Newbie cruisers on - help please

[38anchor]

Really hoping for some help here.

 

Our parents are off on their first cruise on Celebrity Equinox out of Barcelona. They have booked into an Aqua class cabin.

 

They have only ever cruised once before, and that was with us on Royal Caribbean (Oasis) and we were there to show them the ropes, so to speak. We pre-booked all the specialties, sorted out excursions, dining times, menus etc etc etc

 

Anyway, as we have never sailed with Celebrity before, we are hoping you will be able to help us out with a mini-guide so to speak - things that can be pre-booked, places to look out for, things to see and do on the ship.

 

Without us there to hold their hands I'm afraid they will miss out on so much.

 

Thanks in advance

[radsailor]

I would definitely say that they should eat at the Murano specialty restaurant and the Tuscan Grill specialty restaurant. I have never eaten at the Silk Harvest so I can't say for that one, but the other 2 are a treat.

[Bruin Steve]

Really hoping for some help here.

 

Our parents are off on their first cruise on Celebrity Equinox out of Barcelona. They have booked into an Aqua class cabin.

 

They have only ever cruised once before, and that was with us on Royal Caribbean (Oasis) and we were there to show them the ropes, so to speak. We pre-booked all the specialties, sorted out excursions, dining times, menus etc etc etc

 

Anyway, as we have never sailed with Celebrity before, we are hoping you will be able to help us out with a mini-guide so to speak - things that can be pre-booked, places to look out for, things to see and do on the ship.

 

Without us there to hold their hands I'm afraid they will miss out on so much.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Okay, you will be fairly lucky here...

Celebrity is FAR LESS COMPLICATED than Oasis...

On the Oasis, one needs to pre-book entertainment, to coordinate it with dining times, etc.

It takes a lot of effort...

Celebrity is almost fool-proof...

 

First, I'd make sure they have traditional dining...

Early or Late Seating...That way, they will have the same table and same time every night...

 

[oops...EDIT...I just went back and read that they are in AQ class--so they will eat in Blu each night...]

Still, just tell then to check the program each day and coordinate dinner time with what else they want to do that night...

 

The main shows are unreserved...but seating never an issue...There will be a show each night coordinated to early seating time, another to late seating time...always in the main showroom...

Let's say they have Main (early) seating dinner...It will be at 6:00 or 6:15 every night...same time, same place...They will likely have a show each night in the main showroom at around 8:45 or 9:00...After that they can wander the ship, if they'd like...different venues may have dancing, karaoke, piano bar, etc...or they could head to the casino if that's their thing...or back to their cabin...

 

You can schedule them a special dinner at a specialty restaurant ...and for THAT you'll have to reserve a time and date... but you can do it for them ahead of time...

 

The only other things you may have to do for them is to book tours or shore excursions...If you want to keep things simple for them, book them shore excursions through Celebrity--this can be done online ahead of time...and the tickets will be delivered to their cabin...all they will have to do is to keep track of them and check the ticket for the time and meeting location...

 

Make sure they know how they are getting from plane to ship and that they carry (don't pack) their passports and cruise documentation...

 

The rest is easy...

 

Celebrity is far more relaxing than the hectic pace on Oasis...

[yayvacation!]

You can pre book: shore excursions, drink packages, and dinner reservations for the specialty restaraunts - I loved Tuscan Grille :)

 

Because they are AQ they have unlimited access to Persain gardens and relaxation rooms (in the spa area).

 

Topping the list of my "don't-miss" things: The Aqua spa cafe (serves breakfast and lunch - lighter healthier options that are really tasty in solarium area) The molecular bar (gallaria tastings), the Newly wed not so newly wed game (I always find that game hysterical), and the cirque - like show "equinox - the show" and white table linened breakfast on the balcony - you can order anything you want, if it isn't on the breakfast menu - just write in what you want and it will be brought up (try the waffles!), if you can't find the breakfast order cards ask the room steward for them.

 

I'm not sure if AQ gets the afternoon canapes, but if they do the crappy canapes can be switched out for shrimp cocktail or cheese and crackers - just ask the room steward!

[dzcruisers]

You might want to suggest that they go to Bistro on Five for lunch on embarkation day. It cost $5. but in my opinion is really worth it. That way they avoid the huge crowd at the buffet and have a place to relax until the cabins are ready.

We did a TA on the Equinox. It's a great ship. They'll do fine.

[38anchor]

Thanks ever so much for the replies so far - they are JUST the things I am looking for. I do have a few more specific questions though:-

 

1. Can you take alcohol onboard - I know you can't on RC but can on P&O?

2. What does Aqua Class actually get you?

3. Blue Restaurant - what is the difference in eating here and the MDR.

 

Thanks again

[yayvacation!]

Thanks ever so much for the replies so far - they are JUST the things I am looking for. I do have a few more specific questions though:-

 

1. Can you take alcohol onboard - I know you can't on RC but can on P&O?

2. What does Aqua Class actually get you?

3. Blue Restaurant - what is the difference in eating here and the MDR.

 

Thanks again

 

1. Yes you can take 2 bottles of wine per stateroom

 

2. Water and Tea in your room everyday; access to relaxation room and persian gardens; dining in Blu

 

3. Blu is a smaller restaurant venue as opposed to the huge oppulent MDR - the menu is different also, someone posted the menus on this board a while ago try searching them in the thread search to get the options available.

[cherylroslyn]

Thanks ever so much for the replies so far - they are JUST the things I am looking for. I do have a few more specific questions though:-

 

1. Can you take alcohol onboard - I know you can't on RC but can on P&O?

2. What does Aqua Class actually get you?

3. Blue Restaurant - what is the difference in eating here and the MDR.

 

Thanks again

I would also tell them to look in the dailies for lectures. I have not been on Equinox but all of the Celebrity Ships I have been on have wonderful lecture series that are extremely well done. On a recent cruise there was an expert from the Smithsonian who specialized in classic toys from the 50's, 60's 70'. She also gave a great lecture about Star Trek and some TV shows from the 50's that I had never heard of because I'm mtoo young....but I still was facinated by the lectures. This is the type of stuff my parents would like....:)

[Giorgi-one]

Not unique to Celebrity but I hope they are flying into Barcelona at least one day early and purchasing travel insurance with the waiver for preexisting conditions. Barcelona may arguably be the best port on their itinerary and I would fly in two or three days early to really see the city.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I don't agree that Barcelona is the best port. I was pickpocketed there and that would be a crappy way to start off a trip. So I think they should go straight to the ship if they aren't savvy about getting around in a foreign city on their own.

 

Oasis is alot different. For example, you don't have to reserve show times or anything like that. The ship is large but not overwhelmingly so.

 

My in-laws went on their first cruise when they were 55 and 65. They had never even flown on a plane either. They had a wonderful time as newbies without any help from us. Your parents have been on a cruise before and Celebrity ships are easy to navigate and they can get answers easily onboard. They will be fine.

[cruisecrasy]

Hope someone can tell me how big the AQ class cabins are please?

 

Many thanks in advance..:)

[Denny01]

AQis the same size as other veranda SRs. Depending on location, a few have a bit larger verandas. See the Solstice Cabin Info sticky at the top for info on specific SRs. Librarylady19 has compiled much of the info in a spreadsheet. See thread #1200.

 

Den

[Lois R]

Hope someone can tell me how big the AQ class cabins are please?

 

Many thanks in advance..:)

 

AQ cabins are the same size as any other regular size balcony cabins.:)

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Features:

In addition to our Concierge class amenities, AquaClass guests receive:

• Priority seating in Blu, a specialty restaurant created just for AquaClass guests that also serves complimentary healthy continental breakfast daily

• Double occupancy only

• Premium ship location (Deck 11) close to the AquaSpa

• Hansgrohe® shower panels

• Aroma scent selections

• Pillow menu to customize your night's sleep

• Complimentary bathroom amenities

• Daily deliveries of bottled water and teas

• A Personal Spa Concierge to arrange AquaSpa treatments

• Plush AquaClass Frette® bathrobes and slippers

• Enhanced personal care products

• Free, unlimited access to the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room

• Special programming and wellness classes

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors

• Sitting area with sofa

• Two beds convertible to queen-size

• Vanity

• 32" LCD TV

• Veranda with lounge seating

• Some staterooms in this category are wheelchair-accessible. For more information on wheelchair-accessible staterooms, click here.

 

 

 

Available on the Following Decks:

 

 

 

 

 

AquaClass Stateroom Include:

 

• Two lower beds convertible to queen (except as noted)

• Complimentary 24-hour room service

• Dual voltage 110/220 AC

• Four pillows in every stateroom

• Complimentary use of bathrobes

• 100% Egyptian cotton towels

• Bathroom accessories & hair dryer

• Complimentary beach towel service

• Plentiful storage space in your bathroom & wardrobe

• Laundry service*

• Luggage delivery

• Interactive television system to view & select shore excursions, order room service & watch movies*

• Individual safe

• Direct-dial telephone

• Thermostat-controlled air-conditioning

• Mini-bar*

• Some staterooms may have a trundle bed

 

*Additional charges apply.

[librarylady19]

AQ cabins are lovely, especially the bathrooms. An amazing shower.

Here's a link to my pics of Equinox 1519