Just Embarked the Equinox. IMPRESSED!

[PostcardJar]

I asked him and he had to stop and think but as soon as I said three parts raspberry, he smiled and remember. Then he said he invented that drink. He says hi.

 

 

Thanks for checking, and please return the greeting. And if you like a good martini that is a little more in the tart side (but has good sweet undertones), give the "Mrs. Ann Martini" a try.

 

 

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[ChucktownSteve]

Thanks for checking, and please return the greeting. And if you like a good martini that is a little more in the tart side (but has good sweet undertones), give the "Mrs. Ann Martini" a try.

 

I already asked him for one but he said the World Class bar grabbed his raspberries today and he'd have to go get some.

[internetwhiz]

Enjoying reading this. We were on Solstice the 3rd week she sailed in late 2008, and Equinox will be our first cruise in May in this class since then (cruised 20+ times on another line in the interim.

 

I have forgotten most everything about the ship, so it's great to see the pictures and read about dining, etc. onboard. Thanks!

[bluwes]

Loving your review Steve. We are on the Equinox next March with the Premium drinks package. Will be looking forward to making full use of it.;)

 

We booked this cruise when we were on board her in 2015, we loved her so much. What a beautiful ship

[paulyb81]

We will be sailing our first S class (Eclipse) next month. We have cruised on the M class five times. I keep wondering if there will be no turning back. Is there no turning back for you? ETA: We will also be AQ. Also, I read quickly and thought you were just getting off the ship. I guess it is a bit too early to ask you if there is no turning back, lol.

 

 

 

 

Marie

I sailed on the Eclipse around the med in 2011 and its the most wonderful ship. It was by far the best cruise I have been on. You're going to have an amazing time and I'm very jealous!

 

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[LuAnn]

on the Sea Pass yet?...eg drinks for the Elite HH, laundry etc?

 

If not do you have coupons for the Elite HH? We board on 12/19 so thanks for the info!! LuAnn

[ChucktownSteve]

on the Sea Pass yet?...eg drinks for the Elite HH, laundry etc?

 

If not do you have coupons for the Elite HH? We board on 12/19 so thanks for the info!! LuAnn

 

I'm presuming they're loaded on the sea pass because while there was a sheet describing the perks on your CC level, there were no coupons. Since I'm not elite until after this sailing, the coupons haven't really interested me before.

[ChucktownSteve]

Well I have to admit, I cheated on Catelin today. I wound up at the World Class Bar for JW Platinum double to walk to the Silk Harvest Restaurant and while at the restaurant, the Sommelier went to the WC Bar to refill.

 

OK, here comes my review of Silk Harvest. I enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant and the background music. I ordered the small plates of spring roll, wanton soup and the spicy rock shrimp. All exceptional. I couldn't finish the shrimp and the second spring roll since I needed to save room for the mains.

 

I had run into a couple this afternoon in Cafe al Bacio who told me they didn't like Silk Harvest because their Orange Chicken was tough and dry. I had already booked the restaurant so I just took their comment under advisement.

 

For the large plates, I asked for half portions. I had the shrimp pad thai and the orange chicken. Also some fried rice. Well everything was cooked properly. My orange chicken was juicy and not tough. I chalk it up to different day different time. So if someone has one bad experience that doesn't necessarily mean it will be a pattern. Now two times is starting a pattern.

 

Service was very good. Food was most excellent. I would give this restaurant 5* on this occasion.

 

You know dinning alone gave me time to reflect. While I am enjoying this ship and the cruise very much, I realized that sailing without my DW and sharing this experience was keeping this cruise from being at the top of the chart. That's not Celebrity's fault. :) I am looking forward to our January Eclipse cruise so that we can share that most excellent experience for 14 nights.

Edited December 12, 2016 by ChucktownSteve

[PostcardJar]

Thanks for the continued reviews--I almost feel like I'm along for the ride! Be sure to have Catelin make you the Mrs. Ann Martini sometime!

 

 

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[ChucktownSteve]

Last night at Silk Harvest, two people ordered the sea bass. It was fun to watch their reaction when this showed up at their table.

 

 

They had to have a server remove the head/tail and bones. They didn't want to touch it.

 

Here are the menus of the MDR and Gastro Pub.

 

 

 

Yesterday the seas were about 5-7 ft but the sun did come out later. It was very windy around the pool.

 

 

Cafe al Bacio was a good place to spend some of the afternoon. The closest I got to any of these was taking the picture through the glass. :p

 

[ChucktownSteve]

Yesterday I though it was rather ironic that they held a beer bucket special, mixology class in World Class bar and the Martini Tasting in the Martini Bar. They were followed by a Friends of Bill W gathering.

 

The British Comedian Gareth Oliver and his wife, Alice, were very funny and have a unique show. She's also a Vanquilist. When he moved his mouth, she was doing the speaking and visa versa. BTW if you ever go to see them, make sure you bring a banana in your purse and sit right up front in the center. You will freak him out because he does a bit about a banana and will ask to see inside your purse if you have it. If you have the courage, you will be the hit of the show!

 

Stepping back a moment, there has been much debate on the boards about Sushi on Five. All I can say is that it is being used on this sailing. The first afternoon there were about 15-20 people there when I walked by. The next day on two occasions an hour apart I counted over 25 people. None of the count included crew.

 

I've noticed that there is a good bit of live music throughout the ship. Sometimes in the Ensemble Lounge, the atrium, Cafe al Bacio, and other bars.

 

The performers are Peter Henry, Guitar & vocals; Passion Duo; Emotions Duo; Ocean Blue Quartet and the Equinox Orchestra. I wonder if Celebrity heard the complaints about the blaring DJs because I haven't seen them filling the atrium with music where you couldn't hear someone next to you. Good move!

 

The rest rooms are handicapped equipped so you can push the button and the door opens. There's also one for each of the commode stalls. They're also handy if you don't want to use your hand to open the handle.

 

 

I'll leave you with these words of bathroom wall wisdom.

 

Edited December 12, 2016 by ChucktownSteve

[ChucktownSteve]

Would you ask I Made ( That is actually on his name badge) if he was on the Silhouette this summer? We sailed Silhouette this last May in the Baltics and I Made was the bar tender at the Martini bar. For my 60th birthday he set up a poor of martinis at different levels(I poured them all at once) that was a treat and celebration. Would you ask if he will be there in February when we sail Equinox? Thanks

 

I wonder if more than one person uses the name I Made? He said he wasn't on the Silhouette or in the Baltics this summer. Regardless, he's going on vacay in January and won't be aboard in February.

[ChucktownSteve]

Walking through the Casino yesterday, I couldn't understand this sign.

 

 

The slots only paid out UNDER $10k the first day. Boy are they tight.

 

I understand that Azamara has dumped Park West Gallery. Here's an auction yesterday on the Equinox. I wasn't surprised at the number of empty chairs. I was more surprised on my last cruise how full the room was with enthusiastic fans.

 

 

The other day I mentioned how high the ceiling in the theater is compared to the M class. Here's a pic

 

[countess5]

I wonder if more than one person uses the name I Made? He said he wasn't on the Silhouette or in the Baltics this summer. Regardless, he's going on vacay in January and won't be aboard in February.

 

Thanks for checking, looks like that name is used by different people.

[weregoingcruising]

My first ever room service order was delivered at 6:30am. They called about 1 minute before the knock on the door. The food and coffee were all hot. The coffee is definitely a couple of notches below Cafe al Bacio but drinkable since I didn't have to leave my cabin. The eggs were cooked properly.

 

Another hit and so far no misses on this cruise.

 

People who know me are probably wondering if I'm sick with dementia or some alien force has taken over my body. They're not so used to me being this way. :eek:

Amen

[tweetylori]

What a terrific review, thank you! Loving your pics also!

[PoppyandNana]

I'm presuming they're loaded on the sea pass because while there was a sheet describing the perks on your CC level, there were no coupons. Since I'm not elite until after this sailing, the coupons haven't really interested me before.

 

There should be a coupon sheet for the free gelato and laundry

[TommyD3]

There should be a coupon sheet for the free gelato and laundry

 

They are on the seapass card now.

For the laundry jut write what your offer is on the form.

[ChucktownSteve]

Coming in this morning for our first port of call...St. Thomas. This was taken from the Sky Lounge, deck 14 forward.

 

 

Then when we docked at Port of Crown Bay the sun came back out.

 

 

Took a $4pp taxi/open vehicle to downtown...about ten minutes. Walked around into the stores to check out the liquor. One was a couple of bucks cheaper on the bottles I priced than the other stores. But they were still above what I expect in St. Maartin.

 

There were jewelry store after jewelry store after jeweler store. It was so intimidating. They were just best for me to avoid.

 

After walking around for some time, I went back to where the taxis were to get back to the ship to grab a late lunch. It started pouring as we were driving back in the open sided vehicle. good thing there was nobody on my row so I just moved to the center and stayed dry.

 

By the time we got back to port, it had stopped again and the sun was shinning strongly.

 

I went to the buffet. Plenty of food and seats but it was very busy. The ship handles crowds well. Then I went to Cafe al Bacio and broke down. I had to have a piece of their delicious chocolate cake.

 

I haven't been taking menu pictures unless people want me to continue doing that. So let me know.

 

Tonight the show is called Broadway Cabaret by the Celebrity Orchestra and Equinox Vocalists from the other night's Life presentation.

Edited December 12, 2016 by ChucktownSteve

[AkSusan]

Coming in this morning for our first port of call...St. Thomas. This was taken from the Sky Lounge, deck 14 forward.

 

 

Then when we docked at Port of Crown Bay the sun came back out.

 

 

Took a $4pp taxi/open vehicle to downtown...about ten minutes. Walked around into the stores to check out the liquor. One was a couple of bucks cheaper on the bottles I priced than the other stores. But they were still above what I expect in St. Maartin.

 

There were jewelry store after jewelry store after jeweler store. It was so intimidating. They were just best for me to avoid.

 

After walking around for some time, I went back to where the taxis were to get back to the ship to grab a late lunch. It started pouring as we were driving back in the open sided vehicle. good thing there was nobody on my row so I just moved to the center and stayed dry.

 

By the time we got back to port, it had stopped again and the sun was shinning strongly.

 

I went to the buffet. Plenty of food and seats but it was very busy. The ship handles crowds well. Then I went to Cafe al Bacio and broke down. I had to have a piece of their delicious chocolate cake.

 

I haven't been taking menu pictures unless people want me to continue doing that. So let me know.

 

Tonight the show is called Broadway Cabaret by the Celebrity Orchestra and Equinox Vocalists from the other night's Life presentation.

Loving your review. We're going on her for the first time next October.

 

If you would please keep posting the menus, I'd appreciate it!

 

Susan :)

[sportsphotos]

Is anyone planing on doing a fishing trip in Panama? Or has anyone done it before? Would like to hear some feedback. January 9th Cruise date

Edited December 12, 2016 by sportsphotos

[Johnnyocean1959]

ChucktownSteve,

 

Great review so far! Like hearing somebody else's perspective, as I was on the ship three weeks ago. How have you liked the food in the main dining room? I thought it was very good to excellent. I consider myself a foodie. I read some posts that rate the food as "I wouldn't feed the main dining room food to my dog" to "excellent". The former is an over the top exaggeration! Had planned on earring in Murano and Tuscan Grill, but after three dinners in the MDR, my GF and I were so pleased with the food and our table mates we decided to spend the money elsewhere! Sorry your without your DW. One poster suggested the Zacapa Old Fashioned, I do as well. Very nice cocktail!

Johnnyocean1959

 

 

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[renaroo]

I HAVE to remember to try the Zacapa Old Fashioned that several have recommended. I have so many months to wait, though! C'mon June 2017!

 

 

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[MichaelCMTX]

I had run into a couple this afternoon in Cafe al Bacio who told me they didn't like Silk Harvest because their Orange Chicken was tough and dry. I had already booked the restaurant so I just took their comment under advisement...

 

Well everything was cooked properly. My orange chicken was juicy and not tough. I chalk it up to different day different time. So if someone has one bad experience that doesn't necessarily mean it will be a pattern. Now two times is starting a pattern.

 

This is precisely the reason I take a whole shaker full of salt grains whenever anyone starts the whole "world's worst steak/never again" rant. Appreciate you taking one for the team to find out for us. ;)

[ChucktownSteve]

Is anyone planing on doing a fishing trip in Panama? Or has anyone done it before? Would like to hear some feedback. January 9th Cruise date

 

No but I wouldn't mind trying on one of their hats. :D