Live report Equinox Eastern Caribbean, July 30-Aug 7, Aft Corner Sky Suite

[MR.Kwis29]

My first food and bev commentary.  For the bourbon/whisky drinkers out there....There really is not much on the ship as others reported.  Makers, Buffalo Trace, Jack, Beam.  That is about it (maybe a couple of others in craft social?). If those don't cut it for you, you should probably cancel your upcoming Equinox cruise.  I am not a Scotch drinker, but there appears to be satisfactory selection in world class bar and the retreat lounge.

[MR.Kwis29]

As I have been on a steady diet of Coronas by the pool during the day, pre dinner Martinis followed by wine with dinner I can report the following:  IMO there are plenty of pool side servers during the day.  I do not expect every time I look up someone is there.  I always think about what I want in 15 minutes and grab the next server. 

 

Martini bar has been busy.  2 or 3 bartenders there for the pre dinner rush.  We have not had to wait longer than 5 minutes to scoop a seat.  Kelly and I have a knack for noticing when people are finishing up and sneak over to newly open seats.  I drink tanqueray 10 and they have it, so I am happy.

 

Wine service with dinner is a little slow if you want to see a wine list.  If you just want what you had night 1, I would anticipate it being much faster because you are not waiting for the very busy sommelier to deliver the wine list.

[MR.Kwis29]

2 hours ago, kwis29 said:

Hello again! I'm back! I took a little break yesterday and the internet was not working this morning.

 

I would say that we had a highly successful day at sea on Sunday. We continue to remark how “not busy” it is around the ship. We woke up early to fulfill our goal of exercising most days. If you don’t exercise the first day, will you even try to exercise the rest of the vacation? The gym wasn’t too crowded during the time we were there (7:00ish to 8:00ish). Our next stop is always a coffee from Cafe al Bacio. We usually switch between lattes and Americanos, depending on our mood. Up to the Oceanview for breakfast. Again, both of these locations were not very busy. Our go-to spot for breakfast is sitting outside at the back of the ship (always a table right by the door so we can feel the occasional draft of A/C). 

 

Then we changed into swimwear and easily located two chairs down on the pool deck. A few early rain showers cleared up to gorgeous weather for the rest of the day. There were fun activities throughout the day (water aerobics, dance aerobics, music trivia, officer/guest volleyball). We were very impressed by the number of drink servers working on the pool deck. Sometimes a drink came back in 5 minutes, sometimes 15 minutes. Either way, it was being served to my chair so no complaints! After a full day outside by the pool, we headed into the Solarium for a quick nap. It was louder in there than we remember, with larger family groups talking very loudly. There was a sign that said family hours were 5:30pm-6:30pm.

After our short nap, we spent some time getting ready for Chic night. We still like to dress up a bit on these nights. The Martini Bar was hopping as we sat down for our usual drinks (Cosmo for me and Tanqueray 10 with a twist for DH). We had another lovely dinner in Luminae. The dish that stands out to me that night was the chilled lobster salad. Such unique flavors! We kept the night going with a quick stop at the World Class Bar and then headed into the theatre to watch the production show, Topper. There is no story line, but the song choices are great. The voices of the main singers were also very good. Some of the best I have heard on a cruise ship. I definitely plan on dragging Andy to the next production show! We ended the night in the main atrium to join in the fun of singing and dancing to ABBA. That was so fun! I think half thr ship was there. Highly recommend it.

The next day (Monday) was another long day at sea as we didn’t arrive into San Juan until after 4pm. We spent the day on a windy Retreat Deck to avoid a day away from the crowds. We were definitely spoiled with service up there. Drink servers, fruit skewers, cold towels, lunch delivered to our chair, afternoon raspberry sorbet! Wow! The staff to guest ratio was impressive. 

 

Getting off the ship in San Juan was the first time it was busy and chaotic. Lots of people in line everywhere in the middle of the ship. We went to the Retreat Lounge and Connor personally escorted us to the front of the line. Nice! 

 

In San Juan, DH researched a more “local” establishment he wanted to try for drinks and food. First we walked around San Juan, made our way to the fort.

 

After getting nice and sweaty, we stopped at a little hole-in-the-wall place called Birria y Empanadas. Guess what we had there? If you guessed beer and empanadas you are correct! It can be a bit intimidating when you go off the beaten path and step into a restaurant for the locals. But once we got our drinks and food and chatted with the bartenders, we were all good! The empanadas with hot sauce hit the spot and we stayed for a few more rounds of drinks. 

We returned to the ship and rehydrated with some bottles of water in the Retreat Lounge and turned in for an early night.

 

More info on the empanadas place.  Lots of local Puerto Rican beer.  If you like trying beer from the places you visit, give this place a try.  I personally will always try something that I know I can't get stateside.  Local IPAs, sours, ales, lagers.

 

For someone that likes beer, you may be wondering why drink Corona on the ship?  1)  the beer selection on board is not that interesting to me.  2) I am old now and prefer my daytime beers to not be 7 or 8% imperial ipas.  I have martinis and wine to drink later.

[North of 60]

2 hours ago, kwis29 said:

DH just confirmed that diet tonic is available. Canada Dry.

 

Sad news: Aperol and sparkling rose not available 

That is great news. Now I won't have to bring along the spare straps to tie a case of diet tonic to the already growing sherpa load.
 

Chris in Inuvik, NWT, Canada ---> One Sherpa who is happy to carry less!

[spiff2]

59 minutes ago, MR.Kwis29 said:

My first food and bev commentary.  For the bourbon/whisky drinkers out there....There really is not much on the ship as others reported.  Makers, Buffalo Trace, Jack, Beam.  That is about it (maybe a couple of others in craft social?). If those don't cut it for you, you should probably cancel your upcoming Equinox cruise.  I am not a Scotch drinker, but there appears to be satisfactory selection in world class bar and the retreat lounge.

If you got Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve, Hey you got a party.

[spiff2]

This is what they are listing for the drink packages.

 

 

All-Inclusive Cruise Drink Packages | Celebrity Cruises

[boxkite]

2 hours ago, spiff2 said:

If you got Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve, Hey you got a party.

I agree with you!

[Belfast1916]

13 hours ago, MR.Kwis29 said:

More info on the empanadas place.  Lots of local Puerto Rican beer.  If you like trying beer from the places you visit, give this place a try.  I personally will always try something that I know I can't get stateside.  Local IPAs, sours, ales, lagers.

 

For someone that likes beer, you may be wondering why drink Corona on the ship?  1)  the beer selection on board is not that interesting to me.  2) I am old now and prefer my daytime beers to not be 7 or 8% imperial ipas.  I have martinis and wine to drink later.

Hi we are going on the Equinox August 21st - first ever cruise.  Our preffered tipple is Irish whiskey, do they have any on board?  They mention Strongbow cider - is this the apple only or do they have the flavoured variety?  

Reading this report is making us so excited...😁

[jg51]

6 hours ago, Belfast1916 said:

Hi we are going on the Equinox August 21st - first ever cruise.  Our preffered tipple is Irish whiskey, do they have any on board?  They mention Strongbow cider - is this the apple only or do they have the flavoured variety?  

Reading this report is making us so excited...😁

.

Hello, "Belfast1916."

 

Here is a list of whisk(e)ys that are typically found aboard Celebrity ships -- but one cannot be sure to find them all in these "troubled times," when supply may be unreliable.  We'll let you determine which of these are Irish and which are not ...

 

COVERED BY THE CLASSIC BEVERAGE PACKAGE:

Canadian Club
Dewar’s White Label
Famous Grouse
Jim Beam
Johnnie Walker Red
Monkey Shoulder
Seagram’s 7
Seagram’s VO

 

COVERED BY THE PREMIUM BEVERAGE PACKAGE:
Aberfeldy 12
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Rye
Chivas Regal 12
Crown Royal
Dewar’s 12
Gentleman Jack
Glenfiddich Reserve
Glenfiddich Select
The Glenlivet
Jack Daniel’s Black
Jack Daniel’s Honey
Jack Daniel’s Rye
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
Johnnie Walker Black
The Macallan
The Macallan Lumina
The Macallan Quest
Maker’s Mark
Rittenhouse Rye
Wild Turkey
Woodford Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Rye

 

Have fun (but please don't overdo it)!

.

[canderson]

On 7/31/2022 at 5:44 AM, Corgidawgga said:

 

Can you share the SXM location?   We will be there in Dec and my Blanton’s is getting dangerously low.  Thanks!

Gulmohar's in Philipsburg is the place to restock.

[SUESEABE]

@Belfast1916 Looks like Jameson is included in Classic Package: 

Whisky & Bourbon

Classic Package: Canadian Club, Famous Grouse, Monkey Shoulder, Jameson, Jim Beam, Johnny Walker Red, Dewar’s White Label, Seagrams 7 & Vo.

 

Premium Package: Everything from Classic, plus – Aberfeldy 12, Bulleit Rye, Chivas Regal 12, Crown Royal, Dewar’s 12, Gentleman Jack, Glen Scotia Single Malt, Glenfiddich Reserve Cask, Glenfiddich Select, The Glenlivet, Haig Scotch, Highland Park scotches, Highland Park Einar, Jack Daniel’s Black, Jack Daniel’s Honey, Jack Daniel’s Rye, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Johnnie Walker Black, The Macallan, The Macallan Lumina, The Macallan Quest, Maker’s Mark, Rittenhouse Rye, Wild Turkey, Woodford, Double Oaked Woodford Reserve, Woodford Rye.

[canderson]

7 hours ago, Belfast1916 said:

Hi we are going on the Equinox August 21st - first ever cruise.  Our preffered tipple is Irish whiskey, do they have any on board?  They mention Strongbow cider - is this the apple only or do they have the flavoured variety?  

Reading this report is making us so excited...😁

They often don't show Jameson on those lists, but always have it.  So while not the best Irish, they do have it.

 

Only Strongbow we saw was the original.

Edited August 3, 2022 by canderson

[jg51]

2 hours ago, jg51 said:

.

Hello, "Belfast1916."

 

Here is a list of whisk(e)ys that are typically found aboard Celebrity ships -- but one cannot be sure to find them all in these "troubled times," when supply may be unreliable.  We'll let you determine which of these are Irish and which are not ...

 

COVERED BY THE CLASSIC BEVERAGE PACKAGE:

Canadian Club
Dewar’s White Label
Famous Grouse
Jim Beam
Johnnie Walker Red
Monkey Shoulder
Seagram’s 7
Seagram’s VO

 

COVERED BY THE PREMIUM BEVERAGE PACKAGE:
Aberfeldy 12
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Rye
Chivas Regal 12
Crown Royal
Dewar’s 12
Gentleman Jack
Glenfiddich Reserve
Glenfiddich Select
The Glenlivet
Jack Daniel’s Black
Jack Daniel’s Honey
Jack Daniel’s Rye
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
Johnnie Walker Black
The Macallan
The Macallan Lumina
The Macallan Quest
Maker’s Mark
Rittenhouse Rye
Wild Turkey
Woodford Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Rye

 

Have fun (but please don't overdo it)!

.

.

We are astounded to see (now) that Jameson was not listed above!  Apparently, we were copying from an old [obsolete] version of the "X" flyer that compared the two beverage-package levels.  Sorry about that!

.

[kwis29]

Tuesday: St. Thomas. 

 

We returned to the gym this morning for another workout. So proud of us! It was even more empty than Day 1, so we assumed most people were getting ready for their plans in St. Thomas. We docked in Crown Bay, not Havenshight which we were not expecting. DH scoped out a local brewery that was within walking distance from Havensight so we had to adjust our plans. (Having docked at both locations, we prefer Havensight. More shops and better views)

After a leisurely morning of exercise, coffee and breakfast, we jumped into a shared taxi ($5 pp) to Charlotte Amalie. We walked around town and grabbed lunch at a place called Greengo's. We overheard some people talking about it and decided to take a chance. We're glad we did. Cute place. Great service. Reasonable prices. Refreshing margaritas and yummy nachos with fresh, interesting ingredients. Highly recommend!

Next we located St. John Brewers to satisfy DH's desire to drink local. They have a new retail shop and tap room. The bartender was extremely nice, and the AC was superb. I had a hard seltzer and DH had a freshly tapped IPA. We really liked them both. After a successful afternoon downtown, we flagged down a shared taxi right outside the tap room. All you need to do is yell out "are you going back to the ship?" and then hop on once you get confirmation from the driver.

 

We changed into swimwear and headed up to the Sunset Bar and then the pool deck, enjoying the nearly empty ship. The best time to go in the pool is on port days! The rest of the evening followed our pattern of drinks at the Martini Bar, dinner at Luminae. We love seeing the "regulars" at the Martini Bar. Really feels like a cruise when you see the same people over and over. Our usual waiter in Luminae was MIA- not sure if he is gone forever and just foe that night. Our new waiter was wonderful. 

 

We watched the production show Elysium in the main theatre. It wasn't as good as Topper but still entertaining. The captain gave a farewell speech since he is leaving the ship today. No news about who is taking over. Just set the GPS and hope for the best?

 

We had to set an alarm (!!) for the next morning as we booked an early excursion in St. Maarten. Spoiler alert: the excursion was great! More to come on that tomorrow

 

Edited August 3, 2022 by kwis29

[Host Anne]

On 8/2/2022 at 4:16 PM, MR.Kwis29 said:

My first food and bev commentary.  For the bourbon/whisky drinkers out there....There really is not much on the ship as others reported.  Makers, Buffalo Trace, Jack, Beam.  That is about it (maybe a couple of others in craft social?). If those don't cut it for you, you should probably cancel your upcoming Equinox cruise.  I am not a Scotch drinker, but there appears to be satisfactory selection in world class bar and the retreat lounge.

MR.Kwis ~ the World Class Bar has Bulleit last night and the Ensemble Bar has Woodford. At least that's a few more.

[Host Anne]

On 8/3/2022 at 6:38 AM, Belfast1916 said:

Hi we are going on the Equinox August 21st - first ever cruise.  Our preffered tipple is Irish whiskey, do they have any on board?  They mention Strongbow cider - is this the apple only or do they have the flavoured variety?  

Reading this report is making us so excited...😁

 

There are many things on the drink package list that are currently not available.  But for Irish whiskey, they do have Jameson's and Bushmills.  Don't know about the Strongbow.

[BeeMinor]

22 hours ago, kwis29 said:

We walked around town and grabbed lunch at a place called Greengo's. We overheard some people talking about it and decided to take a chance. We're glad we did. Cute place. Great service. Reasonable prices. Refreshing margaritas and yummy nachos with fresh, interesting ingredients. Highly recommend!

 

We make it a point to stop at the Greengo's in San Juan for those nachos whenever we're there! Haven't been to the location in St. Thomas because we like Tickles but now that I see those nachos . . . 

 

Speaking of San Juan, you might like to visit La Taberna Lupolo if you go back sometime. It's not far up the hill from the port in OSJ and they have an excellent selection of local and regional craft beers.

[kwis29]

Disclaimer: this post might be a mess due to issues connecting. I have tried multiple times and cant get all the pics to load. I hope you enjoy anyway!

 

Wednesday: St. Maarten 

Our first ship excursion today! Enough walking around town. It was time to get on the water! The morning started with having breakfast in our usual spot outside of the buffet, close to door was the occasional A/C. As we sat down to eat, a rainbow greeted us.  What a lovely way to start the day.

For our Golden Eagle Sailaway, we had to meet off the gangway at 8:15am. After a little too much waiting around, we took a quick 5 minute walk through the port and to our catamaran. Andy and I have been a quite a few catamarans, so our preferred spot is at the back of the boat by the captain. The front can be fun, but is usually crowded and honestly not as comfortable to sit. Once we dropped off our shoes, we boarded and secured our seat for the day.

The first stop was a snorkeling location for 45 minutes. We didn't get in the water. Instead we enjoyed the sunshine and Andy had his first Carib of the trip. There were a lot of people snorkeling from several boats. It seemed pretty crowded from our vantage point. One young girl did get stung by a jellyfish. The crew was quick to take care of her the best they could and she seemed OK when I saw her later.

Then we cruised down the beautiful coastline of St. Maarten and the the drinks started to flow! Rum punch, mimosas, beer and sodas. The captain pointed out Maho Beach and promised he would try to get us some planes on the way back.

 

We anchored off Mullet Bay beach for 1 hour of swimming. You had to swim in to the beach from the catamaran. Some folks struggled, especially returning back to the boat. Andy and I got in the water this time. It was gorgeous! The crew even brought a cooler of drinks to the beach if you wanted to enjoy a beverage while you floated with your noodle. 

 

After about 1 hour, we were all back on board and the captain quickly informed us that he saw 2 planes on the arrival schedule. We cruised down to Maho Beach and got to see one small and one bigger plane come in for arrival directly above us. I have a video so we'll see if it will upload. While we cruised back, they serve a simple but satisfying snack of a ham/cheese baguette sandwich.

If you are looking for a relaxed excursion on and in the water, I would recommend it. The crew was attentive, drinks flowed, the beach was great, snorkelers were happy. 

 

We headed to the Oceanview for lunch then passed out on some chairs in the Solarium for a nap. I spent the first 20 minutes watching a turtle pop in and out of the water. Andy was already fast asleep and kept looking around to point it out to someone else but the Solarium was pretty empty. I eventually feel asleep too once the turtle swam away.

 

 

Shocking news to report: we went to the Enaemble Lounge for a pre-dinner drink instead of the Marinti Bar. I really wanted to sit I those comfy chairs and listen to the solo artist. While the music was great, our drinks weren't. We were served the palest Manhattans I have ever seen. I always have Manhattans on a cruise in honor of my grandmother who would drink one Manhattan before dinner in the MDR. Oh well! We will try one in the Retreat Lounge and see if I can get a proper drink!

 

Luminae was a ghost town for dinner which meant the service was almost too attentive. It was a quick meal. Probably our least enjoyed so far (besides the wonderful company of course, right DH?)

 

Earlier in the day, we received an invite to a private Silent disco party in the Retreat Lounge. We weren't going to attend but just happened to be the Lounge once it started. The wonderful concierge Connor convinced us to join in after some initial resistance. We are glad we did. It was so much fun! We have seen this in past cruised in the Sky Lounge. It was neat to have a Silent Disco party with a small group.

[Belfast1916]

11 hours ago, kwis29 said:

Disclaimer: this post might be a mess due to issues connecting. I have tried multiple times and cant get all the pics to load. I hope you enjoy anyway!

 

Wednesday: St. Maarten 

Our first ship excursion today! Enough walking around town. It was time to get on the water! The morning started with having breakfast in our usual spot outside of the buffet, close to door was the occasional A/C. As we sat down to eat, a rainbow greeted us.  What a lovely way to start the day.

For our Golden Eagle Sailaway, we had to meet off the gangway at 8:15am. After a little too much waiting around, we took a quick 5 minute walk through the port and to our catamaran. Andy and I have been a quite a few catamarans, so our preferred spot is at the back of the boat by the captain. The front can be fun, but is usually crowded and honestly not as comfortable to sit. Once we dropped off our shoes, we boarded and secured our seat for the day.

The first stop was a snorkeling location for 45 minutes. We didn't get in the water. Instead we enjoyed the sunshine and Andy had his first Carib of the trip. There were a lot of people snorkeling from several boats. It seemed pretty crowded from our vantage point. One young girl did get stung by a jellyfish. The crew was quick to take care of her the best they could and she seemed OK when I saw her later.

Then we cruised down the beautiful coastline of St. Maarten and the the drinks started to flow! Rum punch, mimosas, beer and sodas. The captain pointed out Maho Beach and promised he would try to get us some planes on the way back.

 

We anchored off Mullet Bay beach for 1 hour of swimming. You had to swim in to the beach from the catamaran. Some folks struggled, especially returning back to the boat. Andy and I got in the water this time. It was gorgeous! The crew even brought a cooler of drinks to the beach if you wanted to enjoy a beverage while you floated with your noodle. 

 

After about 1 hour, we were all back on board and the captain quickly informed us that he saw 2 planes on the arrival schedule. We cruised down to Maho Beach and got to see one small and one bigger plane come in for arrival directly above us. I have a video so we'll see if it will upload. While we cruised back, they serve a simple but satisfying snack of a ham/cheese baguette sandwich.

If you are looking for a relaxed excursion on and in the water, I would recommend it. The crew was attentive, drinks flowed, the beach was great, snorkelers were happy. 

 

We headed to the Oceanview for lunch then passed out on some chairs in the Solarium for a nap. I spent the first 20 minutes watching a turtle pop in and out of the water. Andy was already fast asleep and kept looking around to point it out to someone else but the Solarium was pretty empty. I eventually feel asleep too once the turtle swam away.

 

 

Shocking news to report: we went to the Enaemble Lounge for a pre-dinner drink instead of the Marinti Bar. I really wanted to sit I those comfy chairs and listen to the solo artist. While the music was great, our drinks weren't. We were served the palest Manhattans I have ever seen. I always have Manhattans on a cruise in honor of my grandmother who would drink one Manhattan before dinner in the MDR. Oh well! We will try one in the Retreat Lounge and see if I can get a proper drink!

 

Luminae was a ghost town for dinner which meant the service was almost too attentive. It was a quick meal. Probably our least enjoyed so far (besides the wonderful company of course, right DH?)

 

Earlier in the day, we received an invite to a private Silent disco party in the Retreat Lounge. We weren't going to attend but just happened to be the Lounge once it started. The wonderful concierge Connor convinced us to join in after some initial resistance. We are glad we did. It was so much fun! We have seen this in past cruised in the Sky Lounge. It was neat to have a Silent Disco party with a small group.

Really enjoying reading your review - giving us great ideas for our cruise in two weeks time. 

[TuesThursSat]

I will be sailing on the Equinox in October in an S1 Aft suite. Do you know if the mattresses were replaced during renovation? Are they comfortable? In general what is your opinion of the room since the renovation took place. 

 

Thanks!

 

[Jim_Iain]

Enjoying your posts.   Really feeling like I’m aboard. 

[markeb]

21 hours ago, kwis29 said:

While the music was great, our drinks weren't. We were served the palest Manhattans I have ever seen. I always have Manhattans on a cruise in honor of my grandmother who would drink one Manhattan before dinner in the MDR. Oh well! We will try one in the Retreat Lounge and see if I can get a proper drink!

On your cruise, but haven’t seen you guys. Sad to say, the Manhattan is MIA on the Equinox. Try the Kentucky Calling at the WCB. 

 

Candied cherries. Need I say more?

[kwis29]

2 hours ago, TuesThursSat said:

I will be sailing on the Equinox in October in an S1 Aft suite. Do you know if the mattresses were replaced during renovation? Are they comfortable? In general what is your opinion of the room since the renovation took place. 

 

Thanks!

 

I don't think any renovations have happened yet for cabins except Aqua Class? No renovations done in our cabin. We find the mattress to be comfortable. Overall, the room is holding up. Some TLC is needed on the balcony for sure and small things in the bathroom.

Edited August 5, 2022 by kwis29

[kwis29]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Enjoying your posts.   Really feeling like I’m aboard. 

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I look forward to your posts on your trip!

[Host Anne]

kwis29 ~ glad to hear you are enjoying the Sky Suite and your cruise.  Appreciate you taking the time to share.  I'll do a post cruise next week.  We are having slightly different experiences but still mostly good!

 

Keep on enjoying!!!!