Equinox LIVE Solo Review March 23-30, 2019

[parrothead33]

So sorry for your loss.  I'm sure this cruise will be everything you need to be rejuvenated!

 

[GenerationX]

49 minutes ago, scottygirl said:

Sounds like a tough couple of months for you.  Hopefully this cruise will heal your heart and mind.  Enjoy!

 

Thank you!!!

[24acorns]

I  have also found solo cruising on X very easy. Always find crew very attentive and on the whole most fellow cruisers very inclusive.

Usually ask for a large table at dinner as i enjoy chating with others. Would love to enjoy some of the speciality restaurants but not keen to sit alone for dinner, on the one occasion I did agree with snyniew  wait staff spent extra time with me.

Enjoy your cruise, Equinox my fabourite ship and if Captain Kate is aboard, crew levels go up a notch.

BTW dont understand your friend not joining you.

[GenerationX]

5 hours ago, 24acorns said:

I  have also found solo cruising on X very easy. Always find crew very attentive and on the whole most fellow cruisers very inclusive.

Usually ask for a large table at dinner as i enjoy chating with others. Would love to enjoy some of the speciality restaurants but not keen to sit alone for dinner, on the one occasion I did agree with snyniew  wait staff spent extra time with me.

Enjoy your cruise, Equinox my fabourite ship and if Captain Kate is aboard, crew levels go up a notch.

BTW dont understand your friend not joining you.

 

This is very comforting to hear.  I was aghast when my friend backed out.  Even if she actually wasn’t going to be entertained enough, I just don’t understand the logic.  I’d rather be bored in the Caribbean than working in the cold any day.

[GenerationX]

3AM in St. Louis: time to head to the airport!!!! 😁😁😁😁

 

My saint of a husband who still has to go into the office in 5 hours agreed to get up at this ungodly hour and give me a lift.

 

Clearly he’s thrilled about it...

[lola2013]

16 hours ago, GenerationX said:

 

 Thank you Susan!

 

Very jealous that you’ll be sailing on EDGE!  I will be sure to report on how the solo experience is comparing to my prior Celebrity sailings.

 

When I was looking for cruises my TA got me a quote on a Silversea Carribean sailing that had a low single supplement and airfare credit that made it affordable. DH and I have been thinking about trying the line since these days their pricing isn’t that much higher than what we paid for a suite in S-Class and our TA gives good perks for their bookings. I thought it would be a cost effective way to try it out.

 

Then I spoke to another attorney in my firm who has sailed on Silversea a few times and he cautioned me it could be a “very awkward” experience for a younger woman traveling alone.  He mentioned that on the one sailing where he saw a solo cruiser it seemed to him that both the other passengers and crew “weren’t sure what to make of him” and were distant as a result.

 

I am pretty outgoing and have never had a problem starting conversations and making new friends on Celebrity during my solo hours when DH is engrossed in a card game in the casino, so I’m hoping this won’t be too much different.

 

If you don’t mind me asking, what was it like dining alone on your Cunard solo sailing?  

 

On MDR nights I was thinking I’ll just asked to be seated at a large table, but I assume at the specialties I’ll be sitting at a 2 top alone.  Hopefully I don’t get too many stares!  When we were on Reflection a few years ago I ate alone in Tuscan Grille one night when DH wasn’t feeling well.  The waiters, sommelier and maitre d  all made a point of checking on me often and chatting with me for a few minutes when they could.  I’m hoping this experience will be similar.  If nothing else it will allow me to take great notes and keep up with my reporting on food quality!

 

My Cunard cruises are long ago...pre-specialty dining options...and the only buffet was the one at midnight with elaborate ice sculptures and goodies as far as the eye could see.  My only dining options before sailing was early or late seating and table size.  I always did early (6:30 is still later than the time I eat at home) and a table for 8 or10.  We became a family of singles, even doing excursions together.  

 

These days, I always do anytime dining, but also love the Oceanview Cafe on Celebrity which I'm sure I'll do a lot next May.  There is nothing like eating on deck with a good book.  My favorite specialty is Lawn Club Grill, but I'm not sure that even after the upcoming drydock that Equinox will get that restaurant.  I think I would be a bit intimidated eating in any of the other specialty restaurants solo.  

 

Like you, I am pretty outgoing...my friends tell me that "Susan" arrives at O'Hare for the adventure...but it's "Lola" who boards the ship.😉

 

Have a great trip...can't wait to hear all about it!

Susan

[Blazn7]

Following 

[GenerationX]

3 hours ago, lola2013 said:

Like you, I am pretty outgoing...my friends tell me that "Susan" arrives at O'Hare for the adventure...but it's "Lola" who boards the ship.😉

 

 

 

 Oh! I really hope I get the opportunity to sail with “Lola” some day, she sounds like a good time!

[lola2013]

12 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

 

 

 Oh! I really hope I get the opportunity to sail with “Lola” some day, she sounds like a good time!

I have three cruises booked...come on along!!!

Edited March 22, 2019 by lola2013

[GenerationX]

I have arrived in Miami after a smooth flight!

 

In a completely unscripted but perfect moment, as Jeremy got off the highway at the airport exit, Come Sail Away by Styx came on the radio...I was forbidden from singing along.

 

TSA precheck security line was short, the plane left on time and after an inflight Bloody Mary I dozed off and woke up to this view as we came around to start our descent into FLL.

 

There’s something about just seeing the ocean that eases this land locked midwesterner’s mind! I’m so looking forward to seeing it daily for the next week!!!!

 

Took a $40 Uber ride to the Hyatt Regency in Miami and ordered early check in so my room was ready when I got here.  Now to freshen up and head out in search of lunch!

[tce40]

Following

 

[spammie]

OMG! Who in their right mind would turn down a free cruise!  I would have happily gone with you!  I'm so sorry the start of 2019 has been so difficult.  My father ended his life 2 years ago when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  While I understand why he did it, it certainly doesn't help how shockingly painful and unexpected it was.  A week in the warm Caribbean on a cruise is exactly what you need to help heal your heart and give you a recharge.

 

Equinox is our favorite ship and I can't wait to follow along with you!  I wish you smooth seas and sunny skies!  Wanda

[GenerationX]

44 minutes ago, spammie said:

OMG! Who in their right mind would turn down a free cruise!  I would have happily gone with you!  I'm so sorry the start of 2019 has been so difficult.  My father ended his life 2 years ago when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  While I understand why he did it, it certainly doesn't help how shockingly painful and unexpected it was.  A week in the warm Caribbean on a cruise is exactly what you need to help heal your heart and give you a recharge.

 

Equinox is our favorite ship and I can't wait to follow along with you!  I wish you smooth seas and sunny skies!  Wanda

 

Thank you Wanda!

[GenerationX]

Went to Bayside mall to do some last minute shopping (it’s amazing that with 3 stuffed suitcases I still managed to forget cruise apparel items that I need).

 

I decided to have lunch at the Tradewinds restaurant.  I had a crab spinach artichoke dip and a Caribbean mai tai followed by steamed mussels and an ice cold beer. The dip was ok once I put some cholula on it.  The mussels were pretty good.  However, I made friends with the couple sitting next to me at the bar and they shared some of their whole, deep fried Caribbean snapper with me and it was delicious! The crust was crispy and light and the fish meat was really well seasoned and flavorful. I think it may have been marinated in some kind of citrus before being breaded and fried.  Next time I’m in town I’m totally getting that.

 

I’m now on my second Corona with sea views and I can feel my tensions melting away with each sip.

 

After I finish my beer I’m gonna head back to the hotel to deal with a couple of last minute work fires that have popped up then go read by the pool! 

 

 

[lola2013]

3 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Went to Bayside mall to do some last minute shopping (it’s amazing that with 3 stuffed suitcases I still managed to forget cruise apparel items that I need). 

 

I decided to have lunch at the Tradewinds restaurant.  I had a crab spinach artichoke dip and a Caribbean mai tai followed by steamed mussels and an ice cold beer. The dip was ok once I put some cholula on it.  The mussels were pretty good.  However, I made friends with the couple sitting next to me at the bar and they shared some of their whole, deep fried Caribbean snapper with me and it was delicious! The crust was crispy and light and the fish meat was really well seasoned and flavorful. I think it may have been marinated in some kind of citrus before being breaded and fried.  Next time I’m in town I’m totally getting that.

 

I’m now on my second Corona with sea views and I can feel my tensions melting away with each sip.

 

After I finish my beer I’m gonna head back to the hotel to deal with a couple of last minute work fires that have popped up then go read by the pool! 

 

 

Okay...you want to cruise with "Lola"...I want to cruise with the girl who has three stuffed suitcases for a week-long cruise...and still needs to shop!!!

[so ready to go]

.....

[CruisinRoxy]

Following along! DH and I were on our first Celebrity cruise on Equinox in February and loved it!  Booked our second while onboard for Summit next February. I thoroughly understand howling winds and lake effect snow from Lake Erie!  Ugh.  Enjoy, relax and rejuvenate!

[LBumb]

I agree with the crappy weather here in stl

have a great trip

bon voyage

[martiniren]

GenerationX, please take good care of Equinox, as I'm boarding her on March 30 for 14 glorious nights.  

I, too, need serious R&R.  Like you, loooooooong work days/weeks.  Lost my husband in January and my younger brother a few months before that.  Bob would have wanted me to continue on this voyage, so I didn't cancel.  This would have been our 26th cruise.

Looking forward to sun, warmth, pool deck, a cocktail (or five-LOL), pile of books and NO EMAIL!

Bon voyage - Bon apetit - Cheers!

 

Edited March 22, 2019 by martiniren
Addressed OP incorrectly

[GenerationX]

2 hours ago, martiniren said:

GenerationX, please take good care of Equinox, as I'm boarding her on March 30 for 14 glorious nights.  

I, too, need serious R&R.  Like you, loooooooong work days/weeks.  Lost my husband in January and my younger brother a few months before that.  Bob would have wanted me to continue on this voyage, so I didn't cancel.  This would have been our 26th cruise.

Looking forward to sun, warmth, pool deck, a cocktail (or five-LOL), pile of books and NO EMAIL!

Bon voyage - Bon apetit - Cheers!

 

 

I promise to take very good care of her!

 

I am so sorry for your losses and hope your sailing brings you much needed rest and recovery as well.  I’ll wave to you excitedly checking in as I’m sullenly trudging off to return to real life on the 30th!

[GenerationX]

I had planned to check out a Brazilian restaurant near the hotel for dinner tonight, but unfortunately spent the evening dealing with a travel emergency.  When I opened one of my suitcases to get ready for dinner, I realized one of my makeup bags, which had two daily medications in it, was missing!  

 

It turns out it fell out of my carryon onto the floor in Jeremy’s car when I was riffling through the bag on the drive to the airport.

 

Fortunately after calls to my doctor’s after hours line, my insurance company and to a 24 hour Walgreens about 15 minutes from the hotel, I’ll be able to go pick up replacements first thing tomorrow!  It’ll make for an earlier morning than I planned but I’m just glad I was able to solve it!

 

I celebrated the outcome with a room service hummus plate and a glass of wine in the bath tub and now I’m going to head to bed.

 

Sooo excited for embarkation day tomorrow!!!

[X2tgibso]

Hope you have a relaxing night!  Following along in preparation of our June boarding of the Equinox.  Waitin...patiently for pictures 👀

[sstamour]

I'm following this as well. I'll be doing a 7 night cruise on the Equinox as a mid-30s solo traveler in April, so I'm very interested in hearing your experiences! 

[tompeter]

Bon Voyage! Enjoy and keep us posted!

[phabric]

I will be following along.  I have done a solo cruise to Alaska.