Equinox 9/17 LIVE BLOG; Aqua Class - 1st Time Celebrity! Let’s Cruise!

[TravelBluebird]

11 hours ago, NBliving said:

We are sailing in April with two other couples and I think the Flash Mob would be so fun to do!! Thanks for sharing about this.  I will keep my eyes open onboard 🙂 

 

Yes; it’s so much fun, and easy to do! Just look for the Flash Mob rehearsal on your first sea day; its listed in the activities!

[leafsnation]

We are on the Equinox Nov 7! As will be in transit to FLL be no way to complete health questionaire 24 hours before. Can we just fill it out at checkin?

How detailed was it not before it was pretty basic.

Thanks.

Bob

[TravelBluebird]

40 minutes ago, leafsnation said:

We are on the Equinox Nov 7! As will be in transit to FLL be no way to complete health questionaire 24 hours before. Can we just fill it out at checkin?

How detailed was it not before it was pretty basic.

Thanks.

Bob

 

We did ours on our Celebrity iPhone app the day before at the hotel in FLL. It was very basic and quick to do.

[TravelBluebird]

We breezed through disembarkation. We were group 28 out of 30, and we were not supposed to be called till 9:10 but were called at 8:45.

 

Made our way to the gangplank on Deck 5 midship with no lines; said goodbye to Cruise Director Eddy and Peter who were saying goodbye to guests, and then an easy grab of our luggage. And then that amazing facial recognition technology—out of the terminal without even having to take our passports out of our bag!

 

 We are back at the Press & Grind Cafe to use Internet, get caffeinated further, and use up some time so we are not at the airport waiting for our 2:55 flight all day.  It was a $9 Uber fare from the terminal, quick and easy.

[TravelBluebird]

And since Russ is intrigued with the operations of a ship, he snapped a couple photos of the giant fuel trucks coming to refuel the Equinox as we got off:

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

I just realized I didn’t blog our final night on the ship! So here goes.

 

We met up with our new cruise friends Pam and Doug at the Martini Bar for our last pre-show/dinner drinks.  I could not resist another Lycheetini (Lychee reminds me of Japan and my daughter who lives there). We took photos, conversed, and then headed to the Equinox Theater for our final production entertainment show “Life.”

All the performers shined in this, but a special shout-out to the dancers; as they gave their best performance in this one (kudos to the choreographer as well!). We had fun picking out our great dance instructors from the week, Kayla, Devon, Jed and Barrett in the cast.

 

After the show, our final dinner in Blu,  Started with the Grilled Tamarind Glaze Quail  (quite nice!) and then my wonderful waiter Calet told me the Grilled RibEye was the way to go for the evening, and he didn’t steer me wrong (never did once!) so it was delicious. Finished the evening off with a biscuit and chocolat mousse creation (not on the menu; they must have run out of the Tiramisu!). We were seated next to another couple we befriended on the cruise, Emily and Ryan, and the dinner conversation was wonderful; they are working with Celebrity on an interesting app that I’ll tell you all about once I’m home!

 

Shout outs to the amazing service we received all week in Blu from our waiter Calet (from Honduras), our assistant waiter Milan (from Serbia) host and hostess (not sure of official titles, Maitre D?) Franco and  Amelia (from Romania)  (so much energy!)  and our Sommelier Dennis.  If you see any of them on a future cruise, please say hello from us!

 

We talked for so long that we had about 10 minutes to change into today’s clothing, stuff last night’s dinner clothing into our luggage, and get the luggage out into the hall. Svetlana (the absolutely best cabin steward we’ve ever had!) was literally waiting, very concerned, outside our door for the luggage!) We got it into the hall with minutes to spare on the 10pm deadline.

 

And then...Silent Disco!  It was battle of the DJs; 3 channels, 60s/70s; 80s/90s and Millennials.  It was fun to switch back and forth on the different channels! You’d see your friends all grooving on a different channel, and switch and join them!  Shout out to the amazing, fun group from Tampa who we danced with last night and who lit up the ship, excursions, everything with their zest for life and travel!

 

Husband turned in, and I closed the casino down. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip (and I knew I wasn’t going to sleep anyway; never do the night before a travel day!) 

[TeaBag]

I really enjoyed all your posts and pictures.  It looks like you have only a little over an hour before you fly.  Safe journey home.

I loved that you said "till next time" because that means you had a great cruise.

Now that you have sailed with Celebrity you are a Captains Club member and the next cruise you choose will be eligible for the one category upgrade.  So, if you loved AQ class you choose the AQ 1 cabin you like and pay the lower price of the AQ2.  This does not apply to suites or Concierge class 1 for the price of C2.  Those are the only exceptions.  Also, this has to be applied when you are booking.

[KJMommy04]

3 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

I just realized I didn’t blog our final night on the ship! So here goes.

 

We met up with our new cruise friends Pam and Doug at the Martini Bar for our last pre-show/dinner drinks.  I could not resist another Lycheetini (Lychee reminds me of Japan and my daughter who lives there). We took photos, conversed, and then headed to the Equinox Theater for our final production entertainment show “Life.”

All the performers shined in this, but a special shout-out to the dancers; as they gave their best performance in this one (kudos to the choreographer as well!). We had fun picking out our great dance instructors from the week, Kayla, Devon, Jed and Barrett in the cast.

 

After the show, our final dinner in Blu,  Started with the Grilled Tamarind Glaze Quail  (quite nice!) and then my wonderful waiter Calet told me the Grilled RibEye was the way to go for the evening, and he didn’t steer me wrong (never did once!) so it was delicious. Finished the evening off with a biscuit and chocolat mousse creation (not on the menu; they must have run out of the Tiramisu!). We were seated next to another couple we befriended on the cruise, Emily and Ryan, and the dinner conversation was wonderful; they are working with Celebrity on an interesting app that I’ll tell you all about once I’m home!

 

Shout outs to the amazing service we received all week in Blu from our waiter Calet (from Honduras), our assistant waiter Milan (from Serbia) host and hostess (not sure of official titles, Maitre D?) Franco and  Amelia (from Romania)  (so much energy!)  and our Sommelier Dennis.  If you see any of them on a future cruise, please say hello from us!

 

We talked for so long that we had about 10 minutes to change into today’s clothing, stuff last night’s dinner clothing into our luggage, and get the luggage out into the hall. Svetlana (the absolutely best cabin steward we’ve ever had!) was literally waiting, very concerned, outside our door for the luggage!) We got it into the hall with minutes to spare on the 10pm deadline.

 

And then...Silent Disco!  It was battle of the DJs; 3 channels, 60s/70s; 80s/90s and Millennials.  It was fun to switch back and forth on the different channels! You’d see your friends all grooving on a different channel, and switch and join them!  Shout out to the amazing, fun group from Tampa who we danced with last night and who lit up the ship, excursions, everything with their zest for life and travel!

 

Husband turned in, and I closed the casino down. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip (and I knew I wasn’t going to sleep anyway; never do the night before a travel day!) 

Thank you so much for your review and your photos! Perhaps I missed them, but do you have photos of your room? We are considering booking an Aqua Class room on the Equinox and are wondering what the refurbishment meant for the staterooms. Did you feel the staterooms had been refreshed nicely? Thank you! 

[dgoz]

On 9/25/2021 at 4:38 PM, TravelBluebird said:

 

You sign up in the casino either in advance or right prior to the tournament starting. 

 

There is a buy-in; it varies, on Celebrity this cruise there was a $25 buy-in.

 

There is an area of identical slot machines that is the tournament area. Your name is on the machine you are supposed to go to (it is randomly selected on Celebrity). 

 

There is a countdown and on 3, 2, 1 GO, you furiously hit your slot machine button, trying to be the person who scores the most points in the 3 minutes. For this particular tournament, there was a side game where if a balloon appeared you had 3 seconds to screen-touch pop-it for 1,000 to 5,000 bonus points. You press your “bet” button furiously till your hand hurts!

 

It sounds silly, but its lots of fun. You’ll get messages on your machine showing what place you are in (when I won, I was back and forth from 1st to 2nd for the final minute; so I didn’t know if I had won until results were “final”)

 

There are several rounds depending on how many people enter. Top 10 people from all rounds go to the final round to compete for the prize or prizes. Celebrity just did a top prize of $500 in casino credit.  On Carnival, they also give out “swag” prizes to the runners up (t-shirts, hats, water bottles, etc).

 

There were at least 3 slot tournaments on this cruise; The first one I played with my husband; we both got to the final on that one but ended in 9th and 7th I think. The one yesterday which I won, and one today which I decided to not play in; I had my luck already and it was good!

 

Thanks! That does sound like fun!

[countess5]

TravelBluebird says…………………………don’t leave without us! 🥲

 

 

Thanks again for sharing your time away with all of us CC family!

So glad you enjoyed Celebrity, she will welcome you back again.

 

Cheers! 

[TravelBluebird]

7 hours ago, TeaBag said:

I really enjoyed all your posts and pictures.  It looks like you have only a little over an hour before you fly.  Safe journey home.

I loved that you said "till next time" because that means you had a great cruise.

Now that you have sailed with Celebrity you are a Captains Club member and the next cruise you choose will be eligible for the one category upgrade.  So, if you loved AQ class you choose the AQ 1 cabin you like and pay the lower price of the AQ2.  This does not apply to suites or Concierge class 1 for the price of C2.  Those are the only exceptions.  Also, this has to be applied when you are booking.

 

Thank you for the info; I didn’t know about the one category upgrade!

 

And I most definitely had a great cruise, and will cruise with Celebrity again; I can’t wait till next time!

[TravelBluebird]

7 hours ago, KJMommy04 said:

Thank you so much for your review and your photos! Perhaps I missed them, but do you have photos of your room? We are considering booking an Aqua Class room on the Equinox and are wondering what the refurbishment meant for the staterooms. Did you feel the staterooms had been refreshed nicely? Thank you! 

 

I did get images of the room with my wide angle lens! I will post them for you tomorrow.

 

I don’t know what the refresh was since this was my first cruise with Celebrity, but I did overall like the Stateroom size and furnishings. The update I’d most like to see would be more plugs for electronics; especially would like to see one plug or usb by the bedside tables.

[TravelBluebird]

We have returned home. 

 

It was a trouble-free travel day today; quite unlike our trip TO Fort Lauderdale!

 

Plane on time, no accidents or traffic on the highway.

 

We are home and unpacking, then off to bed!  I’ll post some additional information I didn’t get to during the week and some final thoughts, and I’m happy to continue to answer any questions.

[jimbri]

Thank you so much for a wonderful review.

[SonuvaBeach]

15 hours ago, countess5 said:

TravelBluebird says…………………………don’t leave without us! 🥲

 

 

Thanks again for sharing your time away with all of us CC family!

So glad you enjoyed Celebrity, she will welcome you back again.

 

Cheers! 

HI! I like you photo very much! May I use it in my youtube video for this cruise?

[countess5]

3 minutes ago, SonuvaBeach said:

HI! I like you photo very much! May I use it in my youtube video for this cruise?

Sure! 

[SonuvaBeach]

On 9/26/2021 at 7:03 AM, countess5 said:

Welcome Back!

 

 

Cheers!

I know I may be pushing my luck, but can I steal..um I mean USE ...this pic too? It is very rare to get a shot of the ship I am/was on all lit up.   I will give you credit for the photos in  the video!

[countess5]

4 minutes ago, SonuvaBeach said:

I know I may be pushing my luck, but can I steal..um I mean USE ...this pic too? It is very rare to get a shot of the ship I am/was on all lit up.   I will give you credit for the photos in  the video!

No worries, go a head and share! 

[blueboro]

We just returned from the same cruise...party of 8.  We were on the same return flight as you bluebird to Nashville.  This was a great cruise and I am spoiled with only 1/3 ship capacity.  Everyone, crew and passengers, seemed so happy to be back and was able to forget about Covid for a few days. 

 

We had 12:30-1:00 check-in, arrived at about 12:10 and were immediately allowed to proceed to check-in.  Keep your vaccination card out until you get onboard...you will be asked to show it numerous times.  Once on board, masks came off and time to enjoy being back at sea.

 

Food and service were excellent.  Of all the times we have eaten at Murano, this was the best.  We even had the special private dining room.  Ate at Tuscan the first evening and, honestly, by that time we were so tired I don't remember much about it although it was good.

 

I was shocked upon departure we never had to show our passport to customs...a photo was taken and we were out waiting for transport.

 

By the way, mentioned Constellation was in port but it was not sailing.  I believe they had just completed the transatlantic.  We are on her in March hopefully.  

 

Not sure I can go back to full ships😉

[TravelBluebird]

4 hours ago, blueboro said:

Not sure I can go back to full ships😉

 

Same here! The final day, this was a big topic of conversation with other passengers.  Going to be so hard to go back to full ships after experiencing one so empty, which allowed us all to be so spoiled!

 

My next cruise, I’m going to try to remember how unique this situation was and keep reminding myself it cannot be replicated.  Also going to frequently remind myself that I did enjoy all my prior cruises when they were at full capacity. 

[taylortime05]

On 9/17/2021 at 10:09 AM, MartinsCruise said:

I've just caught up with your stressful adventure getting to the airport yesterday and am so happy that everything turned out ok.  We're waiting at our hotel until it's time to call an Uber.  Last night we met a couple of band members who are getting on to do just one show (a tribute to the 50's) on the third night.  I'm so ready for the welcome on board glass of bubbly!!!  See you at the Sunset Bar.

I think we met at the Blu and then at the pool deck.  We're Rick and Sue from Michigan.  Were the band members you met the  Jared Freiburg & The Vagabonds?  We really enjoyed their show.

[MartinsCruise]

11 hours ago, taylortime05 said:

I think we met at the Blu and then at the pool deck.  We're Rick and Sue from Michigan.  Were the band members you met the  Jared Freiburg & The Vagabonds?  We really enjoyed their show.

I do remember seeing you but didn't realize you were on the boards.  With the ship sailing at such a reduced capacity, we met a lot of nice people who we kept seeing throughout the cruise.  This was one of our favorites!  I'm not sure which band they were in since we didn't see the show.  

[MartinsCruise]

On 9/26/2021 at 1:49 PM, KJMommy04 said:

Thank you so much for your review and your photos! Perhaps I missed them, but do you have photos of your room? We are considering booking an Aqua Class room on the Equinox and are wondering what the refurbishment meant for the staterooms. Did you feel the staterooms had been refreshed nicely? Thank you! 

We were also in Aqua and had been there before the renovation so maybe I can help a little.  The carpet, drapes and bedding were new but all the build-ins and bathroom were the same as before.  The reclining chairs, footstools and table on the veranda were new.  I thought it was in very good shape.

[Tortu31]

On 9/14/2021 at 1:13 PM, jms68 said:

Looking forward to your review.  We're on the Equinox 9 day ABC in October...anxiously counting down the days!!

Thanks to Travelbird! We are in prep mode and also joining next week's Equinox 9 day ABC cruise.  Living carefully and cautiously to get through tests.  

[Tortu31]

On 9/15/2021 at 9:42 AM, MartinsCruise said:

 

Good luck with your tests.  We did our BinaxNow tests this morning and we're both negative.  Whew!

What was it like to set up EMed? Tx.