Equinox - Your Favorite Things To Do!

[ferknox]

Hello CC!

 

I couldn't be anymore excited about leaving for my upcoming cruise on Equinox on March 14! :D I will be traveling with my partner and 20 friends and can not believe how close we are getting to boarding!!!

 

I've done entirely too much reading on these forums in the last week to find all the MUST-DO's aboard this beautiful ship. However, it's been a while since the last post like this, so I was wondering if anyone had any more recent advice on either food to try, drinks to indulge in, or just overall fun things to not miss out on.

 

Also, I've read a few threads about a new internet system that was tested last year, but haven't seen any new updates on this for this year yet. Anyone know when it's making its way to Equinox?

 

Thank you everyone,

Brian

 

P.S. I do have the Premium Drink Package and 5 night specialty dining package.

[helen haywood]

Have a burger and fries at the Mast Grille! Outside one deck above the pool. Only open certain hours. Go to the Hot Glass Show! Remember the treats at Cafe al Bacio are free, its only the drinks that cost a fee and you don't have to buy a drink to have a treat; just ask the attendant for what you want. Eat it there or take it elsewhere.

 

Be nice to the staff and take care of Equinox as we'll be boarding in April!

Edited March 1, 2016 by helen haywood

[Ozzmund]

A perfect Sea Day:

30 minute walk on deck 14 (or in Gym due to poor weather)

Cleanup and breakfast in Blu

Grab a book and a lounger by the pool for 2-3 hours of sun.

Mast Grill lunch.

On board activity such as Hot Glass, Trivia, Bocce, whatever tickles our fancy.

Pool time

Persian Gardens for the heated lounger followed by a steam, sauna, and the Spring Rain shower.

Relax on the balcony with a book, or maybe a quick snooze.

Clean up, head to the foyer for some early evening music and dancing

Ensemble Lounge for pre-dinner libations

Dinner in Blu

Check out the evening's show

A little casino time

Find a lounge with our favorite music and beverages

End the night at the Sunset Bar gazing at the sky and the luminous wake of the Equinox.

[Cruise Raider]

Cleanup and breakfast in Blu

Dinner in Blu

 

Not seeing where the OP is in AQ -- but he did mention he has the 5 dinner specialty package. This package doesn't include Blu.

No matter, though ... they will have a great time in the other restaurants onboard.

Be sure to make your reservations for all the specialty restaurants when you first board to ensure you get the nights you want at the times you want.

 

I think Cellar Masters is still on the Equinox. If so, and if you like wine, get to know the sommelier - he or she will make some nice recommendations for you. With the premium package, you can even get a glass of wine that is over the $13 limit and only pay the difference. So, if there is an $18 glass of wine you would like, you will only pay $5 for it. If you want to stay within the limits of the package, he / she will also recommend some good wines in that range. You are not stuck with the Celebrity Select brand if that doesn't suit your tastes.

[ferknox]

Have a burger and fries at the Mast Grille! Outside one deck above the pool. Only open certain hours. Go to the Hot Glass Show! Remember the treats at Cafe al Bacio are free, its only the drinks that cost a fee and you don't have to buy a drink to have a treat; just ask the attendant for what you want. Eat it there or take it elsewhere.

 

Be nice to the staff and take care of Equinox as we'll be boarding in April!

 

Excellent! Thank you for the advice! And I will make sure to be very polite to everyone on the staff and keep the ship clean too!:)

[ferknox]

A perfect Sea Day:

30 minute walk on deck 14 (or in Gym due to poor weather)

Cleanup and breakfast in Blu

Grab a book and a lounger by the pool for 2-3 hours of sun.

Mast Grill lunch.

On board activity such as Hot Glass, Trivia, Bocce, whatever tickles our fancy.

Pool time

Persian Gardens for the heated lounger followed by a steam, sauna, and the Spring Rain shower.

Relax on the balcony with a book, or maybe a quick snooze.

Clean up, head to the foyer for some early evening music and dancing

Ensemble Lounge for pre-dinner libations

Dinner in Blu

Check out the evening's show

A little casino time

Find a lounge with our favorite music and beverages

End the night at the Sunset Bar gazing at the sky and the luminous wake of the Equinox.

 

Wow! This sounds like a perfect day to me! I know we will not have access to Blu, since we are in a concierge room, but maybe next time since I keep hearing only wonderful things about it! Thanks for your input!

[ferknox]

Not seeing where the OP is in AQ -- but he did mention he has the 5 dinner specialty package. This package doesn't include Blu.

No matter, though ... they will have a great time in the other restaurants onboard.

Be sure to make your reservations for all the specialty restaurants when you first board to ensure you get the nights you want at the times you want.

 

I think Cellar Masters is still on the Equinox. If so, and if you like wine, get to know the sommelier - he or she will make some nice recommendations for you. With the premium package, you can even get a glass of wine that is over the $13 limit and only pay the difference. So, if there is an $18 glass of wine you would like, you will only pay $5 for it. If you want to stay within the limits of the package, he / she will also recommend some good wines in that range. You are not stuck with the Celebrity Select brand if that doesn't suit your tastes.

 

We are booked for a concierge room so we won't have access to Blu this trip. Thank you for the tip to book right when we get on ship, I'll definitely do that!

 

Sounds perfect about the premium package, can't wait to try out some new wines while onboard! Thanks again!

[ClaudiaB]

One thing a lot of people forget to do and it's unbelievably helpful and nice for staff. You'll be given a card in your room (used to be called Attention to Detail Card but it's something else now I think). It's about 5 x 7. They ask you to write out positive or negative things about particular people and give a bit of detail. I don't wait till the last day. On a two week cruise I'll fill out one about day 3 or 4, then about day 9 and then the last full day. I mention specific waiters, sommeliers, butlers, people at Guest Relations, the maitre d', etc. I mention things about how they smiled, how they made our wine selections just perfectly, how they quickly and efficiently served --- you'll figure out who is doing their job well. It doesn't even have to be "over the top" - just mention people who are doing a great job. I don't just list their name. I may write three or four informative sentences on each one. I really DO take the time to do this because it's just a nice thing to do for these people who work so hard so that our cruise is a great vacation.

 

Guess what happens? About a day later they'll come to you and tell you that they got an extra shift off work, or phone calls home, or internet time, or some monetary gift. After a certain number of these things, staff can get raises and promotions. These forms really work, and help staff to be even happier and better on their job. I filled out three of these on our Thanksgiving cruise and the people I mentioned ALL came to me and said I had made a difference.

 

After that.....don't try and find out everything about your upcoming cruise for you and your big group of friends. Save some surprises for when you get on board and let yourself have that "ooooh" and "aaaaaaah" moment at every turn. You can't possibly do it all, see it all, eat and drink it all on one cruise. Let some of your first hours on the ship be spontaneous and full of discovery. If you get all the answers now you will miss some of that initial excitement. Have fun!!!

[ClaudiaB]

I will add that I'm a HUGE fan of the Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass show. I go to many of them on each cruise. They last two hours and each of the three artisans will make a piece. One will assist and one will narrate. Very entertaining and they're so skilled. At the end of many of the shows they will give out raffle tickets and give away pieces they made on the previous day or two. They can't sell them as they're a non-profit. After about 50 raffles I finally won a big gorgeous bowl last fall. Hand-carried that thing on the plane home.

[chemmo]

So I am focusing on first night only...

 

 

Book Tuscan Grill for just after you leave port, request a window seat...Watch the sail away from deck or your balcony, then head for the restaurant. Sit yourself down, see the lights of the land begin to fade into the distance as you sip your first glass of wine....strongly recommend the onion soup, rib eye steak and chocolate fondue.

 

Our routine for all S class sailings.....

 

Next cruise just over two weeks, can't wait!

[dan722]

So I am focusing on first night only...

 

 

Book Tuscan Grill for just after you leave port, request a window seat...Watch the sail away from deck or your balcony, then head for the restaurant. Sit yourself down, see the lights of the land begin to fade into the distance as you sip your first glass of wine....strongly recommend the onion soup, rib eye steak and chocolate fondue.

 

Our routine for all S class sailings.....

 

Next cruise just over two weeks, can't wait!

Is Cellar Masters still on EQ?

[hcat]

Solarium, spa, Persian garden...

fabulous gym...

little nooks in gastro pub for daytime reading overlooking the sea

balcony breakfast

atrium for music, dancing & people watching

ensemble lounge...

aft bar area...

[ferknox]

One thing a lot of people forget to do and it's unbelievably helpful and nice for staff. You'll be given a card in your room (used to be called Attention to Detail Card but it's something else now I think). It's about 5 x 7. They ask you to write out positive or negative things about particular people and give a bit of detail. I don't wait till the last day. On a two week cruise I'll fill out one about day 3 or 4, then about day 9 and then the last full day. I mention specific waiters, sommeliers, butlers, people at Guest Relations, the maitre d', etc. I mention things about how they smiled, how they made our wine selections just perfectly, how they quickly and efficiently served --- you'll figure out who is doing their job well. It doesn't even have to be "over the top" - just mention people who are doing a great job. I don't just list their name. I may write three or four informative sentences on each one. I really DO take the time to do this because it's just a nice thing to do for these people who work so hard so that our cruise is a great vacation.

 

Guess what happens? About a day later they'll come to you and tell you that they got an extra shift off work, or phone calls home, or internet time, or some monetary gift. After a certain number of these things, staff can get raises and promotions. These forms really work, and help staff to be even happier and better on their job. I filled out three of these on our Thanksgiving cruise and the people I mentioned ALL came to me and said I had made a difference.

 

After that.....don't try and find out everything about your upcoming cruise for you and your big group of friends. Save some surprises for when you get on board and let yourself have that "ooooh" and "aaaaaaah" moment at every turn. You can't possibly do it all, see it all, eat and drink it all on one cruise. Let some of your first hours on the ship be spontaneous and full of discovery. If you get all the answers now you will miss some of that initial excitement. Have fun!!!

 

Wow! I will absolutely be filling out those "Attention to Detail" cards! That's incredible! And the Hot Glass Museum sounds like fun too, can't wait to see it first hand. I really like your advice about trying not to find out anything but it's so difficult with all these great written reviews with pictures on here!

 

Thank you for your input! Much appreciated!

[ferknox]

So I am focusing on first night only...

 

 

Book Tuscan Grill for just after you leave port, request a window seat...Watch the sail away from deck or your balcony, then head for the restaurant. Sit yourself down, see the lights of the land begin to fade into the distance as you sip your first glass of wine....strongly recommend the onion soup, rib eye steak and chocolate fondue.

 

Our routine for all S class sailings.....

 

Next cruise just over two weeks, can't wait!

 

Mmmm! Sounds delicious! Two weeks will be here before you know it! :D

 

Thanks for your help!

[ferknox]

Solarium, spa, Persian garden...

fabulous gym...

little nooks in gastro pub for daytime reading overlooking the sea

balcony breakfast

atrium for music, dancing & people watching

ensemble lounge...

aft bar area...

 

Excellent ideas! Thank you!:D

[shipgeeks]

ClaudiaB, Thank you for two of the best suggestions I've read here.

[vickykay]

Check out the Aqua Spa ( in the indoor pool area) for lunch. Beautifully presented dishes, they will do chicken or salmon ton order, and the yogurt parfaits are wonderful ( the cost around 5 dollars but no charge with premium pkg.). Also the Martini bar. Great fun!

We board the Equinox this Friday- can't wait!

[afto]

Hello CC!

 

... I was wondering if anyone had any more recent advice on either food to try, drinks to indulge in, or just overall fun things to not miss out on.

 

 

Order room service breakfast and eat it out on the balcony. To me, this is one of the best aspects of cruising. The breakfast will probably be lukewarm but the view makes up for it. Enjoy your cruise.

[Lovely_Star]

We will be sailing on the Equinox this July@ Afto, I really enjoyed your photos from your sailing on her. You take some very nice pics, what sort of camera do you use?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Is Cellar Masters still on EQ?

 

No - it's been replaced with the GastroBar.

 

Tom

[liverpoollad]

 

Guess what happens? About a day later they'll come to you and tell you that they got an extra shift off work,

 

We better not all do this at once as we could end up with no staff on duty:D:D

 

Cheers

[pinkrosesdeb]

For all you recent Equinox cruisers...we are Elite for our first cruise as a result of our standing with Royal. When we board Royal we are offered a buy one get one at a specialty restaurant the first night. Is there a similar deal on Equinox? I have seen several differing offers and I guess it seems like it depends on the cruise? That maybe there is NOT a set offer. Can you report on your cruise, please? We enjoy doing specialty on first night. We are considering Tuscan or Murano. Thanks again for all your help going into our first ever Celebrity cruise, we are so looking forward to it. Deb

[Cruise Raider]

For all you recent Equinox cruisers...we are Elite for our first cruise as a result of our standing with Royal. When we board Royal we are offered a buy one get one at a specialty restaurant the first night. Is there a similar deal on Equinox? I have seen several differing offers and I guess it seems like it depends on the cruise? That maybe there is NOT a set offer. Can you report on your cruise, please? We enjoy doing specialty on first night. We are considering Tuscan or Murano. Thanks again for all your help going into our first ever Celebrity cruise, we are so looking forward to it. Deb

 

The offers are usually dependent upon the bookings that have already been made. In our experience, they do usually have a discount at one of the specialty restaurants on the first night ... last time on the Solstice, this was offered for Silk Harvest but the time before that, it was offered for Murano. It might be a crap shoot on which one will be offered.

Now, they might have a coupon in your room for elite members for the first night. We are elite but do not recall seeing one but that doesn't mean anything as we don't always pay close attention to the coupons for the first day and have booked the dining package in the past due to trying to escape the formal nights....so just cannot remember if there was a coupon. It would be nice as we love Silk Harvest and would definitely consider going the first night if the discount is good...like 40% off.

If you book a dinner ahead of time online for the first night, I believe they will give you a 20% discount on any of the specialty restaurants.

[pinkrosesdeb]

Thank you for the help. We look forward to learning as much about Celebrity as we have about Royal and it did sound from other posts like it was a toss up on first night offers. So we will see what we get.

[Cruise Raider]

Thank you for the help. We look forward to learning as much about Celebrity as we have about Royal and it did sound from other posts like it was a toss up on first night offers. So we will see what we get.

 

My pleasure. We are doing exactly the same thing as we are elite on Celebrity but will be sailing on RCCL later this year. I have learned so much on those boards about what to expect. I didn't know about the free specialty dinner on them so thanks for that!! I will be on the look out for it.