Observations From The Poop Deck Christmas/New Years Equinox

[skatelady]

We were booked but cancelled on the 15th.  If we were American we probably would have sailed but too much talk about the possibility of the Canadian border closing. We would have gone without hesitation two weeks earlier.  I'm very curious about the number of cancellations they had for this sailing.  There were people from the Netherlands on the roll call too, you didn't mention that country in your list and it did go into strict lockdown.

[morpheusofthesea]

7 minutes ago, skatelady said:

There were people from the Netherlands on the roll call too, you didn't mention that country in your list and it did go into strict lockdown.

Yes and about 40 Mexicans. I suppose most, if not all these nationalities, are really 'closet' US citizens with homes in the US. We always found that when US citizens travel outside the US we try not to 'stand out', otherwise we are targets for abuse and to blame for our country's foreign policy. Reason number # one to travel and experience the world via cruise ships. It has been the safest mode of travel ever. When it comes to reason # two, food, some cruise lines do it better than others (gastrointestinal). Celebrity has been doing an exceptional job during this pandemic as well and it may become reason # three when all is said and done.

[morpheusofthesea]

I have found I spend an inordinate amount of time in my cabins shower. At least two if not three times a day, hence the need for so many extra towels. First and foremost is the waterfall shower head. Once one gets the temperature set properly it is a delight. Next are all the toiletries that just have to be used and allowed 'time' to do their magic. First is the shampoo (at home I just lather once), now my thinning scalp gets a 'deep' cleaning, followed by a copious amount of conditioner which must 'settle' itself in order to properly 'condition' what is left. Next, is the fragrant bar soap, followed by a body gel, and finally a fragrant (companion fragrance I'm sure) body lotion. 

[Lastdance]

Enjoying your posts; thanks for taking time away from your relaxing cruise to post for those of us stuck on land for now!  Healthy 2022!

Edited December 25, 2021 by Lastdance

[morpheusofthesea]

Just got out of the shower and DW told me the Captain just reported to us that 2 more have been tested positive and their contacts are negative. Total 5.

 Ship is now leaving St. Thomas.

Edited December 25, 2021 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

Well, Captain informed us at dinner that we have to return to St.Thomas for a medical emergency NOT covid related.

[morpheusofthesea]

6 hours ago, skatelady said:

I'm very curious about the number of cancellations they had for this sailing.  

While speaking to our Retreat Concierge about which Terminal we will be returning to, we asked how many cancellations this cruise. Of the 2108 booked, we sailed with about 1900, so 10% cancelled.

[Softball20]

Going on the Equinox on January 3 - curious to know how things are on board in terms of dining room table spacing, safety protocols, masking, etc. 

 

[morpheusofthesea]

1 minute ago, Softball20 said:

Going on the Equinox on January 3 - curious to know how things are on board in terms of dining room table spacing, safety protocols, masking, etc. 

 

Can only speak about our experience in the Retreat's Luminae. Staff is very accommodating with spacing concerned guests like ourselves. No masks required though many more passengers are wearing masks all the time (20% + ? ). We social distance ourselves. The lower the passenger count the easier it will be for one to avail oneselves of empty elevators. Went up on deck 14 this evening after show, no wind having returned to St Thomas for medical emergency and caught staff spraying every pool deck chair.

[lhsail]

Is there no seating at any of the bars, inside or out?

[morpheusofthesea]

4 minutes ago, lhsail said:

Is there no seating at any of the bars, inside or out?

What gives you this idea?

[lhsail]

1 minute ago, morpheusofthesea said:

What gives you this idea?

Just seems like they would discourage people from sitting at the bar due to the fact there can be no social distancing. 

[skatelady]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

While speaking to our Retreat Concierge about which Terminal we will be returning to, we asked how many cancellations this cruise. Of the 2108 booked, we sailed with about 1900, so 10% cancelled.

Thank you for satisfying my curiosity, much appreciated.

[morpheusofthesea]

6 minutes ago, lhsail said:

Just seems like they would discourage people from sitting at the bar due to the fact there can be no social distancing. 

It makes perfect sense, in a perfect world. We are dealing with 'hardcore' cruisers here. The bars are packed, the casino tables are full, we are all fully triple vaxed and 'mostly' adults. I 'hide out' in our cabin all morning and afternoon and take my 'chances' in general population for dinner and a show, thus I must have a Royal Suite or above. But I am an eccentric (to put it mildly).

[bnurick]

55 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Can only speak about our experience in the Retreat's Luminae. Staff is very accommodating with spacing concerned guests like ourselves. No masks required though many more passengers are wearing masks all the time (20% + ? ). We social distance ourselves. The lower the passenger count the easier it will be for one to avail oneselves of empty elevators. Went up on deck 14 this evening after show, no wind having returned to St Thomas for medical emergency and caught staff spraying every pool deck chair.

Thank you so much for the updates.  We are booked for the January 9th Southern Caribbean itinerary on the Equinox.  Could you ask which night they are doing the Chef’s Table dinner for your cruise?  Would be very helpful information.  Enjoy your cruise, Dominica is our favorite Port stop.  BN

[lhsail]

1 hour ago, lhsail said:

Just seems like they would discourage people from sitting at the bar due to the fact there can be no social distancing. 

Oops, I was following a Princess thread and a Celebrity these at the same time. I know from personal experience Celebrity is wide open. 🤦‍♀️

[morpheusofthesea]

This morning we are in lovely St. John's Antiqua and Barbuda, docked next to Seabourn Odessey. Another 'free flow' port. Only requirement by authorities is to wear a mask while on the island. A wellness check is being conducted on the pier by Antiguan nurses. This consists of a squirt of hand sanitizer and a temperature zap of the forehead or wrist. Also one must carry ones vaccination card.

Edited December 26, 2021 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

Sitting on our veranda, in the shade, enjoying the sights and sounds of another tropical island this morning. Being serenaded by an island rooster.... life is good.

[morpheusofthesea]

The definition of an armchair expert; "A person who knows a lot about a subject, but has little or no experience or real understanding of it."  I have no understanding of this subject only a 'feeling'. I feel that that those that are planning on cruising this January are going to have a terrific time on board any cruise ship that sails. All the 'Nervous Nellies' will hopefully cancel and reduced guests translates to a more favorable staff to passenger ratio. This ratio is important to all guests in every category as we all benefit from top to bottom. The 1:1 ratio is a long favored trademark of the most premium of cruise lines. To get it at a discount is highly prized (even by me).

[bigtony22127]

Loving these updates! We are scheduled to be on the Equinox on Jan 3, staying in Aqua class. 

 

What is the pool area like? How busy is it? Are you able to physically distance on the lounge chairs? We're planning to spend most of our time in our room, on our balcony or outside on a lounge chair. 

 

 

[morpheusofthesea]

12 hours ago, bnurick said:

Could you ask which night they are doing the Chef’s Table dinner for your cruise?  Would be very helpful information.  

I rarely move from my veranda, so I sent DW on your behalf to enquire (she was going out anyway to do her laps around the ship). Chef's Table is twice a week. $139 pp 10 guests each sitting. Inside Muranos is private area. Already booked up. Very popular. You would be wise to try and book before boarding if possible?

[morpheusofthesea]

5 minutes ago, bigtony22127 said:

Loving these updates! We are scheduled to be on the Equinox on Jan 3, staying in Aqua class. 

 

What is the pool area like? How busy is it? Are you able to physically distance on the lounge chairs? We're planning to spend most of our time in our room, on our balcony or outside on a lounge chair. 

 

 

Having 1900 on board and a holiday we saw the pool games were all young adults. You'll have no problems in January when they will be back in school. DW is still teaching, otherwise we would take advantage of another Celebrity Cruise in January. Plenty of orange cushioned lounges in Solarium as well. Do not know if lounge chair will fit on veranda of Aqua suites, found one needs at least 72 sq ft balcony. (I bring a tape measure). The lounges are already spaced 2x2.

[cbfb]

16 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

The definition of an armchair expert; "A person who knows a lot about a subject, but has little or no experience or real understanding of it."  I have no understanding of this subject only a 'feeling'. I feel that that those that are planning on cruising this January are going to have a terrific time on board any cruise ship that sails. All the 'Nervous Nellies' will hopefully cancel and reduced guests translates to a more favorable staff to passenger ratio. This ratio is important to all guests in every category as we all benefit from top to bottom. The 1:1 ratio is a long favored trademark of the most premium of cruise lines. To get it at a discount is highly prized (even by me).

Hoping your feeling is correct. We sail on January 3rd and I’m holding my breath hoping nothing happens to stop us from cruising!  

[bnurick]

9 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

I rarely move from my veranda, so I sent DW on your behalf to enquire (she was going out anyway to do her laps around the ship). Chef's Table is twice a week. $139 pp 10 guests each sitting. Inside Muranos is private area. Already booked up. Very popular. You would be wise to try and book before boarding if possible?

Thank you so much!  We have already booked and by default it shows on Day 1.  You find out the actual night once you board.  Since we are in the same itinerary I figured whatever night(s) they are having will be the same. Usually it is only done once, but with it being 12 nights I guess having two makes sense.  Thank you again and enjoy your cruise. We are in an S1 AFT cabin, usually in a CS but don’t have a teenager with us this cruise. Enjoy the updates!

[morpheusofthesea]

2 hours ago, bigtony22127 said:

What is the pool area like? How busy is it? Are you able to physically distance on the lounge chairs?

I thought about your question this afternoon after lunch. Noticed that the prime real estate around the pool is again being taken up by "lounge hogs". I guess when passenger capacity is increased over 50% our primal instincts re-emerge on cruise ships. This group all went to lunch and 'forgot' to pack up their things.