lovetocruisee

17 hours ago, RoperDK said:

I'm cruising out of Terminal 5 on Mariner in a few weeks.  I seem to remember that you don't enter the terminal at the same level that you drop off your bags.  Is that correct?  If so, then what level of the parking deck has the walkway to the terminal entrance? 

I would like to know the same thing. I will be traveling with a person in a wheelchair 

47 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

This will be my last narrative post in this thread! I wanted to wrap it up with a little review/reflection. After getting off the ship, I have had a whirlwind of the last few days. We had moved before the vacation but saved the unpacking and decorating for after. Now that we have that all done, I can make this post! 

 

Overall my review is extremely positive. I also sailed the Equinox last summer, so I have a decently even comparison. The service on this trip was much better. Nothing was super lacking last year besides a really poor Tuscan experience, our stateroom attendant was slow in making up our room, and main dining was super slow. The opposite was true here! Our Tuscan experience was great, our stateroom attendant was fast and fantastic, and MDR was fast and good quality. Maybe it was the luck of the draw, but maybe it's a trend. 

 

Now I know some of you are already reacting to me saying the MDR was good quality. Here is what I think. The menu trial on the Equinox was not great because it was a limited menu. However, the dishes they did prepare were still really nicely done. I hope they return to the normal menu permanently because I missed some favorites.

 

Bar service was also much faster and better this year than last (same capacity). The servers were super attentive, and they were personable too. As for the casino, yes, there was the vaping change. No, it was not noticeable. I imagine it would be unpleasant if someone sitting beside you were vaping. I was sure to leave strong comments in my survey because I recommend Celebrity often to friends and family because of the no vaping rule. Alas, as @Georgia_Peaches mentioned in her live report going on now, surveys likely won't matter, as revenue is the bottom line. 

 

Now I want to say something that might be a strong opinion or not well-received. I've been browsing the boards and the last few months while on board. When doing that, you might think that Celebrity has gone downhill, and it's similar to a line like NCL or Carnival. Similarly, there have been several mentions that you won't be satisfied on X unless you go suite class, and that's what these changes are intended to push you towards. I really do not think that is the case. I had a perfect vacation and felt well taken care of on board. This is my third cruise with X, and I've previously sailed in an IV room and an inside room, this time in a balcony. My level of service has not felt different across the different room types, nor did I ever feel neglected/looked down upon since I was not in a suite. All of the crew were friendly, helpful, and just the best. I recognize that people's tastes and opinions differ, but these are just my two cents. So with that being said, go enjoy your next cruise without too much worry. I think most everything is just fine on board. 

 

Thank you to everyone that has read this far and followed along! I'm still happy to answer any lingering questions. For those interested, I am sailing on the Majestic Princess to Alaska on a family trip at the end of July. Because it is a family trip, I will have less free time and won't do a live thread over on the Princess boards, but I am thinking of doing a post here comparing this Equinox sailing to the Majestic. Happy sailing! 

Thank you again. I followed all your posts and I am presently onboard.  Service HAS been great. 
Kevin

4 hours ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Okay so the escargot is strange. It’s shown up on some mobile menus, but never in person. I personally don’t care for it, but Kaleb loves it. He finally asked for it last night and our server told us that we can order it ahead for the next night. So we did that last night, and he should have it today. 

  Well, we made it to Ft. lauderdale 👍🏽

10 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Holy cow, Bonaire! The water was absolutely stunning. We didn’t end up trying for the golf cart because we just wanted to get to the beach. And wow. The water was stunning. We went to Sorobon beach and the Sebastian Beach Club. It was only $5/person taxi ride and then $10/person chair. There was not a lot of shade, so that was disappointing. But we were mostly in the water. At first glance, the water seems murky but that’s because the sea grass is protected. There is a path to walk through and then you are in shallow, crystal clear water. The beach is super windy and it must always be because there were tons of wind surfers. They were great to watch. It looks like you could also book lessons if that’s something you’re interested in. 

We got there around 9 and stayed for about 3.5 hours because we didn’t want to buy lunch out and we’re getting a little sun sapped. My sun allergy reaction is already all over my hands, the rash guard is working for my arms though! The taxi was $5/person if we wanted to wait for two more people, but people didn’t seem to be leaving so we were able to pay $20 total to leave right away. 
 

Lunch in Oceanview was my favorite theme day today, Taste of Italy! Basically, all the capresse and fresh mozzerella you want. Now I’m enjoying the shade on my freshly cleaned balcony (state room attendant just came by with a hose, not by request, just routine) enjoying this view! 

     Gorgeous, it’s a pity that you have to leave the ship when we get on.   Keep enjoying it!!!

2 hours ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Last night we hung out at the Sky Observation bar a bit, chatted with some fellow passengers, and played a very close game of Boggle. We opted for the buffet for dinner because we wanted something easy after a long port day. It was good! We also went to the comedian, who was great. He has an 18+ show on one of the sea day nights so we’ll try that out too. 

Curaço has been a great port so far! I woke up to a great sunrise and enjoyed the sail in on the balcony. 
 

We got off the ship just before 9 and went straight to the Mangrove Park. I highly recommend this. It’s walking distance to port, only costs $10/person, and took about 30 minutes. There was a lot of wildlife to see and it was just peaceful. 

Afterwards, we just walked through the town. We ended our trip out at Iguana Cafe for some coffee and a snack of bitterballen. While there, we got to watch the bridge swing open. I had no clue it could move with people on it! 

We got back on the ship for lunch and it was Caribbean day in the buffet! This is one of my favorite themes they do. I had fried yucca, plantain, beef patties, and jerk chicken. 

We will go to the MDR tonight, so I’ll let you all know how it is! For now, we’re going to read, play cards and Boggle, and drink a little 😊

 you are doing a great deal in your day. 👌🏽

1 hour ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

What a day on Renaissance Island in Aruba! We got off the ship a little after 9 and we were able to walk off with no lines. Renaissance Island is the private island for hotel and spa guests of Renaissance Wind Creek Resort but Marriott. It was about a 15 minute walk from our ship, but the Royal ship was much closer. We were the furthest. We checked in at the spa at the hotel and then you board a boat in the atrium for the island! 

There were flamingos were on the beach as promised! We explored the island a bit and then swam and lounged until noon. They provided towels, which was great. Since we were there early, it was easy to find a pair of chairs in the shade. This would be more difficult later in the day, but it never felt crowded. 

 

We tried to go on the nature walk trail but it was super buggy. We got swarmed by mosquitoes. Somehow, Kaleb didn’t get bit but I got probably a dozen. We dove in the ocean right away and that helped. Most of my bites aren’t noticeable now which is great because one was right on my face. We talked to another couple afterwards and they said the nature walk is their favorite part because it leads to a secluded beach. They said they haven’t been able to do it the last two visits because of the bugs. So proceed with caution if you go!
 

At noon we had our massage and oh my god. It was fantastic and so relaxing. It was open air with the waves crashing and the wind hitting some chimes. It felt like we were there 5 minutes but it was actually an hour. 
 

Lunch was included in our package. It was just one entree, but they brought us some chips on the house. We had the perfect ocean front seat. Service was slow but we did not care since we had our free drink (only 1 per person) and the perfect view. I had shrimp tacos and Kaleb had a whole, grilled snapper. 

 

We hung around the island a bit more before heading back. On our way off the ship in the morning, we each got $10 vouchers for free for the Windcreek casino. So on the way back to the ship, we tested our luck. I made $30 off the free money! Pretty good luck. 

Now we’re back in the ship without a plan, which is a great place to be. I’ll update later tonight or tomorrow about dinner!

   That trip to the island looks like fun 👌🏽

7 minutes ago, caviargal said:

 

We are as well.  Looks like a full sailing.  I have not been on X since 2005.  Taking the extended family on this one.    Hoping there are places to escape the masses on board.  Martini Bar used to be a favorite and I am sure we will check it out.

I usually go to the sunset bar for sail away.   Once in a while, at the pool on above deck 

Kevin

1 hour ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

We’ve had a slow, relaxing day so there hasn’t been too much to report! When I woke up this morning, the water was the calmest I’ve ever seen it. It was beautiful.

I finished book three of the trip, so that should give some insight into what I’ve been doing! The weather has been nice but the ship has been moving a bit this afternoon. I’m not one to get sea sick, but for some reason sitting at a bar top in the theater this afternoon upset my stomach. 
 

We did try our luck at Bingo today! I was happy to see this on the schedule. Apparently, they’ve just brought it back after 3 years. It was a lot of fun. I think there were 10 winners across three games. The total pot for each game ranged from $1,400-$2,500. I came so close in the last game! Just one away on one board and two away for the other. 

It’s the first evening chic night of the trip, so we are heading to the main dining room for the first time. I’ll share later how it goes! 

  Nice sea day.  👍🏽

38 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Thank you for jumping in! I asked around yesterday, and yes @lovetocruisee Heineken Zero seems to be the only other NA beer they have. The supply changes all the time though!

That’s great, good news!   I know sometimes they have it and some ships don’t.  The other one they offer (IMHO) is undrinkable.   Enjoy your second sea day.

7 hours ago, CTSandy said:

We were on Equinox in March 2023 and they had Heineken 0.

     That is very good to hear.   Hope they still have it.

TX. Kevin

51 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

It’s been a great day at sea today. I’m almost through with my book and I plan to finish it over coffee tomorrow. We didn’t make it to the gym (promise already broken) but I do take the “no elevator challenge” and got over 10,000 steps. Did anyone onboard here the horn around 11? We were at the front of the ship and did not see anything. I’m assuming it was someone that was allowed to blow the horn on a tour. I’ve never heard the horn on a sea day without fog!

 

Lunch was great in Oceanview Cafe. They had fancy corn dogs which is a first that I’ve seen at the buffet. I feel like the selections are better than last year, so far. The salads are nicely done and the desserts seem more varied. Like today, there were different types of pies instead of the same type of cake with Different flavored icings. 

 

We spent most of the afternoon reading, playing cards, and bar hopping. The seated bar service has been slow in both Cafe Al Bacio and Craft Social. Both times we’ve been, we’ve ended up ordering at the bar. The drinks are worth it though!

 

We spent some time looking over the menu for MDR and honestly, nothing really stood out to us. I’ve included the pictures below. They still do offer the sirloin, it just did not make the screenshot. Instead, we did DIY 3 course MDR at the buffet. It was not bad at all! We had the made to order ceased salad, cooked to order steak, and it was French night. There was beef bourguignon, ratatouille, a white fish, and a couple other options I can’t remember. Of course there was also a lot of American grill food, like burgers and hot dogs. The dessert was also great with a fresh crepe and various other small, French themed desserts.  
 

 

After our dinner, we went to the show. It was a singer, Crystal Stark. She was on season 5 of American Idol and played songs from powerhouse women singers. There were quite a few “oldies” hits, which made Kaleb and I wonder what these shows will feature in 40 years! 
 

I ended the night watching the Yes or No game show. It was fun to watch, but I don’t think I could do it! The goal is to have a 3 minute conversation with the host without saying yes or no (or adjacent words like “yeah”). Only two people succeeded out of about 10!
 

We’ll have another sea day tomorrow doing about the same things, but I think we will go to the MDR tomorrow since it’s a chic night. I can hopefully provide a good update on it then!

    Sorry to interrupt your evening.  I was just wondering if you had a chance to find what non-alcoholic beer is offered (other than O’Doul’s)

33 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

It’s been a very peaceful morning on the Equinox so far. I’m already half way through my book and thankful I loaded up my Kindle before this. Breakfast at Oceanview was great as always! I know the hash browns are so basic, but as someone that normally has a healthy smoothie for breakfast, I dream of them!

We’ve split our time between the promenade outside Al Bacio and the Sky Observation Lounge. I’ve had a Bellini or two and I’m perfectly happy! We don’t know our dinner plans yet, but for those anxiously waiting, the burger is no longer on the menu tonight. It’s been pushed to Thursday.  

 I can’t wait !!!

here’s the last sight I had of you at sail a way 🚢👍🏽

Great pictures again, thank you

1 hour ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

I’ll keep an eye out and keep you posted!

Thank you and I loved the pictures.   I may have to try Tuscan on this ship

4 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

There we are! My sail away spot for this ship is in front of the gym! I think I can make out Kaleb just barely because he’s tall and wearing white. 

If you think of it, can you see if they have non-alcoholic beer at any bars Other than O’Douls.

   Great sail a way !!

 Kevin

Watching sail a way 👍🏽

26 minutes ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Also I am connected to the basic package and it seems to be doing fine…fingers crossed that holds! Picture included just to test it out, my previous post was on cellular. 

Got picture Thanks!! 👌🏽

1 hour ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Quick update! Bags dropped to porter to drink in hand in an hour…French Caribbean of course! More to come later 🙂 

Thanks for the tag along. We get on the Equinox as you are coming off.  I was on Equinox for a transatlantic, but that was 12 years ago. I love the S class.  Will be watching sale away

Kevin

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

This is our preferred relaxation spot...except on our last cruise on Equinox, that area was over run by passengers playing some very loud domino-like game.  There were tables of them!  I would have sworn they had their own mini-tournament going.  I coped by putting my headphones on and listening to my white noise app of ocean waves crashing against the shore and imagining that I was on my own private yacht being handed cold drinks by Fabio.  Turned out it was DH...who will always be Fabio in my eye.

 That’s so sweet !!! 🥰

Kevin

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Are you on the Equinox July 2nd sailing?  We usually pregame at the martini bar or WCB before dinner.  Always enjoy meeting fellow CCers ☺️.   This is us at the sunset bar.

 

 

    Yes I am.    This will be a guys getaway, my wife can’t get away.   There are 2 short roll calls for this sailing.   I don’t know what our boarding day procedure will be, but I love the martini bar and the sunset bar.  I’m sure we’ll meet somewhere.

Kevin

15 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

We had a wonderful time on Solstice (S-class) back in March and are looking forward to boarding Equinox (S-class) in 2 weeks.  Solstice was at capacity and we had no problems getting a drink...even at peak times.  Service was exceptional...food was mostly good to great.  Had an exception with a steak I ordered in Luminae, which was not great (ribeye).  We also had a hiccup with a reservation that was made for us in Tuscan on the same night as a private party and the M'd was quite abrupt as if we should had known there was a private party.  But he later apologized when he realized our reservation was made by the shoreside concierge who wasn't aware of the private event conflict.  At any rate, neither incident came close to making our cruise bad.  But I have no doubt there are reviewers who would have claimed the sky was falling just as @Jim_Iain has mentioned.  I would stop reading the reviews and get prepared to have an awesome cruise!

Would love to meet your party in 2 weeks.  I can’t wait

Kevin

8 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

We will also be on board for the July2nd sailing. 

 See you onboard!!

Thank for this review.  I was waiting for your return ever since I heard you were doing this cruise.  We are doing the same cruise on July 2nd.   First time in a sky suite (corner) and we are looking forward to it. I have to see if I can get non alcoholic beer in the cabin fridge.  Anything other than O’Doul’s

Kevin