backyardponder

There will be signs with the ship's name directing you to the correct terminal. Definitely drop off your bags before parking. Assuming you tip the baggage porter, that person will be happy to point you to the best parking.

We usually enjoy sitting at the same table every night. It is a great opportunity to get to know new folks quite well. Also the staff gets to know your preferences quickly. We once were on a cruise with friends, one of whom always drank lots of diet coke. After the first night, his glass was waiting for him when he arrived.

Of course, there can be problems with personalities at the table you are at. That happened to us once. We talked to the dining room manager who changed our table to one on the other side of the dining room which avoided the awkward situation.

In my opinion, it is no different than airline fares, the price of things on Amazon, or even the prices in the grocery store. The computer algorithm which sets the fares looks at many, many variables, maybe even the phase of the moon, to try to maximize profits for the company. From a consumer's standpoint, it is quite frustrating.

We booked a late March cruise a few weeks ago. The killer was the airfare to Florida.

Take a look at what is above and below the cabin you choose. I don't think I'd want to be below a public area. Above it might be ok.

Never done AQ, but love our C2 on the hump. If you like spending time on your balcony, having the deep balcony is wonderful. If you aren't a balcony person, then it probably doesn't matter.

In Cozumel we always go to Paradise Beach. It is about 5 miles from the dock, a quick cab ride. There are always cabs there for getting back. It is a very clean beach. Staff is very nice and helpful. Most important, it isn't crowded! It is about $3 per person to get in plus they ask everyone to buy drinks/food for at least $10 per person. Chairs & umbrellas are included. The walkway from the cab to the start of the sand isn't far and is paved. If you search for "paradise beach cozumel" you'll find their web site.

We have used them several times and have been quite pleased.

In 1984 we took our first cruise on the Carnival Celebration, now sailing as the Grand Celebration for Bahamas Vacation Cruises. I was talking to someone whose cabin was below the kitchen for the main dining room. The kitchen operated 24 hours a day. The person said it was terrible. I pulled up the current deck plan and those cabins are still there.

It appears more recent ships don't put staterooms below the kitchen, but they are below other public areas. We always avoid those! We also avoid cabins above public areas, especially lounges.

You can tip extra if you like. It is a personal decision of yours and not expected by the staff.

Does anyone have the link for Part 1 of this thread?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1743821

Did Panama on Equinox 09 we did the boat trip through the canal. You take a bus with a guide about half way on canal. The road parallel's the railroad track and the canal and the guide was very helpful in pointing out things along the road. We then transferred to a boat and went down canal through the locks all the way to Pacific side.There was water soda and food on boat was quite the experience going through the locks and watching the very large ships looming above while in the locks. We had a great time. Buses picked us up on Pacific side and took us back to ship. We had a great time.

We did this same trip in February 2011. It was quite an experience going through the canal on a boat. If you do this, be sure to bring sunscreen, and a sun hat. There is inside seating, but you are there to see the Canal, so you probably want to be outside!

Yes, you can eat breakfast before you leave. Usually the main dining room is open. The cafeteria is always open for breakfast.

Although probably not a gift idea, but the thing I always bring is my small alarm clock. The only clock in the room is on the phone and I can't see that when I wake up in the middle of the night.

You need to consider how much you would buy if you were not on a package. We are light drinkers so the packages would never work for us. While you are figuring this out, remember there are days you are in port and you may be off the ship for many hours.

John

SHIP: Equinox

CABIN #: 1172

DECK #: 10 (Sky)

CLASS: CC (C3)

AREA: Aft Starboard

BED NEAR: balcony

QUIET?: Very Quiet

BALCONY VIEW: Good view, no obstructions

BALCONY SIZE: Large for a cruise ship

WIND A PROBLEM?: No

SOOT A PROBLEM?: No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: Largest cruise cabin we've ever had. This is the normal size for this class of Celebrity Ships.