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Equinox, yes please!
1 of 1 people found this review informative
 
Reviewed By: Straughan, Newcstle upon Tyne on 28th Feb 2010
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Celebrity Equinox Sailed: February, 2010
Destination: Caribbean Age: 56-65
Cabin: Balcony Occasion: Annual/regular holiday
This was our first long haul trip. So I was pretty anxious about the flight from Heathrow to Miami and an over night stay in Fort Lauderdale before joining the fabulous Celebrity Equinox for a 11 day cruise, Ultimate Caribbean. All our travel arrangements went extremely well. No problems encountered. We met the couple in the airport who I had corresponded with via Cruise Critic forum boards for this coming cruise. The hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Marriott North was perfect for an over night stay, had a very late dinner with new friends, in the morning good buffet breakfast, left at 11.30am for the port terminal. We were off the bus and on to the ship, champagne glass in hand within 15 minutes. Embarkation was swift. Whether that had anything to do with the time of day or the fact we were in the concierge class aisle, I can't say.

First impressions - The Equinox is, as others have said, elegant, spacoius, fresh, clean, excellent. Once on board, it was too early to access the stateroom, we made our way up through the ship to the pool deck, got a drink, first cocktail of the cruise then found the Ocenview Buffet Cafe for a liitle lunch. Lots to choose from, easy to manouver around the food stations, food quality very good, gorgeuos ice cream (available all day), ample seating and with some outside tables and chairs.

Staterooms were ready by 1pm if I can remember. We had a balcony room on deck 10, paid a little extra for concierge class. The welcome fruit and champagne, towelling dressing gowns, tote bag for days on land, canapes, etc, probably weren't worth the extra, but were very welcome additions to the already well appointed stateroom. Our queen sized bed was positioned next to the balcony, think the bed next to the bathroom configuration appears to give more room, as the "living area" merges into the balcony area. Storage - we used every available bit. The wardrobe is small, but a fold down hanging rail for tops, T shirts is useful. I brought a fold up shoe hanger and this held both shoes and other odds and ends that usually end up in a draw. Pleased I did as the drawers, 5, only held underwear, shorts, swimwear. The locker above the bed held all the stuff not used frequently. Our cases fit nicely under the bed. Bedding and bed, pillows very comfortable. Telephone had a lit digital time display. Big flat screen TV, we sometimes used this during our late aftenoon rest time. Plenty of channels, including recent films, and older popular films. The bathroom had a night light, so was easy to see and use during the night. Plenty of storage for toileteries in the bathroom, well lit, shower - roomy even for my large husband. Sliding "glass" doors, fixed shower head, I normally like one that I can reach down to use, but didn't find this one a problem. Air condition easy to use. Sockets, both European and USA. Balcony, as we were on the edge of the "hump", the balcony was slightly larger down one side. Two comfy chairs with footstools, and a decent sized table completed the balcony. All in all, the stateroom may be compact, but what more do you need on a ship?

Public areas - What can I say that doesn't sound over the top. We are quite new to cruising, we have been on a RCI ship, and thought that good, but this ship, everything was top notch. I was really impressed with the variety of chairs in all the bars and public lounges. Had never seen so many different designs. Art works everywhere. Lots of different bars to sit in, and you can sit without a drink if you just want to enjoy the ambience and the music. We used the Passport Bar (lovely waitress in here) and I loved the buzz before dinner in the Martini Bar, with it's iced counter and pale silver seating arrangements. Music around the ship was provided by a Caribbean dance music band, strings, piano, guitar, steel drum, orchestra, A Cappella singers, Jazz. My only criticism with the music, was that when ever we sat down, had a drink, the entertainer moved on and it was quite a time before any other musician came to play in that venue. At times, there was nothing else happening and we had to refer to our Celebrity Today newsletter to see what was going on elsewhere. Just a little lack of continuity. We met some people who thought the ship was too quiet, not enough going on for them and prefered the buzz of a Princess or Royal Caribbean ship. Did expect more evening entertainment on deck, as we were in the Caribbean, with balmy evenings. Only noticed one night that there was a disco on the pool deck. Some of the bars we never managed to try, not enought time!! Did spend an evening in the Sky Lounge, where there was dancing to the Caribbean band. Casino - husband played poker once at the end of the cruise and won!!! Managed to keep it and bring the dollars home. Glass lifts in the atruim, including a tree suspended in the middle inside a Swarosvki planter. Library, card room, internet/computer room, which I used to email home and to print off our boarding cards for flights home. Not sure if this was sensible as it did cost, but made it easier at Miami airport.
Theatre - big, two levels, plush seats, big stage with arial tracking coming out over the auditorium for the acrobats. We saw most of the shows, the ship's group of singers and dancers certainly earned their money. Such energy and acrobatic
expertise, enjoyed all their shows. Other nights, there were comedians, guitarist singer (Las Vegas) who was good, magician from England, never heard of him, but he was both funny and clever. Equinox, The Show on the 2nd last evening was superb.

Activities - Events - lots happening even on shore days. Too many to list, something for everyone I would think. We watched the hot glass show a couple of times as found it fascinating. I attended the art auction, just out of interest, not to buy!!. Too lazy on sea days to attend any of the lectures or enrichment programmes, but wish I had. Could have learnt a language, or played bocce( lawn bowls) done fitness classes, attended the gym, gone to dance classes, gone to an Eat More to Weigh Less seminar, but think I was already eating more, but as for weighing less, no didn't happen with the food on board this ship. The pool deck, two pools and a water feature, loved by the children on board (not many of these as term time), was always packed out on sea days. Also an indoor pool, again with a leaping water feature, didn't use this, don't like being inside on lovely days. We preferred the deck above, lots of comfy loungers, but you still needed to be out early to get the best spots on sea days. Though we still found a couple ,even looking for one after 11.30am one day. Lots of other areas to sit or lie, seating etc on the upper decks and nice wood seats on deck 5. The lawn area, thought this a bit gimmicky, never saw anyone actually lie on it. We didn't use the gym or the spa, so can't comment. Ship only a little "rocky" at times. Most of the time, you forgot you were at sea.

Food - We ate dinner each night in the Silhouette Dining Room choosing select dining rather than fixed 6.30pm or 8.30pm timings. The first night was shambolic, everyone turning up at the same time for a table, roughly 7.30pm. Some people quite rude about this, but nothing much we could do than wait, table eventually at 8.15pm. This didn't happen on the following nights.We sat in the upper tier of the MDR, and chose to share tables with other diners. This way we met some lovely people from both USA, and England. Often dining again with the same people. There were 2 formal evenings, nice to dress up, even had our photo taken and bought the photos. Smart casual on the other evenings, noticed some really dressed down, but others could have been attending a Christmas function in the UK. We never felt we were missing anything by booking for the the speciality dining. Though, anyone we spoke to who had, said it was very good indeed. Dinners, good variety, enjoyed every meal I chose and I can be very fussy. Don't usually do steak, but the Chateuabriand was melt in the mouth. Also had oysters, scallops, lobster tail, seafood risotto's. Service was quick, never had anything that had gone cold. Good atmosphere.
Breakfast in the Oceanview buffet. Choice, whatever you wanted to eat, it was there. We met some lovely ladies from Canada in here, who became friends and who we joined for the end of cruise brunch buffet in the MDR. This was spectacular, the biggest buffet I'd seen, beautifully presented, and again with everything to eat you could think of. Ice and fruit sculptures to set off the dispalys of food. Even white and dark chocolate fountains with fresh fruit. There was also a port (the drink)tastings and chocolate buffet evening one night in the passport bar. Where all the people came for this I have no idea, news travelled fast.

Staff - every single one was polite, friendly (above the call of duty), our cabin steward Edwin, did his job very well, two guys from England were more than helpful and friendly in the on board shops. The Captain, give us a resume of our position each day, other than that very few announcements. Also noticed him around the ship from time to time. The ship is extremely clean, everywhere. Hand sanitisers at each bar and food venue. Didn't here of anyone coming down with the dreaded norovirus.

Excursions - We went ashore at each island as first time to the Caribbean. Only did one ship excursion, on Dominica.
The others, made our own arrangements, once ashore getting taxi's. St Thomas to Magen's Bay, nice beach but very overcrowded, did hear of one called Sappire Beach, would try that another time. St Kitts, foolishly took the first tour we spotted on coming out of the dock gates, had a good guide who took us in a bone shaker of a mini bus with open sides and into the rain forest. He was very knowledgable, but the trip should also have been to the other side of the island and there was not enough time to do that as well. So $25 each was a bit expensive. Barbados - had a friend who has a house here pick us up for the day, so that was special, didn't do anything touristy here, just enjoyed being in a an old plantation house and it's gardens. Dominica, liked this tree covered island, again a rain forest walk to see waterfalls. St Maatens, organised a tour with Bernards Tours on the internet beforehand. Excellent day out, good company on the mini bus(this one air conditioned) were taken first to Orient Beach for some time in the sea, also to Maho where the planes come in over the beach, a bit of shopping on both the French and the Dutch sides. Rum punch, on board the bus, just a really good day. The islands are all different, can't compare one with another, though St Kitt's certainly need tourists for their economy. We travelled through a very poor area here. Saw school children on all the islands, all smart in their uniforms. Dominica, lush, and we were told the island grows most of what the people eat, only importing rice, grain and salt. If you want to splash out on jewels then St Thomas and St Maarten are the places to indulge.

Disembarkation - well organised. Off the ship, a bit later than the time given, but cases in neat rows, easily found, and off to our day room at hotel Wyndham at Miami Airport arranged by our TA (thanks to her for all the arrangements). Booking into the hotel was a bit of a shambles, eventually got key to our room with cases. Decided to use the time (flight not till 8.30pm) by taking local bus to South Beach Miami, where we had a walk and something to eat. Spent the rest of the day with new friends, before waiting for the flight home. However, these night time flights are a killer, especially if you have an onward flight to take from Heathrow.

I am sorry if this review is long winded, but there was so much I wanted to say. Have found it difficult to criticise anything. It was certainly worth splashing out on this cruise line. I would recommend both the ship and the itinerary to anyone. We had an excellent holiday, from the ship, the people we met, to the places we saw and lovely sunny hot weather.
Quality of Food5
Ate in the main dining room for dinner. Breakfast, missed lunch most days, but had afternoon tea in Oceanview Buffet
Entertainment4
Equinox The Show, with music and acrobats
Shore Excursions4
Best day ashore had to be St Maartens, because of the fun and company that day.
Staff4
All of the staff went out of their way to be helpful and friendly. Of note, bar waitress Daniella in the Passport Bar, Mark and Kevin in the Equinox shops, and hard working Edwin, cabin steward.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Plenty to do
Cabins4
Yes, no problems, more storage if on longer cruises.
Overall Rating5
1 of 1 people found this review informative
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Comment by Adams, Croydon (02 Nov 10 20:07) about this REVIEW
Hi to you both - trust you're keeping well. Just thought I'll let you know that we had a really good time on the Eclipse notwithstanding a few minor hickcups along the way. There has been a number of very good reviews on our cruise which I would largely agree with especially regarding the lack of deck space and the luck warm entertainment, so I don't think I'll bother to write a detailed review but will wait to February when we do the Emerald Princess - then I can get an up to date Belitz Guide! We're actually going on Eclipse again after Easter to take the family on a mini cruise so that should be fun. Hope the weather stays as warm in the North East as it is down here!!
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Comment by Straughan, Newcastle upon Tyne (02 Nov 10 22:03) about a COMMENT by Adams (02 Nov 10 20:07)
Hi, nice to hear from you again. We are fine and the weather isn't that bad up in the cold North either!! Still got geraniums flowering at the front door. I'd been looking out for your review, but as you say lots of Eclipse reviews lately. I think the entertainment in the evening does let Celebrity down. Saying that, have taken the plunge again and are booked for Feb next year, but this time the alternate route. Sandy's choice this time! Only hope we aren't making a mistake. Saying that, the actual ship didn't disappoint. We considered P and O's Azura, but the reviews put us off. Keep in touch!
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Comment by Checkley, Bristol (02 Mar 10 16:46) about this REVIEW
Haven't been on this ship but a great fan of Celebrity. Due to go on Equinox in April so this is interesting as it is the sister ship and I guess will be very similar - watch this space for my review! Going on the inaugual sailing so will be interest...
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Comment by Straughan, Newcastle upon Tyne (05 Mar 10 21:26) about a COMMENT by Checkley (02 Mar 10 16:46)
Looking forward to reading your review on the Eclipse.
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Comment by Petre Gibson, Accrington (01 Mar 10 23:58) about this REVIEW
The Equinox is great, but I still prefer the suites on the Millennium class ships
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Opinion: Agree Question by Rum Runner, Fareham (01 Mar 10 19:33) about this REVIEW
An excellent, well balanced review and particularly useful to us as we embark on Equinox later this month ourselves. We have been told to embark at 1400 however as Conceirge guests will we be able to embark earlier as you did? Also, we intend to take a ships tour, on arrival back at Ft Lauderdale, that terminates at the airport. Will this give us a priority disembarkation also?
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Answer by Straughan, Newcastle upon Tyne (05 Mar 10 21:31) to a QUESTION by Rum Runner (01 Mar 10 19:33)
Thank you. I'm not an authority on the perks of Conceige passengers, but would expect you to also have priority embarkation, even if you are joining a tour of Fort lauderdale. I am sure someone on this site will have done the tour after disembarkation,and be able to help, just ask in the questions field.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Adams, Croydon (01 Mar 10 18:47) about this REVIEW
Hi Guys – Superbly detailed review, especially helpful for those who haven’t sailed with Celebrity before or on the Equinox in particular. Wondered what all those notes you were making were for! You probably saw ours – bit less complementary, but having been sailing with Celebrity for nearly 10 years I guess that heightens our expectations more, but still think they take some beating. Sorry we didn’t get the chance to say a proper cheerio at LHR, (our taxi driver was getting inpatient), but glad you made it back to the frozen north okay. Hope your photographs turned out as well as ours and thanks for the camera & lens advice. Really great meeting you both and hope that our paths cross again on a future Celebrity cruise as you obvious like them! Look out for review of the Eclipse in the autumn.
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Comment by Straughan, Newcastle upon Tyne (05 Mar 10 21:52) about a COMMENT by Adams (01 Mar 10 18:47)
Hi both, The last we saw of you was in one of the immigration queues at LHR, we had a tiring wait for the next flight home. Then the jet lag set in!! We didn't see you at all on the flight, but we enjoyed our times spent with you both. Thanks to the cruise forums bringing us together. My review wasn't as objective as yours, but as we are new to both Celebrity and cruising it certainly matched any expectations of a 5* cruise. Of course the beautiful ship had a lot to do with it. Yes, the photos bring back happy memories. It would be great to find ourselves on another cruise together in the future. Yes, we will look out for your next review, as found your's interesting, well written and objective.
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Comment by Jane, Eastbourne (01 Mar 10 18:42) about this REVIEW
I agree, what a great review. We're sailing on the Eclipse in May which will be the first time we've done Celebrity. After reading of your experience, I can't wait. Thank you for being so informative.
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