Celebrity Equinox - Fun-loving group of 40s and 50 somethings

[michelle-nh]

Our family of 4 siblings and spouses (all in our 40s and 50s) are planning a family (for adults only) cruise next November. We have tons of fun together and are really looking forward to this!

 

We are looking at cruising on the Celebrity Equinox as we fell in love with the itinerary and the dates work for everyone. We haven't booked yet, but probably will within the next week or two. 

 

But I've been reading reviews and am a little bit worried that this may not be the right ship for us. It sounds like it might be kind of quiet, an older crowd looking for a quiet, relaxing time rather than fun and laughs and entertainment. Some in our group have never cruised, the rest of us have very limited experience. Don't get me wrong, we'll all enjoy pampering, getting dressed up for dinner, some quiet downtime of our own too. But when we get together, we have fun and will enjoy nightlife options--bars, shows, comedy clubs, etc. Will we be bored or out of place on the Equinox? Am I right to worry?

[killsport]

First, Michelle, stay warm! NH is going to get some cold nights this week and the dreams of a warm Caribbean vacation may help you through the frigid temps.

Next - my wife and I (late 40's) have cruised Celebrity a fair amount. The S-class ships (including Equinox) are wonderful. However, if you are looking for a Carnival-type atmosphere (yes, both the cruise brand and the event), you will not get that on Celebrity. You will have some shows (not my taste, but some people really like them), bars, comedy a few nights, and generally fun-loving people on the ships. We recently went with a group of 12 friends (ages 46-58) and had a blast. We found places to play card games (um, near bars because...um... well... yeah), listened to music, and enjoyed ourselves. We didn't need a lot from the cruise director for our group to have fun, but each group is different. We didn't dress up extensively (sport coats, no ties) on Chic nights, and did a specialty restaurant one night... And November will be an older crowd (unless it is Thanksgiving) as many younger folks have their kids in school and can't get away then.

A big caveat -- I'm not sure when the Equinox is getting refurbished (aka Edge-ified) and what changes that will have that may impact your trip.

Oh, and make sure to take advantage of the "wave" season (booking in Jan/Feb) when you can get some good deals, with a couple of perks included. As long as you don't take a non-refundable fare, you can cancel 90+ days out with no penalty from Celebrity (if you use a TA, find out from them regarding their fees). And if you (or one in your group) has an Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire card, see if you can get an extra $200 in on-board credit.

Regardless, with a good group and a good attitude, it's tough not to have a good time. Everything won't be perfect, but ... you'll be on vacation!!!

[dkjretired]

Another tip is to be careful of what room classes you pick. For example if one couple picks Aqua Class or a suite and others don’t, they may have difficulty eating together. This board is a great source so ask away.

[dkjretired]

11 minutes ago, dkjretired said:

Another tip is to be careful of what room classes you pick. For example if one couple picks Aqua Class or a suite and others don’t, they may have difficulty eating together. This board is a great source so ask away.

Equinox is getting its refurb late Spring

[michelle-nh]

Thanks! The more I read, I think this might be a great trip for my DH and I, probably not so much for the family trip. I think I'm going to steer them to look at another cruise line this time around. 

[michelle-nh]

1 hour ago, killsport said:

First, Michelle, stay warm! NH is going to get some cold nights this week and the dreams of a warm Caribbean vacation may help you through the frigid temps.

 

Without a doubt! 🙂 

[dolittle]

X does tend to have a more laid back not so party hardy type crowd. Many times you will walk by the Disco and hear some jumping music you walk in and it is empty .

The thing is you are in a group and can bring your own fun . The equinox is a great ship, enjoy.

[GoodScout]

We're in our 50s (and live next door in Vermont) and love Celebrity. 

We were on Equinox just before Thanksgiving and will be back on Reflection in April. 

 

If you're looking for a Carnival, hard-drinking, hard-partying, dance til dawn ship, yeah, Celebrity is not that. 

But sleepy and boring? Heck no. You can party and celebrate as much as you want. 

The Sky Lounge has music and dancing every night. The shows are great and usually they have late-night comedians two or three times that have slightly more adult material. 

 

There's at least one and usually two big parties in the main atrium as well. Plus the Martini Bar is always a lively place to hang.

 

You'll have as much fun as you choose to. There's plenty of options. Just don't plan on chugging beer on the pool deck at midnight.

[stevea36]

1 hour ago, michelle-nh said:

Thanks! The more I read, I think this might be a great trip for my DH and I, probably not so much for the family trip. I think I'm going to steer them to look at another cruise line this time around. 

 

Try Royal Caribbean... It seems like it will fit your needs a lot better...

[mfs2k]

43 minutes ago, GoodScout said:

Just don't plan on chugging beer on the pool deck at midnight

 

Sailing on Equinox in March after 11 Carnival cruises. My chugging beer at midnight days are over. Sad. 

[Alsmez]

How long is the cruise you're looking at? In our experience, shorter itineraries tend to attract a more lively crowd. We did a week on Reflection where there was a party to be had every night, and then a couple of years later a 9-night on Silhouette that was very sedate.

[BPCW]

3 hours ago, dolittle said:

X does tend to have a more laid back not so party hardy type crowd. Many times you will walk by the Disco and hear some jumping music you walk in and it is empty .

The thing is you are in a group and can bring your own fun . The equinox is a great ship, enjoy.

 

We were on Equinox 3 weeks ago and I’d echo this. Several nights we checked out quasar (the club) after 10pm and once there was no one there and another time there were like 2 other couples. Casino bar was more active late. 

 

So much more laid back atmosphere but people are still definitely having a good time. 

[ipeeinthepool]

8 hours ago, mfs2k said:

 

Sailing on Equinox in March after 11 Carnival cruises. My chugging beer at midnight days are over. Sad. 

 

If you are no longer enjoying chugging a few beers, perhaps doing some shots at the Sunset Bar would be a better fit.

[dkjretired]

8 hours ago, BPCW said:

 

We were on Equinox 3 weeks ago and I’d echo this. Several nights we checked out quasar (the club) after 10pm and once there was no one there and another time there were like 2 other couples. Casino bar was more active late. 

 

So much more laid back atmosphere but people are still definitely having a good time. 

 

Most of the action on Equinox in the evening is in the Atrium area and is quite lively.  The silent disco is a riot and they were holding them almost every night.  

[mfs2k]

1 hour ago, ipeeinthepool said:

 

If you are no longer enjoying chugging a few beers, perhaps doing some shots at the Sunset Bar would be a better fit.

I still chug beers. I just don’t stay up till midnight anymore. Lol. Shots at sunset bar sounds great. 

[cruiserjt]

Hi Michelle,

    We are also from NH - we are back to Celebrity again this spring.  We have tried Carnival, Royal, NCL and nothing has compared to Celebrity.  Just the right mix of activities and luxury.  We are 50s and our kids have preferred Celebrity for the same reason.  Not everyone needs slides, bowling and climbing walls (oh and race tracks and roller coasters now!). 

    Stay warm - we are right outside of Concord. 

 

Teri

 

[snyniew]

I'm 45 and have only sailed Celebrity. It is a very rare occasion that I'm in bed before 1pm.  There is a party if you want to find it. I usually end upstairs in the club and there is a decent contingent of people out dancing. Nothing crazy or crowded but enough to have fun.

[michelle-nh]

Thanks everyone! For this trip, we have opted  to cruise for RCI. But Celebrity sounds great for a future cruise for just me and my husband.