Recent Equinox Cruisers - Renovation completed?

[Oceangoer2]

Just read a TA's review re the Equinox condition etc and his comparison with E class ships.  That IMO is apples v oranges so not relevant.  We've sailed the Equinox 3 times (other S class 20 x), last cruise on her Nov. '18.  This review gave the 'cabin' approx. 3 *** at most.  He said the cabin (1A) was partially renovated and in somewhat disrepair.  From the pic provided only the bed linen had changed to the blue colour with everything else in the orange motif and did look worn.  It was not a very good review.  I know opinions will vary but would appreciate knowing yours.  TIA.

[cameronp12]

We were on the Equinox in June and felt like it was in really good, but not great condition. We were in a concierge balcony cabin on deck 9 for reference. The public areas largely look great and the crew was great as always! 
 

I think you would have a great time no matter what. The cabin is just somewhere to sleep at night. Our balcony railing was a little worn, but nothing to complain about. She’s still an excellent ship!

[Oceangoer2]

1 hour ago, cameronp12 said:

We were on the Equinox in June and felt like it was in really good, but not great condition. We were in a concierge balcony cabin on deck 9 for reference. The public areas largely look great and the crew was great as always! 
 

I think you would have a great time no matter what. The cabin is just somewhere to sleep at night. Our balcony railing was a little worn, but nothing to complain about. She’s still an excellent ship!

Thanks for your reply.......Was your concierge cabin on deck 9 reno'd?  We're also in C1 (old school category....lol) and wondering what to expect.  In 2018 it was all 'orange' and we were okay with it as it was 'familiar' but frankly, changing just the bed linen to 'blue' is a terrible contrast with the rest of the cabin.  Might just be me, but I do like a nice looking, not shabby cabin even if I'm just using it for part of the day and 'all night'...haha.  Would have booked a suite if any were available to ensure a little updating (if that's even the case with a partial reno). 

[Alakegirl]

Could the TA have had an ulterior motive such as trying to convince clients to book the more-expensive e-class ships, thus earning a larger commission?

[cameronp12]

19 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Thanks for your reply.......Was your concierge cabin on deck 9 reno'd?  We're also in C1 (old school category....lol) and wondering what to expect.  In 2018 it was all 'orange' and we were okay with it as it was 'familiar' but frankly, changing just the bed linen to 'blue' is a terrible contrast with the rest of the cabin.  Might just be me, but I do like a nice looking, not shabby cabin even if I'm just using it for part of the day and 'all night'...haha.  Would have booked a suite if any were available to ensure a little updating (if that's even the case with a partial reno). 

We were in a C2 cabin, but I would assume no different than C1, other than location on the ship. Ours was deck 9 aft starboard, # 9326 to be exact. 
 

I would say that overall, no renovations to the cabin itself, but furniture and soft goods were updated a little, giving it a cleaner appearance. Balcony furniture was in good condition as well.

 

Bathroom shower has a glass sliding door. I don’t recall if S class ships have always had glass showers, but I know M class had curtains pre-revolution. 
 

No complaints about the room honestly.

[Oceangoer2]

30 minutes ago, Alakegirl said:

Could the TA have had an ulterior motive such as trying to convince clients to book the more-expensive e-class ships, thus earning a larger commission?

He was pushing posters to watch his E class videos so you may have a point....it was a video review - approx 20 min.  Equinox was as I remembered but he gave very low marks for customer service, cabin appearance, he didn't see the entertainment but 'mentioned' it, food not up to par and cruised about every month on E class, only time on S class.  His verbal coverage, while polite, left  a bad taste with me.  It was only fair to ask recent cruisers their opinion.  Yes, he may have even been comped on E class?  or is that done in the trade.  I felt he was more of a 'cruise critic' (sorry CC for the pun) than a TA so not sure what he got out of the review. 

[Oceangoer2]

23 minutes ago, cameronp12 said:

We were in a C2 cabin, but I would assume no different than C1, other than location on the ship. Ours was deck 9 aft starboard, # 9326 to be exact. 
 

I would say that overall, no renovations to the cabin itself, but furniture and soft goods were updated a little, giving it a cleaner appearance. Balcony furniture was in good condition as well.

 

Bathroom shower has a glass sliding door. I don’t recall if S class ships have always had glass showers, but I know M class had curtains pre-revolution. 
 

No complaints about the room honestly.

Thanks....S class has always had glass shower doors from memory.  First time on Equinox was 2010 just after she came out.  I remember the clinging cloth....LOL on M class.   Hopefully the drapes and bed linen were updated, maybe the carpet?  I know from the video in this person's room nothing was changed but the bed and he pointed out the side tables were in need of sanding;  video showed the walls near the bed in bad shape, carpet looked like it needed a wash and drapes were old and tired.  So....not pleasant for a vacation.  Perhaps the reno had reached the C class but not the 1A before they had to stop for the virus situation.

[PTC DAWG]

Sailed Equinox last year, right after the restart, she was in fine shape..going on her again this September. 

[kearney]

We were on just after the refurb..which had been cut short because they had to have it done in Europe instead of the Bahamas (crane fell on Oasis in Freeport)... taking more days at sea and missing supplies. At the time our cabin had new curtains and bedding and pillows in the new bluish gray... Edgish colors.. the carpet was the beige and rust colors and same in the bathroom. When we sailed on her this past April.. the cabin looked much the same in terms of level of refurb..... and I noticed that many of the hall carpet colors were the same..but in main public areas they were all the newer scheme. It is difficult for them to find the time and resources to finish the job. As profitability improve they will likely finish or use whatever the latest scheme is... who know..maybe by then we will be back to the rust and other earth tones. It did not impact our cruise... I only noticed..because I made a point of checking.

[keesar]

3 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Just read a TA's review re the Equinox condition etc and his comparison with E class ships.  That IMO is apples v oranges so not relevant.  We've sailed the Equinox 3 times (other S class 20 x), last cruise on her Nov. '18.  This review gave the 'cabin' approx. 3 *** at most.  He said the cabin (1A) was partially renovated and in somewhat disrepair.  From the pic provided only the bed linen had changed to the blue colour with everything else in the orange motif and did look worn.  It was not a very good review.  I know opinions will vary but would appreciate knowing yours.  TIA.

 

Rooms were renovated but varied on the ship.  Our Aqua Class cabin had re-upholstered furniture, new mattresses, new comforter, new curtains, new carpeting and new  but small balcony furniture.  I was told that some Veranda rooms did not receive the update.  The common areas were in great shape.  

 

The showers always had the clear sliding doors.  

[PinkSandGirl]

I was on the Equinox in October '21 in AquaClass.  During the 'Revolution', AquaClass and Concierge cabins had more of a re-fresh.  New carpeting and the couches were re-done along with new beds/bedding and a larger TV (which took out the small shelves).  The only wear I'd say was the wood railing on the balcony but I don't know how often they re-finish them because of the salt. 

 

The rest of the ship was in good condition as well.

 

Service was excellent!

 

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong  but I don't believe all -OR- any of the suites were re-done.  Sky Suites I want to say for sure are still the original colors.  

 

🍹

 

 

 

Edited July 28, 2022 by PinkSandGirl

[texkat]

Equinox Celebrity Suite in June 2022.

 

 

[Oceangoer2]

7 hours ago, PinkSandGirl said:

I was on the Equinox in October '21 in AquaClass.  During the 'Revolution', AquaClass and Concierge cabins had more of a re-fresh.  New carpeting and the couches were re-done along with new beds/bedding and a larger TV (which took out the small shelves).  The only wear I'd say was the wood railing on the balcony but I don't know how often they re-finish them because of the salt. 

 

The rest of the ship was in good condition as well.

 

Service was excellent!

 

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong  but I don't believe all -OR- any of the suites were re-done.  Sky Suites I want to say for sure are still the original colors.  

 

🍹

 

 

 

Thanks for the pics...I'm assuming now that concierge class will have been updated.  Happy to see the original chairs on the balcony.  The railings need repair but that doesn't affect my vacation enjoyment...LOL. 

[Oceangoer2]

5 hours ago, texkat said:

Equinox Celebrity Suite in June 2022.

 

 

Still looks fresh and clean after all these years.  X does try to 'keep up'...time takes it's toll eventually.

[PinkSandGirl]

 

21 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Thanks for the pics...I'm assuming now that concierge class will have been updated.  Happy to see the original chairs on the balcony.  

 

The Concierge Class rooms were done the same time as Aqua so your cabin will look like the pics I posted.  

 

The balcony chairs are different from before but still ok and still have a small footrest. They took the large table away and put a small table out there. 

 

🍹

 

Small table on balcony 

 

You can see the chairs and footrests and table

Edited July 28, 2022 by PinkSandGirl

[stormy_weatherman]

21 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

He was pushing posters to watch his E class videos so you may have a point....it was a video review - approx 20 min.  Equinox was as I remembered but he gave very low marks for customer service, cabin appearance, he didn't see the entertainment but 'mentioned' it, food not up to par and cruised about every month on E class, only time on S class.  His verbal coverage, while polite, left  a bad taste with me.  It was only fair to ask recent cruisers their opinion.  Yes, he may have even been comped on E class?  or is that done in the trade.  I felt he was more of a 'cruise critic' (sorry CC for the pun) than a TA so not sure what he got out of the review. 

 

That was me and I got nothing out of the review. I have never been comped or gifted anything by X. I do not sell cruises either, so no motive to convince folks to sail one ship over another. I was only sharing my experience and comparing the two classes of ships as folks recommended I try other Celebrity ships to see what my opinion was since I LOVE the E-class ships so much. Sailing the Summit and Solstice this Fall and am already excited for more Celebrity as it is my favorite line by far.

 

Here are photos of my room, 9155 (1A):

 

[kearney]

I am attaching a copy of a photo of what a similar cabin on Silhouette looks like (Dec '21)...which has the full refurb... So you can see the new bedding and curtains on Equinox..but carpet and sofa (sorry I did not take a photo of full cabin). I believe the bathroom had not been changed either. I really don't care..but when you move from earth tones to gray... it helps if you complete the look in the bathroom..or pick colors that work better together...

Edited July 28, 2022 by kearney
added info

[luv4cruises]

I was on the Equinox in April, 2022 in veranda cabin and very disappointed that the deck 7 cabin had NOT been refurbed and the balcony had rust. We cruise the Equinox often because we love Bonaire. I will hope for a refurb soon but it won’t happen before our September cruise!

[edgee]

I am on Eclipse now in a Royal Suite. Nothing has been updated except the hull has been painted Blue...big deal! We are having a great time and enjoying wonderful level of service, but the ship furnishings themselves are an embarasment. The couch in my suite is so beaten down and dusty/smelly...looks like it came from a college fraternity house! Bad mildew smell in part of casino closest to Celler Masters. I understand that the Revolution had to be delayed due to Covid, but the lack of any schedule to complete the program for the 4 Solstice Class and two M Class ships that have had no or nearly no renovations is inexcusable.

[bye-seaya]

We sailed in the Family Veranda this past March on the EQ. It wasn’t refurbished.

But truthfully it didn’t it really make a negative impression as the cabin was spotless clean with all soft goods in great shape. Service by our Steward was outstanding. 

Plus, I think that we were having so much fun enjoying the cruise we didn’t even give it a thought. And that is coming from a “picky pants”! 

Side note - our Steward decorated our cabin when he noticed one of us were celebrating a birthday with balloons, flowers, and towel animal wearing our sunglasses holding a big Bday card - which made a HUGE impression and outshined the the decor. 

[chemmo]

4 hours ago, edgee said:

I am on Eclipse now in a Royal Suite. Nothing has been updated except the hull has been painted Blue...big deal! We are having a great time and enjoying wonderful level of service, but the ship furnishings themselves are an embarasment. The couch in my suite is so beaten down and dusty/smelly...looks like it came from a college fraternity house! Bad mildew smell in part of casino closest to Celler Masters. I understand that the Revolution had to be delayed due to Covid, but the lack of any schedule to complete the program for the 4 Solstice Class and two M Class ships that have had no or nearly no renovations is inexcusable.

We were in a RS on Equinox just after the partial refurbishment. We had new bedding and hundreds of cushions littering the lounge and bedroom. Sofa, curtains, carpet were not changed but were still in excellent condition. The biggest letdown for us was the balcony furnishings. Uncushioned dining chairs and partially reclining loungers and footstools but totally hard. Not one bit of padding. Our butler rounded up a few cushions for us but not ideal, you certainly could not get comfortable enough to enjoy an afternoon siesta the way you could on the previous rattan furnishings. Disappointing.

Edited July 29, 2022 by chemmo

[dazey]

I never enjoyed all the pillows they recently decorated the bed with.  I would remove them off the bed and try to put away somewhere and, of course, they were put back immediately.  I now ask that they be removed first day and that seems to work.  I know it is(or had been) a new style and does look nice but if one wants to use the bed in the day(which in a cabin you mostly have no choice) they get in the way.

 

The older ships are fine but I did enjoy the bathroom setups on Apex and Edge.

 

Just so glad to be sailing again.  We will be on the Equinox for the first time this fall.

[Oceangoer2]

22 hours ago, stormy_weatherman said:

 

That was me and I got nothing out of the review. I have never been comped or gifted anything by X. I do not sell cruises either, so no motive to convince folks to sail one ship over another. I was only sharing my experience and comparing the two classes of ships as folks recommended I try other Celebrity ships to see what my opinion was since I LOVE the E-class ships so much. Sailing the Summit and Solstice this Fall and am already excited for more Celebrity as it is my favorite line by far.

 

Here are photos of my room, 9155 (1A):

 

Thanks for your personal response.  I enjoyed all 20+ minutes of your 'comments' on Equinox, even though they expressed some negativity. As we've sailed her in 2010, 2013, and 2018 I wondered if the partial reno had revitalized her somewhat.  Your video was/is quite professional along with the many, many other travel experiences you post on Utube.  In that regard it seemed you had marketing reasons for your opinions on the various ships, so I apologize for jumping to conclusions.  Seeing the cabin in its entirety explains more than the few issues the video pointed out and I thank you for posting those pics.  I still hold the opinion that the partial bed linen change is not flattering when all else is as it was;  the cabin does seem tired (which should be expected after all the usage it's received over 12+ years.  Hopefully we won't be disappointed when we board her again this November.

 

[Random Cruizer]

I was on Equinox in June.  It's definitely worn in spots, but great service, clean etc.  And you can walk all the way around to the front when coming into port to watch--the Retreat doesn't block that top wrap around deck like on some ships.

[cangelmd]

On 7/27/2022 at 10:42 AM, Oceangoer2 said:

He was pushing posters to watch his E class videos so you may have a point....it was a video review - approx 20 min.  Equinox was as I remembered but he gave very low marks for customer service, cabin appearance, he didn't see the entertainment but 'mentioned' it, food not up to par and cruised about every month on E class, only time on S class.  His verbal coverage, while polite, left  a bad taste with me.  It was only fair to ask recent cruisers their opinion.  Yes, he may have even been comped on E class?  or is that done in the trade.  I felt he was more of a 'cruise critic' (sorry CC for the pun) than a TA so not sure what he got out of the review. 

I listened/watched part of his review, and I’m pretty sure early on he started sailing with Celebrity in 2020 and had been on only the E-class. I’m sorry, all reviews do have some value given all the changes in cruising, but if you are portraying yourself as doing semi-professional reviews, then I expect a little bit wider knowledge of the subject than just post-Covid.
Ive been Equinox once since Covid and a couple of times pre-Covid. She’s not the newest or sparkliest ship. The overall look is a bit disjointed in places because of the interrupted reno. I was first on her in 2017 and noticed that some of the soft furnishings in busy public spaces like Al Bacio looked a little worn the - I believe they did get replaced after that, but they kept the general look in that space. She’s been on predominantly 7 and 7 Caribbean turnarounds for years and I think that has to be wearing on the ship, vs predominantly 10 and 11 night cruises like Silhouette, for example.

Service is a different issue, and my guess is that service is suffering across all cruise lines right now, and is most notable on lines like Celebrity where it is a part of the brand - I don’t sail Carnival or RCL for the exemplary service. The worst service I’ve had on any Celeb sailing, though, was on Edge this spring and I was in a suite. Much of the crew had been onboard for months with no shore leave, there was a Covid outbreak spreading rapidly and the suites were full. I’ve complained about my Luminae experience here before and I won’t do details now, but it has made me concerned about our upcoming TA on Apex and considered how to approach dinner to have a more pleasant experience.

 

I take this guy’s review with a grain of salt.