May 2019 to open up also, and I don't care where I go as long as I'm on a cruise!

Thanks for posting, I'm enjoying your review. We are doing this same cruise departing Dec. 30. I have a couple questions for you:

1) Did you do an excursion in Key West or just walk around on your own?

2) Where is the Ensemble Lounge?

Thanks.

Yes, the prices are not deals, but for some shopping is part of the cruise experience and it's always fun to come home with something new.

When are you going? We will be on the Equinox sailing that departs Dec. 30. I too would like to do the ruins, but not if it's a 3 hour bus ride each way.

We are on Celebrity Equinox in May and just emailed our planner asking the same question (we re looking at Sept), I'm waiting to hear back from her, I'm thinking Nov or Dec but hoping sooner!

When you receive a response please post it here. Thanks!

Both are great and I wouldn't turn down a cruise on either one. We find Royal more family oriented and Celebrity more adult oriented. It depends on what you're looking for.

I was on this ship and have also been on Oasis and Allure. It never felt overly crowded.