Cruiser-EV Posted May 3, 2017 #1 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Hi All, We are on our first Celebrity cruise on the 5/26 Equinox sailing. Because we are Diamond on RCCL - we are Elite on Celebrity. Staying in a regular veranda stateroom. We know to avoid the Windjammer on embarkation day but what are our choices on the Equinox? I don't think we will be early - will be driving to Miami from Orlando. Thanks for any suggestions :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenevenpar Posted May 3, 2017 #2 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Oceanview Cafe (=X= equivalent of Windjammer). I cannot recall if Mast Grill was open on embarkation day. We were in a suite and concierge class the last two cruises, which have other options on embarcation day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneputt18 Posted May 3, 2017 #3 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Oceanview is Royals equivalent of Windjammer. The Aqua Spa Cafe (Solarium) and the Mast Grill (upper pool deck) are both no charge and open on embarkation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRH Posted May 3, 2017 #4 Share Posted May 3, 2017 If you like Chops, do not expect Tuscan to be anything like it. We MUCH prefer Chops to Tuscan. Otherwise, aqua cafe (off the solarium pool area) is lighter fare--they do offer grilled to order arctic char(salmon), salads, chicken salad made with Greek yogurt, etc. Mast Grill is burgers, hot dogs, fries and outside tables. In all fairness, depending on when you board, the Oceanview is not that bad. Finding a table can be a challenge but you can go up the outside stairs to the bar area above and usually find something. Have a great cruise. Once we tried Celebrity we haven't gone back to Royal. But Royal did have better entertainment and Chops. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helen haywood Posted May 3, 2017 #5 Share Posted May 3, 2017 If you are arriving after 1 or 1:30 then the Ocean View Buffet shouldn't be crowded. That's when the announcement is generally made that the cabins are ready. The problem with the Ocean View before that is people eat and then camp out there with all their carry on luggage...tying up tables. Once the announcement is made the place clears out and you shouldn't have a problem finding a table. We board early and just hang out somewhere else until the announcement is made and then go eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rain_bowbrite Posted May 3, 2017 #6 Share Posted May 3, 2017 If you are arriving after 1 or 1:30 then the Ocean View Buffet shouldn't be crowded. That's when the announcement is generally made that the cabins are ready. The problem with the Ocean View before that is people eat and then camp out there with all their carry on luggage...tying up tables. Once the announcement is made the place clears out and you shouldn't have a problem finding a table. We board early and just hang out somewhere else until the announcement is made and then go eat. Now that is brilliant thinking, Helen! I believe our new boarding routine is now going to be welcome aboard drinks in a lounge somewhere, then dropping bags off in the room, then nibbles at the cafe. Smart thinking indeed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaniceB Posted May 3, 2017 #7 Share Posted May 3, 2017 I like this thinking too. What time does the oceanview cafe stop serving lunch or does it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallie5446 Posted May 3, 2017 #8 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Welcome to Celebrity! You are going to like the difference of the Oceanview vs the Windjammer. We are Diamond, 1st in 1989, and Elite, 1st in 1994, we understand! ;) Don't let the experience on RCCL influence why you do, or don't do, something on Celebrity. Our last 3 and next cruise have been on Celebrity. Our last RCCL was the Freedom in 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helen haywood Posted May 3, 2017 #9 Share Posted May 3, 2017 I like this thinking too. What time does the oceanview cafe stop serving lunch or does it? I think the hours are 11:30 to 2:30 for the main buffet in the Ocean View. But pasta, pizza and salad bar are open till 1 am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeaBag Posted May 3, 2017 #10 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Aqua Spa cafe closes at 2:30, so if you are boarding late, keep that in mind. This is a lovely quiet place on embarkation day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bstein493 Posted May 3, 2017 #11 Share Posted May 3, 2017 We are also on the May 26th sailing and we like getting our food in the grill and then taking our plates outside and relaxing and people watch! We feel that as soon as we are on board the vacation officially begins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renaroo Posted May 3, 2017 #12 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Oceanview is Royals equivalent of Windjammer. The Aqua Spa Cafe (Solarium) and the Mast Grill (upper pool deck) are both no charge and open on embarkation. I wouldn't mind paying for a lunch where somebody takes my order and serves me food and drinks while I sit down and chill. Are there any pay-for lunch places on embarkation day? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat&Paul Posted May 3, 2017 #13 Share Posted May 3, 2017 I wouldn't mind paying for a lunch where somebody takes my order and serves me food and drinks while I sit down and chill. Are there any pay-for lunch places on embarkation day? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Sort of, if you PAY for a Concierge Class cabin, you may eat in the MDR for the Concierge Class luncheon. :cool: Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renaroo Posted May 3, 2017 #14 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Sort of, if you PAY for a Concierge Class cabin, you may eat in the MDR for the Concierge Class luncheon. :cool: Pat I already booked aqua class for Blu. I read some other post that Gastro bar might be open and serving lunch? What about sushi on five? Is that open for embarkation? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat&Paul Posted May 3, 2017 #15 Share Posted May 3, 2017 I already booked aqua class for Blu. I read some other post that Gastro bar might be open and serving lunch? What about sushi on five? Is that open for embarkation? Sent from my iPhone using Forums I remember Bistro on Five used to be opened too. But since BoF is no more, I just don't know. Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiser-EV Posted May 3, 2017 Author #16 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Thank you for the replies. I guess depending how traffic is and when we get to the port. We will see how Oceanview cafe is. I'm so excited about this cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delondin Posted May 4, 2017 #17 Share Posted May 4, 2017 I already booked aqua class for Blu. I read some other post that Gastro bar might be open and serving lunch? What about sushi on five? Is that open for embarkation? Sent from my iPhone using Forums It was open for lunch on our last cruise on Solstice in September. We had a very nice lunch there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneputt18 Posted May 4, 2017 #18 Share Posted May 4, 2017 If you like Chops, do not expect Tuscan to be anything like it. We MUCH prefer Chops to Tuscan. Sent from my iPad using Forums Just shows food is very subjective, we feel the exact opposite. Tuscan Grille is far superior to Chops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdpups Posted May 4, 2017 #19 Share Posted May 4, 2017 I already booked aqua class for Blu. I read some other post that Gastro bar might be open and serving lunch? What about sushi on five? Is that open for embarkation? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Sushi on Five was open on embarkment day in January and we enjoyed a very relaxing lunch there when we got on the Silhouette. We're on Equinox again on the 15th (cruise before yours) and if open will enjoy another relaxing lunch there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaniceB Posted May 4, 2017 #20 Share Posted May 4, 2017 I think the hours are 11:30 to 2:30 for the main buffet in the Ocean View. But pasta, pizza and salad bar are open till 1 am. Aqua Spa cafe closes at 2:30, so if you are boarding late, keep that in mind. This is a lovely quiet place on embarkation day. Thank you both for sharing this information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NordicPrince Posted May 4, 2017 #21 Share Posted May 4, 2017 Aqua Spa cafe closes at 2:30, so if you are boarding late, keep that in mind. This is a lovely quiet place on embarkation day. There are limited tables in the seating area of the Aqua Spa Cafe. However, nothing to stop you from grabbing a lounge in the adjacent Solarium and eating there. DW and I always board very early and never have a problem eating at the Oceanview Cafe when they first open up on Embarkation day. After all, why waste any time that you've paid for. Then we move to Solarium and wait for rooms to be open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bstein493 Posted May 4, 2017 #22 Share Posted May 4, 2017 Cruise EV..we have no problem with the Grill. This will be our 9th Celebrity cruise and we usually eat breakfast and most lunches in the grill and then dinner in the mdr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFLG Posted May 5, 2017 #23 Share Posted May 5, 2017 I've never found the buffet on Celebrity to be anywhere near as crowded as on Royal. the WIndjammer is a zoo and finding a table can be a real hassle. I've never had a problem finding a place to sit in the Oceanview Cafe especially on the Solstice class ships. Go out the back doors and sit on the back patio area, its my favorite place to eat breakfast or lunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggertastic Posted May 5, 2017 #24 Share Posted May 5, 2017 Since they changed bistro on 5 to sushi on 5 we grab buffet but take it up to sunset. So we grab seats at sunset first, grab a drink and relay to get food. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fun Researcher Posted May 5, 2017 #25 Share Posted May 5, 2017 Thanks all. I've been following this thread, and thanks to your input, our plan is now Sushi on 5 or the Mast Grill (as our second option) on embarkation day. I don't like the mad house of the buffet with everyone's luggage and stuff. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now