miXterOB

Like others, Bistro on 5 was my go to at boarding but also on days when I wanted a lower key,  more intimate meal. The assortment of crepes was very nice and yes, the soups were always quite interesting and good. Finally tried Sushi on 5 last year and it was not bad but really nothing I'd want to indulge in again at the prices charged. Just not my cup of tea...

Was there a month ago for an overnight on Reflection so...definitely St. Maarten.

We did do the sunset champagne catamaran excursion and enjoyed that quite a lot.

Alcove on the second day makes total sense to me.

My PIC, Jeanne, is allergic to all foods in both the onion and garlic families. Apparently, it runs in her family as both her father and sister had it as well.

X handled it very well on both her X cruises although Equinox did FAR better than the chef in Blu on Reflection last month. She was blown away by the Equinox Blu chef who not only fixed her pre-chosen items(night before) but every night fixed an additional starter and/or entree to sample...special sauces everything. He seemed to enjoy the special challenge. PIC raved about it to all her friends. Reflection Blu did not shine like that and we let them know we were not impressed. The last night, the Maitre'd brought out the chef and we let him know how disappointed we were and how much better the sister ship's crew had performed. I will say, the allergy issue was not compromised but the execution by that one guy was lacking.

Still a Celebrity and Blu fan but be aware...they might need goosed to execute better.

Thank you for the thread!

We board on march 2 as well. I've done Equinox twice and Solstice once...PIC did Equinox with me in early December so we know the style well, Love seeing/hearing your feedback.

Thanks for the thread Math teacher!

I do additional tipping unless service is really horrible in which case...I get it addressed before I get further disappointed or even resentful.

All the cabin stewards, dining servers and assistants have received additional from me over the prepaid grats.

Here's a question...

My PIC received stellar service in Blu in December and both of us were blown away by it.

She is highly allergic to everything in both the garlic and onion families. Once we told him, he blew us away with not only presenting the following night's menu for dish selection by PIC, he and the chef also prepped additional items for her to try minus the onion/garlic ingredients. I was already a huge Blu fan but she was delighted. Said she had never been so well served.

So what would you suggest for extra in that circumstance? It was a 7 night cruise on Equinox.

I suspect she gave him $80, maybe $100. I took care of the others.

TIA!

Absolutely!

As has already been stated...service and food is wonderful in Blu.

Just did my 3rd Aqua Class cruise on Equinox last month and was totally happy with the choice.

It was my PIC's first cruise and she has a serious food allergy to anything in the onion and garlic families. Our server and the Blu chefs were stellar in making sure her dining experiences were exceptional. Server presented the following night's menu and she chose appetizer(s) and entree(s) she wanted which usually required adjustments for her allergies. Not only were those items perfect...they always gave her a taste of other ones adjusted for those allergies. She was blown away.

She was SO taken with Blu and Celebrity...we booked a 12 nighter for later this year.

Any feedback or tips on getting and booking using the Celebrity charge card(Visa). Like...are there any perks or advantages?

TLCOhio...I am right with you on your appreciation of this wonderful island's people and beauty.

The news from there is disheartening but hopefully, their amazing spirit can hang in there.

I made it a point to book my next cruise in November of '18 on Celebrity Silhouette which currently includes a stop in Roseau. Should it be offered, as it was for the first cruises into Puerto Rico and other Caribbean ports, right after the storms, we will happily spend our time there doing volunteer work.

Cruiseaholic buddies share our deep appreciation for the exquisite island and it's people.

Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you and your family Sam.

Great reviews, comments, pics and stories on this cruise!

We were aboard as well and it was wonderful.

Was PIC's firstie and she loved it, especially Blu. She loved it so much, we put a deposit on a 12 nighter next year on Silhouette.

We did go to the Meet & Mingle and enjoyed meeting a number of folks...wasn't as good as some but wasn't the worst either. Yes, the officers did disappear quickly which was a disappointment.

Might be a private booking like the Bliss Cruise on Equinox last month...was a nudist/lifestyle cruise right before mine on Equinox starting 12/2.

RCCL has been doing more of those on both Celebrity and RC.

Live in Florida, no plane ride for us. once on the ship we wipe down all surfaces in the cabin.

I bring lightweight plastic gloves which I use in the buffet. I have been doing this for years.

Once a waiter saw me wearing gloves and said smart. You cannot be too careful but try your best.

Excellent practices Mimi. I may imitate the gloves thing.

My practice for eating in Oceanview has been to get there at opening when the utensils are freshly laid out in the morning. It's rare for me to eat there later as I'll use the MDR for lunch and then Blu for dinner so only staff will be handling things.

Love the last few posts as we agree it's the passengers who bring it aboard and it's up to us to practice smart hygiene.

Thanks so much to all who answered and asked questions on this thread.

We'll be boarding this Saturday and will try my best to post the menus once returned from the cruise.

We board this Saturday and I've been trolling the CC boards for the last month and seen absolutely no reports of noro on Equinox BUT...it's that time of year and it can happen easily. Take all the standard precautions and be smart.

Congrats on getting the great deal!

I love Aqua class and especially Blu for the service, food and perfect ambiance.

While the deuces can be a bit close, there are more intimate one(s) when you wish. I've usually lucked out with nice tale neighbors.

My PIC and I are boarding the Equinox this Saturday in an AQ cabin so I'll find out about the water and tea. Last cruise, the (Iced) tea in the cabin was "unique" and required some getting accustomed to or sweetener.

Have a great cruise!

What date are you leaving?? We board the

Equinox the 25th

 

 

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The Nude cruise!

Lucky girl!

I'll wave at you as I'm boarding this Saturday 12/2

Jade13...we're already booked for a HOHO when we disembark in 2 weeks at Miami. There are other threads discussing the luggage valet service available at Miami and Port Everglades at $25 a person and those threads seem to indicate the baggage gets checked through to your destination so that you don't have to do anything except find it when you arrive. I'll be checking with guest relations as soon as we board and may use the service if that's true.

We did speak to the maitre d...and put it on a comment card...but it seems from chatting with others , it is SOP to wait for tables to fill at lunch and breakfast before taking orders ..We tried to avoid that by requesting a table for 2 but ended up with the same situation anyhow.

 

Too few staff and very mass feeding!

We were spoiled by Bistro on 5, our former go to place lunch place which was disontinued.

Definitely agree on missing Bistro on 5. Was always my go to when boarding and needing nourishment and any times I desired more low key dining...not to mention those great desserty crepes...the nutella one especially. Yup!

Thanks Capt.!

Will be boarding in 2 weeks so nice to get the brief review.

Great review!

Been there a few times but PIC hasn't so we'll give these guys a try.

Saw this earlier today and checked out the Caymans snorkel/StingRay city excursion in early December was $70 per person while per person at reliable vendors was only $40. My cruise partner has never been there so there's a fair probability we'll do one through an outside source.

While more costly($30 each), we're using Celebrity's own shuttle from FLL to the port...just easier and far less hassle and deducted from our TA provided OBC.

It's like playing "Whack a Mole" with this OP

Maybe we should call it...Whack-a troll or whack a whiner but God bless him...he's got a place to vent.

I like both lines and do more RCCL as prices and ports are easier but given a choice I'd switch that up in half a heartbeat. I prefer the demographics of Celebrity's passengers much more as they are usually far better educated and sophisticated...usually being the qualifier.

Kids on Celebrity are definitely fewer but...far better behaved than those on RC...usually.

What is a PIC?

PIC = Partner In Crime

At this age girlfriend just doesn't work

Thanks hcat!

Your confirmation helped.

Thanks curleyjane!