snyniew

That’s just wrong. I’ve traveled with my “niece” (friends kid) who was a minor. I’m mixed race and she is Caucasian with different last names. I was never asked for additional documentation even though I had a notarized letter from her parents saying she could travel internationally with me as per their instructions.

But if they are offering a 10% discount I’ve read on here that you get the current discount plus the elite discount. So I do believe it’s it’s correct. 13.50 to upgrade plus a 10% discount + the 30% discount is close. Either way I’ll take it. 

I just upgraded both beverage package and WiFi by calling. I’m Elite but after the rep incorrectly tried to charge me for the full package she got it somewhat correct. Beverage package was $75.60 & internet was 61.46 which I believe was the current price for the upgrade that already included a discount & the elite (I think she gave me the elite + @ 35 % vs elite @ 30%) so I’ll take it

Nino was excellent  this December. He’s done after this contract and going home to be with his family. He as one of the best I’ve as a waiter

They don't offer it in San Juan. I would guess the major reason is all luggage has to go thru and pass agricultural check before you can bring it to be checked. If something was found to be in violation but the owner of the suitcase wasn't there to help resolve it could mean luggage being left in San Juan.

6 minutes ago, kearney said:

Did a quick calculation... the extra $14/day/pp for 'gratuities' translates to an 18% tip on a daily expense of around $78/day/pp. If the highest drink covered (classic) is $9.. that equates to nearly 9 drinks/day/pp. That seems like quite a lot as an average. Now if they follow this fee up by raising the cost per drink.... well that brings it more in line.... look for a price increase for those purchasing individual drinks... just a guess on my part.

That math isn't correct. 18% on the drink package of $59 is only $10.62. Not sure how they came up with the $14 as it doesn't seem to be gratuities which currently are 20%. $14/day equates to almost 24%. Also when looking at drinks/day you are thinking just alcoholic drinks. I will drink 4-5 bottles of water if not more a day, specialty coffee, pop along with the others and that does work out in my favor for the drink package. 

17 minutes ago, kearney said:

You might call and ask if you will have to pay extra on upgrading your beverage package... there is some word about adding $14/day on classic package... I think for gratuities... but we never get a beverage package... so I did not pay close attention... but you might want to call and get that done before you go... sorry I don't know the details

It's already too late as that went into effect today. Shouldn't be applied to an upgrade on board. Only would be added to an existing reservation if they made a change like add a person, change cabins etc.  Upgrading should be the normal $10+20%

Solo passengers get screwed by this since it still charges them the full $196 instead of just $98 as we are only using one beverage package. 

9 hours ago, Langley Cruisers said:

 

For the three of you, gratuities come up to $304.50 (3 x $14.50, x 7) for the 7 nights - hefty amount, and in my opinion, worth taking as one of the choices.

Gratuities would only be for 2, they would still have to pay them for the 3rd person. So OBC & WIFI would be the better deal for them.

I would recommend doing the Roseau Valley Treasures tour with Bumpiing tours in Dominica and river tubing in Grenada. Did this back in April with my niece and she loved both of them. I had done river tubing in Grenada in December as well and everyone on the excursion had a good time. But by far the best in Dominica is tours with Bumpiing and if you're lucky you might get Levi as your guide. Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge & Champagne reef can't be beat.

Actually on Equinox since it's already been to dry dock you should be able to get into your room upon boarding to drop off your carryon. Completely available to you usually after 1pm.

5 minutes ago, mattyboy said:

Received a 30 % discount offer for Tuscan Grill for first night but I think I've read that MDR menu is very good the 1st night - looking for thoughts and opinions.

MDR is typically Prime Rib on the first night. It's good but I've also done Tuscan with the discount. Depends on if you really want to dine in Tuscan during your cruise, you may get a discount on a different night but might not be 30%. I'd personally pick Murano (actually did that on Equinox a few years ago) on the first night especially if they are offering that discount as well.

15 hours ago, ipeeinthepool said:

Ok, sounds like good deal.  It looks like the Sea Cow also goes out to Klein Bonaire and does drift snorkeling along the reef.  That area is great.  We took a ship's snorkeling tour and it was second rate.  It sounds like you have a better tour.

 

Enjoy your cruise and thanks for doing the review.

Sea Cow is a great snorkel trip. They break the group up into 2 (at least they did when I went) so it's not crowded when snorkeling. That's always a fear when doing a ship excursion that it will be very crowded but they do a good job.

15 minutes ago, mikkirm said:

 

Do you know if the classic non-alcoholic package covers the other Zero Proof drinks, like the fancy lemonades, fizzes, etc.? I had the classic package on my last cruise, but that was four years ago, and I can't remember if it covered them or not. 

 

I think they are but not sure since I've always upgraded my niece to the premium non alcoholic package. It's only about $33 for a 7 day cruise and she likes her virgin mudslides and such

1 hour ago, Firepath said:

I'm trying to decide if I should book now to get the free classic (with alcohol) package, then upgrade to the Premium, mainly to get special coffees, or wait until the overall price drops (probably without the beverage perk) and just purchase a non-alcohol package which includes coffees. It sounds like there are a lot of options but I can't see them until I actually book. 

Coffee from Cafe al Bacio is available on the Classic alcohol package, no need to upgrade. Reason to upgrade is if you want martini's, better wine selection or you want sparkling water. I always upgrade and never regret it but I like my Evian, Grey Goose, and good wine at dinner.

13 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

HI, I have a Classic Beverage Package perk on a spring 2020 cruise.  I know that Celebrity will occasionally offer upgrade sales.  Since my beverage package is a 'free' perk, would I still be able to take advantage of any beverage upgrade offers between now and my cruise?  Any idea when Celebrity traditionally offers these upgrades or package sales?  i.e, Black Friday, etc?  Thanks!

You can upgrade anytime you want at $10 + 20% gratuity. When they have the sales on the beverage package it doesn't carry over to the price of the upgrade, that still remains $10 + 20% (I've called and tried and always told no)

17 minutes ago, Firepath said:

If you get the Classic Package as part of your promotion, can you upgrade to Premium by just paying the difference between the two, which looks like $10/day?

Yes you can but they are asking about the classic non alcoholic package. Classic alcohol package would include the frozen drinks up to $9 but classic non alcoholic does not include the frozen drinks. 

1 hour ago, drakes2 said:

I'm sailing 11 nights on the equinox September 23 and looking for prices of some California reds specifically pinot noir. Hoping someone who's sailed can provide recommendations.  Thanks so much.

 

Go to Chicago Paul's live review. He's posted a few menus that included wines. Might not be Equinox but should be very similar.

11 hours ago, whitshel said:

I know, sorry another drink package question.  Does the classic non alcoholic drink package include virgin frozen drinks?  Whats the main difference between the classic and premium?

No, I've always had to upgrade my nice to the premium non-alcoholic to get the frozen drinks.

51 minutes ago, NAYRB said:

I wish I had known that, I just booked my flight on Friday.  Oh well!

FLL and MIA are so close together won't make a huge difference. Also I usually book going into FLL anyway since it's usually cheaper. This happened to me March 2017 and it really wasn't a big deal. For some you'd have thought it was the end of the world. We just booked a hotel in Miami and took an Uber. On disembarkement had a hotel in FLL and Uber back there. 

Some people let it effect their attitude (especially since embarktion wasn't until 2:30) but we made the best of it. Had a snafu with our hotel a week before but didn't let it upset us. Got the Four Seasons for the same price. Bonus was the Detroit Pistons were staying at the hotel for the night so my nieces got their pictures taken with Blake Griffin and the entire team was by the pool all morning. 

If you choose to let it impact you negatively that's your choice. I choose to look at the fact that I'm on vacation and not in snow and cold and just have a positive attitude.

4 hours ago, friendswithdave said:

Am I correct to say that my 18 year old son can switch to the premium non-alcoholic package once onboard at no additional charge if he is travelling in the room with an older adult whwn both guests get the Classic Beverage Package included as a perk?

He will be given the classic non-alcoholic package. If you want the premium they make you pay to upgrade. Seems silly since it's still less than the classic alcoholic package but every time I've done it for my niece they make us pay. They say they have to go classic to classic. At least the upgrade is less than $30 on a 7 day sailing.

Muster drill in Dec & April on the Summit was at 4:45 pm. Sail away is at 8:30 or so give or take. 

I've done both and each one is fine. I really don't spend much time in my room so it really doesn't matter to me. The rooms are the same size so I pretty much base it on price I'm willing to pay (especially when going solo). If the prices are relatively close I'd go for a balcony but if saving a bunch I'd do an OV (try to get on Deck 3 toward the Aft stairs, those have a nice big porthole so allows a lot of light into the room.

19 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

The GF macroons are excellent, but I haven't seen them a lot lately.  Actually, I originally discovered them in the buffet.

We found them in April on the Summit in the buffet and at Al Baccio. On the last day Al Baccio filled a quart sized bag full of them and gave us some gluten free muffins for us to take home to my niece who is gluten free but loved the macaroons.

Have done this on 2 different roll calls. We used google docs and made it shareable. Worked great.