mousefansmom

We were on a Celebrity cruise in March, are in our 50s and were concerned about the ages of fellow passengers before we left. We were definitely in the younger 1/3 of the passengers. We had a "nice" time. It wasn't the most fun we have ever had, but we we still had fun. The service and food were very, very good. We met some interesting people and enjoyed their company. With that said, my husband and I like different things--I like more active vacations and he likes to relax. If we were the same type of vacationer, I might feel differently, bit there were a few times I felt a little bored, so I had to learn to relax--not the worst thing! Try things you have never done, appreciate the sunrise and sunset, explore new places and have a wonderful time!!

 

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Can one tell us, are the balconies on these aft cabins fully uncovered or half covered/half uncovered? With the stair step design we are curious. Thanks for the input. Enjoy. :)

We were on deck 10 just a few weeks ago on the Equinox. Not covered but we had no issue with sun at all. Really liked the aft facing... But did miss not being able to see the port as we pulled in was a little bit of a bummer. At least we had a great view as we left!

 

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A lot depends on where you are flying from. If you are in a city serviced by Southwest, you will get two free bags each. I'm a big fan of Southwest and fly them often but we also check fares on other airlines because the price is sometimes better even with paying the luggage fee. Also, Southwest has its own unique check-in and boarding system that, while not particularly complicated, can be confusing to a first-timer.

 

Most other airlines only offer free luggage to business class or higher. If you're flying domestically, it's probably not worth the extra cost. If you're coming from Europe, it might be worth it to have the extra comfortable seat.

 

Be sure to check out "Flights by Celebrity" (formerly Choice Air) to see what they offer. You can look to see what your flight options without making any financial commitment. That will give you an idea of which airlines best service your home airport and SJU and some ballpark pricing. Then, you can go to the various airlines' websites and check out the cost of booking directly. If you do happen to be in a Southwest market, note that the only way to book them is to do it directly with the airline.

 

Remember, planning is half the fun!

Excellent advice! Just wanted to add that hopper and Google flights are good places to check. Also sometimes it is cheaper to fly on certain days of the week, so for example, flying out on Wednesday night vs. Thursday might be 100s of dollars cheaper (with a hotel night cost so keep that in mind). Finally, Celebrity Air for some reason is frequently cheaper if you book two, one way flights instead of a round trip. We frequently will check one-way flights on all airlines- it isn't unusual for us to fly out in one airline and back on another. Good luck!

 

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No I don't think so but we will be at Sunset Bar for sail away! One more week!![emoji813]eyes:

Sounds great!

 

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Thank you! We are on the 3/3/18 sailing!

We will see you on the ship! We are doing the cabin crawl...are you?

 

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Thanks everyone!

 

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Hi, I make all my choices from reviews here and then verify on Trip Advisor. RARELY do I use a cruise ship to book excursion, but there are two general exceptions for me. I don't like making an "iffy" transit on my own, so if an excursion involves ferry trips or long cross-island treks in traffic where we might have a good chance of not being back on time then I'll opt for a ships' excursion. The one other exception is when Cruise Critic/Trip Advisor recommend a certain vendor and it's been made an exclusive of the cruise line on which I'm traveling. I ran into this on one island when I wanted to go horse back riding. The recommended stable would only allow booking through the cruise line, and the "next best" stable for well cared for horses and safety record was less well rated by a significant amount. Coincidently this stable was also a long way from the port so the traffic/drive was a consideration due to the number of ships and passengers in port that day. I've been cruising for 13 years now, and after the first year I always booked my own excursions. Laurie

 

Exactly how we handle it as well!!!

Does Celebrity have a typical time frame that they hold the Connections Meet and Mingle/Greet (for example morning of first sea day)? If you were on the Equinox lately, when was yours held?

Thank you! Can't wait for March 3rd!!!

March 10th.

Shoot...we are on the week before you!

 

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We are going to be on Equinox in March. Will there be any theme nights like a white night or a Caribbean night? Thank you!

 

We are also on the Equinox in March...which sailing are you on? Maybe we could organize something together?

You're welcome. Sometimes I ask to have chocolate swirled around the glass....YUM!

Oh my....I am definitely going to need rehab after this cruise! And--bigger clothes! :)

 

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Yes, it was very sad indeed, but neverbeenhere was one of the fortunate ones who survived by making it into a life boat, so he was able to continue cruising, and then many years later start posting on Cruise Critic.

 

Here is a picture of his rescue boat on that historic day.

 

 

He was very young at the time, but still appears quite spry and youthful to this day, fortunate to still be cruising, considering his advanced age. :eek:

 

He was very brave and deserves a lot of credit for being willing to cruise again after that horrible experience.

Unfortunately, he was not permitted to take his suitcase off the ship into the lifeboat with him, so he needed to buy a brand new suitcase and an entire new wardrobe for future cruises, including a new tux, because they still had formal nights back then.

Even so, with his superb packing skills he was still able to pack everything, including the tux and special shoes, his fishing, golfing, kite flying and snorkeling gear, inflatable kayak, hammock for the balcony, plus the allowed two bottles of wine, into the one new suitcase for all his future cruises.

 

I believe he has been the passenger awarded the "oldest cruiser" award at the Captain's Celebration on all his recent Celebrity Cruises, for at least the last decade.

But sadly he loses that competition to other, even older passengers when he cruises with Holland America. quote]

I hope he had insurance that paid for all of that---Tuxes are expensive...

We always bring an over the door shoe holder. Goes over the inside of the bathroom door. All our toiletries are stored in plain view and not cluttering the bathroom shelves. Got this tip on cruise critic many years ago.

 

 

Me too! One of my favorite tips! I hate the "clutter" that gathers on the limited counter spaces on ships....We leave the middle right hand side pocket open to put our key cards in when we enter the room so we don't lose them. We have lent our shoe holder to so many people, that it has been on almost 20 cruises, even though we have only been on 9, lol!

1 oz. amaretto liqueur

1/2 oz. Kahlúa coffee liqueur

1/2 oz. Baileys Original Irish Cream

1 oz. vanilla ice cream

1 scoop of ice

Thank you!!

 

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I was on Reflection last month and had the classic package. I ordered many mudslides and also frozen toasted almonds at many places (theater, pool, OVC, bars) around the ship. I had the classic beverage package and was never charged extra anywhere for either one.

 

 

What is in a frozen toasted almond? Sounds yummy!

Thanks jdvmd! It sounds like a friendly environment. I might wait to be asked since it's our first go! (Or we can do a private run of the drinks crawl and see who we bump in to!)

I want to do this on my March 3rd Equinox...I have done them before. SO much fun!! On our last cruise one person in our group had an owners suite, another had an aft-facing cabin, so it was really fun to see the different types. I was even interested to see the sizes of the typical inside and ocean view. We also brought souvenirs from our home state to give out. Great time!

 

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I had this question also...we are new to Celebrity (not new to cruising). We are on the Equinox in March as well...which sailing are you on?

 

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You all have made my decision SO much easier....have called the TA and waiting for the change confirmation. THANK YOU!! :)

I have a choice between a corner aft-facing (smaller than normal balcony room 7358) or a middle aft-facing (larger than normal balcony, room 6312). Here is reference: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showp...05&postcount=2

 

I looked at the spreadsheet and couldn't find anything that would help me decide. We are set on an aft-facing despite reports of soot but I am wondering about the noise from the Tuscan Grille below... and also the roof of the Tuscan Grill also---will I see less of the wake because of where the roof is, vs. being one deck higher?

 

Any help will be appreciated--I'm obsessing over this cruise as I want it to be perfect. Our first time on Celebrity and our 25th anniversary!

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

Looking for a beach in Belize and shopping. Suggestions??

 

We took the Express Ferry out to Caye Caulker. There are also flights to San Pedro (and a ferry) which can be arranged once you debark. Caye Caulker is really beautiful--- there are beaches, but also little shops as well as local artisans. Golf carts are the way people get around there....very quaint. If I were going back, I would do Caye Caulker or San Pedro again without question!

I just read a post from a cruiser who had recently been to three of these (not Grand Turks)....they indicated that there was plenty to do and they were happy they went. I am also on a March 3 cruise to these ports--- I am excited to keep pumping money into these economies. They need the money and even more they need good publicity. These little islands are depending on us all to help them get back to what we remember and/or expect from them. Super excited to get back to the Caribbean!

I have had SO much fun doing cabin crawls in the past, but this time we are on Celebrity and I am wondering if that is just not a "thing" on that line? Nobody has mentioned it and I looked on some other roll call sailing dates and don't see any mention of it there either. It is feeling a little stifling to me! I am afraid to even mention it....has anyone done a cabin crawl on a Celebrity Cruise?? We have typically done poker runs as part of these as well, and ended with a slot pull---Such a great way to meet people!

Hope this comes through... I put this together this morning - Compares Classic and Premium alcohol selections. CHEERS

 

Thank you!

When I was looking at different lines to cruise (this will be our 10th cruise, but first on Celebrity), once we narrowed it down to the Equinox, I searched the internet for daily activity sheets. I actually texted my husband at work and sent a copy of them to ask if he thought there would be enough for us to do. I noticed mostly sales presentations and very little poolside or interactive offerings which concerned me.

 

We decided to give Celebrity a try anyway...but I have major reservations. A large part of cruising for us is keeping me busy, as I am not one to plunk in a chair and be happy reading for more than 30 minutes at a time. He is the opposite, so we need to find things that work for both of us.

 

After reading this thread, I am concerned about our decision---although it is too late now as our final payment is done. I hope someone else can weigh in on a different week with perhaps a different cruise director? I would be interested to see how it compares to the OP's experience. If it makes a difference, we are both in our early 50's. Please help calm my nerves!:eek: