LIVE BLOG! From the EQUINOX - AUG 25th Sailing - CHICAGOPAUL

[kittyluvrnurse]

Do you have any information on menus and cost of lunch at specialty restaurants during sea days?

[Stem to Stern]

If it is not too much trouble could you please post the excursion brochure. Someone posted somewhere on Cruise Critic that excursions can run higher on board than prebooking them on Celebrity’s website. Curious if there is any truth to that. Also value your opinion or anyone else’s about any non-beach, non-snorkeling, non-shopping excursions worth while in these ports. It will be my first time in the ABCs. I have looked in the ports of call threads already, but welcome any input about can’t miss points of interest. Thanks again for the wonderful photos and commentary. Let us know if you meet the captain’s cat.

 

 

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[mcauliffedaniel]

Hey Paul,

Really enjoying the blog as I am sailing on the equinox next week.

 

What is your favourite cocktail on the ship and where do you think is the best place to enjoy a drink?

 

Thanks and enjoy your trip :)

[chicagopaul]

Good afternoon from beautiful Aruba. We did not decide to go to a beach today but we did get off to walk around, grab lunch, and a couple drinks of course.

 

In the distance there appeared to be clouds rolling in but they stayed away and it’s been a nice dry and sunny day here in Aruba.

 

For those not familiar with the port area if Aruba you should know it is very easy to navigate. There are no beaches within walking distance but there is a very vibrant shopping area with plenty of restaurants, bars, tons of shopping, multiple casinos, hotels, etc all within a very easy walk.

 

We walked off the ship, through the port building and onto the main strip. We made an immediate right and walked around a bit. We decided to have lunch at a second story restaurant called Iguana Joes. It was a fun little place and we got a nice high top table by the railing so we could people watch. We both ordered a couple of Aruba beers, some jerk chicken, and fish tacos (grouper). You can see from the photos the racks were huge and very good. The beers went down like water which is a good thing when it’s as warm as it is.

 

We saw our friends Bob, Kathy, and “Uncle Jim” walking by. They were going to one of their favorite dive bars down the street. Bob and Kathy primarily drink dewars, and a lot of it. Well, about 20 minutes after we saw them

walk by we saw this truck drive by. Coincidence? Haha

 

 

Here are a few additional photos from this afternoon.

 

 

 

Balashi, the Aruban Pilsner.

 

 

 

Now the below drink we didn’t order but it seems like it can pack one hell of a punch.

 

 

The “Lethal Lizard”

 

 

 

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[lola2013]

If it is not too much trouble could you please post the excursion brochure. Someone posted somewhere on Cruise Critic that excursions can run higher on board than prebooking them on Celebrity’s website. Curious if there is any truth to that. Also value your opinion or anyone else’s about any non-beach, non-snorkeling, non-shopping excursions worth while in these ports. It will be my first time in the ABCs. I have looked in the ports of call threads already, but welcome any input about can’t miss points of interest. Thanks again for the wonderful photos and commentary. Let us know if you meet the captain’s cat.

 

 

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If I may make a suggestion, we recently stopped in Aruba and did a non-beach, non-snorkeling, non-shopping excursion...however, it was not through the cruise line if that makes a difference. It's called Trikes Aruba and was a blast. They are three-wheel motorcycles (you wouldn't get me on a traditional motorcycle) that seats either 2 or 3; in our case, it was three. It was about $100 per person for a 3-1/2 hour tour around the island. It was a blast. If memory serves, they do both morning and afternoon tours. We did the morning so it wouldn't get too hot while we toured. Also worked best with our arrival and departure times!

Thanks Paul for letting me chime in!

Susan

[johhnnyt]

Hi Maryanne,

 

So on this cruise, as we do on most, we purchased the specialty dining package for all 9 nights. Cost wasn’t bad at $261 per person.

 

You’ll notice on Cruise Critic a lot of people complain about the MDR, however our experience in talking to people on the ship that most people like it. Personally we think the food is pretty good, and some dishes are excellent and some are so so. The biggest reason we like the specialty is for not just the food but the quieter atmosphere and more attentive service. That being said, in MDR (if you’re select anytime dining) find servers you like. On the first night if you have a good server Kill him or her with kindness and request them

again and you should have a very enjoyable experience in MDR.

 

 

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Agree with you Paul. Last cruise I was on (think it was RF with Edward and yourself), I rotated each night from Specialty Dining, Luminae, to MDR, and enjoyed each for different reasons. Loved lawn club, murano, the NEW Qsine, and tuscan the most for the quality of the meals/service. Really didn't see an appreciable difference between MDR and Luminae (first time that happened) in the quality of the food, although Luminae did have more attentive service. Also tried Blue one night, and it was good (just seemed like it was smaller portions of modified MDR dishes), so nothing to write home about.

[Purplsmurf]

Good afternoon from beautiful Aruba. We did not decide to go to a beach today but we did get off to walk around, grab lunch, and a couple drinks of course.

 

In the distance there appeared to be clouds rolling in but they stayed away and it’s been a nice dry and sunny day here in Aruba.

 

For those not familiar with the port area if Aruba you should know it is very easy to navigate. There are no beaches within walking distance but there is a very vibrant shopping area with plenty of restaurants, bars, tons of shopping, multiple casinos, hotels, etc all within a very easy walk.

 

We walked off the ship, through the port building and onto the main strip. We made an immediate right and walked around a bit. We decided to have lunch at a second story restaurant called Iguana Joes. It was a fun little place and we got a nice high top table by the railing so we could people watch. We both ordered a couple of Aruba beers, some jerk chicken, and fish tacos (grouper). You can see from the photos the racks were huge and very good. The beers went down like water which is a good thing when it’s as warm as it is.

 

We saw our friends Bob, Kathy, and “Uncle Jim” walking by. They were going to one of their favorite dive bars down the street. Bob and Kathy primarily drink dewars, and a lot of it. Well, about 20 minutes after we saw them

walk by we saw this truck drive by. Coincidence? Haha

 

 

Here are a few additional photos from this afternoon.

 

 

 

Balashi, the Aruban Pilsner.

 

 

 

Now the below drink we didn’t order but it seems like it can pack one hell of a punch.

 

 

The “Lethal Lizard”

 

 

 

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We go to Aruba every year in Jan/Feb for our land vacation and always go to Iguana Joes. We really like it there. Actually thinking of going there for dinner when we are there on our Equinox cruise next month. I have a craving for their Keshi Yena! Yes, the Lethal Lizards are potent and DELISH!

 

I know that you have the internet package, but do you know if it is any cheaper to buy it once on board or is the discount still applied if one buys it on board?

 

Also, who are the bartenders at the martini bar?

 

Enjoying your review! Have a great time!

[Oolie]

Good afternoon from beautiful Aruba. We did not decide to go to a beach today but we did get off to walk around, grab lunch, and a couple drinks of course.

 

In the distance there appeared to be clouds rolling in but they stayed away and it’s been a nice dry and sunny day here in Aruba.

 

For those not familiar with the port area if Aruba you should know it is very easy to navigate. There are no beaches within walking distance but there is a very vibrant shopping area with plenty of restaurants, bars, tons of shopping, multiple casinos, hotels, etc all within a very easy walk.

 

We walked off the ship, through the port building and onto the main strip. We made an immediate right and walked around a bit. We decided to have lunch at a second story restaurant called Iguana Joes. It was a fun little place and we got a nice high top table by the railing so we could people watch. We both ordered a couple of Aruba beers, some jerk chicken, and fish tacos (grouper). You can see from the photos the racks were huge and very good. The beers went down like water which is a good thing when it’s as warm as it is.

 

We saw our friends Bob, Kathy, and “Uncle Jim” walking by. They were going to one of their favorite dive bars down the street. Bob and Kathy primarily drink dewars, and a lot of it. Well, about 20 minutes after we saw them

walk by we saw this truck drive by. Coincidence? Haha

 

 

Here are a few additional photos from this afternoon.

 

 

 

Balashi, the Aruban Pilsner.

 

 

 

Now the below drink we didn’t order but it seems like it can pack one hell of a punch.

 

 

The “Lethal Lizard”

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Oolie]

Irony is, no Dewars at our dive bar.... settled for Grants! Send the truck, quick!

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Here is the excursion book we received on day. Hopefully the photos come through clear enough for you to check on pricing and options!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Excursion book continued...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

I saw a few other questions regarding topics such as discounts on internet, specialty lunches, Vlado’s time left in the contract.

 

I’ll check on these. I did see some internet discount in the Daily yesterday (unrelated to captains club) but need to do the quick math to see if it’s really a true discount. They are of course still doing the discount with regard to your status.

 

I’ll ask at dinner tonight about specialty for lunch. I haven’t seen anything advertised but I could’ve missed it.

 

It turns out the Senior Officer party is the 31st so I’ll have an update on the Vlado then. Though I might see him tonight at the Full Moon Party. We’re in port until midnight so we’re looking forward to the full moon party and having another cigar after on deck as we sail away.

 

Right now we are getting ready to go to the Martini Bar. I wonder how the crowd will be tonight since we are in port.

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Current view from our balcony

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Stem to Stern]

Thank you!!!

 

 

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[workingtocruise-59]

I saw a few other questions regarding topics such as discounts on internet, specialty lunches, Vlado’s time left in the contract.

 

I’ll check on these. I did see some internet discount in the Daily yesterday (unrelated to captains club) but need to do the quick math to see if it’s really a true discount. They are of course still doing the discount with regard to your status.

 

I’ll ask at dinner tonight about specialty for lunch. I haven’t seen anything advertised but I could’ve missed it.

 

It turns out the Senior Officer party is the 31st so I’ll have an update on the Vlado then. Though I might see him tonight at the Full Moon Party. We’re in port until midnight so we’re looking forward to the full moon party and having another cigar after on deck as we sail away.

 

Right now we are getting ready to go to the Martini Bar. I wonder how the crowd will be tonight since we are in port.

 

 

 

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I am so enjoying all of your posts!

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your cruise to do this.

If, and when, you see Vlado please say "Hello" from Angela & Phil.

He may remember us from Azamara but, then again, he may not as a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then!!

[happicruzer]

We just left Equinox two weeks ago.

 

Our excursions were messed up

..first had a time change from 11.30 to 8.30. Too early so we cancelled that one.

 

...second, trip to stingray city was cancelled supposedly due to lack of participation - by the supplier. Heard many folks discussing how much fun they had. To be honest, only booked to be out on the water rather than walking the town - which we did as well.

 

Just passing on info for anyone reading your blog so they will know, if new to cruising, that what you prebook may be changed once you get onboard.

 

Usually everything goes as scheduled so this was unusual.

 

Enjoy your posts and reliving our cruise experience.

Judy

[IrishLassie]

Right now we are getting ready to go to the Martini Bar. I wonder how the crowd will be tonight since we are in port.

 

 

 

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Have you tried the Chocolate Martini? Have Taz make it for you! Please tell him hello from the OConnor's.

[chicagopaul]

Right now we are getting ready to go to the Martini Bar. I wonder how the crowd will be tonight since we are in port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Have you tried the Chocolate Martini? Have Taz make it for you! Please tell him hello from the OConnor's.

 

 

 

I did tell him hello and he remembered you! He said to say hello back! I’ll post a pic from sunset bar tomorrow with him.

 

 

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[MaritimeGirl]

Not sure his last name but I’ll ask!

 

 

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Thanks in advance!!!

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Good Evening or Early Morning Everyone. We called it an early night and the internet is running a bit slow this evening so I likely won’t be able to post photos but I did want to take this time to give you some updates.

 

Unfortunately, Vlado the F&B director signed off today and has been replaced by Zephyr? Not sure if that spelling is correct. I was speaking with Nenad in Murano and asked him.

 

We started the night in Martini Bar but our friends Jim and Janice noticed a $5 blackjack table open so they convinced us to go and play with them. We played for about an hour and broke even. Not a bad night. I’ll take breaking even in the casino every night!

 

It is midnight now and we’re just pulling away from Aruba. Even though we were docked the casino and shops opened up at 7pm.

 

We had a great night in Murano even though Edward wasn’t feeling too well and I wasn’t all that hungry. Just before dinner, but after blackjack, we had a glass of champagne in Ensemble Lounge and listened to “Undercover Soul” the acoustic duo. The songs were a bit predictable but they were very good so it made up for the song selection. I’m sure if we had stayed for the entire set the other song choices would have had a bit more variety.

 

I’ll discuss tonight’s other activities tomorrow but I did want to just follow up on a few other overall observations of the cruise and the ship.

 

This specific cruise has been pretty busy at the bars and specialty restaurants. Overall it’s been a pretty good mix of passengers. The full moon pool party tonight had a great turnout.

 

Leaving and and coming back on the ship has been very easy at the two ports we’ve been to. We’ve been offered water and cold towels both times when coming back on the ship.

 

The bars seem to be very well stocked with everything from mixers like grapefruit juice (which sometimes is limited on Celebrity) to fresh cut fruit and other small items.

 

Straws are available on request, though we have only requested them in Bloody Marys. We were told starting in January there will be bamboo straws and possibly another type of straw available. No one really seems to miss the straws.

 

The only disappointment I’d mention this cruise is the state of the public bathrooms. They’re still very clean, but the consistency of soaps dispensers being full and hand towels being replenished has been lacking especially in the evening. I’ve spoken before of having bathroom attendants highly energetic about their job and literally thanking you for using the restroom (always found this entertaining) but I have not found this to be the case this cruise. It’s not a major deal, but it is a slippery slope that I will mention and I hope is corrected. It is one thing I’ve always found very consistent on Celebrity.

 

So I would like to wish you all a wonderful

evening. Thank you for all the incredibly nice comments and encouragement. I’ll update you in the morning about our dinner and pool party!

 

 

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[emmas gran]

Unfortunately, Vlado the F&B director signed off today and has been replaced by Zephyr? Not sure if that spelling is correct. I was speaking with Nenad in Murano and asked him.

Thx for that Paul-I had my birthday on Milly in Jan and Vlado ,Orlando the chef and the pastry chef made it an unforgettable meal/evening.

Hopefully Nenad will be onboard and we can say Hi as I am sure he was on Eclipse last fall for the transatlantic. Is his wife from Russia or Ukraine?

We do like Aruba it is my favourite island to spend time wandering around

Thx again for your review Liz

[chicagopaul]

Good Morning from Curaçao! It’s another beautiful warm day on board the Equinox. I’m sitting on deck 14 having some coffee enjoying the view of the island before I head up to sunset bar for my other morning beverages.

 

Before I speak about last night let’s take a look at today’s Daily.

 

 

 

 

 

Spa special for the port

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Last night dinner was in...Murano.

 

Nenad came over to us and asked us if he could make us something and had an idea for a starter. He asked us if we liked shrimp and the answer is of course yes. So table side he prepared shrimp with bacon, shallots, garlic, and an olive oil / balsamic emulsion. It was served on a plate with a couple small portions of risotto. It was very simple but excellent. Lots of flavor but light and clean. Then we both had the veal.

 

For wine we started with our Chardonnay (that is all Edward ended up having last night with regard to wine) and then I had a recommendation from our sommelier which was the Ridge Zinfandel which is off the menu but available for the 5 senses menu in Murano. It is a dry Zin, very similar to the Prisoner if you know that wine. I loved it. We skipped dessert and only had coffee / tea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[emmas gran]

Paul yes Nenad is the guy we know from about 4 yrs ago and Eclipse last year—the photo confirms it . He really is a nice guy.

It is wonderful when something special is done for you.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise

Liz

[chicagopaul]

After dinner we went to the Full Moon party on

the pool deck. It actually had a wonderful turn out. I’ll have video posted to YouTube of it when I can.

 

The pool bar was open late, a side bar poolside was opened up, regular chairs were brought out. Most people were dressed in white. The house band started playing prior to start of the party and at 10:30 when the party officially started the DJ took over and the production dancers took over the stage for a few minutes. Later one dancer went into the infamous plastic ball and performed in the pool.

 

 

 

 

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