Sometimes LIVE from the Equinox - May 13 to 21, 2023

[DisneyJen]

There are certain things in life worth getting up at zero dark thirty, driving three minutes to the airport, connecting through LaGuardia and staying at the Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale before your birthday cruise on Celebrity’s Equinox.

 

@DJ's DHand I have cruised more than 50 times on everything from a 38-foot sailboat with the Moorings (2X), HAL (3X), RCL (6X), Princess (5X), Disney (1X), Seabourn (1X), SeaDream 6X including a transAtlantic) and Celebrity 3X)

.

We haven’t earned upper level status on any line. This is our fourth time on Celebrity (twice on Summit (Aqua and The Retreat (Royal Suite) )  and now twice on Equinox (Aqua and now The Retreat (Celebrity Suite).

 

@DJ’sDH and I are in our early 60s … I turned 61 today on boarding day and @DJ’sDH turns 62 on Monday.

 

This cruise is a do-over as last year’s sailing to Bermuda on Summit in the RS we had serval huge issues. We were offered a fair amount of FCC and decided to give Celebrity another chance as we like concept of The Retreat and the size of the  and S class ships.

 

I originally booked us in an aft center Sky Suite for this cruise. About two weeks before the cruise I bit on the CS and RS … neither of which were showing availability but I figured nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

Four days before the cruise I received an email that our bid to a CS was accepted. We were assigned to a suite on Deck 11. I bid just above the minimum on both suites.

 

 

[joyefullcruiser]

Look forward to your review.  Will be on the Equinox in August.

[Silkroad]

Following. Congratulations on your winning bid. Happy birthday! 

[Barwick Cruiser]

Happy Birthday! I turned 61 on the 1st! May is a great month isn’t it? 🤣

Hope you and DH enjoy a wonderful holiday…oh, and Happy Birthday to DH as well 🥂 🎂 🎉 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Happy Birthday to both of you!  Enjoy your CS.

 

[horseymike]

Happy Birthday to you both . 🥂

Hope you have a great cruise 🚢 

[lola2013]

Happy Birthday and Bon Voyage. 
Equinox is a beautiful ship 🚢 

[DisneyJen]

May 12:

 

At 4:30 a.m. Auntie and Hudson drove us to our little regional airport in State College.

 

 

We had a 41-minute Delta flight to LaGuardia … which equaled about the same time it took us to walk from our arriving gate to our departing gate. Note to self - avoid LGA on Delta!

 

We were concerned that our luggage wouldn’t make our flight to FLL but it had an easier time than we did.

 

@DJsDH and I, along with our two checked bags, made it to FLL Originally we were going to get an Uber but decided to take a taxi as the cost was about the same.

 

We used Marriott Bonvoy points to stay the Ritz Carlton, where we have stayed pre and post cruises.

Luckily @DJsDH had accrued enough points and status for us to splurge on this hotel.

 

The drive to the hotel took about 30 minutes because of construction on A1A.

 

Our room wasn’t ready so we hung out in the Cub Lounge. We were upgraded to an oceanfront balcony suite where champagne and a cake awaited us.

 

We reserved an Uber for 10:30 a.m. and called it a night

 

 

 

 

 

[horseymike]

Great beginning….to hopefully a great trip.😎😎

[DisneyJen]

 

May 13 -

 

Nothing like waking up on your birthday with a view of the ocean and a cruise on the horizon.

 

Our pre-arranged Uber driver picked up up right at 10:30 a.m. Traffic wasn’t too bad as there were only three cruise ships in port. We were dropped off curbside at Terminal 25 in 20 minutes.

 

The entrance for Retreat guests was well marked. As a matter of face the whole process was so seamless that I wasn’t able to stop to take any photos.

 

We settled into our seats in the lounge and before we knew it Carol checked us in. Next thing we knew we received permission to board. Totally time from curbside to picking up our SeaPasses was 15 minutes.

 

We made our way to our suite, dropped off our hand luggage and headed to The Retreat where we met Janelle, one of the concierges.

 

After a mimosa or two we headed down to Luminae for lunch. All of the window seats seemed to be taken so we requested a two top along the back wall of the main room. Robin and Marcil took excellent care of us. Poor Purta, the sommelier, definitely had his hands full but the maitre’d made sure we had a full glass of champagne to go with our Luminae burgers.

 

After lunch, cabins were ready so we headed to our new home on Deck 11

 

 

The view from the entrance to the suite.

 

Our welcome sparkling wine.

 

 

View of the living area.

 

 

More of the living area.

 

 

The bathroom.

 

 

The bedroom.

 

 

More of the bedroom.

 

 

The balcony.

 

 

Another view of the balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 13, 2023 by DisneyJen

[DisneyJen]

While relaxing on the balcony our cabin attendant, Edwin, stopped in to introduce himself and to let us know our bags had arrived. He made sure we had extension cords and distilled water for our CPAP machines.

 

A bit later our Butler/Personal Retreat Host, Sini, stopped by to introduce himself and to make sure our preferences were noted.

 

Then it was time to head off to the Helipad Sailway at 3:45 p.m.

 

... More to come ....

[Georgia_Peaches]

It was 2016 since I last sailed Equinox.  We are booked on her in a comped veranda stateroom for July 2nd in the Caribbean.  It will be our first non-suite experience in quite some time but we plan to leverage our Elite perks to offset some of the difference in categories.  All that to say, your live review is timely as I reacquaint myself with Equinox...so thank you for taking the time and most importantly of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both!

[DisneyJen]

@Georgia_Peaches the Equinox is as lovely as it was when we first sailed her in '19.

 

Thanks for the kind words and wishes.

 

[DisneyJen]

May 13 continued -

 

We headed to Deck 6 forward where Janelle was waiting to escort our small group up to the helipad for the sail away from Fort Lauderdale.

 

There were about 40 to 50 people on the helipad who were enjoying the view, Kir royals, mimosas, champagne and some blue drink.

 

We stayed on the helipad until we left the channel  …we were two of the last six to leave.

 

We came back to the cabin to unpack before dinner.

 

A pre-dinner drink in The Retreat was on our schedule. We were welcome by The Retreat Manager, Daniel. We took a seat at the bar where Bartender Jamie from Manilla provide entertainment as well as adult beverages.

 

Two short flights from The Retreat and we were at Luminae. Greeting us was the always smiling maitre’d, whose name I forget, who showed us to a perfect table for two by the window.

 

Purta, the sommelier, immediately came to the table with champagne which we continued to have throughout the meal.

 

@DJsDH started with the French Onion Soup, followed by a Caesar Salad and had the Short Ribs as his entree. I went with the Escargot, Caesar Salad and the NY Strip.  My steak wasn’t anything like the NY Strip Steaks we typical find. It was cut more like a roast than a steak.

 

I should have gone with my first instincts and ordered the Prime Rib from the MDR.

 

We passed on dessert as we were full from the three courses.

 

The entire Luminae staff sang “Happy Birthday” to me. They then presented a beautiful and delicious mini chocolate cake which @DJsDH and I shared.

 

Tired and satiated we stopped for a nightcap in The Retreat before heading to bed.

Edited May 14, 2023 by DisneyJen

[CruisinRoxy]

Looking forward to the rest of your review.  Just booked the Equinox for Europe 2024! First time on her since 2019. Elegant ship! 

[DisneyJen]

May 14 -

 

After a blissful night of sleep, we awoke to an overcast and somewhat rainy day.

 

Nonetheless, we were able to enjoy our pre-arranged Room Service breakfast on the balcony. I do love that the Equinox balcony furniture has not been changed out. While we loved the size of the Summit Royal Suite balcony there was no way to enjoy a meal on it.

 

Sini called before delivering our meal. He cheerfully set up our breakfast for us. He presented us with a bottle of Moet Chandon as his gift for Mother’s Day.

 

We enjoyed our alfresco breakfast even though Mother Nature decided to cry on and off (rain and clouds).

 

After a morning of lounging and reading, we head to Luminae for lunch. The almost omniscient Putra made sure our champagne glasses stayed full while Rosie, Marcil and Luvinka made sure we had everything we needed.

 

For lunch I had the Broiled Feta Salad while @DJ's DH had his arm twisted to try the Cram of Parsnip Soup. The salad was delicious while the soup was tasty but a little too sweet for our liking.

@DJ's DH had the Crab Cake Sandwich while I went with Grilled Petit Filet.  @DJ's DH enjoyed the crab cake once he removed it from the roll. My filet was perfection!

 

For desert @DJ's DH had the Black Forest Cake Revisited. He absolutely loved the portions size as well as this updated take on a classic. I enjoyed the light and refreshing White Chocolate Mousse.

 

To our suite balcony suite to enjoy the sea air.

 

Now this is the point in our adventure where the wheels more or less came off the track.

 

 

[DaKahuna]

36 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

Nonetheless, we were able to enjoy our pre-arranged Room Service breakfast on the balcony. I do love that the Equinox balcony furniture has not been changed out. While we loved the size of the Summit Royal Suite balcony there was no way to enjoy a meal on it.

 

I agree 100%.  Revolution ruined many of the ensuite experiences on the S & M class ships.  Tables in the room and on the balcony much too small to enjoy a meal. 

 

38 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

After a morning of lounging and reading, we head to Luminae for lunch. The almost omniscient Putra made sure our champagne glasses stayed full while Rosie, Marcil and Luvinka made sure we had everything we needed.

 

 

 I am curious, which champagne were you drinking?  We usually like Cattier but there was none to be found on our last cruise on Millennium. 

 

40 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

@DJ's DH had the Crab Cake Sandwich while I went with Grilled Petit Filet.  @DJ's DH enjoyed the crab cake once he removed it from the roll. My filet was perfection!

 

 

I normally order the crabcake sandwich without the bun as my appetizer and have the petit filet as my entrée.  

42 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

Now this is the point in our adventure where the wheels more or less came off the track.

 

You can't just leave us hanging like this.  Please say more!!! 

 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

2 hours ago, DisneyJen said:

Now this is the point in our adventure where the wheels more or less came off the track.

🙀 Oh gosh!  A cliff hanger...can't wait to read more!

[helen haywood]

@DisneyJen Please come back!

[DisneyJen]

Greetings all from a beautiful day at sea!

 

I PROMISE to continue with our story ... it just won't be live🤣

 

Let me reassure anyone who is planning on sailing on the lovely Equinox that after a few issues that were resolved we have had a great time. We disembark tomorrow and will overnight i Fort Lauderdale before flying home.

[DisneyJen]

On 5/16/2023 at 11:11 AM, DaKahuna said:

 

I agree 100%.  Revolution ruined many of the ensuite experiences on the S & M class ships.  Tables in the room and on the balcony much too small to enjoy a meal. 

 

 

 I am curious, which champagne were you drinking?  We usually like Cattier but there was none to be found on our last cruise on Millennium. 

 

 

I normally order the crabcake sandwich without the bun as my appetizer and have the petit filet as my entrée.  

 

You can't just leave us hanging like this.  Please say more!!! 

 

 

We enjoyed breakfast every morning and a few lunches on our balcony!

 

No Cattier this trip. We have had Moet twice put they are generally pouring a brand I have not heard of before the cruise but it quite drinkable. I'll take a photo of the bottle this evening.

 

@DJsDH took the crab cake off the bun and enjoyed it.

 

More to come ...

 

 

[DisneyJen]

May 14 Continued -

 

When we had met Sini on embarkation day, he asked us if we would like canapés and at what time. We told him we would like a cheese plate with non-Saltine crackers and shrimp to be delivered between 4:30 and 5  p.m. since we like to savor a drink and nibble while preparing for dinner.

 

We took our afternoon siesta, an indulgence for us while cruising. The bedding is just heavenly. I travel with a small USB fan so we have air movement and light white noise in our sleeping quarters.

 

Sometime after  5 p.m. @DJsDH headed down to The Retreat Lounge to grab pre-dinner drinks to bring back to the room. When he came back he said he was somewhat embarrassed (a rarity) as everyone was dressed in their finest, including some officers.

 

Our canapés hadn’t arrived but a quick call to the Butler on duty and we our nibbles arrived.

 

After showering and dressing we headed to The Retreat Lounge where we found it was the Officers’ Soiree. I apologized to Janelle, The Retreat Concierge) and let her know that we didn’t receive the invite. I also mentioned that our list of benefits (We’re just Select Status but nonetheless). She said she would look into it for us as well as why we were receiving mail for what we guess was the originally scheduled guest in our suite.

 

We headed off to Luminae around 7:30 and were shown to a table along the back wall. We like this location as it is somewhat quiet.

 

@DJsDH started with the French Onion Soup, followed by the Chilled Lobster Salad and then the Roasted Rib Eye. I  started with the Jerusalem Artichoke Soup, followed by the Baby Spinach and Treviso Salad from the MDR and then the Roasted Rib Eye with a baked potato.

I loved the salad and soup buy again was disappointed with the steak. It was much thicker than a traditional steak house rib eye. @DJ’s DH loved everything.

 

For desserts. @DJ’sDH had the Mascarpone Cheesecake. I warned him that it would not be like the traditional cheesecake. He enjoyed it although he was surprised by the presentation. I had the Chocolate Pale which was perfect.

 

We headed back to the room around 9:30 and found that it had not been serviced. The cheese tray was still out, the bed unmade and bath towels on the floor where we left them after showering.

 

To say I was aggravated is an understatement. @DJsDH is much more of a go with the flow guy and shrugged his shoulders.

 

I placed a call to Sini who informed me he was notified that afternoon that his papers weren’t in order and that he needed to head back to his homeland. In the meantime our new Butler would be Mary. He then said he would call the cabin steward on duty for fresh towels.

 

I asked Sini to come up to see me. I then gave him a cash token of our appreciation and wished him well.

 

The on-duty steward picked up the dirty towels and replaced them.

 

Needless to say, sleep did not come easy for me but sleep did come.

 

 

[C4HCG]

6 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

May 14 Continued -

 

When we had met Sini on embarkation day, he asked us if we would like canapés and at what time. We told him we would like a cheese plate with non-Saltine crackers and shrimp to be delivered between 4:30 and 5  p.m. since we like to savor a drink and nibble while preparing for dinner.

 

We took our afternoon siesta, an indulgence for us while cruising. The bedding is just heavenly. I travel with a small USB fan so we have air movement and light white noise in our sleeping quarters.

 

Sometime after  5 p.m. @DJsDH headed down to The Retreat Lounge to grab pre-dinner drinks to bring back to the room. When he came back he said he was somewhat embarrassed (a rarity) as everyone was dressed in their finest, including some officers.

.

 

We headed back to the room around 9:30 and found that it had not been serviced. The cheese tray was still out, the bed unmade and bath towels on the floor where we left them after showering.

 

To say I was aggravated is an understatement. @DJsDH is much more of a go with the flow guy and shrugged his shoulders.

 

I placed a call to Sini who informed me he was notified that afternoon that his papers weren’t in order and that he needed to head back to his homeland. In the meantime our new Butler would be Mary. He then said he would call the cabin steward on duty for fresh towels.

 

I asked Sini to come up to see me. I then gave him a cash token of our appreciation and wished him well.

 

The on-duty steward picked up the dirty towels and replaced them.

 

Needless to say, sleep did not come easy for me but sleep did come.

 

 

If that aggravated you so much you struggled to sleep then with all due respect you live a sheltered life. I get you have paid very good money and expect the best but what you describe is pretty easy to get over in my view. But hey ho, none of my business really.

[DisneyJen]

42 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

If that aggravated you so much you struggled to sleep then with all due respect you live a sheltered life. I get you have paid very good money and expect the best but what you describe is pretty easy to get over in my view. But hey ho, none of my business really.

 

@C4HCG - not a sheltered life ... and this was definitely a first world problem.

 

The reason I had a hard time falling asleep was thinking about this crew member and all the hurdles thrown at him while he is trying to provide for his family in a war-torn Eastern Europe.

 

Perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to call names and judge others,

[C4HCG]

6 minutes ago, DisneyJen said:

 

@C4HCG - not a sheltered life ... and this was definitely a first world problem.

 

The reason I had a hard time falling asleep was thinking about this crew member and all the hurdles thrown at him while he is trying to provide for his family in a war-torn Eastern Europe.

 

Perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to call names and judge others,

I didn’t call names! And I don’t judge you but granted i misunderstood what kept you awake