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

[TravelBluebird]

Me at Sail Away (right before the rain started) thanks to @SonuvaBeach and the barest sliver of sunset after the rains stopped 

[rastone79]

“ The only discounts for Aqua Class for treatments were on monster packages of $1,000 in treatments; you save $200...not useful AT ALL; I wish there was a general percentage off individual treatments for Aqua.”

 

I thought the same thing that Aqua class received discounts on individual spa treatments …. My wife loves her spa time which was part of the reason I booked Aqua class.  That’s disappointing.  

[cruising sister]

20 minutes ago, rastone79 said:

“ The only discounts for Aqua Class for treatments were on monster packages of $1,000 in treatments; you save $200...not useful AT ALL; I wish there was a general percentage off individual treatments for Aqua.”

 

I thought the same thing that Aqua class received discounts on individual spa treatments …. My wife loves her spa time which was part of the reason I booked Aqua class.  That’s disappointing.  

They will start offering specials for spa treatments as the days go on. Especially if people are not signing up for treatments. I have had some great deals on slow spa cruises. 

[jemttill]

12 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

 

Busy day! Back in our room finally; its nearly 11pm!  The only reason I’m careful on a cruise is that I LOVE food so much. And I’m short, so if I gain 3 pounds on a cruise, its like a whole dress size!  Although I only eat 2 meals at home, I definitely get more calories on a cruise ship (including all the alcoholic drinks I don’t normally drink) but they get offset by all the walking! And exercise classes. Doing a Pulse Barre class in the morning! 

 

But these ;problems (trying not to gain weight on a cruise ship) are the kinds of problems I’m happy to have!

 

And unfortunately (well, fortunately really) food at home is great and Russ is the main cook, so I definitely gained those COVID pounds!

 

 

I'm 5' tall, which I guess is really 5' short!  Used to be I could eat or drink whatever I wanted on a cruise and not gain any weight due to the walking.  Then it changed and I would gain a couple of pounds on a 7 night cruise, but I'd drop it within a week of getting home.  Now, I gain 2-3 pounds and it sticks like glue.  Age and metabolism I guess.  But I agree, not going to stop me from cruising!  I feel lucky to have the opportunity to gain weight and worry about losing it!  Thank you for taking the time to do this! We love Celebrity and the Equinox is one of our favorite ships.

[39august]

Bluebird, what is a pulse barre class, please and how strenuous? I've been doing cardio for over 30 years, but getting a bit old for anything too demanding!

[TravelBluebird]

3 hours ago, 39august said:

Bluebird, what is a pulse barre class, please and how strenuous? I've been doing cardio for over 30 years, but getting a bit old for anything too demanding!

 

Hi all! I’ve had lots of internet troubles, even with the streaming package, but I think I’ll be able to catch everyone up now and answer some questions. Fingers crossed!

 

Pulse Barre is a mix of Ballet, Yoga and Pilates moves...all of them small and controlled, to help “sculpt” muscles.  No high intensity on quick moves or high impact BUT lots of repetitions; I could not finish all of them.  Definitely not a cardio class, nor does it involve a barre!

 

I definitely felt the burn though and may do it again on our last 2 sea days.

[Susanb10567]

Following along…I don’t have the ABC Equinox sailing until 2/23 but have a couple of Edge sailings before that…

Have a wonderful cruise 🚢 

 

[TravelBluebird]

My current glorious view! I lose an internet bar by coming out on my balcony, but it’s just a slow/fast as inside.  It’s lovely; I’m in the shade and the sky is blue and the ocean...ahh!  You can barely see it but note that the foot rests were on my balcony, which I was very happy about!

 

 

[39august]

Thanks for the description. Probably not for me. I do not like yoga

[TravelBluebird]

1 minute ago, Susanb10567 said:

Following along…I don’t have the ABC Equinox sailing until 2/23 but have a couple of Edge sailings before that…

Have a wonderful cruise 🚢 

 

If you Live Blog the Edge, I’ll follow along! We already really love Celebrity and are definitely interested in trying the Edge!

[TravelBluebird]

Just now, 39august said:

Thanks for the description. Probably not for me. I do not like yoga

 

My husband is the Yoga nut! I’m more of a cardio/dance kinda gal, so I do Yoga with him (5pm tonight, not that I need another exercise class after the Pulse Bar and two dance classes today!) but just because he does the dance classes with me!

[TravelBluebird]

4 hours ago, jemttill said:

16 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

I'm 5' tall, which I guess is really 5' short!  Used to be I could eat or drink whatever I wanted on a cruise and not gain any weight due to the walking.  Then it changed and I would gain a couple of pounds on a 7 night cruise, but I'd drop it within a week of getting home.  Now, I gain 2-3 pounds and it sticks like glue.  Age and metabolism I guess.  But I agree, not going to stop me from cruising!  I feel lucky to have the opportunity to gain weight and worry about losing it!  Thank you for taking the time to do this! We love Celebrity and the Equinox is one of our favorite ships.

 

I’m 5’ tall/short too!  Yeah, I used to have an incredible metabolism; was 98 pounds dripping wet on my wedding day! And my metabolism was pretty darn good till about 5 years ago (I’m 60 now) when it decided to flee the building! If I gain, it sticks like glue too (becomes my new “set point”).  But like you, not stopping me from cruising either! And we really love Equinox so far!

[TravelBluebird]

4 hours ago, cruising sister said:

They will start offering specials for spa treatments as the days go on. Especially if people are not signing up for treatments. I have had some great deals on slow spa cruises. 

 

That is good to know; we’ll look for the specials! Still wish there was a set special discount for the Aqua Class bunch.

[TravelBluebird]

Today has been busy, busy, busy! Not for everyone on a cruise, I know, but if you want a run-down of the activities, I’m your blogger!  Family motto on trips is “we can sleep when we’re dead” so if you are traveling with Russ and I, you are on the move!

 

We started with breakfast at Blu at 8:15AM.  Had our wonderful waiter from last night Cordet. He has taken very good care of us; food always quick and hot!  We started with Macchiatos, and a tiny pastry, then I had the Eggs Benedict (with spinach and very very good) and Russ had 2 eggs etc. We both had the grilled mushrooms, a particular favorite of ours!  No potatoes on the menu, but both dishes came with a couple of little yukon gold-like potatoes:

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

Then I went off to my 9:15 Pulse Barre, and Russ walked. I then headed down to the casino to get us entered in the 2pm slot tournament, and played in the casino a bit. Hit an immediate $60 “bonus game” win! I’m no huge gambler, but I like little wins back and forth; if I can play for a long time and not lose TOO much,  I’m happy.

 

Then I met Russ for the 11:30 Salsa dance class, conducted by two of the cast members. It was an awesome class and we learned quite a few steps in the 1/2 hour!  I do wish they had a larger space to hold the dance classes; that central/grand foyer area is not very large at all, and the dance classes have had a decent turn out.

 

After that, in the same location, was the totally fun Flash Mob class. There may or may not be a flash mob somewhere on this boat sometimes on this cruise. Shh...if there is one, it’s supposed to be a secret! 

 

Then, we had some time in Persian Gardens (which we had reserved first day; evidently it fills up). LOVED the heated loungers with the calm ocean view; but for me the steam room was too hot and the sauna was not hot enough. Still was a very relaxing break; might not be for everyone if you have COVID social distancing concernts.

 

2pm was the aforementined slot tournament!  $25 buy in per person. Three rounds, top 9 people got to advance to the final where the prize was $500 casino credit and a shopping spree. We were in the first round, and managed to be #6 and #7; since top9 from all 3 rounds advanced, we figured that was the end of it. BUT...we had a lightning fast round, and so we made it into the final as #7 an #9!  Our odds of winning the $500 etc were good! BUT....not to be. Game was fun; it was a weird mix of slots and whack-a-mole, or in this instance; whack a ball—balloon; balloons popped up during the slot game and if you you touch screened them fast, you got extra points!  I did sanitize my hands immediately after playing both times (covid):

 

We grabbed some quick Cafe Baccio; I had a decaf iced coffee (good!) and Russ had a dirty Chai iced (also good!); both included in classic package. Back to the room!

 

[TravelBluebird]

Back at the room, we met our cabin steward Svetlana. She just started today (yesterday was her first day aboard). Great upbeat personality! Waiting at our room was our afternoon canapés. Little bites of 4 things; all things we liked and just enough to get us to our 8pm dinner at Murano  tonight:

 

The 4 items were: Shrimp Cocktail, Seared Tuna-Wasabi Mayo, Spanish Omelet with Aioli, and 2 very mini Chocolate Eclairs!

[Jim_Iain]

On 9/16/2021 at 8:02 PM, TravelBluebird said:

Thank you, everyone! I’m usually a bit of a night owl, but going to hit the pillow early tonight (in a few minutes!)

 

I’ll definitely report on the port experience tomorrow! Thanks for following along. 

 

A little aside; I didn’t know they had an improv show on the ship; late show, 10:15. I was in an improv troupe for a number of years; so I’m looking forward to that! 

 

And; I’m a little confused on when the Evening Chic nights are; can anyone help me sort that out? Looks like second sea day for the first one, and then is it 3rd or 4th full sea day at end of cruise? I booked at least 1 of my specialty restaurants on an Elegant Chic night and I want to make sure I didn’t book both on them; if so, I will try to move at least one of the reservations.

Chic nights are noted by bold print on 1st days itinerary.    On this cruise they are Sunday September 19th and Friday Sept 24th.

[Jim_Iain]

On 9/17/2021 at 10:50 AM, TeaBag said:

I see on the webcam that Connie is there with you and she is to sail an hour earlier.  I really like to watch other ships departing while we are waiting.

BTW, can the 2 of you watch the safety drill on the one app?  I ask because I don't have a cell phone and you think you're a dinosaur for using an SLR camera?

 

In case this isn't answered (i'm a bit behind in catching up).    You can watch it on your stateroom TV and verify you watched it.   Next all you have to do is stop by the Muster station and have your card scanned and a brief 45 second briefing. 

 

What was amazing was that 1 hour before sail away 9% of PAX had not completed this simple step.     When you enter your stateroom the Safety check is already active on youTV

Edited September 18, 2021 by Jim_Iain

[TravelBluebird]

OOH  sea birds! (the cruise version of LOOK A SQUIRREL!)

 

My only disappointment today was when I complained about my slow internet speed in spite of my $180 investment in streaming internet. It’s odd because if I stream a youtube video its OK; but loading web pages including Cruise Critic on my iPad is painfully show. I showed the tech person how slow, and I pretty much got a shrug of the shoulders, which is not an acceptable reaction. 

 

Our plans tonight are Slow Yoga, brief stop at Martini Bar, Topper show at 7pm (I know some of you long time Cruise Critic people have seen it multiple times and want a new show, but it is new to us!) Murano at 8 and then Cruise Line is it Anyway improv to top off the day.

 

I can’t believe this is just my first full day of the cruise!

 

A few gratuitous shots from the elevator, including the famous tree:

 

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

5 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Chic nights are noted by bold print on 1st days itinerary.    On this cruise they are Sunday September 19th and Friday Sept 24th.

Bold print! Thank you; I missed that. We have worked it out and arranged our specialty dining accordingly!

[TravelBluebird]

Ok, not a great picture, but I snapped it with my iPad. Can anyone tell me what type of sea bird this is?

 

[Jim_Iain]

Really enjoying you live report.   

[TravelBluebird]

I have not been snapping photos of all the menus and schedules etc; I know @Jim_Iain is in his marvelous Live Blog so you can find them all there; I will try to remember to get Blu Menus the rest of the week, as well as the specialty menus!

[TravelBluebird]

1 minute ago, Jim_Iain said:

Really enjoying you live report.

 

And I am really enjoying yours! I have a whole day of yours to catch up on, now that my internet is working again!  And I hope I see you on the ship!

Edited September 18, 2021 by TravelBluebird

[hcat]

16 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

Ok; photos may have to wait until I talk to the internet people tomorrow; I only did iphone photos today, but they are stuck on my phone and I can’t get them to my iPad to post them here, since both devices can’t be online together (1 device at a time). 

 

That said, I did purchase the streaming internet which was $180 upgrade for the entire trip. Did it at the iLearning/internet place so I could check it out; nice facility; if I have time may try one of their classes.

 

Then we unpacked.At first I didn’t think everything would fit for neat storage, but we got 2 medium American Tourister and 2 small carry-ons worth of stuff all neatly stowed away. Wish there were some shelves in closet for tee-shirts and stuff, but I worked it out. Love all the storage in the bathroom; being vertically challenged, the over-the-bed storage is not useful to me, but I figured out what I could put up there that my husband would have to reach for me (I mean I can reach it if I stand on the bed!).

 

I did check out the “Aqua Class Reception” at 4:15. Since I had already taken the spa tour, not very useful except I did get to see the little outside relaxation area with sun chairs that I missed on the tour.  The only discounts for Aqua Class for treatments were on monster packages of $1,000 in treatments; you save $200...not useful AT ALL; I wish there was a general percentage off individual treatments for Aqua. And 3 free classes is OK but not overly generous; we’ll have to pay for additional fitness classes.

As cruise progresses look for Spa treatment specials!  They always have them.  Also try port pricing discount  ( ship must  actually be in the port to apply)