Equinox 10 day review

[ColdinOH]

We just returned from a great 10 day cruise on the Equinox with sailing dates of January 2-12th. My wife and I are early 60's. This cruise had a nice cross of people from young adults to the elderly. We met some great folks on this cruise. We go on a cruise with an open mind knowing everything will not be perfect, but that we are fortunate to have the opportunity to cruise and to be able to spend this valuable time with each other and recharging the battery so to speak. Any review is subjective so take this as being our experience only. This was only our 7th cruise having sailed Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival and Celebrity previously.

 

Pre Cruise--Two nights in Fort Lauderdale at the Holiday Inn Express on 17th street. Enjoyed new years eve dinner outside on the deck at Bimini Boatyard. Took advantage of Duffy's Bar and Grill on new years day watching a few football games. Everything within walking distance including stores for picking up last minute items. We went to Total Wine for a couple of bottles of wine to take with us. Visiting this store is like taking an excursion for anyone who enjoys wine. We even had a partial view of the top of the ship on departure morning from our 5th floor room. Taxi to ship was 10 minutes and cost $10 plus a tip.

 

Embarkation--This was the only part of our cruise that disappointed us. We arrived at port at approximately 11:30 and waited in line for nearly 40 minutes to hand over Xpress pass, show our passport, provide a credit card, and receive our keycard. Only one clerk handling two decks. We heard from other passengers who arrived later than us who waited over an hour. I am not sure if it was just our deck or our clerk who was slow or what was the issue. I know there was customs issues for the people getting off the previous cruise, but not sure why that was a problem for us checking in. Once checked in, it was only 5 minutes to board and start enjoying the next ten days

 

Buffet--better than most cruises, but we understand there are 3,000 passengers and there will be hiccups. Salad bar was fresh and loved the sushi. Certainly by the 10th day, we had seen it all, but that was expected. We always checked out the daily special area of the buffet. That created some variety for us. However, the desserts were not up to what we expected, but we didn't need them anyway so maybe it was best.

 

MDR--We used select dining and it was right for us. Maximum wait was ten minutes and no wait at all most evenings. We liked not having to watch the clock for our dining time. We dined the second night with service and recommendations by Ignatius and Ernani and requested these two gentlemen each night for the rest of the cruise. We found the food to be great for us. We almost were at the point where we just let us our waiter (Ignatius) make our menu selection. Again, the MDR is not going to be a five star restaurant so some people might be disappointed.

 

Stateroom--Our stateroom 6246 was classed as an obstructed verandah. No problem as the obstruction was the top of the lifeboat which was at the balcony deck level. The room was cleaned fine and timely. We had almost no interaction with our housekeeping staff which was unusual. This was okay because I sensed they were shorthanded. The location was quiet and convenient to steps and elevator. We would stay in this location again.

 

Entertainment--Just fine. The Equinox singers and dancers were especially enjoyable on their second and third shows (Remix and Le Cirque). The first night which was Broadway was not for us and we were disappointed, but glad we went back to see the other shows. The juggler, comedian, and singer were all good and was worth the hour of our evening. The theater was never completely full and we could walk in close to showtime and find pretty good seats.

 

Drink package--We had the 123go classic drink package. For us, we did not find the need to upgrade. The staff recognized that we had the package and fit our drinks to our package. Worked just fine. It was nice not sign slips. We took advantage of the specialty coffee once, sometimes twice a day. Service was outstanding in the coffee shop area.

 

General observations--The ship is very nice and in great shape and seemed very clean to us. I admit that we didn't pull up cushions, run our finger in hidden areas checking for dust, etc.. Our second time on an S class and we like this layout. In general, the ship's staff throughout was more than courteous. I think a smile or a thank you sent in their direction means a lot and you get positive feedback.

 

Debarkation--We did the luggage valet which takes our luggage from our stateroom and we don't see it until we arrive in our home airport. We don't have a group disembark number. We left the ship whenever we wanted. For us, this worked fine and is a $20 perk per person which we find to be dollars well spent for us. We heard some of the customs agents reported off so it was approximately 45 minutes to get through customs but we still had plenty of time for our 12:45 flight. We walked off the ship around 9:00.

 

Overall, we had a fantastic time and were well pleased with our time on the Celebrity Equinox. If we are fortunate in the future, we will be back on a Celebrity S class ship. For those of you going on Equinox--if you don't let the small things bother you then you will have an awesome time. Less

[Suzanne123]

We are booked on the Equinox for the end of March, so thanks for the timely review. it's nice to read that someone had a great time without a lot of problems. :)

Did you do any of the ship's excursions?

[Texed]

Cold,

 

Thanks for posting. :)

[ColdinOH]

We did not use the ship's excursion, but did the following:

 

St Thomas--We took the Paradise Skyway Tram (walking distance from the ship). Enjoyed drinks and the view. My wife had time to shop and then spent time shopping at port shops. We have been to St Thomas previously and knew we had 5 straight port days so made this one easy.

 

St Kitts--This was our first time on this island so opted to book an excursion with Thenford Grey. We felt we saw plenty of the island with some spectacular scenery and views. We wished we had more time at the fort to explore, but in general, this was a good option to see as much as possible with a 3:00 ship departure.

 

Barbados--$5 per person taxi ride to Lobster Alive, which is near Boatyard in Carlisle Bay. Two chairs and umbrella and included two drink coupons if I remember correctly. Lobster Alive chairs are spread out compared to Boatyard but it does not have the rope jumps, water trampolines, etc. But my wife and I wanted to enjoy the rest of the cruise so we opted for the more laid back Lobster Alive. Beautiful beach area. We would go back.

 

Dominica--We used Bumpiing Tours for their "wet tour". You can check it out on their website. Absolutely, enjoyed this day. Unfortunately, we are not in the greatest of shape and are average swimmers at best. But the tour requires you to wear a water belt. We did just fine, but not sure ten years(age 70) from now that we would recommend this tour. Thrilled that we did this tour and the island is not to missed. Different from other islands. Hard to explain, but we want to go back.

 

St Marteen--Water taxi to town for $7 round trip per person. Rented two chairs and an umbrella for $15 at Great Bay Beach which included a drink per person. I would take a walk up the boardwalk. All kind of deals and vendors will approach trying to sell their chairs. After beach time and lunch at one of the beach front outdoor restaurants, it was time to follow my wife around Front Street as she made her way in and out of what seemed like a hundred stores. Water taxi back to ship.

[hotlipss]

Did you happen to keep the paper with daily activities?if so I would love it if you could post them..also was there any must haves food wise on the ship?We are on her in April.. Our first with celebrity but have cruise all of the other cruiselines you have..looking forward to trying something new :)

 

 

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[FRMPEI]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences. Since you boarded on Jan 2 were the Holiday decoration still up or were they in the process of taking them down?

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

[Max Circus]

We were getting off the ship while you were boarding. We enjoyed very much.

 

That is too bad about the long wait for embarkation. I know that disembarkation was the longest we have ever waited (after more than 20 cruises). Took us over an hour to get through the customs lines. We were told it was because the ship had visited South America (we went to Colombia) and there was a process for all non-US citizens to be fingerprinted. I'm assuming that may have to delayed boarding - although doesn't explain why they didn't have enough check-in agents. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[ColdinOH]

Sorry, but I forgot to keep the daily "Celebrity Today".

 

The holiday decorations were everywhere when we boarded on Jan. 2. Throughout our ten days, some, if not most of the decorations disappeared at night. It was not all at once.

 

Embarkation and disembarkation was the worst we have ever experienced. However, it certainly didn't ruin our cruise. We left adequate time for our return flight and who can be upset over waiting an extra 30 minutes or an hour prior to boarding the Equinox for ten wonderful days. When we did board on Jan. 2nd around 11:00-11:30, we saw lots of frustrated folks who were just getting off the ship. It reinforces for us--don't book too early of a flight on the day your ship returns to port.

 

Also--FRMPEI. Your review was extremely helpful in our preparation for our cruise. Thanks.

[BEACHBARB]

I felt like I was writing this review but we haven't cruised yet. We are staying at Holiday Inn Express on 17th street 2 days pre cruise and are planning on going to Total Wine too. We are also in our early 60's. Hope we enjoy as much as you did and am sure we will. Thanks for taking time to write your review!!!!

[DavidYYC]

So excited!!!

[wallie5446]

Very nice! Thanks.

 

We were on the 11 day route last Nov and are booked for this route this Nov. Any other in depth comments about your tours in St Kitts, Barbados, and Dominica would be great. We have the Saint's covered :D

EW

[cruiseljh]

Do you recall who any of the musical entertainers were. This would be the musical performers that rotate amongst the pool, sunset bar, atrium, plus other areas of the ship throughout the cruise. For instance, on our last Celebrity cruise there was a Latin based singer/guitar player, 3 person folk band, and Miami DJ's.

 

Do you know if the martini bar was hopping at night with music and dancing.

[DJSchib]

Thanks for your great review. We board on February 13th!!

 

Interested more in Bumpling tours. We are also going to do this tour but concerned because I am not a water person but know my husband will love it. I just want to stay head above the water. Is this possible?

 

Thanks

 

 

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[hurwitz5]

We were on the same sailing and had a very good time. We enjoyed most of the shows, including the first and second production shows. However, unlike the OP, we like Broadway music, but would like less Cirque de Soleil (20 - 30 minutes of it is enough for the entire cruise). Lovena Fox was an extraordinary talent - don't miss her. The two comedians and the juggler were fun to watch. We also enjoyed the Beatles tribute band.

The food in the MDR was not as good as last January. The prime rib was tough and flavorless. We looked forward to lobster night and were disappointed when we were offered lobster and shrimp in a brown sauce, instead of lobster tails with drawn butter. The lamb chops and beef Wellington were very good.

Regarding the ports, we had nice beach days in St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Barbados.

Despite some negatives, overall we had a good time. The ship is beautiful and clean. We met some nice people and were well taken care of by the crew. Our cabin attendant, Kadek, was very pleasant and efficient.

[AquariusOne]

We were getting off the ship while you were boarding. We enjoyed very much.

 

That is too bad about the long wait for embarkation. I know that disembarkation was the longest we have ever waited (after more than 20 cruises). Took us over an hour to get through the customs lines. We were told it was because the ship had visited South America (we went to Colombia) and there was a process for all non-US citizens to be fingerprinted. I'm assuming that may have to delayed boarding - although doesn't explain why they didn't have enough check-in agents. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Max Circus,

I see that your cruise was during Chrismas & New Year 2014/15. How did that work out? We are planning the same for 2015/16, a 12 night cruise on Equinox, staritng on Dec 21 and finishing on Jan 2nd 2016.

 

Any feedback?

Thanks

[Max Circus]

Max Circus,

I see that your cruise was during Chrismas & New Year 2014/15. How did that work out? We are planning the same for 2015/16, a 12 night cruise on Equinox, staritng on Dec 21 and finishing on Jan 2nd 2016.

 

Any feedback?

Thanks

 

Hi -

 

I highly recommend the holiday cruise. We had a blast. They had some special holiday events such as caroling in the atrium on Christmas Eve and a Santa Claus parade.

 

They had an amazing NYE deck party which lasted until 3AM.

[CRUZBUDS]

We looked forward to lobster night and were disappointed when we were offered lobster and shrimp in a brown sauce, instead of lobster tails with drawn butter. .

 

Thanks for the warning -- we had that brown sauce abomination years ago on the the Mercury, I thought it was dead and buried. :mad:

 

I'll ask before ordering in April.

[cruisehome]

me too

[Andy]

Thanks for the warning -- we had that brown sauce abomination years ago on the the Mercury, I thought it was dead and buried. :mad:

 

I'll ask before ordering in April.

 

That's interesting. I also recall the dreaded brown sauce from a couple of years ago... and kept wondering why Celebrity would do that to lobster and shrimp. Though I didnt order the Lobster on Eclipse in November, I do not believe it was prepared with the brown sauce.

 

I'm on Equinox on Friday, and will be sure to see how the Lobster is prepared.

[hotlipss]

Keep us posted ;)

Also host Andy can you please keep the papers with the daily activities and post them..would love to see them..we will be sailing for the first time with celebrity in April..thanks so much!

 

 

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[obnurse]

Is Paul Baya still the CD on Equinox? Sailing March 6-16th :-)

[ColdinOH]

Paul Baya was the cruise director on the January 2 sailing. One evening we noticed in the daily "Today" that he was going to sing in the Sky Lounge with the band. Glad we went to the lounge as Paul did a great job singing for approximately an hour. We thought he might only sing one song, but he did an entire set. Otherwise, we only saw him before and after shows in the Equinox Theater.

 

We did notice on 4-5 occasions that the Captain was in the coffee shop on deck 5 talking with passengers during the evening. We also saw the captain other times walking around the ship decks 4 and 5. Not a biggie, but just an observation.

[capecodder2]

I concur with everything said on the 2 or 3 reviews of this particular cruise. I have been calling it the "rainbow cruise" as we saw 4 or 5 of them during the cruise. I will also add that we attended 5 very interesting lectures on the sea days. The food was fine when you consider how many they feed. The first night our meal was warm but not hot, I put that down to the crazy day the crew must have that turn around day - the remainder of the cruise they were good. We really enjoyed our meal and service at the Tuscan Grill. We didn't like the food in Silk Harvest, service was good. Murano I find a bit stuffy and our entrees were good but not "fantastic", the service was very good. Living in Atlantic-cold- water-lobster-country, we never eat the warm water "lobster" (crayfish) tails most cruise ships offer, can't comment on those. We didn't go to any of the shows. I will tell you that we had the worst bed pillows ever. If comfortable pillows are of any importance, check them out right away. Yes, the embarkation and debarkation were very slow. We arrived about 12:30PM and waited almost an hour in line. We used the luggage valet on the debarkation but the customs line took a good 40 minutes with only 2 agents to process everyone. We got off about 8:30 and had a 12:30 flight so no problem. Enjoy your cruise.

[cruises r us]

We were on the same cruise - Jan 2-12 and your review is very accurate. We also stayed at the Holiday in Express and bought our wine at Total Wine.

We waited for about an hour to get on the ship - but after that it was smooth sailing.

Although Paul was the cruise director, we heard that Patti (can't recall her last name) was coming on the Jan 13 cruise as cruise director. We had Patti on our Panama Canal cruise on the Infinity 2 years ago. Like Paul, she is an excellent singer.

We also enjoyed the singer/guitarist - Preston Edmunds. He is new to Celebrity.

The ship was great - except I preferred the Sunset Bar on the Infinity over the one on the Equinox. The one on the Equinox seemed a lot smaller and they had very little entertainment there. On the Infinity, we loved going there at sailaway and listening to the singer/guitarist (Rob Ondras). However, on the Equinox, I believe there was only entertainment there 2 times over the whole cruise.

But overall, a fantastic cruise.

[TommyD3]

We were on the same cruise. It sailed out of terminal 18, the same terminal used by the 6000 passenger Oasis and Alure. For some reason when the Equinox is there only maybe 20% of the check in stations are staffed. I was quite surprised. Boarding was also delayed and did not start until 11:30 (normally starts at 11:00).

The portion sizes are shrinking. My beef wellington was 1/2 the size of my portion on the Connie yesterday. Dont know about the brown sauce, but there was NO drawn butter for the lobster. We asked and the waiter looked at us like we were crazy. Also no one removed the lobster from the shell for us.

Everything is decling over time. I remember when they used to grind the pepper for us. Now they dont even do that at the Captains table.