First cruise in 11 years. Any advice?

[wallie5446]

Oh my gosh, that sound luxurious. So after your swim you can get a gourmet snack? Yum! When do they open there?

 

 

 

Breakfast is 7:00-10:00

Lunch is 12:00-2:00

[benjaminhuf]

Ben,

I will give you my favorite excursion of all time on your trip. In Cozumel..... Nachi Cocum beach club. http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/

It is not crowded, the club is not too far from the ship and they have great food and beverages for both you and your daughter. Great beach day away from crowded Cozumel and all of their nonsense.

Howard

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

phillykid: That looks great. Just what I was looking for. When I was a kid I lived in Philly for a year back in 1977-78—great city. Thanks.

[benjaminhuf]

Breakfast is 7:00-10:00

Lunch is 12:00-2:00

 

Excellent. Thanks. I'm getting more confident that this is going to be a really nice trip.

[NordicPrince]

NordicPrince: Thanks for letting me know about this possible "grey area" for the solarium pool. When I was a little kid my Mom used to say to me, "Just ask! The worst that could happen is that they could say 'no.'" Keeping that in mind, we could always politely try for the Solarium, and if someone says no to us we could always just swim in the other pool, which is probably on the same level anyway.

 

 

There;s nobody standing guard at the entrance to the Solarium. Don't worry.

[niborHS]

I know you asked about excursions, so I will give you some ideas, as I have been at the various ports you mentioned. We used to take our kids once a year until they went to college.

In Key West, you can do one of 2 things on your own that are good, one is a self-guided walking tour. I am sure you can download something on-line from a site like Frommer's. The other thing is to rent a scooter and drive around with her on the bike with you. She might get a kick out of that.

In Cozumel, I would recommend either Mr. Sancho's Beach Club, which used to be known as either Playa Sol or Playa Mia. You can take a cab there and buy an all day pass. It is a lovely beach where you can snorkel. There is a restaurant, too. There used to be stands set up for shopping, but not sure if there still are, and that takes care of any shopping you or she might want to do. There is also Chankanaab Park, which does not have as nice a beach, but better snorkeling, so you can decide what would work best.

Costa Maya is really a man-made port in my mind. You can go to see Mayan ruins, and can either do that on a ship's excursion or through an outside company. On the Ports of Call here you can get good recommendations for outside companies. We have used them and have always been happy. The last time we were in Costa Maya with my younger son, who was probably 15 or 16 at the time, we did a dune buggy excursion through the cruise line, and although pricey, he had a great time.

In grand Cayman, there are a few fun things to do, but the top I would say is Sting Ray City. When you get off the ship ( you have to tender), you will find people selling this type of excursion. Although I hear there are now areas that you can just walk in, what they used to do was take people out on a boat, give you snorkeling gear, and have someone go into the water with bait, and the sting rays would come up and swim around you. There is also 8 mile beach, which if your daughter is more of a beach person, she might like. You can go onto the beach by a hotel and have a nice lunch on the beach as well.

I don't think anyone would give your daughter a hard time on the ship in any adult only areas unless she sits down at the casino, or orders a drink. As far as smoke goes, and I am very anti-smoking, there was very little of it when we were just on the Summit, and there is no smoking allowed in cabins, so you don't have to worry that much. We did not go to the specialty restaurants, and I don't think many choose to go if they are getting charged the $45 cover, plus more for the better steaks in the steak house. You can get a decent meal in the MDR, and can ask for things not on the menu, and various courses rather than just a started and a main. If you want soup and salad, it's not a problem. French fries or baked potato with your entree is fine too. Or, the vegetarian entree with a piece of plain chicken or fish.

One thing I will say though, wipe most of what you remember that was so special about Celebrity 11 years ago from your mind, start over, and you will enjoy it. I am sure your daughter will have a great time too.

[chemmo]

chemmo: Many thanks. How do I find out about the location and time of the first teen get together? Is that on the Celebrity site somewhere? As I mentioned, she's rather shy, and so it'll take some encouragement, but probably that's a good idea.

 

Since I see you're from the UK (++ another place my daughter would love to go to someday), are there any recommends for tea service? She loves tea, Earl Grey being her favorite (with just a touch of milk and sugar). But since this isn't Holland America, I assume that quality tea is not something that's that easy to find on Equinox? But maybe I'm wrong on that? I have no idea....:)

 

 

Ask about the teen get together on boarding. The number and types of organised activities can depend on the number of youngsters on board but if she just goes to that first one it will give her an idea about things she may want to opt in or out of...If you show her this post perhaps she will feel more relaxed about going, knowing it is just about 'finding out' not committing yourself to anything.

 

Re the tea...as someone has already said lots of choices on board! On our last Equinox cruise our butler knew we were from England and offered us a kettle and tea selection in the room....very useful and unusual in the Caribbean.

[G&Gcruisers]

We are also on this cruise and I too appreciate all the helpful hints.

[bama4cruisin]

Agree totally with the Grand Cayman suggestion to visit Stingray City; we've done this twice - first time on ship excursion (different cruise line) and the second with Captain Marvin. Capt. Marvin was head and shoulders better! Smaller group; we were slightly separated from the large number of other boats which gave us more freedom to move around; the crew was phenomenol. We booked in advance via website, but you may be able to book once in port as their storefront is near the tender dock.

[villauk]

Ask about the teen get together on boarding. The number and types of organised activities can depend on the number of youngsters on board but if she just goes to that first one it will give her an idea about things she may want to opt in or out of...If you show her this post perhaps she will feel more relaxed about going, knowing it is just about 'finding out' not committing yourself to anything.

 

 

Yes, tell her to go to the 'sign up' on embarkation day - she can just see what the club room is like. TBH, most of the teens usually 'hang out' together. The club does organise events for the teens e.g. jacuzzi parties, sports competitions etc. :).

[benjaminhuf]

I know you asked about excursions, so I will give you some ideas, as I have been at the various ports you mentioned. We used to take our kids once a year until they went to college.

In Key West, you can do one of 2 things on your own that are good, one is a self-guided walking tour. I am sure you can download something on-line from a site like Frommer's. The other thing is to rent a scooter and drive around with her on the bike with you. She might get a kick out of that.

In Cozumel, I would recommend either Mr. Sancho's Beach Club, which used to be known as either Playa Sol or Playa Mia. You can take a cab there and buy an all day pass. It is a lovely beach where you can snorkel. There is a restaurant, too. There used to be stands set up for shopping, but not sure if there still are, and that takes care of any shopping you or she might want to do. There is also Chankanaab Park, which does not have as nice a beach, but better snorkeling, so you can decide what would work best.

Costa Maya is really a man-made port in my mind. You can go to see Mayan ruins, and can either do that on a ship's excursion or through an outside company. On the Ports of Call here you can get good recommendations for outside companies. We have used them and have always been happy. The last time we were in Costa Maya with my younger son, who was probably 15 or 16 at the time, we did a dune buggy excursion through the cruise line, and although pricey, he had a great time.

In grand Cayman, there are a few fun things to do, but the top I would say is Sting Ray City. When you get off the ship ( you have to tender), you will find people selling this type of excursion. Although I hear there are now areas that you can just walk in, what they used to do was take people out on a boat, give you snorkeling gear, and have someone go into the water with bait, and the sting rays would come up and swim around you. There is also 8 mile beach, which if your daughter is more of a beach person, she might like. You can go onto the beach by a hotel and have a nice lunch on the beach as well.

I don't think anyone would give your daughter a hard time on the ship in any adult only areas unless she sits down at the casino, or orders a drink. As far as smoke goes, and I am very anti-smoking, there was very little of it when we were just on the Summit, and there is no smoking allowed in cabins, so you don't have to worry that much. We did not go to the specialty restaurants, and I don't think many choose to go if they are getting charged the $45 cover, plus more for the better steaks in the steak house. You can get a decent meal in the MDR, and can ask for things not on the menu, and various courses rather than just a started and a main. If you want soup and salad, it's not a problem. French fries or baked potato with your entree is fine too. Or, the vegetarian entree with a piece of plain chicken or fish.

One thing I will say though, wipe most of what you remember that was so special about Celebrity 11 years ago from your mind, start over, and you will enjoy it. I am sure your daughter will have a great time too.

 

RobinSilver: great tips. Thanks. So the normal charge for the speciality restaurants is $45? Hmmm. Might splurge on that once, but seems kinda steep when the regular food seemed good to me 11 years ago. But maybe the MDR isn't that good these days? I like really nice food, but most of the time I'm not that picky. I realize there are discounts for the special restaurants, as someone posted above. Maybe that's worth it?

 

As someone here said, I shouldn't get caught up with comparing how things were 11 years ago on Infinity. But...back then, on a whim, I called for a cheese plate on our first day maybe half an hour before we took off under the Golden Gate bridge. It arrived, along with a bottle of champagne that we ordered (or was that complimentary?) just before were passing under the bridge, and we enjoyed that on our family veranda at the back of the ship. That was a nice moment. Kinda magical, actually. We took a photo about that time that we still have on the door to our broom closet lol!

 

Can you order a cheese plate these days from room service? In any case, do you tip a few dollars in cash for room service? A few dollars more if it's really a full meal on your balcony?

 

PS In any case, with our Concierge cabin it says we have canapés included each night. When do those typically arrive? And are they just tiny snacks, literally amuse bouches, or are they a little bit more than that?

Edited March 7, 2017 by benjaminhuf

[TeaBag]

Since you are booked in Concierge class, you will be able to go to the MDR for lunch on embarkation day. This is a relatively new perk for Concierge people.

 

Equinox is a wonderful ship and I'm sure you and your daughter will enjoy the trip very much. We have sailed on her twice and have a third booked. .

[benjaminhuf]

Since you are booked in Concierge class, you will be able to go to the MDR for lunch on embarkation day. This is a relatively new perk for Concierge people.

 

Equinox is a wonderful ship and I'm sure you and your daughter will enjoy the trip very much. We have sailed on her twice and have a third booked. .

 

TeaBag: Yes, that does sound nice. I noticed that. I feel a little guilty about it already, but it seems like that might mean while some others are still waiting in line, we'll already be on the ship enjoying a little lunch.

 

Since our take off time is c. 3:30, our cabin might not be ready until 2:30 or so?

 

PS Is there any reason to hold off on paying the balance of this cruise as long as I feel sure about it at this moment? I've paid $500, but I wonder if paying the remaining sooner rather than later might be a good idea just to get it over with. In other words, I don't see any plus side to holding that off, even though it's not due for two weeks, but am I missing something?

[d4m]

There;s nobody standing guard at the entrance to the Solarium. Don't worry.

 

Exactly. I've seen older adults more problem than teens with parents. Benjaminhuf, enjoy every minute as this special time with your daughter will go by all too quickly. Join in, dance with your daughter at night, play trivia together, listen to the several genres of music, sit outside on every deck,share laughter and make special memories. Does Corning still have their glass blowing show on Equinox? If so, watch that for awhile and then spread a blanket or two on the lawn! So much to do, and so little time!!

 

When your room attendant comes to ask for special requests, you might want to ask for ice daily or a couple times a day for soda, water etc. Beds are together when you get there, and just ask they be separated. They are accustomed to doing that when asked. If you need an extension cord, you can ask for that as well when you first meet the attendant. 99.9% are willing to do or get whatever you need. We always ask for two daily's (on your bed at nighttime usually) but since each one of us wants one for separate activities, they will give two.

[benjaminhuf]

Things to do on Equinox:

 

1. Café al Bacio for pastries, gelato, tea, coffee, etc.

 

2. Try solarium pool in the mornings and evenings

 

3. Lawn Club: Can you play croquet or mini golf? Is it possible to just go up there for a do-it-yourself picnic with your room service order?

 

4. Hot glass show. Sounds fun.

 

5. Equinox Theater. What kinds of shows are offered? Ok for a 15 year old?

 

6. Dining Room. When we cruised 11 years ago on Infinity, you needed to be there at 6, or whatever, for your dining time. But from my reservation that seems more flexible now? Arrive from 6-8?? Do you have the same table every night, or is it wherever they can seat you that night?

 

7. The Library. We picked a cabin right close to this. Not sure how much we'll use it, but it looks nice. In fact, my daughter said when she saw a photo of it: "The Library's beautiful.":

 

http://www.maritimephotographic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/MV-Celebrity-Equinox-Library.jpg

 

7. Spa. Can sophisticated teens get a manicure?

 

8. Helicopter pad at the forward of the ship. Somewhere I read that they once-in-a-while allow passengers here? Maybe not....In which case—

 

9. The Observation Lounge seems like a nice spot.

 

10. The Video arcade on deck 15 might be a place for my daughter to meet fellow teens?

 

What have I missed?

Edited March 7, 2017 by benjaminhuf

[d4m]

TeaBag: Yes, that does sound nice. I noticed that. I feel a little guilty about it already, but it seems like that might mean while some others are still waiting in line, we'll already be on the ship enjoying a little lunch.

 

Since our take off time is c. 3:30, our cabin might not be ready until 2:30 or so?

 

PS Is there any reason to hold off on paying the balance of this cruise as long as I feel sure about it at this moment? I've paid $500, but I wonder if paying the remaining sooner rather than later might be a good idea just to get it over with. In other words, I don't see any plus side to holding that off, even though it's not due for two weeks, but am I missing something?

 

Only thing I would advise is paying at least a couple days in advance. Some had a problem waiting one cruise, and they paid the last day but cruise line system went down and people lost reservations.

 

Not sure when they have said you can get on the ship, and although many say noon, most allow entry at 11 or closely thereafter. Our rooms have been ready by 1:30-2:00, with only one time when room ready a bit later, as it was a 15 night cruise.

[MixerDave]

My dear wife is in the Solarium on the Equinox every morning about 7:30 - 8 A.M. She says there is hardly anyone there at that time. I'm sure there would be no problem taking a swim there with your teen age daughter. Even during the day there should be no problem as long as she is with you. Anyone who complains about a teen age girl with her father who is well behaved should be ashamed of themselves. As far as I know the Solarium is open after dark (I could be wrong).

 

The Adults only rule is only there to keep a bunch of rowdy ankle biters from ruining the quiet atmosphere for everyone else. I've seen pre-teens in the whirlpools fooling around and taking over keeping people who want to use them out.

They are removed eventually.

 

Cruised on the Equinox twice and going in 16 days for a third time.

 

Special places include the Mast Grill on deck ( great hot dogs and burgers no charge), Cafe al Bacio on deck 5 (cakes and cookies no charge plus specialty coffees fee and gelato fee), the Sunset Bar ( rear of ship outdoors on deck 14 ), the Solarium ( the indoor pool as mentioned ), the Oceanview Cafe ( buffet and outdoor seating area), and the Persian Gardens (spa). If you don't get free access there you can buy a cruise long pass as soon as you get on the ship ( it's about $100 p\p which gives you unlimited access (additional services extra)). The Equinox Theater is lovely. The exercise room is nice. BTW they have a scale there (stay away unless you want to ruin your cruise). You can also lay out on the Lawn or play bocce or croquet there.

 

Don't forget to go to the MDR and see the maitre'd to check on when and where you are dining.

 

BTW as far as DW and I are concerned there is no need to eat in the specialty restaurants. The MDR is very very good. In a 10 day cruise DW had lamb twice. What other cruise line does that?

 

I can see where you may want to get specialty sushi. We found the Tuscan Grill to be mediocre and not worth the added fee.

 

The Equinox is a beautiful ship and all the S-Class ships are a step above the Infinity.

 

I know you will have the trip of a lifetime. The only thing is you'll want to do it again with the whole family.very soon.

 

So - where do you draw the line with young people? Is a 10 year old OK? How about 12? The people who break the rules are the same ones having their kids find them on the topless deck when it existed. If a teenage is occupying a lounge and I can't find one, can I tell them to leave? Easy to solve - Adults only!!!!

[TeaBag]

TeaBag:

PS Is there any reason to hold off on paying the balance of this cruise as long as I feel sure about it at this moment? I've paid $500, but I wonder if paying the remaining sooner rather than later might be a good idea just to get it over with. In other words, I don't see any plus side to holding that off, even though it's not due for two weeks, but am I missing something?

I think your cabin will be ready by the usual 1:30PM.

 

As long as Celebrity has your money by the final payment date, I don't think you have to worry. If paying a little bit early gives you comfort of mind then go ahead.

 

No guilt allowed, you're on a cruise. Enjoy.

[NordicPrince]

So - where do you draw the line with young people? Is a 10 year old OK? How about 12? The people who break the rules are the same ones having their kids find them on the topless deck when it existed. If a teenage is occupying a lounge and I can't find one, can I tell them to leave? Easy to solve - Adults only!!!!

 

I think you need a cruise badly. To think a teen age girl with her father is going to upset your tranquility in the Solarium is a bit absurd don't you think?

 

I think adults who take extreme advantage of the drinks package and make fools of themselves around the main pool and commit other offenses against common courtesy upset my tranquility a lot more than some innocent teenage girl swimming with her father on valuable father-daughter time. I think people in scooters who beep and run you down upset my tranquility far more as well.

 

I would think a well behaved teen age GIRL with her father is probably acting a lot more ADULT than some of these other people I see.

 

There;s one basic rule: It's called USING COMMON SENSE.

 

On one trip I saw a father swimming in the Solarium with his mentally challenged teen daughter who was enjoying herself and laughing. I suppose you would throw her out too.

 

OP, don't get intimidated by individuals like this.

[vickykay]

We really enjoyed Silk Harvest on the Equinox this past March. One can usually get a discount, around 20% atany of the restaurants if you ask. Enjoy your cruise!

[sanger727]

My dear wife is in the Solarium on the Equinox every morning about 7:30 - 8 A.M. She says there is hardly anyone there at that time. I'm sure there would be no problem taking a swim there with your teen age daughter. Even during the day there should be no problem as long as she is with you. Anyone who complains about a teen age girl with her father who is well behaved should be ashamed of themselves. As far as I know the Solarium is open after dark (I could be wrong).

 

The Adults only rule is only there to keep a bunch of rowdy ankle biters from ruining the quiet atmosphere for everyone else. I've seen pre-teens in the whirlpools fooling around and taking over keeping people who want to use them out.

They are removed eventually.

 

Respectfully - there are very few adult only areas on the ship. Adults only should be for adults only. I've not seen any pool crowded at 7:30 AM, no doubt they can get a swim in somewhere on the ship.

[Fish Lover]

Ref excursions; you have 4 choices.

 

1. Book celebrities shore excursions; you'll find them on celebrities website in your cruise planner. This tends to be the most expensive option and the tours are often crowded but some people feel more comfortable booking through a company they know than a local one they don't.

2. Book an independent excursion. Will be a group tour with a set itinerary, like celebrities excursions, but usually booked through a local company. This takes out the middle man and is often cheaper. Plus you can read reviews on TripAdvisor and can know more about the company providing the tour.

3. Book a private tour. Again, using a local company can book a guide for just you and your daughter; or can arrange a private tour with others from your roll call. Will probably be as expensive if not more than celebrities but can customize your tour and get more 1 on 1 with your guide.

4. Can DIY - take a taxi to a beach, walk around the town, take a ferry and/or taxi to the activity you want to do.

 

What I like to do is go through celebrities excursions to see what there is to do in port. Then use the ports of call board/TripAdvisor to pick out a company to book a tour with or determine if DIY is feasible.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I would just like to add a couple things when you are considering excursions.

 

It depends upon what port you go to whether the local streets are safe to wander around on your own. I would never do so in Jamaica for instance.

 

The one comfort you get from booking an excursion through Celebrity is that the ship will wait for you until you return. It doesn't happen often, but if something comes up (example: traffic accident that prevents timely return) then you will be ok . If you have gone on your own or with an excursion not booked through Celebrity, the ship will not wait if you should return late.

 

In a couple of ports, we have gotten a cab at the dock and asked them to take us to a private beach (again this depends upon where you are. Some public beaches in some ports are not advisable to go to.). We asked them to come back at a specific time. However, make sure there are other cabs there or people who can assist you with getting a can in case they don't come back for you.

 

The suggestion to research the destinations of the excursions in each port is a good one. It will at the very least tell you what is available.

[Fish Lover]

I think you need a cruise badly. To think a teen age girl with her father is going to upset your tranquility in the Solarium is a bit absurd don't you think?

 

I think adults who take extreme advantage of the drinks package and make fools of themselves around the main pool and commit other offenses against common courtesy upset my tranquility a lot more than some innocent teenage girl swimming with her father on valuable father-daughter time. I think people in scooters who beep and run you down upset my tranquility far more as well.

 

I would think a well behaved teen age GIRL with her father is probably acting a lot more ADULT than some of these other people I see.

 

There;s one basic rule: It's called USING COMMON SENSE.

 

On one trip I saw a father swimming in the Solarium with his mentally challenged teen daughter who was enjoying herself and laughing. I suppose you would throw her out too.

 

OP, don't get intimidated by individuals like this.

 

While I absolutely believe a well behaved 15 yo girl traveling with her father would not be in any way a problem, her swimming in the Solarium is prohibited. One must be an adult to go in that pool. Further, people do complain if anyone breaks the rule. Plus, I don't know how to explain to a child or young adult that a posted rule doesn't apply to them and they should feel to break the rule.

 

There are other pools available where she can swim to her hearts content. Further she can absolutely lounge in the Solarium if she wants. Other than that. the only place she will be prohibited that O am aware of is the casino. She can only walk through it to go from one end of the ship to the other. She can't loiter there.

[Cruisy McGee]

I know I will regret this, but for those complaining about teenagers in the Solarium, Celebrity's own policy is 16 and up so teenagers are allowed. I guarantee you my 14 year old daughter would be as proper a Solarium user - maybe better some days - than my 16 and 19 year old sons (all of whom are better behaved than many adults and understand time/place).

 

I realize this doesn't help OP. I'm one of those who would say your 15 year old going for a swim with her father would\SHOULD be the least of anyone's concerns. I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

 

[NordicPrince]

Thank you.

 

OP's daughter is now 16.

 

Everyone else should just cool out and enjoy your cruise.

[benjaminhuf]

Thanks everyone for the helpful tips and advice. Truly appreciated. And today it's been fun to see my daughter excited about this trip as we've talked about the features on Equinox, as well as the shore excursions. When she heard there were two Asian restaurants she raised her eyebrows in surprise, and said, "Can we get sushi?!" When I said sure, it was great to see her smile light up.

 

We have now booked some excursions we're both interested in, including Snuba in Key West, a tour of Mayan ruins, a tour of Equinox behind the scenes, snorkeling, and a beach day. That ought to keep us busy! She seemed very interested in all of them.

 

We are very excited about this. Mom can't go because of work, but she's almost as excited as we are, and very happy for us. If my wife could have gone, she said she would have ordered a "Chocotini," which she had on Infinity a couple of times back in 2006. I said I'd toast her some way or other. But I'm not sure if I'm up for a chocotini, since that's not really my kind of drink, but maybe some champagne or something, and I'll toast to my dear heart who is helping make this possible both psychologically and financially. I'm a prof. and she's a teacher, but she has summer school and I don't. I feel guilty, but she really wants us to enjoy ourselves. Our daughter is a smart and elegant gal, but like many teens she's had some emotional ups and downs in high school, which is one of the reasons for this trip.

 

Thanks again, everyone. And if you think of anything else please feel free to add.

Edited March 8, 2017 by benjaminhuf