Jan. 30th on Equinox 12 Nights

[kidz_rn]

“We had a birthday girl that highjacked the Captain’s role for a few minutes.”

 

Can you imagine the repercussions of a tour boat captain allowing this in the U.S.? OMG! 😳 Loved the photo, though  😄

[bnurick]

34 minutes ago, kidz_rn said:

“We had a birthday girl that highjacked the Captain’s role for a few minutes.”

 

Can you imagine the repercussions of a tour boat captain allowing this in the U.S.? OMG! 😳 Loved the photo, though  😄

Kinda had to be there, but she really wasn’t driving.  We were barely moving with nothing around.  If there was anything near he wouldn’t have played along.  It was a priceless moment on the journey.

[bnurick]

Today’s adventure in Grenada was Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling.  It was a 👎 for us.  Taxi bus to the dock, board a very nice vessel and head out.  First it’s a snorkel of the underwater statues which we couldn’t see because it was poor water visibility, no one’s fault.  The water had a pretty good current and you are not offered fins, but there was a dingy to bring some back.  Then off to a beach.  Getting off the vessel was unsafe and I felt it took a few passengers to decline for them to pivot to an anchor and let people swim in with noodles or just around the vessel.  After, back to the ship.  A quarter pimiento cheese sandwich and a little rum punch.  The overall basis for the 👎was the crew.  It felt like they didn’t want to be there and had to so they just went trough the motions.

 

A number of years ago we did the same snorkel but went to a private beach where they grilled lobsters.  That was what we hoped would be offered, but it wasn’t.  I have more pictures to post later.

 

Edited February 6, 2022 by bnurick

[David10225]

We are on this cruise, a group of 8. I have a lot of thoughts about this cruise, about this ship, and will definitely be writing a long review after we return on Friday. 

As of Sunday night, zero cases of you know what on this ship.

Edited February 6, 2022 by David10225
left out word.

[bnurick]

Martini Bar menu and two of our favorite!  Then off to Murano…. 😊 

 

[snowballs mom]

3 hours ago, RetroSister said:

Thank you for this review! I just booked this, and now I'm so glad I did. It's impossible to get a feel for what a tour is really like based on the description, so I truly appreciate you taking the time to give us your honest opinion. 

I also booked it after @bnurick posted his review. The extra information and photos really help!

[SharonK]

On 2/5/2022 at 5:08 PM, bnurick said:

There is a public dock.  The vessel cannot stay, so they come back after an hour.  If you want to snorkel or have beach chairs they are for rent. We hiked. 

this excursion sounds good but I'm interested in knowing how strenuous the hiking was.  I have some hip issues and hills can be difficult.  also, is lunch included and what was it?  Thanks in advance!

 

[bnurick]

32 minutes ago, SharonK said:

this excursion sounds good but I'm interested in knowing how strenuous the hiking was.  I have some hip issues and hills can be difficult.  also, is lunch included and what was it?  Thanks in advance!

 

I would only go 1/2 way with a hip issue. Wear your best tennis shoes.  Lunch OK, not your Mama’s chicken salad if you know what I mean. 😊 

[fliprcruiser]

4 minutes ago, bnurick said:

I would only go 1/2 way with a hip issue. Wear your best tennis shoes.  Lunch OK, not your Mama’s chicken salad if you know what I mean. 😊 

Was hiking the only choice? Or could you walk to beach instead?

[bnurick]

We dined at Murano tonight, our second time, and we applied what we learned post the first meal and it was an unreal experience.  First was good but not great as we went in blind.

 

Vino, I narrowed it down to the $88 bottle of burgundy (Pinot Noir) and the $350 Cardinale (Cabernet Sauvignon).  The Sommelier recommended the Burgundy with our seafood preference.  Superb vino, the cranberry and other notes were a perfect accent.

 

First course, I ordered  the cheese plate with a heavy (blue cheese) slant and my Wife ordered the burrata salad.

 

Second course, we both ordered the table side prepared lobster tail (unreal) with fire 🔥! (see video, large file).

 

Dessert, I ordered the caffe latte bar croquette and she ordered the dark chocolate soufflé, well done, as last time she felt the soufflé was slightly undercooked.  Both desserts were off the chain.

 

PLEASE take these notes and experience this meal.  It’s THAT good.  Do this culinary YOLO (You Only Live Once).

After, we hit Fortunes Casino 🤦‍♂️,  Pivoted to Black Jack and salvaged 2/3 of the bankroll.  😑  Dominica tomorrow really really really early all day affair, two private tours as this island is special to us and we knew exactly what we wanted. More to come…

 

[bnurick]

34 minutes ago, fliprcruiser said:

Was hiking the only choice? Or could you walk to beach instead?

Can walk the beach or rent chairs, ect…. I think a bar too…

[kptbylorraine]

6 hours ago, David10225 said:

We are on this cruise, a group of 8. I have a lot of thoughts about this cruise, about this ship, and will definitely be writing a long review after we return on Friday. 

As of Sunday night, zero cases of you know what on this ship.

Hi

Could you please share some of your thoughts in the present? Some of us who board on Friday are following this thread and would love to know how your cruise is going. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

Very happy there are zero cases of 🦠!

[bnurick]

Good morning from Dominica.  Celebrity Today for Day 9.

 

[brzymom]

21 hours ago, bnurick said:

On a roll this morning.  Cafe al Bacio menu.  Never really focus on everything they offer.  Pivoted from my double shot vanilla latte with 3 pumps of vanilla to a Coffee Americano with 3 pumps of vanilla and cream.

 

I read somewhere (it could've been here to be honest, and if so, my apologies for the question), is it true that the pastries and cakes at Cafe al Bacio are no charge????

Edited February 7, 2022 by brzymom

[d9704011]

Just now, brzymom said:

I read somewhere (it could've been here to be honest, and if so, my apologies for the question, is it true that the pastries and cakes at Cafe al Bacio are no charge????

Yes, just ask for what you want.

[Kik35]

2 minutes ago, brzymom said:

I read somewhere (it could've been here to be honest, and if so, my apologies for the question, is it true that the pastries and cakes at Cafe al Bacio are no charge????

Yes. Also saw( pretty sure it was here) that you can get it in a to go bag.
 

You know where I’ll be!!😊

[brzymom]

7 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

Yes, just ask for what you want.

I'm gonna be in trouble!I

[brzymom]

Ok, should have put this in one post-and this may be a dumb one-but here goes--if you have premium drink package are you paying the posted prices for coffees and soft drinks, or is that part of the package?

[Rayhorn]

32 minutes ago, brzymom said:

Ok, should have put this in one post-and this may be a dumb one-but here goes--if you have premium drink package are you paying the posted prices for coffees and soft drinks, or is that part of the package?

It covers sodas and premium coffees and teas etc. You won’t even sign a receipt. Just order what you want. 

[Rayhorn]

@brzymom

 

Another thing that the premium package covers that some people forget about is smoothies and fresh juices from the spa cafe. The smoothies are so good and normally $6 but they are included with the premium beverage package. The fresh juices include a variety of fruits and vegetables that you can select and they put them in a juicer for you. 

[WNCtourist]

Thank you  for this wonderful review -- this itinerary is a dream of mine. Seeing the bright sunshine and blue seas are quite a contrast with this morning's grey skies and freezing temps at home. Best wishes for continuing enjoyment of your cruise!

[David10225]

13 hours ago, kptbylorraine said:

Hi

Could you please share some of your thoughts in the present? Some of us who board on Friday are following this thread and would love to know how your cruise is going. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

Very happy there are zero cases of 🦠!

In a nutshell, service best Ive had in 11 cruises. Food very good to excellent with just a few duds. Entertainment (my opinion only) fair. Having to wearing masks in a hot solurium..F.. This ship is like you travelled though a time warp to the past..art actions, expensive shops etc. I think a modernization of certain areas is long overdue. (Maintenance excellent). Lots and lots of alcohol consumption...bartenders don't look too happy. (Typing while driving back from Falls)

[kidz_rn]

14 hours ago, bnurick said:

Vino, I narrowed it down to the $88 bottle of burgundy (Pinot Noir) and the $350 Cardinale (Cabernet Sauvignon).  

 

It's wonderful that you don't bat an eye at ordering $350 bottles of wine, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone (myself included) is in the category of being able to afford (or choosing to spend) $20,000 ($30,000?) for a 12-day cruise.

 

But again, you've earned it, so enjoy!

 

Do you cruise on any other lines besides Celebrity?

[Bo1953]

1 hour ago, kidz_rn said:

 

It's wonderful that you don't bat an eye at ordering $350 bottles of wine, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone (myself included) is in the category of being able to afford (or choosing to spend) $20,000 ($30,000?) for a 12-day cruise.

 

But again, you've earned it, so enjoy!

 

Do you cruise on any other lines besides Celebrity?

Please remember that those who have the PBP get 20% off wine purchases, too.

 

Cheers and bon voyage

[bnurick]

4 hours ago, kidz_rn said:

 

It's wonderful that you don't bat an eye at ordering $350 bottles of wine, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone (myself included) is in the category of being able to afford (or choosing to spend) $20,000 ($30,000?) for a 12-day cruise.

 

But again, you've earned it, so enjoy!

 

Do you cruise on any other lines besides Celebrity?

On a special night I’ll go all out on a bottle with a 20% discount.  Usually, I stick with an appropriate balance between Quality and Value.  Inflation has hit wine prices IMO.

 

Booked Aqua class.  Was able to grab a move up with cancellations.  So far from a $20,000 amount.

 

We do Disney if not Celebrity.  Celebrity WI-FI allows me to stay connected in case of a work emergency.  It’s also much cheaper than Disney.

 

Enjoy your next cruise.