sunkey1

So happy to read a concise review that does not constantly harp on "what used to be" or "on the other line..." Seems that some have become so spoiled that they can't adjust and adjust they may have to as the times/lines they are a changin'. The hope is to go in with a positive attitude (which the reviewer had) and basically be glad for the opportunity to be on vacation - and not in west Maui, or Ukraine... Things could be worse people!

My husband and I recently went out to dinner and watched a couple with 3 young children (guessing 5-9 years old) get seated. Mom pulled out iPads for each child and set them up. The couple spent the meal talking while the kids were locked in to their cartoons. My favorite part of cruising with my kids (they started at 3 and 5 years old) were the dinners where we all got dressed up, they knew how to behave and we interacted the entire time. Nowadays I even see adults sitting across from each other while dining at sea, eyes locked on their phones. That’s the example that many young kids have these days. Guess I’m officially OLD, as I miss the good old days.

I'm constantly surprised by the number of people who think that a relaxing vacation simply can't happen on a ship with "bells and whistles". We recently went on the NCL Getaway and it was probably one of my most relaxing cruises out of the +50 I've taken. There is a space called "Vibe" that is an extra fee, adults only sun deck (think Retreat, only ridiculously cheaper). That, plus dining waterfront every evening made for a spectacular week. We simply avoid the "crazy" areas (kids pool areas, etc), plus tend to cruise when kids are in school. It CAN be done! While lines still tend to have their preferred demographics, I think they all are becoming more fluid as people want to branch out and try new lines and ships.

Totally agree, even within the same line I find ships I love and ships I'd never sail on again. It's all so subjective, one person's "fantastic" food may only be mediocre to someone else. Same goes for decor and entertainment. You just need to find what fits YOUR vibe the best. I was an NCL snob for YEARS (back when they were Norwegian Caribbean Line), then finally dared to try another product, and hey, whatta ya know! I tend to select more for ship or itinerary than for line anymore. As an aside, I took the NCL Jewel to Alaska last year and they went to Glacier Bay. Fantastic cruise all around. Heartbreaking to see what's happening at Mendenhall.

We typically cruise March and October for that exact reason, few kids!

We’re in a verandah on the Equinox in October and that is a concern.

I see nothing wrong with that typeface, totally legible.

I wish ALL the cruise lines would realize this!!

We're doing the same thing in October - looking forward to having the freedom to come and go where/when we want.

Again a reminder that you can't condemn or praise an entire cruise line based on one cruise. Last year we went on the Carnival Magic, the ship was terribly run down and service was not great. In contrast, we went on the Carnival Mardi Gras for the second time as the ship and service were so amazing the first time. The second time was just as good. I will say that I will not typically choose to sail old ships again (on any line), no matter the line. I just don't think they are able to maintain them the way they should with all of the budget cuts. I did read enough good reviews about the Equinox that I'm trying to be optimistic about that upcoming cruise. It was chosen primarily for the itinerary but I still hope that the ship is in good shape after all these years, especially as we sailed on her when she was much newer.

Thanks for the feedback, I am wondering why they would say it's 3.5 hours when it was more like 3....

We went on the Norwegian Jewel last June and it was the best cruise we've taken out of the 50+ that we've been on. Personally, I would not take any of the humongous ships to Alaska as the ports are just too small to handle that influx of people. I'm also not there for the bells and whistles of the ships, unlike many of our Caribbean cruises. Alaska is all about the scenery, I don't need or want a race track or waterslides. We thought the Jewel was the perfect size. As far as itinerary, we had read that Glacier Bay was a must see, at least once, and I'm so glad that I listened as it was absolutely amazing. We did the one way from Vancouver (inside passage) to Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan and Hubbard Glacier. Fantastic itinerary as we got a little bit of everything. Weather was picture perfect, the only day that we had any rain/mist at all was at Hubbard Glacier, and even then it was minimal. It was truly the most amazing experience and we definitely want to go back when we can spend more time and hit Denali (and more...)

Don't judge Celebrity's spa experience solely by the Equinox. From what I've heard, some of the other ships have wonderful spas. Same thing applies to judging lines by an individual ship - sailed the Carnival Magic last April and had that been my only Carnival cruise I would never have sailed them again. In contrast, I've sailed twice on the Carnival Mardi Gras as I enjoyed the ship that much.

Agreed, you were taking your chances but we also met some of the most wonderful people. One year we were seated with a mom and three daughters, one of which was Bonnie Blair, Gold medalist in speed skating, relaxing after her most recent wins. Wonderful family.

It was originally the SS France and did transatlantic voyages. Never the "ideal" ship for the Caribbean but will always hold a special place in my heart. That was "back in the day" when everyone dressed nice for dinner every night. Not everyone's jam for sure but definitely gave it a special aura and much more glam.

Ship: Since no one said the ship had to be currently sailing, I'll have to go with the SS Norway. elegant, beautiful, classy. Port - Tie between Skagway and St. Maarten Room: Club Internationale on the Norway or VIBE on the Getaway

You'll see from my signature that for MANY years I was an NCL 'snob", in my mind no one could come close, and back then it was true. It's really sad to see how far down they have slid lately though. I too was on the Getaway, in April, and both my husband I I agreed it was time to go try more other lines again. We've booked Celebrity in October as we've heard their offerings have not been cut quite as badly as some and we'll likely look at Princess again. I will say that the Carnival Mardi Gras is unlike any of the older Carnival ships is so many ways. Much nicer decor, HUGE variety of (free!) food options and the entertainment was the best of any we've seen on Carnival. If we had liked any if the itineraries, we probably would have booked their new Celebration to try it out and likely will in the future. I will not go on an older Carnival ship though.

Thanks a bunch, I'm used to other lines' apps that don't show anything until y ou're actually on the ship. This was a big help, although as I was scrolling through it said "Venue Closed" for the dining room for nights 7,8 and 9, not sure what is up with that....

Where do you go to find the menus? I found one when I looked but it sounds like people are seeing more.

I did get the call back option the last time I called and received a call back promptly at the time they had provided. Sure beat hanging on for over an hour.

I made an online booking last Friday and when I was emailed my invoice it did not show my senior resident discount and the price was over $3000 more than what I had booked. I did have to call and it took just over an hour but I finally got it straightened out. Called the next day to upgrade my beverage package and that call took 47 minutes. I reported these times in the survey that I just received, I really expected better from Celebrity.

We'll be there in October on the Equinox. How long was the tour and what was the cost?

I booked it directly online, thus the need for the follow up call. It got straightened out, just took a bit and yes, I definitely stayed on the phone until the new invoice was received and reviewed.

Booked a cruise yesterday and when they emailed the invoice it was for $3000 more than what I booked at, they were not applying the senior resident discount that was showing online. Took me an hour of hold/talk time to get it straightened out. I really expected more with Celebrity.

Thanks for your excellent review and congrats on your completing your education - kudos!! I am actually looking at this run/ship for October and had a few questions. What did you think about the evening entertainment? Our most recent cruise (NCL) had limited, just okay options and was quite a let down - obvious budget cutting. We like to at least have the choice to go to a show or have some music to listen to. Also, we were on the Equinox many years back and I've gotten leery about going on older ships. How has she been maintained? I would imagine that Celebrity does a better job at keeping things pristine than a lot of other lines do. Thanks!