Equinox - Fresh out of dry dock/refurb June 1-8, 2019 _First time Celebrity cruisers_

[hiccups]

30 minutes ago, TheCount said:

 

We have both Celeb & Royal booked over the next 6 months, and strongly considering a Caribbean all inclusive adult as a comparison. They end up around the same cost when factoring travel and flights.

 

We've done three AIs (Sandals Ochi in Jamaica, and two Secrets in Mexico).  Food, beverages and activities are much better on cruises, IMO.

[PTC DAWG]

3 hours ago, hiccups said:

We had the premium drinks package and it was great--we didn't pay anything extra for drinks.  The coffee bar and Slush (frozen drinks bar by the pool) were the two places I usually saw people signing for drinks (at Slush, with a classic package you pay the upcharge, which I think is $3 plus the 20% gratuity).  We probably would have been all right with the classic package, but it was very nice not to have to worry if something was included.

My husband is a Scotch drinker and so liked to stop at the World Class bar; he also frequented the Martini Bar.  I stopped once at the Casino Bar, and asked the bartender for a Fuzzy Navel (probably showing my age with that one).  He had to ask the other bartender what it was  🙂

I appreciate the comments, have the Classic package included in a Sept sailing, will be upgrading to Premium...the Bourbon selection seems lacking on the Classic...

 

Agree about not worrying about up charges..Fuzzy Navel...Peach Schnapps and something?  

[The Fun Researcher]

Great review.  Felt balanced and fair to me.  We've only sailed X once (no kids, just our adult friends), on the Equinox like you.  The rest have been Royal Caribbean.

 

We are booked on the Equinox with our kids and my parents this upcoming March mainly because I couldn't find a good ship and itinerary on Royal the week we need to go, but I also think my parents will like X better. (their only other cruise before this was the Celebrity Summit to Alaska about 10 years ago).

 

We really liked the Equinox and agree with most of what you said, but we went in early August and the demographics were nearly identical to the Royal cruises we've been on.  Lots of families and I would say an average age in the 40's.  Same age group.  I think your time of year played a lot with makeup of your fellow cruisers.

 

We felt that the food was a small step up, as was the service.  I missed the Royal Promenade, and didn't care for the chopped up feel of the ships interior.  However, the outdoor space, especially the lawn and Sunset bar made you feel SOOOOOOO connected to the ocean and the views, which we value highly in a cruise.  Also loved the indoor pool during the heat of the day.

 

I just hope that our kids have enough to do.  They've mostly grown out of the flow rider, rock climbing, etc, but most of the stuff they will still do once each cruise anyway.  They surely will miss the putt putt golf, ice skating show, Escape Room, and the laser tag from our recent cruise on the Navigator.  (LOVE that ship now)  The Equinox has nothing besides the pool.

 

Dan

[deeva211]

17 hours ago, poncho1973 said:

 

The CD was Martin and he was a bit odd, but seemed like he was around a lot.  His pants were about 5 sizes too small and he spoke like a cartoon character, likely because of said pants.  I saw some English spelling, so I mean TROUSERS, not underpants.  I didn't inspect his underpants.

 

I can't say that we were interested in any lectures at sea, so we didn't really count those as activities.  I wouldn't really need any IT lectures, unless they were done on a professional level, so that's a moot point.

 

He was the opening CD on the Edge.  He was awful.  Almost no activities planned.  He was replaced after just a couple of cruises. 

Edited June 11, 2019 by deeva211

[hiccups]

2 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I appreciate the comments, have the Classic package included in a Sept sailing, will be upgrading to Premium...the Bourbon selection seems lacking on the Classic...

 

Agree about not worrying about up charges..Fuzzy Navel...Peach Schnapps and something?  

Peach Schnapps and orange juice.  The gentleman next to me had asked for a straight shot of peach schnapps, and it smelled good.  LOL.

[mnocket]

On 6/9/2019 at 8:01 AM, cruisinRN said:

Thanks for the review. I am a bit nervous now as I am taking my 2 daughters, ages 18 and 16 on the Equinox next week. We got a really good deal, that's why we booked Celebrity. We have 14 cruises under our belt, but mostly on NCL, Princess and Carnival. We cruised HAL a few years ago and really disliked it. BORING (although service and food were amazing).

Although my girls do not need all the "bells and whistles", we do like to have something to do in the evening.

You didn't mention anything about entertainment/shows. Did you attend any and if so, how were they?

Would love to hear from others as well.

Thanks.

 

 

If Princess worked for you, Celebrity will too.  These two lines are more alike than different.

[CA_Cruzing]

On 6/10/2019 at 4:39 PM, hcat said:

definition of OLDEN....Merriam Webster Dictionary

 adjective

old·en | \ ˈōl-dən  \

: of or relating to a bygone era

 

Not a Noun!....there are better  words to decribe older adults or seniors

crotchety. Oops, another adjective. Sorry. 

[mayleeman]

On 6/10/2019 at 7:18 PM, poncho1973 said:

I'm not just making a blanket statement about older folks, although, it does seem like it has been taken that way by at least 1 poster in this thread

I think it was more than one. When a comment gets over a dozen "likes" it seems to not be an outlier as you might think.

 

But I think if you hadn't put the comment in your section with the things you disliked or found lacking, you might have found a more receptive audience. Context is everything.

 

When I saw the comments about counting, I was reminded of the waltz lessons my wife and I took before our wedding so we could do our dance to Bette Midler's "The Rose".  Everyone was smiling and cheering (they knew I was the most reluctant dancer ever), and afterwards we all laughed when people good-naturedly kidded me about being glad I could count to 3 so many times.

 

Reading your post about the dancing was right next to the gripe about bad oldens driving scooters badly. So it felt like disapproval--pointing and laughing AT someone rather than appreciating and sharing the joy of someone concentrating hard to enjoy what is likely one of the few physical activities available to them at an an advanced age. The AM comments are cute--but misplaced: older people with memory issues may also revert to counting unconsciously to help them.

 

I think you probably meant your comments good naturedly. But it wouldn't hurt to acknowledge that to many it came across as "they should not be out there if they can't do it right" and thus was a bit tone deaf. When a lot of people don't understand your meaning, it is on you, not them.

 

 

[The Fun Researcher]

Note to self:

 

...a bunch of seemingly overly sensitive folks in this forum.

 

Dan

[PTC DAWG]

Are there USB ports in the balcony staterooms now?   

 

Changing gears from the folks counting and dancing.  Hopefully, one day I get old enough to count and dance.  

Edited June 12, 2019 by PTC DAWG

[mayleeman]

By the way, what type of cabin is J2? I cannot find it anywhere in cabin code lists. 

[chemmo]

1 hour ago, The Fun Researcher said:

Note to self:

 

...a bunch of seemingly overly sensitive folks in this forum.

 

Dan

I hope always sensitivity is a key ingredient to this site..

[hcat]

3 hours ago, mayleeman said:

I think it was more than one. When a comment gets over a dozen "likes" it seems to not be an outlier as you might think.

 

But I think if you hadn't put the comment in your section with the things you disliked or found lacking, you might have found a more receptive audience. Context is everything.

 

When I saw the comments about counting, I was reminded of the waltz lessons my wife and I took before our wedding so we could do our dance to Bette Midler's "The Rose".  Everyone was smiling and cheering (they knew I was the most reluctant dancer ever), and afterwards we all laughed when people good-naturedly kidded me about being glad I could count to 3 so many times.

 

Reading your post about the dancing was right next to the gripe about bad oldens driving scooters badly. So it felt like disapproval--pointing and laughing AT someone rather than appreciating and sharing the joy of someone concentrating hard to enjoy what is likely one of the few physical activities available to them at an an advanced age. The AM comments are cute--but misplaced: older people with memory issues may also revert to counting unconsciously to help them.

 

I think you probably meant your comments good naturedly. But it wouldn't hurt to acknowledge that to many it came across as "they should not be out there if they can't do it right" and thus was a bit tone deaf. When a lot of people don't understand your meaning, it is on you, not them.

 

 

Thank you for your post.  I found the term "olden" irksome.. but maybe that's the OPs usual lingo so giving benefit of the doubt,

 

There are.already enough negs about older, senior cruisers on CC and elsewhere and way too much "pigeonholing " of people as oldens midlins and youngins!

 

X has always skewed a bit older but   is also known for a well traveled, interesting and dynamic group of cruisers of all ages and backgrounds,....we enjoy that.

 

Review did raise  good points about scooter  driving safety on board

 

And please excuse me if I count  while doing my reps in the gym!

[The Fun Researcher]

2 hours ago, chemmo said:

I hope always sensitivity is a key ingredient to this site..

 

The key word in my comment was "overly"  😉

 

...and FWIW I love seeing all ages of passengers on a cruise ship.  Young, middle age, old, older...  as long as they are having fun and not being a nuisance to fellow guests.  I'm a bit of an old soul myself sometimes and love conversations with generations significantly older than me, but I also love dancing and drinking to the latest beats out on the dance floor as well.

 

P.S.  I'm hoping I make it long enough to be counting steps to ballroom dances.

 

Dan

Edited June 12, 2019 by The Fun Researcher

[true45]

7 hours ago, mayleeman said:

I think it was more than one. When a comment gets over a dozen "likes" it seems to not be an outlier as you might think.

 

But I think if you hadn't put the comment in your section with the things you disliked or found lacking, you might have found a more receptive audience. Context is everything.

 

When I saw the comments about counting, I was reminded of the waltz lessons my wife and I took before our wedding so we could do our dance to Bette Midler's "The Rose".  Everyone was smiling and cheering (they knew I was the most reluctant dancer ever), and afterwards we all laughed when people good-naturedly kidded me about being glad I could count to 3 so many times.

 

Reading your post about the dancing was right next to the gripe about bad oldens driving scooters badly. So it felt like disapproval--pointing and laughing AT someone rather than appreciating and sharing the joy of someone concentrating hard to enjoy what is likely one of the few physical activities available to them at an an advanced age. The AM comments are cute--but misplaced: older people with memory issues may also revert to counting unconsciously to help them.

 

I think you probably meant your comments good naturedly. But it wouldn't hurt to acknowledge that to many it came across as "they should not be out there if they can't do it right" and thus was a bit tone deaf. When a lot of people don't understand your meaning, it is on you, not them.

 

 

Right 

When I was learning ballet as a child, counting was a big part of more structured dances as opposed to today’s more free form improvisation.  I heard mocking tone also.

[Oceangoer2]

On 6/8/2019 at 8:57 PM, poncho1973 said:

The less good:

• Some of the service.  I don't want to sound entitled or bratty in any way, but my wife and I looked at each other last night as we were packing and said that we never felt special AT ALL on this entire trip to that point.   What...no red carpet? Someone forgot you were coming?
• Elite status.  After the goodies you get as a Diamond on Royal, being Elite on Celebrity was like being Gold on Royal.  You really don't get much at all.  The Captain's Club event on 5 of 7 nights was like the Diamond Lounge's ugly stepsister.  They had 3 canapes each night and the options on the drink list were really light.  It's no wonder the place was a ghost town!  Finding a seat wasn't a problem, you could have almost any seat!  You counted the canapes??
• The oldens.  Holy crap was the age of this cruise INSANELY HIGHER than any cruise we've been on in the Caribbean.  So many hover-rounds!  So, so, so, so many smashed feet because the people driving them were crazy!  So many wheelchairs and canes!  So many Arthur Murray dance lesson graduates!  My wife said it was cute to watch them dance their routines and watch them mouth the step counts, but it was also very Stepford.  I'm no dancing judge, but it seems like dancing should be about feeling and not counting.  But if a song was playing, there was an A-M graduate couple out there counting! You seemed to have spent a lot of time watching;  must have been enjoyable making fun of those getting exercise while you were sitting.  So much perfume in the elevator!  AS A SIDEBAR, the i-Lounge was so funny and great for older folks.  There was always a line in there of older folks asking for help on their phones or tablets.  They had daily classes to teach people how to use them.  Now getting beyond the absurd that you canvassed so many venues looking for 'oldens' - is there such a word? - to 'review' their habits.
• The specialty dining or our lack thereof.  We tried to get in and they simply don't return phone calls.  I called the day of once and managed to get a real person, he told me that I could ONLY get Le Petite Chef and ONLY at 9pm.  No thanks.  But then we spoke to several people who said their specialty dining was mostly empty.  I called twice more and was forced to leave a message... no returned calls.  They must not have wanted our money.  The second-to-last night we were walking the hallways after dinner and peeped in on 3.  Tuscan was 1/2 empty.  Morano looked like pretty empty.  Sushi on 5 was empty except for 3 tables.  A guy offered us lunch the next day for $30 or dinner for $25... we were on it!  Why did it take until the last day? Staffing depends on preceding reservations in almost any 'fine dining' venue...being the special person you are, you must have known that.  Or did you expect, because you were so special, that a table would be set especially for you.
• Everything cost more, or at least almost everything.  Then again, it's the upgraded line, so people with more money come on it?  Bland sarcasm here.  Money doesn't buy class...again, you must know that being so special.

 

It was our first experience on X.  I think I'd like to try Edge or one of her sisters at some point in the future, but from this very limited experience, I'm not seeing how X is the future for us.  We'll try again, for sure, but after several people IRL told us we'd never go back to Royal after we "moved up to X" I think that it just isn't the case.  It's not going to be a regular thing for us.  Not sure you will be missed.

 

 

 

Bullet point style is very effective when reviewing;  generally agree with your opinions with the exception of alluding to those older than you (or am I guessing you're on the brink and afraid that will be you in a few years?).  You seem to enjoy demeaning those who must use these equipments in their later years.  If you are so young and agile, it should be easy to evade the oldsters' bumper cars hitting your knees.

 

That being said, you also come across as somewhat uppity.  You say you never felt 'special'...that may be because you aren't 'special'.  Staff responds to the way they are treated by the guest.  Doesn't help if the guest ensures, in some manner, that the staff member feels he/she is there to serve a very 'special' person and the guest is somewhat condescending to them.

Edited June 13, 2019 by oceangoer2

[mlmbar]

On 6/9/2019 at 9:29 PM, hcat said:

 

  Aegism  is alive and well in this thread.  More so than I imagined.  Use of the term "oldens" is also a new one on me.... 

 

 I agree that the  reckless scooter driving does need to be addressed by X as it can be a safety hazard to others as you have noted True, esp  with respect to the huge oversized ones driven by  untrained operators.  But some  of the things you find hilarious..just aren't.   Unfortunately, rude,  selfish cruisers and those who smell  from various  items like perfume, cologne, alcohol, body odor and bad breath, etc. are not  confined to any particular age category,,,not as far as we noticed.

 

Not all X  ships and itins are filled with  out of control scooter drivers.  It really depends on  the sail date , port cruised from and pricing,..Hope you continue to find  more  compatible pax on Royal C, we will continue enjoying X.. esp S Class and  Edge which had a great energetic vibe throughout.

 

I could not agree more! So people who are older are just supposed to wither away in a nursing home? There ARE younger people requiring scooters, etc due to a disability. Such insensitivity is appalling. My friend and I are in our 60s and do not consider ourselves over the hill and could outrun many who are much younger. I  resent the ageism and disrespect here. 

[sjb317]

Nice review and based on our experiences with Celebrity, my opinion is you are pretty accurate.😀  We enjoy Celebrity but Royal is our first choice.  However, When Celebrity offers a better price, we grab it!

 

We will be on Equinox in 2 weeks so will see how our week compares with yours. We may be  among the “counting dancers” but our’s is Fred Astaire instead of Arthur. 😂

 

Sherri🙂

[Cruise a holic]

Thank you for the review.  I would suggest if you go on the Edge or another Celebrity ship, book your dining reservations in advance.  Never had a problem regarding times or venues when done on line or with a agent on the phone.  We found that the aqua café was open much longer then you stated, perhaps you got their too late- but yes they have small portions- but IMO good as other meals are so high in calories! 

 

If you can do it, a suite is excellent- the price of a sky suite, entry level with Celebrity, is much cheaper then booking a royal grand suite,  and the suite perks are great on celebrity.  We are Elite plus members with Celebrity and Diamond with Royal- without the reciprocity. We enjoy both.  Entertainment much better on Royal, but service and IMO food better on Celebrity also the all inclusive rates are great-

 

  When we travel with family with young children, Royal a better fit- but we enjoy both when traveling ourselves  IMO the only exception is the Quantum ships, which we didn't like at all.

 

We will be on the Equinox in a few weeks and the Harmony of the seas in January.  We  look forward to our cruises-

 

Edited June 13, 2019 by Cruise a holic

[hcat]

On 6/11/2019 at 7:37 AM, TheCount said:

..................excerpt:

We have both Celeb & Royal booked over the next 6 months, and strongly considering a Caribbean all inclusive adult as a comparison. They end up around the same cost when factoring travel and flights.

 

We cruise in AQ Class...no suites yet and   have done Sandals Bahamas...Concierge level.   Price was about the same, service was  superior from the time we landed to time we left.   Our huge balcony oceanview room was amazing, including a spa like bathroom.

 

Great restaurants, excellent spa and gym,  a private island offshore with a pool and restaurant .  Main campus had a quiet pool and a party pool.  Nightly events,   We prefer cruising  overall  but it was certainly a nice change of pace.!

 

Change is good every so often

 

Edited June 13, 2019 by hcat

[Oceangoer2]

On 6/11/2019 at 12:05 PM, deeva211 said:

 

He was the opening CD on the Edge.  He was awful.  Almost no activities planned.  He was replaced after just a couple of cruises. 

This is odd....when Martin was CD on one of our cruises, he was MUCH loved, funny, young in his approach to keeping us 'oldens' happy and the somewhat younger set as well;  we thought he'd be a natural on the Edge.  Seems a few of the approaches to troll for younger sailors was mistaken and now they're re-thinking some of what they thought would work.  Maybe hiring a YOUNG(er) marketing team for suggestions and implementation?

[CikraB]

On ‎6‎/‎10‎/‎2019 at 9:34 AM, PTC DAWG said:

 

Did the OP give his age, or did I miss it? 

 

Any drink package or bar comments? 

 

 

Was on this ship last Nov and will be back on it for 11 nights in Oct. The premium package is well worth the upgrade as it adds some nice wines and spirits to the mix as well as specialty drinks at the World Class bar. For instance, if you like vodka they offer Stoli Elite. Also, X and RCL do not limit your drinks to 15 per day. Taking the 5th on if I did or didn't surpass that number........

[Oceangoer2]

6 minutes ago, hcat said:

We cruise in AQ Class...no suites yet and   have done Sandals Bahamas...Concierge level.   Price was about the same, service was  superior from the time we landed to time we left.   Our huge balcony oceanview room was amazing, including a spa like bathroom.

 

Great restaurants, excellent spa and gym,  a private island offshore with a pool and restaurant .  Maun campus had a quiet pool and a party pool.  Nightly events,   We prefer cruising  overall  but it was certainly a nice change of pace.!

 

Change is good every so often

 

This is interesting...we're looking into a land holiday after many years cruising.  Considered Sandals further into the Caribbean.  What time of year were you there, how was the weather/ocean (Atlantic side is generally rougher waters), and did the buildings appear old?  I'm always concerned that with so much traffic in these resorts they become run down.  Thanks for your opinion, although this is off-topic.

Edited June 13, 2019 by oceangoer2

[CA_Cruzing]

1 hour ago, oceangoer2 said:

This is interesting...we're looking into a land holiday after many years cruising.  Considered Sandals further into the Caribbean.  What time of year were you there, how was the weather/ocean (Atlantic side is generally rougher waters), and did the buildings appear old?  I'm always concerned that with so much traffic in these resorts they become run down.  Thanks for your opinion, although this is off-topic.

"and did the buildings appear old?" - nice trick there sliding in the "old" word.

 

while reading this thread, IMO, people a way too serious about age. age is a frame of mind. without "older" people there wouldn't be younger people. and if only "old" people sail X then who will sail when the "old" are gone? we are mutually dependent.

 

let's just all cruise and have some fun. i learn a lot from my "older" clients and i have a lot of fun with my "younger" clients.

 

let it all go. life is too short to B&M about age and how others experience life.

 

 

[Lastdance]

It is always good to do your homework before trying something new.  As for feeling “special” that is intrinsic in my case, each and every time I am able to get away and cruise to Europe...I have been watching this thread about Equinox and feel that so far, it is not the right ship for my DH and I, even though we both enjoyed it many years ago...will wait and see what other updates are planned, if any at all!  Just doing my homework and not blaming at all; I am responsible for my own happiness...