LIVE from the EQUINOX June 1-June14

[Christine Frances]

Thank you so much for this review. We're also on the TA in October and we were on the ship in January so looking forward to the changes/updates.

 

I was initially under the impression that the gastropub was going to be just little appetizer bites/tapas, but apparently it's actual meals (if you want it to be). Interesting and great to have a new venue. I may be in the minority but sure wish they had a Lawn Club Grill.

 

 

You are not in the minority lol. We love the food, fun and ambiance of the LCG

 

 

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[wallie5446]

Thanks, and we will keep an eye open for your details!

 

We will give it a shot in a couple of days for lunch. Menu looks great and even a little adventurous.

Just imagine the Wine Cellar with the center entryway doors removed and the all of the brick and wood to the left and right removed. Windows opened up and lots of light. I am not too familiar with the previous Wine Cellar so I just notice the light coming in and it is now much more inviting.

 

I do hope that it is not going to be in all 5 ships. I'd rather see it in 2 or 3 and a different concept in the remaining. I'm a believe that the ship is as much a destination as the itinerary. Therefore, not having everything exactly the same makes one want to try each ship. But that's just me.

 

Thank you so much for this review.

I was initially under the impression that the gastropub was going to be just little appetizer bites/tapas, but apparently it's actual meals (if you want it to be). Interesting and great to have a new venue. I may be in the minority but sure wish they had a Lawn Club Grill.

 

Nope, another 2 that really like, the LCG!

[sldispatcher]

Day 3 – Pisa/Florence

Strangely enough, as I write this 2 hours out of Livorno while sitting on the verandah looking out over an inky black sea, the props have just eased up to what appears to be idle. There is a rumbling from down below almost like that of the azipods turned in completely different direction.

 

The ship has definitely slowing down but I have no apparent reason why this is so.

 

So far, the Equinox staff is handling passenger movement on and off the ship like a dream team. Lines have been minimal even at the tender times as well as disembarkation today. We’ve never felt too crowded or mashed in so far. The buffet is just about the only place where frustration can set in quick, but that is to be expected.

 

We used Limo In Rome today for our private guided tour. We saw Florence in a very efficient manor, had a nice street side lunch, and had a 1 hour drive through Tuscany thrown in because we were so efficient with our time. However, the driver was just that and not much of a guide. His command of English was only slightly better than my command of Swahili. We have 2 more days with Limo in Rome and have our fingers crossed that it will get better. We used them before and were expecting an enthusiastic guide. We didn’t get that this time around. I did let them know by e-mail this evening.

 

Dinner was in Silk Harvest. No bad dishes there. Appetizers were probably a little better than the entrees, but that is often the case in Asian themed restaurants at home or at sea. We asked for 2 desserts and got 5 . After everyone said they didn’t want any, they polished all 5 expect for enough of the Tapioca to feed a mouse. Not a family of mice, just one mouse. Some of the group’s favorites were the appetizer shrimp, crab wontons, and the sushi choices. Entrees were split in terms of personal preferences, but we enjoyed them all. The server, Carla, wanted us to be happy from start to finish and the restaurant manager was top notch in terms of attitude.

 

A little shopping and a little game play and we are back in the rooms for a full day in Roma tomorrow.

 

Of note, tonight was formal night and there were lots of very nicely dressed people. It also turns out that this one of 3 formal nights that equated to the 3 most in demand specialty dining nights. Not sure if that is because of the sport casual dress code in the specialty dining rooms or if it just coincidence. I personally appreciated not having to pack the extra clothing for formal night on a 19 day trip.

 

The ship is creeping along now. Makes me think they took the opportunity to speed along under the first couple of hours and are now just easing towards Civitavecchia as the distance is not that great.

The weather continues to be outstanding.

 

Our group can be quite discriminating in terms of food and service and we are giving Celebrity’s Equinox very high marks across the board so far. In fact, our travel companions are saying things like they don’t want to cruise on any other ships than Solstice Class vessels now. That’s high praise.

 

Now if I can just get Limo in Rome to step up to the same level……..

[dani negreanu]

Day 3 – Riviera Ramblings

 

 

The lights of the coast of France are twinkling to my right as we motor along towards Livorno. The air has cooled off and a faint hint of dusky orange is holding on for dear life in the West. A jet is on final to the airport in Nice. Clouds that had meandered out over the ocean and along the coast earlier in the afternoon have since retreated to their fortresses up in the French countryside. They never did more than just take look at us today and never threatened rain. In fact, they served more as umbrellas up and down the coast to give a welcome respite from the sun from time to time.

 

.

 

David, thanks. Enjoying your style and talent very much. I could almost see myself on the veranda. You should be a writer :)

[JudyJudyJudy]

so glad that you are pleased with the ship. We will be on the equinox next month for a rome to barcelona trip. We are even staying at the same hotel as you in barcelona. Please keep your reports coming. Did they upgrade anything in the staterooms? We've been on the equinox before but are looking forward to the additions.

 

we are on the same cruise leaving rome to barcelona on the 28th of june. We were on the equinox two years ago and loved it.

We will be flying in the same day from houston. We have a car waiting for us at the airport to take us to the ship.

We are interested in sharing the ride there if you are coming the same day.

Are you taking the ship's tours? We don't know what to do in porto torres. Any ideas?

Judi and paul from houston

[bachcruise]

Thanks so much for your live reports! I'm really enjoying your review and writing style! Have a wonderful cruise.

 

 

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[riclop]

Day 1 - Embarkation

 

Although the airlines did their typical song and dance of mechanical issues and lost luggage, we recovered within 24 hours and spent some fun times working the sights of Barcelona. A vacation is about balance. How much adventure one wants versus how much quiet time.

 

Having stayed at the Eurostars Grand Marina before a little out of the hustle and bustle of downtown, we picked a hotel right near the “Times Square” of Barcelona. Catalunya Plaza Catalonia was pleasant and very well located. Metro stops, hop-on/hop-off, La Rambla and numerous eateries surround the block we were on. The elevators were the equivalent of circus clown car. If you turned just right, you could get two people and 2 pieces of luggage onboard. Otherwise, they were vertical coffin cars. This was not or claustrophobics.

 

We had an outstanding dinner at Cera 23 the night before the cruise. I’ll leave it at that. IF you can find it, you will enjoy it.

Getting onboard the ship was about a 20 minute process. There was definitely a wait for less than “frequent cruiser”, Aqua Spa and suite guests. No one really seemed to be in a bad mood about it though.

 

Actual check in was very efficient and we were aboard through the Martini Lounge entrance in no time. Off to Bistro on 5 where we were initially one of 5 tables. It was quiet. By no later than 130 the rooms were already prepped for guests.

 

Now some words about the onboard experience. The ship is extremely fresh. The changes to the Wine Cellar area really opened up the light and experience in the area. Food samples were out for display. Considering how the room always seemed underutilized in previous cruises, this was probably a smart move.

 

The ship is in fabulous shape. Apparently, more than 16000 square feet of carpet were replaced just a month ago during the dry dock. The staff seems very comfortable in their skin. Professional, polite and non-obtrusive.

The average age cruiser is probably in late 40’s or early 50’s. I was expecting an older crowd, but that is not the case.

 

Sail away was in a sun drenched and low 70’s pattern with light winds and Grecian blue waters. Oceania, Aida, Norwegian, and RCCL all had ships in port today.

 

We are in aft verandah staterooms. Eugene, the room attendant was present shortly after our arrival. Again, he had the air of experience, hospitality, but not planning on being obtrusive. The verandah dividing screen was opened within 10 minutes of our request and luggage came quickly and not all at once.

Tonight, dinner was in Tuscan Grill. Quality was above average for a comparable stateside meal. Service was friendly, efficient, and professional. You really can’t ask for more than that. We did not have a single bad dish. The beef ravioli appetizer, onion soup, and fried goat cheese and arugula salads were standouts.

 

We had purchased the 5 for 3 specialty dining package. I quickly made my way to Murano after boarding and then learned more details. Apparently, dining package folks are taken care of “last” with regards to times. Individually booked reservations are given priority for dates and times. I actually don’t mind that as this is a business and would always expect the person paying full price to get the top consideration. After a few minutes of working dates, we had or two Tuscan Grill, two Silk Harvest, and one Murano (5 for 3 is limited to one trip to Murano) times addressed. At sea day formal nights were obviously the highest in demand.

 

A walkabout after dinner revealed a ship that almost seemed deserted. Certainly with the 845 show, full dinner going on in MDR, and people having most likely flown in today, there was not a lot going on. The casino had 6 or 7 patrons. The shops were practically empty. The Martini Bar had 4 patrons. Things will liven up as the cruise continues for certain.

If you have seen any of my “live from” on either the Riviera or Marina, you know I will wander a bit with my comments and get stuck on the little things. I felt the need to write a general overview this evening as I watch the wake slip off into the inky darkness of the Mediterranean.

 

Our traveling companions, who are new to Celebrity and quite particular about quite a few things regarding travel, are blown away by the Equinox so far. For them to be so positive speaks volumes as to how well Celebrity still stands regardless of the ocean of negative comments seen on this board from time to time.

 

Being able to provide a sense of individualized service to a rather large audience takes an army of people on the front lines as well as behind the scenes. That’s a balance that can be difficult to obtain in many service industries. However, it seems that Equinox is well named. That perfect balance was met on day one.

You are right the ship is very boring after dinner, we went once and it was the most boring ship in all of our 23 cruises.

[Chazteach1]

You are right the ship is very boring after dinner, we went once and it was the most boring ship in all of our 23 cruises.

 

 

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all". -

 

 

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[wallie5446]

You are right the ship is very boring after dinner, we went once and it was the most boring ship in all of our 23 cruises.

 

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all". -

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app - My next cruise - Equinox - B2B 6/2014

We all experience different things on a sailing. The OP has said in later post that there has been a lot going on. But there will always be a couple with a sad tale to tell. Let em be, we can all read tween the lines.

[sldispatcher]

Boring after dinner?

Nonsense.

 

Lots of things AVAILABLE after dinner. Whether one chooses to participate or not is up to one's own choosing.

[blambition]

Love reading your review I feel like I'm traveling with you😊

 

 

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[Keith1010]

Thanks for your report and enjoy your cruise.

 

Keith

[PMO]

I find the Med cruises to be low key because they are high excursion cruises and very busy. We do much less because we have been running so much but I am sure there is plenty available for us.

[helpthejuggler]

Boring after dinner on embarkation day?

 

Many people will have had a long day travelling, early flights, jetlag and preparing for a port day on day 2 on the French Riviera.

 

Some will be taking the chance to explore the ship and others settling in.

 

Hardly a surprise

[kenevenpar]

This is great. Thanks for taking the time to post.:)

[Explorer's mom]

I'm glad you are enjoying your cruise, and I'm following your review with great interest. Thrilled that the Equinox is in great shape and offering excellent service. My sailing comes after yours and can't wait. :D

[sldispatcher]

Day 4 – ROMA!

I didn’t need to set my alarm as the Equinox shuttered and vibrated at 620am with a two-step side step into the port. Another sunny day with slightly more humidity.

 

Limo in Rome took it up multiple notches with our driver Lucca today. We had a F A B U L O U S day in Rome. We had been before, but our guests had not. We hit the highlights and then some. The Forum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, hilltop cannon fire, the keyhole, gorgeous views, the Coliseum, the Palisades, the “wedding cake” building, a special square and view overlooking the Forum, and the list goes on and on.

 

Additionally, the bountiful spectacle of a lunch in a small SMALL café on a Rome side street was a real delight. For 20 euros we had more food than you can imagine…6 different appetizers, 2 pastas, 2 pizzas, and 5 desserts to try along with a local wine and house made lemoncello. All the while, one of the proprietors, Dino, took a major role in serving, fussing, yelling, slinging, food everywhere.

 

Traffic was a nightmare heading back to the ship. It took us nearly 2 hours and 15 minutes to make the 55 minute drive. We will not be leaving as scheduled as there are numerous tour groups still stuck trying to get back.

 

Smiling officers, cold wet towels, and choice of beverages waited for us on our arrival. The ship is still empty feeling.

 

I’ll report more after dinner.

 

DC

[vulcan1971]

Day 4 – ROMA!

I didn’t need to set my alarm as the Equinox shuttered and vibrated at 620am with a two-step side step into the port. Another sunny day with slightly more humidity.

 

Limo in Rome took it up multiple notches with our driver Lucca today. We had a F A B U L O U S day in Rome. We had been before, but our guests had not. We hit the highlights and then some. The Forum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, hilltop cannon fire, the keyhole, gorgeous views, the Coliseum, the Palisades, the “wedding cake” building, a special square and view overlooking the Forum, and the list goes on and on.

 

Additionally, the bountiful spectacle of a lunch in a small SMALL café on a Rome side street was a real delight. For 20 euros we had more food than you can imagine…6 different appetizers, 2 pastas, 2 pizzas, and 5 desserts to try along with a local wine and house made lemoncello. All the while, one of the proprietors, Dino, took a major role in serving, fussing, yelling, slinging, food everywhere.

 

Traffic was a nightmare heading back to the ship. It took us nearly 2 hours and 15 minutes to make the 55 minute drive. We will not be leaving as scheduled as there are numerous tour groups still stuck trying to get back.

 

Smiling officers, cold wet towels, and choice of beverages waited for us on our arrival. The ship is still empty feeling.

 

I’ll report more after dinner.

 

DC

 

Wonderful so far!! I am staying in Rome 5 days pre-cruise for my westbound Constellation TA. I would love to try out this restaurant you went to for lunch if you remember the name. Thanks!

[cinnamon]

Loving reading this. Thank you for taking the trouble and you write such interesting descriptions.

 

 

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[sldispatcher]

Name of eatery in Rome was Dino and Tonys..but will get more info in nxt 24 hours to you.

[sldispatcher]

Day 5 – Amalfi Coast

The Equinox glided along the water right along the Amalfi Coast into the port of Salerno. It was a rather scenic event as the areas of housing and bridges looked much like pockets of honeycomb clinging to the vertical green cliffs. The port of Salerno is a very busy shipping facility. There are no modes of public transport easily available from my perspective. The dock is on the western edge of the municipality and close to the main highways.

 

Depending on what you wish to believe, Salerno is apparently 1/3 of the cost to dock for cruise ships compared to Naples. It is certainly far more scenic. The other part to consider, true or not, is that the lack of public transportation and the one boat that departs for Capri leaves before the ship docks and returns just after the ship leaves, means that the passengers are held captive to the ship’s excursions or privately arranged ones.

 

Our private guide, Mario, showed up on time and whisked us off to Pompeii, Sorrento and Positano. Our tour guide inside Pompeii was Veronica and she was great. The two hours inside were far too short. We wanted more and more, but had to leave.

 

The weather was another blue sky day so the visits to Sorrento and Positano were equally breathtaking.

 

Dinner in the dining room was good, but unusual. An aggressive culinary menu in the Main Dining Room (MDR) was matched by an equally unusual show in the theater. Turkey Parmesan, lamb in phyllo dough, branzino, beef cheek, were items in the MDR. The show featured a mime. It needed some serious production value work as it fell flat in the middle with an audience participation bit. At one point, my wife and I got so tickled we were crying. Not because it was so funny, but because it was so bad.

 

Public areas of the ship still do not seem crowded. The dining room service, just seems like they are getting hit hard all at once. It took more than 15 minutes for the waiter to show up to the table, but we are very understanding and for goodness sake we are not on a time schedule here at dinner!

 

I do not recall specifically, but there does seem to be a little cutback in terms of the number of dishes offered for appetizer and dessert, but no one really goes away hungry.

 

The ship is kept exceptionally clean and has been relaxing in all venues. The elevators stay busy and there is the occasional wait, but again, it’s a vacation. Relax!

 

Internet speeds are more than acceptable considering we are on a lumbering large object that is bobbing around in the sea sharing bandwidth with several thousand people.

 

The iLounge looks great. The buffet area is always kept clean and more than enough staff to keep tables cleaned.

 

We have not met any disenchanted Celebrity team members.

 

I have yet to sail Princess and have scratched my head about HAL on the last couple of cruises, so at this point, for this price point, demographic, and appeal level, Celebrity is still the King of the market.

[emcee207]

What a great review. Full of positive things but also an open mind about some things that aren't perfect.

 

And a great writing style, please keep it up. Looking forward to the rest.

[kissmeyoufool]

We will be sailing this beautiful ship Oct 14 can not wait following the review THANK YOU :o

[fun4us2]

Fabulous review

 

 

Cruising is the Spice in my life!

[sldispatcher]

Day 6 – At sea

 

A much needed day at sea. We “lost” an hour overnight and apparently misplaced several more as I did not get out of bed until 1015AM and finally had to wake up my wife at 1135AM.

 

We meandered down to an empty MDR and had a light lunch before going back to the room and watching Saving Mr. Banks on the TV. (Was superb movie for acting and emotion by the way.)

 

A leisurely stroll around decks 14 and 12 revealed what appeared to be a reunion of red lobsters. Some were half baked. Some were missing pigment genes since birth. Others seemed to have already been in the pot a bit too long. Some wore far too little clothing but all seemed to be comfortable in their own shells.

 

71 degrees out with a light NW wind while we trek to the East towards Santorini.

 

I did sneak in a trip to the Oceanview Café for honey raisin scones, fresh cream and a spot of tea.

 

Tonight was dinner in Tuscan Grill while we watched the sun set on all of you back home.

 

Any day at sea is a good day.