2Fltravelers

I actually logged into CC and found a special savings certificate for my upcoming Equinox cruise. I called CC and they graciously added the $125 savings as on onboard credit since I had already paid in full. Definitely check the site and then call if you find something.

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I live near the port and there are many lodging options, many of which permit you to park your car on their lot during the cruise and have shuttle services to and from the port. Depending on what your price range is and how long you plan to stay, I can provide some choices. What hotels have you looked at and are you willing to stay a few miles away?

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My in laws just got off the Allure yesterday and were extremely disappointed with the MDR menu. This was their 5th Oasis class cruise and they were shocked to see that the MDR menu no longer offered prime rib, beef tenderloin or lobster on any of their nightly menus. Instead, the menu indicated a very significant up charge if you wanted to order any of those items. They spoke with the maitre d' who wrote down their concerns but they never received any feedback. Their waiter said there would be lobster later in the week and their was but no prime rib or tenderloin. They also said that the food quality had gone down as well. Whether this will continue or RCL realizes that this is not a good idea remains to be seen. There were many other issues regarding service throughout the cruise, perhaps due to the norovirus outbreak on the previous cruise or the launching of the Harmony the day before. The whole experience has caused them to consider another cruise line for their next cruise.

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WE were on Equinox in January and loved it.Sailed with Princess twice and would never do it again.

We are booked for Jan 2017 on the Equinox for the 4th time. While we have cruised with Princess before we were never "thrilled" but did take a 10 day on the Royal in January with friends who are Platinum on Princess (we are Ruby). The service was the worst we ever experienced in 25 cruises. It was the "no to everything" cruise- literally. It was so bad that our friends asked us to book the Equinox instead for January so it wasn't just us. That said, we may consider another cruise with Princess but learned some valuable lessons. Still, our line of choice is Celebrity.

Both 1568 and 1572 have the bed by the balcony.

Thanks. I picked them for that reason:D. Do you know anything about noise issues? On the S-Class Sticky, someone said there is a crew cabin across from 1572 on the Eclipse/Reflection. I was wondering if that was the case with the Equinox.:confused:

Yup and it's a great place to go, no crowds, there's room to stash your carry-on luggage while you eat, etc.

Agreed! That is our standard lunch spot on embarkation. We head straight there and relax with a glass of wine, attentive service, and wait for the announcement that our cabin is ready. So much more civilized and calm than going to the buffet.

I have been on the Equinox 3 times, most recently in October on the TA. I took detailed notes of cabin locations, crew doors, beds by balcony/bath for the next time. Well, the next time will be next January and I can't find my notes!

I checked the S-Class Sticky but there is no specific information on the cabins I reserved.

Has anyone sailed in 1568 or 1572 on the Equinox recently? If so, is there a crew door across from either? Any noise from above? Any information about these cabins will be greatly appreciated:D

Michelle

We just returned from an 11 day Equinox cruise Friday (01/22/16) and I thought I would post an update on the AQ cabin amenities.

 

1. No water except for two "welcome bottles". However, we had a Classic Package so bottled water was easily available everywhere.

 

2. There was a welcome bottle of sparkling wine; the same as we have had in previous AQ cabins. I wonder when this will be stopped since it is no longer mentioned as part of AQ.

 

3. The cabin provided Spa Kit was still there when we walked in; slippers (2 pairs, but useless IMO), two bags (spa and a Celebrity Tote Bag), and one lip balm (I guess a couple is supposed to share???).

 

4. The "pillow menu" was gone (and yes, I knew where it has always been hidden). The pillows now provided are terrible; maybe the worst pillows I have ever used. I have had a stiff neck now for a week. Anyone traveling that have pillow issues may want to consider taking their own. I know, what a pain......

 

5. Tea is still available as it has been for years; and for years, we told our cabin steward to remove it.

 

6. Received one rose about two days into the cruise.

 

7. Still had the same nice heavy duty towels and Frette Robes.

 

The bottom line for us, if not for the missing daily bottled water, we would not have noticed the changes to AQ amenities.

Thanks for an up-to-date review on the AQ Equinox. Can you tell me what cabin you were in? We booked the 10-day for next January and I can't find all of my notes about the AQ cabins that I took on our TA in October:confused:. Thanks.

There were two brands, neither one that I have ever heard of. However, I do not normally drink bottled water at home and only use it while traveling to help make sure that I drink enough each day (I ordered a 1 or 1.5 liter bottle every morning and made sure they were empty by the evening).

 

We just got the rose mentioned previously with three small white flowers surrounding it. If it had not shown up the second or third day, we would have never missed them. IMO, the storage room is in short supply in AQ and similar cabins, the less "stuff" the better.

I recall from the TA in October that Geyser Spring was the water provided in the AQ cabin as well as with the classic beverage package. We asked our cabin attendant to keep it replenished daily and always had 4 full bottles-no questions asked. We did have him remove the tea which we think is awful. Throughout the ship we were given a small bottle of Geyser Spring with our package but if they were out, they gave us Evian instead.

Ask for Anna asst waiter. She was terrific... Her teamed waiter was awesome too but he was being promoted to a head water spot.. also had a great Sommelier..but can't recall his name,

Loved BLU...

We also had Anna from Macedonia on the TA in October. She was so awesome and I think she is onboard until May as I recall. I hope they promote her to waiter status-she deserves it.Glad to hear that Shash (her waiter-that's what we called him as we had difficulty pronouncing his name)has been promoted to head. He worked countless hours outside Blu as a head waiter in training in the Buffet. Incredible dedication and drive.

We just cruised on the Solstice from Sydney to New Zealand Jan5 sailing in an AFT aqua class cabin.

 

We walked over from the Holiday Inn to the port and had gave them our luggage. They lost our luggage tags however and as a result the luggage did not get found until after sailaway. A real scare as we packed the meds since we thought how can it get lost if we gave them the luggage outside the ship. Never again!

 

Stateroom attendants - great and friendly.

Hansgrohe shower - great.

Pillows - yea could be better.

Persian Spa - did not use it.

Non smoking - loved it.

 

Blu - VERY noisy. It was difficult to have conversations at times.

Service was inconsistent and sometimes quite slow.

Menu was hit or miss and usually miss.

We ate at all the restaurants.

 

Aqua Spa Cafe - A pale knockoff of its former glory.

 

Why couldn't they have Lychee ice cream more than one day in the buffet even after I asked.

 

Silk Harvest is something I would not go back to. Sushi needs to be fresh and all their sushi just seemed to have old fish smell/taste even the cooked fish. To me it was comparable to a cheap land restaurant and not worth the copay.

 

Tuscan was decent but the Caesar salads just don't compare to my memory of 10 years when the dressing was made table side and it was artfully created. The case dressing in all the restaurants was very watery.

 

Haven't been on Celebrity on 10 years and the changes were quite a let down in Murano vs the old Specialty. I did like the smaller portions so we could order various item however. We ate at Murano twice and I did enjoy the various items but at twice the price of the old days the value proposition has definitely dropped.

 

Did the cooking class on the first sea day. A lot of fun. We made a starter and entree and got to eat with the Chef.

 

Entertainment was similar to memory. Some hits Will Martin, and Jane Cho and some misses. The Rat Pack, The Queen knockoff, and Nikki Bennett did not do it for me.

 

I definitely made use of the drink package but I wish the drink menus listed more drinks. Things like Mudslides or Daiquiris/Margaritas were not listed, you just had to know.

 

I miss the old custom chocolates on the pillows. The Halloween candy is a joke.

 

The Queenstown overnight is a MUST do add on.

 

The 7 hour bus ride nearly ruins Jetboat and TranzAlpine train ride tour. When is Christchurch going to get their port fixed.

 

Hobbiton was gorgous.

 

Loved the Bonorong refuge. We did the private tour and got in the cages.

 

Overall the itinerary is a 10 but I would probably tweak things that might make me think Princess as they have more variation. 12/14/15 day sailings.

 

I might skip Hobart and go to Brisbane/Melbourne pre-cruise. You can't hold Koalas in Tasmania but can on the mainland.

Thanks for the review. We were also booked on this cruise but had to cancel in August. Your comments for the future are really helpful.

Cruise for itinerary first, then line/ship. I use a range of lines, have Elite status on Celebrity and Platinum on Princess. I like both lines, but feel Celebrity has the edge over Princess overall.

 

Cheers

Rosie

Agree. We are Elite on Celebrity and Ruby on Princess. Just got off the Royal Princess last week and significant issues with service, etc. It was definitely a management issue since it was pervasive. Service and amenities on Celebrity overall are better. Just booked our next cruise on Celebrity.

SHIP: Equinox

CABIN #: 1558

DECK #: 11

CLASS: Aqua

AREA: Starboard Forward

BED NEAR: Bath

QUIET?: Very

BALCONY VIEW: Foward view partially blocked by windo washing equipment over next door cabin 1556 and angled support beam to the right supporting solarium deck above although many of these cabins have a support beam

BALCONY SIZE: standard with 2 reclining chairs, 2 ottomans and a dining height teak table

WIND A PROBLEM?: No

SOOT A PROBLEM?: No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: We liked being forward since we could hear the ocean sounds more distinctly. Being 4 cabins aft from the forward elevators made the cabin very quiet, little foot traffic, no crew doors nearby. We liked being under the solarium since there was no noise from above. It was nice th be close to the Relaxation Lounge, fitness room and Persian Garden. In the future, I would choose 1560 or 1564 so we could have the bed by the balcony which we prefer and not have the window washing equipment in our line of sight. We didn't mind the walk aft since we like and need the exercise.

Just got off Silhouette today in AQ. Bottled water replenished daily, and if you need more, just ask your stateroom attendant.

Agreed. On the Equinox TA (10/27/15) we just asked the cabin attendant to remove the tea and give us 4 bottles of water daily. Never a problem and always a smile.

On the Equinox TA (10/27/15) we had no real internet problems. Perhaps because we timed our use to dinner times (early seating around 6 pm) or after 11pm (when most of the ship was sleeping). People were constantly on their phones and tablets throughout the day which we found interesting. Either they bought an unlimited internet package, or a massive international phone and data package, or are in for a big surprise when they get their bill.

I saw on a recent thread mention of lunch at Murano. We've done 6 Celebrity sailings and I never heard of a specialty restaurant option for lunch - is this new? Or do I have to inquire once on board? I prefer lunch far more to dinner, so trying a specialty restaurant during lunch would be absolutely ideal for me. Would love any input.

 

 

 

Also, I saw some people mention being able to get discounted cover charges at specialty restaurants once onboard - can anyone please elaborate on that? Thanks!

On embarkation day there is usually a 20% discount offered for all specialty restaurants. They do this because the dining rooms are so chaotic the first night with people changing dining times, tables, etc. We usually do this so we are not part of the chaos which has usually quieted down by the 2nd night.

I think :eek: I remember :D from our last cruise that the coupons had the sailing date they are good on, printed on them.

That is correct. They are only valid for the cruise dates. They expire the day you disembark.

The glass show is not on all S class ships.

 

People sometimes just "hang out"

 

Part of the lawn runs next to the Sunset Bar, and you can sit with your cocktails

 

Silhouette and Reflection have the Grill specialty restaurant

While we really enjoy the Glass show, after 3-4 times it becomes a little boring. Wish Celebrity would add the Lawn Grill and the Porch to the other S-Class ships We loved the Sihouette because of these 2 areas. The Lawn Grill was excellent and it was so nice to be able to dine outside.

IMO, I think the reservations only "cabanas" should be replaced with some lawn activities instead.we never saw them used and the space is lovely as it is as a grassy area.

We have taken the 10 day Equinox cruise and are booked on the Royal for 10 days in January. We love the Equinox ( will be taking her on our 2nd TA with her next month).

I appreciate the candid comments on both ships and will post again when we return in January for my thoughts. Thanks, everyone.

On Eclipse the Elite breakfast is held in the Tuscan Grill.

No hot food, but a very nice continental buffet with a huge variety of bread rolls/ buns, fruit, cheese & meats. Coffee made to order ( and this year they had Lactose Free milk, so I could have a latte) There is a menu of drinks, but they got me an Apple juice which wasn't on the menu( but maybe depends on the waiter, the C.C hostess said it wasn't available)

We went on sea days when we weren't in a rush. I must admit it didn't seem to be very popular, only tables by the window were taken. I wonder if it's more popular with Americans? Our sailing had 80% Brits on board, who as we know like an 'English Breakfast!'

The last 2 cruises we noted that they changed the buffet to table service by waitstaff. There was a short menu from which to chose. But it isn't crowded when we go around 9, especially on port days.

The weather in late November 2012 for our Equinox TA was beautiful-sunny and high 60's/low70's every day. The weather changed during our first stop in Livorno-became cold and rainy which is how it was in Toulon.Went through a horrible storm from Toulon to Barcelona which caused a lot of glass breakage throughout the ship . From Barcelona back to Fort Lauderdale it was beautiful and calm except for one night when we hit a cold front and the ship listed until we got through it.

Going back for more next month on the Equinox from Barcelona!:D

We had 7159 on the Eclipse and loved it! No noise and a great balcony on the forward hump. I would book it again. Enjoy!

If you go to the Elite Cocktail Party, you may not carry the drinks to dinner. If you have vouchers good at most of the bars, then you could carry your wine to dinner. But there is no sharing of vouchers with others.

Also you may not have nonElite guests with you at the Cocktail Party. And they do check!

 

We think the best benefit of being Elite are the better coupons especially for laundry.

Enjoy your cruise.

All true. We also like the Elite breakfast in Tuscan where you can get mimosas, bloody Mary's and specialty coffees.

I have read several people who only like the persian garden on the S class ships. However, on our Panama Canal cruise in November 2012 on the Infinity my whole group loved it. My husband and I were in an AQ cabin--the others were in interior cabins. Two of our friends purchased the spa passes so that they could use the persian garden as often as they wanted. We went in there almost every day. Tried using the persian garden once on the Solstice--there weren't any loungers available and the saunas were just okay. We didn't visit it on the Eclipse.

 

i have to agree about the M-Class Persim Garden. I much prefer it over the S-class which I find is too bright, too loud and lacks adequate space and loungers. I loved the eucalyptus steam room on the Millenium.

We had ordered the Gnocci to share in the middle and our tablemates had ordered the Gnocci as Entree I think.

We got something like a Lasagne. I wondered if Gnocci is different in the US... but when our tablemates also received something like a Lasagne, we asked - and they waiter told us he brought us the wrong dish.

Maybe you had only 1 Gnocci because it was a Lasagne? :D

That's a good one! But it was definitely supposed to be gnocci cause the one in the dish looked and tasted just like it.

Another favorite was the steak salad my DH ordered for dinner. It was a piece of steak with some greens on the side. :p.

The other thing I particularly like about BLU is the absence of heavy salt and other preservative use. I never once encountered the swollen ankles I developed after one lunch in the MDR.