pinkrosesdeb

We also had a not so great steak at Chops and some pretty bad service on the Freedom. We have had really good steaks before so surprised. BUT, we had amazing filet in Giovanni's on the same cruise...so good, in fact we did it 3x. Every time you go your experience can vary with timing or service or just luck of the draw. When I buy steak at home, even though I buy it from the same place, the taste and quality can vary from day to day. We love the specialty restaurants and go at least 2x on each cruise. We would still go back to Chops and chalk up our last time to a "bad steak day" and expect a better one next time. We will definitely go back to Giovanni's many times.

WE have always had a much longer wait when we arrrived later. We are always early now. I don't know if it works that way for others or just luck of the draw for us. But, we won't be waiting til later in the day to board.

One of our favorite perks as Diamond Plus is the BOGO in a specialty restaurants if you book first night. We were also able to use both mine and hubby's since we booked the 2nd dinner first night as well.

Is it correct that Persian Gardens is aft on Equinox? I thought when we first booked and were in a forward cabin starboard side that deck plans showed this area in front of the ship on the port side. We are now midship on the hump so either location would work.

wallie5446, we are sailing 3/25/16. We just got our revised itinerary yesterday telling us that Dominica is dropped and we will overnight in St. Maarten. Never done that before either, so I guess they are trying to teach this old dog some new tricks! Never been to Dominica so don't know if I will be missing anything but I am pretty much happy just being onboard a cruiseship so it would take a lot to disappoint me and this doesn't seem to come close.

I guess sometimes you just get lucky! Thanks for the info on 1610, we sail in hump cabins whenever we can. In fact, a couple weeks ago on Freedom we were back of the hump. We are truly looking forward to this cruise. As loyal Royal cruisers, we felt it was time to venture out and X sounds like a really great fit for us. We like everything we have been hearing. We are in our 60's so we don't do the rock climbing walls, the flowrider, etc. My girls and I DID enjoy the carousel on Oasis & Allure though, you just can't take the kid out of me! But, we certainly don't choose a ship based on that. We enjoy just being at sea.

WOW for us is being able to cruise! We can make any cruise a WOW just by NOT BEING AT WORK! Maybe this line isn't for you, and I have no idea because this will be our first X cruise as well but I suggest maybe trying one more time. Compare & decide but it sounds like Princess is your "cruise home ship". At least you tried. Deb

This is our first Celebrity cruise (Diamond Plus on Royal) and I booked an Aqua after many suggestions from previous cruisers. We are on Equinox in 1610, did I make a good choice? I know I wanted Aqua but have no idea about cabin location on X ships. I look forward to be coming more "informed" on this line. Love all the feedback from all of you.

No shrimp on Freedom a couple weeks ago either. They did have tuna and hard boiled eggs. I don't really remember salmon either come to think of it but I found plenty of good healthy stuff for mine.

I did not find NCL prices to be lower. Maybe it is the date

Yes, it was really nice to have the beverage station right in the solarium. We will survive without it but it was a great convenience.

Can any recent cruiser comment on whether they added the beverage station in the solarium? We found it so nice to be able to grab a flavored water, cup of coffee or just a glass of water without having to leave the solarium. Of course, we LOVED having Park Cafe in the solarium on the Brilliance. We could always grab fruit or yogurt or a quick sandwich or soup. I was hoping they might add a similar option on Freedom.

Park Cafe is always complimentary a great place for a quick snack. Breakfast is pretty nice there as well.

I would like to see an offer similar to Celebrity's 1-2-3 go promo. We booked with them because of this promo. We are Diamond + with Royal but anxious to try another line now.

After 2 "hard sell" experiences onboard, we have started doing our massages before we board the ship. Get a better massage for a lot less money. I wish I could enjoy a massage onboard but the prices have gotten out of hand and I was so angry at the one therapist who literally said to me when I refused to buy the toxin remover she was suggesting..."I thought you said you wanted to take care of yourself I guess you don't!" The product btw was $600!

They were able to get us in with no problem! Enjoy

We have done 3 Indy cruises and loved every one. Had excellent service, phenomenal crew! We also like Port Everglades and find it one of the easiest in and out ports around. We are trying Freedom in May so look forward to loving her as well. Sorry it didn't work for you!

You can definitely handle it all yourself, just make sure you have all the reservation numbers. I like to make sure everything is done beforehand as well. Have a great time!

Dave85, thank you so much for the info. We are seriously considering this ship. I love the way she looks. Deb

We haven't been on NCL in many years. Seriously considering booking the Escape in 2016. The one complaint I have heard from many of our friends is that the didn't like the bathroom sink located in the main room or the fact that the jacuzzi in some of the suites is actually in the "bedroom" part. Any idea if this will continue to be the layout of the new cabins? Or, if indeed, it is still the way the cabins are laid out in the newer ships? We are Diamond Plus with Royal and I can answer a lot of questions about that line...but I am anxious to know about THIS line. Thanks so much for your help and, hopefully, I will cruise with some of you before too long.

Deb

I am not sure how they could possibly make these ships any more "family friendly". Bumper cars, water parks, flow rider, etc. What else would you want?

BillOh, that's funny! I DO love bacon! Even Candian Bacon.

We loved the R Bar on Brilliance, you can actually get a cocktail made by hand without all those disgusting sweet carton mixes. Loved it!

If you booked directly with Royal, you shouldn't lose your deposit this far out. We change our bookings frequently and have never suffered a penalty with Royal but have lost a little with agents. Is it different because you are from UK? I hope you get it worked out.

I actually find it "gauche" to point out other people's choices and make fun of them but to each their own!