First cruise in 11 years. Any advice?

[varoo]

..... 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....:)

The already mentioned extra charge specialty teas from Cafe Al Bacio are very nice, and should be included if you have a drink package.

But your daughter may also want to check out the free tea provided up at the buffet. They usually have an assortment of different types of "help yourself" tea bags in a wooden box.

 

 

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?

Yes. We often order a cheese plate and a fruit plate to enjoy on the balcony. The room service club sandwiches are nice too.

As for room service tips, when to tip and how much to tip is up to you.

When our stateroom attendant is the one who delivers the room service order, we don't tip right then each time but just increase our tip to him/her at the end of the cruise.

But when someone else brings it, we tip at the time of delivery. We have learned to have the tip ready in advance because they are in and out of the room very quickly.

(They don't hang around waiting for a tip, like the people who deliver room service at a hotel.) ;)

 

 

 

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?

Just small snacks of varying kinds. Some stateroom attendants leave them in the room if you are not there at the time, and others don't. Some will bring you substitutions if you request them.

We prefer instead to go up to the buffet for afternoon tea time snacks, where you have a much greater variety from which to choose each day, including different kinds of ice cream and pizza and small sandwiches.

Lots of things have changed on Celebrity since your last cruise, but they still provide a very enjoyable cruise, despite the cutbacks. The crew is still great, and everyone makes you feel very welcome.

The newer ships are larger and glitzier, with a more high energy vibe.

 

Some of the things that used to be provided automatically (such as the ice bucket and water pitcher in the cabin) are now only provided upon request.

So if you miss something you were expecting to have, it is worth a try to ask for it.

I think that this special cruise with your daughter will be one that you both remember and cherish for the rest of your lives.

P.S. What a wonderful wife you have, to encourage you both to go without her.

Edited March 8, 2017 by varoo

[benjaminhuf]

varoo: Great tips. Thanks!

 

NordicPrince: Thanks again for your knowledge and many thoughtful suggestions.

Edited March 8, 2017 by benjaminhuf

[WINGFAN728]

Love your itinerary! Some of my favorite stops, just adding my 2 cents in with some other really great ideas. In Key West I would definitely do your own thing,it's just too easy to walk and navigate, and I recommend the Butterfly House and Hemingway's, both easy to just show up and take the tour on your own time. My favorite spot for a special lunch is Louie's Back Yard, need a reservation for dinner, but lunch is an easy walk up. www.louiesbackyard.com

Costa Maya has been described perfectly by others, and I have no advice, because I just walked to the beach and rented a chair.

Cozumel I recommend the Beach stop, Nachi Cocum, a taxi will take you there, negotiate before you get in, and taxis are plentiful for the ride back.

Grand Cayman, I always do the Stingray tour, never disappoints, and I have done it probably 8 times. The only thing is rather than the ship tour excursion, which is a hundred people on a double decker boat, I prefer to setup my own with a Catamaran Sail, a lot less people and a more enjoyable atmosphere, I used Stingray Sailing. http://www.stingraysailing.com/

Sounds like an awesome Father Daughter Week !

[MixerDave]

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.

 

That explains the problem in today's society (at least in the U.S.) - if you don't like a rule or the law - just ignore it. If you finish 3rd you still get a participation trophy. We are raising a bunch of spoiled kids that will not succeed when they are in the real world.

[benjaminhuf]

My daughter and I will obey the posted rules. I hope we can move on from this point.

 

For instance, can someone explain the new (to me) select dining in the MDR? So, for this, you just show up anytime between 6 and 8 to be seated? But you can also still request a fixed seated time and table? I guess I can see advantages and disadvantages both ways. We apparently were signed up for select, although it was never mentioned as an option. I'll consult with my daughter to see what she thinks.

 

Also, would someone be willing to share how much they tip for room service? $3? $5?

 

Thanks in advance.

[benjaminhuf]

Love your itinerary! Some of my favorite stops, just adding my 2 cents in with some other really great ideas. In Key West I would definitely do your own thing,it's just too easy to walk and navigate, and I recommend the Butterfly House and Hemingway's, both easy to just show up and take the tour on your own time. My favorite spot for a special lunch is Louie's Back Yard, need a reservation for dinner, but lunch is an easy walk up. www.louiesbackyard.com

Costa Maya has been described perfectly by others, and I have no advice, because I just walked to the beach and rented a chair.

Cozumel I recommend the Beach stop, Nachi Cocum, a taxi will take you there, negotiate before you get in, and taxis are plentiful for the ride back.

Grand Cayman, I always do the Stingray tour, never disappoints, and I have done it probably 8 times. The only thing is rather than the ship tour excursion, which is a hundred people on a double decker boat, I prefer to setup my own with a Catamaran Sail, a lot less people and a more enjoyable atmosphere, I used Stingray Sailing. http://www.stingraysailing.com/

Sounds like an awesome Father Daughter Week !

 

Thanks Wingfan.+++

[helen haywood]

We have found Select dining works for us as Early at 6 is too early and Late at 8:30 us too late (said Goldilocks.) Especially if you had a busy port day! As you will just be a party of two you probably won't have a wait for a table. If you went at a peak time you might be given a pager for a few minutes. Dinner typically takes longer on the first night as the waiters are explaining the menu. The shows are generally at 7 and 9 so we go to dinner accordingly.

 

 

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[Fish Lover]

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.

 

I think you are a very special father for wanting this father/daughter time. She will never forget it for as long as she lives. You will make special memories that only you two can really share. I would have given anything for my dad and I to have done something similar. I can remember going with him by myself just to the store to get rolls and the papers on Sunday morning, and that meant everything to me. I still remember it 50 years later. What a lucky young lady to also have a father that understands the teenage years are among the most difficult.

[CRZR58]

We always use select dining and we book online before we go, which eliminates the need to get a pager and wait for your table. The first 2 nights, folks new to select dining show up and expect to be let right in, which doesn't happen. On our last Celebrity cruise the waiting line was all the way back to the elevators the first couple of nights. You can always change your times once you've been on board for a couple of days and you figure out what works best for you.

[SusieV]

I wouldn't make final payment until you transfer to a travel agent who will give you perks in addition to what you got from Celebrity, just my $0.02

 

We are on Equinox in May and I have been on her before- she's a great ship and you will love her.

[benjaminhuf]

I think you are a very special father for wanting this father/daughter time. She will never forget it for as long as she lives. You will make special memories that only you two can really share. I would have given anything for my dad and I to have done something similar. I can remember going with him by myself just to the store to get rolls and the papers on Sunday morning, and that meant everything to me. I still remember it 50 years later. What a lucky young lady to also have a father that understands the teenage years are among the most difficult.

 

Thanks for your kind words. I think and hope that these will be special memories. She and I seem to always get along well so far (knock on wood). For some reason we are both the "low drama" type (maybe because we sometimes hide our feelings?)....Thanks also for sharing your memory. It's amazing, isn't it, how sometimes small things stay with us decades later....

Edited March 8, 2017 by benjaminhuf

[benjaminhuf]

I wouldn't make final payment until you transfer to a travel agent who will give you perks in addition to what you got from Celebrity, just my $0.02

 

We are on Equinox in May and I have been on her before- she's a great ship and you will love her.

 

Susie V: I had no idea about this. Even if I got a good rate and a "resident" discount there might still be perks with a TA? Mmm. Maybe I should try to call a local one to find out? Or at the big firms better for this? Thanks. I was going to pay today, but now I think I'll put it off for at least a week, since payment isn't due till the 20th of this month.

[benjaminhuf]

We always use select dining and we book online before we go, which eliminates the need to get a pager and wait for your table. The first 2 nights, folks new to select dining show up and expect to be let right in, which doesn't happen. On our last Celebrity cruise the waiting line was all the way back to the elevators the first couple of nights. You can always change your times once you've been on board for a couple of days and you figure out what works best for you.

 

CRZR: Another great tip. Thanks. So, sorry to be slow, but if I'm understanding even with select you can pick a time on the website in advance, 6:30 say, and so you don't have to wait in a giant line. That does sound useful.

[MixerDave]

CRZR: Another great tip. Thanks. So, sorry to be slow, but if I'm understanding even with select you can pick a time on the website in advance, 6:30 say, and so you don't have to wait in a giant line. That does sound useful.

 

THat's what I did - it was like booking an excursion. You put the day/time in you basket and then you checkout. No charge

[CRZR58]

CRZR: Another great tip. Thanks. So, sorry to be slow, but if I'm understanding even with select you can pick a time on the website in advance, 6:30 say, and so you don't have to wait in a giant line. That does sound useful.

That's exactly what you can do and you don't have to pick the same time every night, which is great as we usually eat later on port days.:cool:

[SusieV]

Susie V: I had no idea about this. Even if I got a good rate and a "resident" discount there might still be perks with a TA? Mmm. Maybe I should try to call a local one to find out? Or at the big firms better for this? Thanks. I was going to pay today, but now I think I'll put it off for at least a week, since payment isn't due till the 20th of this month.

 

I use an online TA and she gives me about 8% of the cruise in OBC.

[benjaminhuf]

I use an online TA and she gives me about 8% of the cruise in OBC.

 

Wow. Any chance you'd be willing to reveal which one?

[mandream]

Wow. Any chance you'd be willing to reveal which one?

 

Unfortunately Cruise Critic rules prohibit discussing specific TAs. Just talk to some of the big online TAs. There is also a website where TAs can compete for your cruise business. You can probably find it by Googling.

 

Good Luck,

 

Mike

[benjaminhuf]

Unfortunately Cruise Critic rules prohibit discussing specific TAs. Just talk to some of the big online TAs. There is also a website where TAs can compete for your cruise business. You can probably find it by Googling.

 

Good Luck,

 

Mike

 

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks. ++

[texasgirl29]

In Costa Maya, book with Maya Chan Beach, a low-key reserved beach inclusive of lunch and drinks. My teen girls and I went in December. You can find lots of recommendations on TripAdviser. We had a great time.

 

In Cozumel we did the Fury II snorkel adventure. I recommend it also.

 

Both of these are independent (not ship) excursions and will save you money.

 

 

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[texasgirl29]

Regarding your daughter's interest (or not) in the teen club. I have two daughters. My oldest would rather eat glass than go to the teen clubs. She was so happy to turn 18 so she could go to the adult pool or the spa. My younger daughter is 16 and LOVES LOVES LOVES meeting others at the teen club. She would hang out at the club or with other teens every second she could. She still keeps in touch with kids from our Baltic cruise two years ago or the Disney cruise in December.

 

So, when you first get on the ship, there will be an open house in the teen club. Go with your daughter so she can meet the counselors and check the place out. Maybe she'll love it, maybe she won't.

 

 

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[benjaminhuf]

Regarding your daughter's interest (or not) in the teen club. I have two daughters. My oldest would rather eat glass than go to the teen clubs. She was so happy to turn 18 so she could go to the adult pool or the spa. My younger daughter is 16 and LOVES LOVES LOVES meeting others at the teen club. She would hang out at the club or with other teens every second she could. She still keeps in touch with kids from our Baltic cruise two years ago or the Disney cruise in December.

 

So, when you first get on the ship, there will be an open house in the teen club. Go with your daughter so she can meet the counselors and check the place out. Maybe she'll love it, maybe she won't.

 

 

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Thanks for the good suggestions. I'm almost certain my daughter is like your older daughter when it comes to the Teen club. But I would like her to try it. Like many other teens these days, she's good at and into video games, with a special interest and expertise in Zelda. If we could find another Zelda fan on board that would probably be fun for her. Thanks again.

[hancock]

Transferring a booking must be done within 60 days of booking and before full payment is made, If you are going to transfer the booking don't make full payment until the transfer is complete

 

Not impressed with the teas in the buffet Have your daughter bring her preferred tea with her. A cup of tea at 'Cafe el Bacio is expensive.

[thephillykid]

Wow. Any chance you'd be willing to reveal which one?

 

Just send me an email at my username @yahoo.com and I will give you a recommendation.

I m not a TA, I just use one who has taken great care of us.

[benjaminhuf]

Transferring a booking must be done within 60 days of booking and before full payment is made, If you are going to transfer the booking don't make full payment until the transfer is complete

 

Not impressed with the teas in the buffet Have your daughter bring her preferred tea with her. A cup of tea at 'Cafe el Bacio is expensive.

 

Good idea. Thanks.