Jim_Iain - 9/5 and 9/17 Equinox B2B - Come along for a Live Blog

[Jim_Iain]

14 hours ago, sunsetme said:

Jim

any chance you can post some stuff for us paeans in lower classes such as the buffet, anytime seating (Is it crowded), the pool area on sea days, the casino, etc.

I will definitely post pictures of the public area.    We actually probably spend more time in the Public Areas than in  the Suites area.    We have yet to visit the Retreat Sun Deck.   I was waiting to post those for sea days when not much to post, but I always find something interesting like that "Wine Dog" in the Park West Gallery. 

 

 

[Stem to Stern]

7 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

look at the PAX streaming ashore

Ha ha.  They are disembarking in droves.  A few too many late-night partiers getting a slow start this morning?  Enjoy your day fellas.

[Jim_Iain]

13 hours ago, TommyD3 said:

We were onboard the first two weeks of August. Had early seating dinner in the MDR. Posted time was 5:30. People would drift in until about 6:30. At that point about half the dining room was filled. The problem was they had a limited number of waiters. Our waiter most nights had 18-20 guests to wait on. Service was no better than pre pandemic.

Buffet was normally not too crowded except when they first opened for lunch (12:00) on sea days.

My understanding, and I could be wrong is they suspending fixed seating on our cruise and gave everyone anytime dining.   I've really not seen much in the way of crowding anywhere, but we are late diners.

 

On first night in Muranos they said first seating was early but when we came at 8:30 everyone almost left immediately.     There were only 2 tables for the rest of the night. 

[Jim_Iain]

13 hours ago, Oville said:

Any good news you can post about your cruise?  Sounds like it isn’t fun unless you are in suite or maybe AQ.  Looking forward to your response.

Not true at all.    All of the passengers are having a great time.   Last night they had an ABA sing along in main foyer and dancing.    People are saying the shows have been good.   We just don't do shows anymore.   

 

The class structure really doesn't exist as much as people make it appear.     We socialize with many in standard cabins, we just happen to be in a suite.    

 

Last night we met Scott (I'll have look up his CC Name).     He was in  a Concierge Cabin and got upgraded to a Royal.    Really nice guy.   I'm happy he stopped us at Al Bacio to introduce himself.   

[Jim_Iain]

12 hours ago, Oville said:

Glad Jim and Iain are having a great cruise.  Always love to read Jim’s take on their adventures. Certainly sounds like the Royal Suite crew are treating them well.

They really are treating us well.   I was speaking with the Jonathan one of the Retreat Hosts and we realized we knew him our TP cruise.    I need to verify but I think he was a Butler at the time.   We were reminiscing  about being evacuated from the ship in Tokyo due to a Typhoon. 

 

Everyone on board  is being treated well.     You don't pass a single crew member show doesn't greet you with a smile.   As an aside I  noticed one crew member without his mask on and one of the pool butlers.   I think they are loosening up a bit.    We are still wear masks much of the time,  but mostly don't want to be blocked from the B2B.  

 

BTW I asked about contract tracing and they said they found they could do it better using the ships video surveillance system. 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Not true at all.    All of the passengers are having a great time.   Last night they had an ABA sing along in main foyer and dancing.    People are saying the shows have been good.   We just don't do shows anymore.   

 

The class structure really doesn't exist as much as people make it appear.     We socialize with many in standard cabins, we just happen to be in a suite.    

 

Last night we met Scott (I'll have look up his CC Name).     He was in  a Concierge Cabin and got upgraded to a Royal.    Really nice guy.   I'm happy he stopped us at Al Bacio to introduce himself.   

 

I go back and forth between suites and regular cabins all the time.  I've stayed in everything from an inside to the penthouse.  Depends on the price on offer.  I think the only people who really obsess about the class structure are those who have never sailed in a suite.  Most suite passengers spend a lot of time in the regular areas of the ship.

[Jim_Iain]

6 hours ago, TommyD3 said:

Cafe Al Bacio was great !!! Never a problem finding a seat. Same server always came by quickly and gave great service !!!! Less passengers onboard made a huge difference !!!

I go to Al Bacio often.    I like the one at OceanView as there is no lines and most don't even know it exist.   In the afternoon there is often 2-4 people in line to get pastries from the main one.   Still no wait longer than 3-5 minutes.   

[rucrazy]

4 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

Most suite passengers spend a lot of time in the regular areas of the ship.

I am sorry but that struck me funny......hahaha

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

Hi Jim,

Following along here from Florida. Not sure anyone asked this but was wondering what your feeling is on the Revolutionized Equinox. I understand that Equinox has not been completely upgraded. How does the ship look compared to completely revolutionized ships.

Just curious because we are in a suite January 2023. I know a ways out but something to look forward to.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Equinox is in pristine shape and every rust spot is painted daily.     The only things I really see difference from Silhouette  is they didn't take away the front deck on the Lawn Club Level.   Rooms are Beautiful,  Retreat is nicely redone,    They still have the Glass Blowing show and there is no Lawn Club Restaurant.   

 

I really don't find it lacking in any way, but we no longer lay out in the sun.    I walk instead.   The only reason we haven't been sailing her is her itineraries.     We have mostly been doing Europe, Asia and Australia.  

[jgmorgan]

12 hours ago, sunsetme said:

Jim

any chance you can post some stuff for us paeans in lower classes such as the buffet, anytime seating (Is it crowded), the pool area on sea days, the casino, etc.

I think a "paean' for Jim would be appropriate given the time and effort he is putting into sharing his experience with us.  Even us peons like to vicariously enjoy the suite life.🙂

 

Thanks Jim (and Ian).

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I go back and forth between suites and regular cabins all the time.  I've stayed in everything from an inside to the penthouse.  Depends on the price on offer.  I think the only people who really obsess about the class structure are those who have never sailed in a suite.  Most suite passengers spend a lot of time in the regular areas of the ship.

I think you really summarized the lack of class structure very well.  

 

We don't have a lot of experience in regulars cabins.    The only time was on our first cruise on Millennium in 2000.   At that time we stayed in what was called an A1.    They were the cabins on the cabin floor beneath the deck with the pool and buffet that have the large overhead decking. 

 

At the time A1's were undesirable because the lack of sun.    Marketing to the rescue.     They rebranded them Concierge Class, raised the price and they became desirable.   Also at the time Michael's club was a Cigar Bar.    Suite passengers paid much more for our rooms and basically had no perks.  

 

Back in those days Suites got NOTHING and got screwed on CC points.    At the time you got 1 point for a 7 day regular cabin and 2 points for a Suite.    The conversion was really bad and we would have hit Zenith far earlier had we gotten the Suite new points.     

 

Originally Michael's club was also limited to only Celebrity Suite and above and Sky Suites were excluded.    There was a loud outcry when those "Lesser Suites" were given access. 

 

We each spend our money differently and since we could only cruise once a year while we were working preferred the Suite Life.    While many have to have a new car yearly we are not into cars and drive a 15 y.o. Saab and plan on driving it until it dies.   With 200,000 miles not sure if that will happen any time soon.   

 

We also have already put our kids through university and don't have Tuition Payments like many people.     Just think how much discretionary income you might have if you didnt have a car payment or tuition payments.   

[TravelBluebird]

41 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Not true at all.    All of the passengers are having a great time.   Last night they had an ABA sing along in main foyer and dancing.    People are saying the shows have been good.   We just don't do shows anymore. 

 

Ooh Abba Sing Along! That’s my kind of fun; I did theater for many years; retired from that now for various  reasons.  Love the Broadway themed shows; I’m not a fan of magic or circus-type shows but my husband enjoys those.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, jgmorgan said:

I think a "paean' for Jim would be appropriate given the time and effort he is putting into sharing his experience with us.  Even us peons like to vicariously enjoy the suite life.🙂

 

Thanks Jim (and Ian).

 

We really are probably more of Socialists than Elitists'.     We were very fortunate to invest in real estate in SF and Silicon Valley and were rewarded due to the rapid price changes in the bay area.  

[TravelBluebird]

About the entire “class thing.” I’ve cruised in all sorts of cabins on various lines,  from suites to balconies to ocean views (never an interior; claustrophobic). If I could, I would cruise in a suite every single time because I love being spoiled. That said, I’m married to a man who’s philosophy is often “why spend more for a suite; I won’t be in the room much” and who likes to watch our pennies. Sometimes I win the argument on what to book, sometimes he does. 

 

But the fact is, no matter WHAT room or “class” I cruise in, I’ve never had a bad cruise. Well, maybe only once but I still had a good time, and the bad parts had nothing to do with the room. 

 

I’m really enjoying Jim’s review/blogging of the Equinox from his Royal Suite! Gosh, the food porn alone is divine!  Thank you Jim (and Iain).

 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

 

Ooh Abba Sing Along! That’s my kind of fun; I did theater for many years; retired from that now for various  reasons.  Love the Broadway themed shows; I’m not a fan of magic or circus-type shows but my husband enjoys those.

 

Would love to hear you sing.     A couple years ago we were on a small tour of a Mansion in Buenos Aires and the small group of 6 on the tour had a lady that was studying Opera.    In the music room she asked the guide if she could try out the acoustics in the ball room.   She sung a couple Opera pieces.     Incredible voice and felt like a private show.     

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

About the entire “class thing.” I’ve cruised in all sorts of cabins on various lines,  from suites to balconies to ocean views (never an interior; claustrophobic). If I could, I would cruise in a suite every single time because I love being spoiled. That said, I’m married to a man who’s philosophy is often “why spend more for a suite; I won’t be in the room much” and who likes to watch our pennies. Sometimes I win the argument on what to book, sometimes he does. 

 

But the fact is, no matter WHAT room or “class” I cruise in, I’ve never had a bad cruise. Well, maybe only once but I still had a good time, and the bad parts had nothing to do with the room. 

 

I’m really enjoying Jim’s review/blogging of the Equinox from his Royal Suite! Gosh, the food porn alone is divine!  Thank you Jim (and Iain).

 

 

Thanks much.  

 

We all have our tastes.    While many don't spend much time in their room, we have a tendency to spend more time in our room than in the general area of the ship.    We no longer lay by the pool and try to limit sun exposure. Due to Covid we are spending much more time in our room and are trying to avoid area where spacing is limited. 

 

 

 

[jgmorgan]

3 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

We really are probably more of Socialists than Elitists'.     We were very fortunate to invest in real estate in SF and Silicon Valley and were rewarded due to the rapid price changes in the bay area.  

And I, for one, am happy for you.  I really do enjoy your photos and commentary.

 

While we might step up to a suite at some point, our preference, at least for now, is to opt for more frequent cruises and choose Aqua cabins.  For our circumstances, that seems to be the "sweet" spot.  We love Blu and actually like the veranda overhang.

 

Stay diligent and here's hoping you both pass the tests for the next leg!

[Jim_Iain]

Captain just came on and announced someone contacted the Medical Center with flu like symptoms and has tested positive.    The PAX will be removed from the ship today.    Close contacts have been identified and are in isolation while being tested.    

 

I'll see what I can find out later, but often the crew is pretty closed lipped. 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, jgmorgan said:

And I, for one, am happy for you.  I really do enjoy your photos and commentary.

 

While we might step up to a suite at some point, our preference, at least for now, is to opt for more frequent cruises and choose Aqua cabins.  For our circumstances, that seems to be the "sweet" spot.  We love Blu and actually like the veranda overhang.

 

Stay diligent and here's hoping you both pass the tests for the next leg!

Nothing bad with that at all.     We sailed in AQ for the first time in 2020 and loved it.    We would probably have booked AQ if they didn't temporarily pull Retreat privilege's to Zenith.    As soon as the perk is back we will probably again sail in AQ.

 

We have some friends on board - one in AQ and one in Concierge.    We are going to dine in Blu one night and will be inviting them to Muranos one night soon.   I have to start spending some OBC.    We have over 1,000 of unrefundable and with everything included it is tough to spend all that.  

[TravelBluebird]

2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Captain just came on and announced someone contacted the Medical Center with flu like symptoms and has tested positive.    The PAX will be removed from the ship today.    Close contacts have been identified and are in isolation while being tested.    

 

I'll see what I can find out later, but often the crew is pretty closed lipped. 

 

Thanks; any additional info on this would be much appreciated.

 

I just found out this morning that last Thursday I was exposed (for like 2 hours!) to someone who just tested positive for COVID yesterday. No symptoms for me, but I’m so paranoid with the cruise coming up I may see if I can get an unproctored home test today just to calm my mind.

[Silkroad]

35 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Back in those days Suites got NOTHING and got screwed on CC points.    At the time you got 1 point for a 7 day regular cabin and 2 points for a Suite.    The conversion was really bad and we would have hit Zenith far earlier had we gotten the Suite new points. 

Yes indeed. We had our first suite (of two lol) back then. We’ve sailed mostly in Veranda cabins. We’ll never make Zenith, but I’d be happy to get to “Zen”. I think it was @Happy Cruiser 6143who first coined the wonderful term “Zen” for halfway to Zenith.

[pasta1]

What would you say is the percentage of guests wearing masks indoors and thank you for all your detailed information and photos, they are great. We will be joining the next cruise on the 17th. Tim and Malou. Will be 5th time on the Equinox!

[Arzeena]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

I go to Al Bacio often.    I like the one at OceanView as there is no lines and most don't even know it exist.   In the afternoon there is often 2-4 people in line to get pastries from the main one.   Still no wait longer than 3-5 minutes.   

Alexandru and Anja there (at eh OV Al Bacio) are the best! They are there in the mornings. We were also given excellent service by Abel. I miss them all!

Edited September 8, 2021 by Arzeena

[jgmorgan]

33 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

We have over 1,000 of unrefundable and with everything included it is tough to spend all that.  

Hmm...wonder if you could apply it as a deposit for a Future Cruise for one of your avid followers?😂

[SHIP TRAVELER]

18 hours ago, Beba-Beba said:

 

OOPS!!!!!!

 

I always take one of these immersion thingies to Las Vegas for a first cup of tea in the room while dressing.  It is a real hassle in a huge hotel to get room service drinks IMO.  I am cruising out of LA in October with a long post cruise stop over in Las Vegas.  I was going to take one of these along for the post  trip.  I would never bother on the ship because of many better options.  I wonder if they will give it back post cruise so that I can take it with me.