If you could cruise on Summit or Equinox, which would you choose?

[Stockjock]

1 hour ago, Arzeena said:

I agree. I liked it a lot. We were in a deck 3 newer ocean view cabin with a huge window, it was round but almost as huge as the cabin wall. I would definitely book that one again if going on the Summit.

Do you recall the cabin number?

[Surfguyxxx]

On 6/21/2022 at 9:33 PM, bigbenboys said:

Summit if in a suite. I like that most suites being in the same area on deck 6. Luminae just down the stairs deck 4. Equinox deck 12 concierge 2107 cabin with large deck. Right out to the pool, 1 deck up to the Oceanview Café. I also like doing the glassblowing on Equinox.

I'm doing the Equinox in September and forgot all about the Glass Blowing; thanks for the reminder 😎. Loved watching them on my 2010 Equinox cruise.

[bigbenboys]

On 6/22/2022 at 5:09 PM, Stockjock said:

Do you recall the cabin number?

Celebrity added cabins 3115-3127 near Tuscan Grille. If you look at non refurb vers refurb you will see that these cabins were added. Celebrity moved the entrance of TG and you lost the private dinning room in TG. Inside cabins were added also to other decks.

[Surfguyxxx]

35 minutes ago, bigbenboys said:

Celebrity added cabins 3115-3127 near Tuscan Grille. If you look at non refurb vers refurb you will see that these cabins were added. Celebrity moved the entrance of TG and you lost the private dinning room in TG. Inside cabins were added also to other decks.

So, was it a good thing that they removed the private dining in the TG?  I've not been there so don't know.  On a Freedom OTS recent Royal Amp, they took out all of the steam room facilities for both men and women.  There are now all inside cabins and not a hint of a sauna whatsoever; not even a Thermal Spa.  Not a Royal Amp IMHO 😲😒

[keesar]

1 hour ago, Surfguyxxx said:

I'm doing the Equinox in September and forgot all about the Glass Blowing; thanks for the reminder 😎. Loved watching them on my 2010 Equinox cruise.

Much has changed since 2010 in the Glass Blowing area.  Now, it is a fee for making items by passengers.  I do miss the educational component and the skills/creativity  of the original group in that area. 

[iancal]

Equinox.

[DCPIV]

I think you have a hard time going wrong.  Summit is a fantastic ship for the all the reasons you already know.  We haven't sailed on Equinox (yet--this fall), but we've been on Reflection.  As best as I can tell, the only differences between the two may or may not be significant, although we won't really know that until we sail.  Here's my quick take on how the two we know compare, but keep in mind that we loved both.

 

Summit is more intimate, but it's not like Reflection wasn't intimate.  Summit's Rendezvous Lounge is much better than Reflection's Ensemble Lounge (but we still liked Ensemble).  Reflection definitely wins when it comes to their Sunset Bar, pool area (including Mast Bar & Grill), buffet (including outdoor seating for buffet--it's well shaded), and Passport Bar (which isn't on Summit at all).  A little of the Passport Bar advantage is mitigated by the fact that the house band on Summit essentially plays for the Martini Mar at night.  Summit had music in Cellar Masters, and I don't know if there is music in Craft Social on Equinox (I don't recall music in Cellar Masters on Reflection).  On Reflection, it was very nice to have more specialty dining available.  The rest pretty much was close as far as the ship goes.

 

Service was better on Summit, but folks move around (especially with new ships coming on line).  Also, it's not like service on Reflection was anything other than good, but Summit was something special.

 

All things being equal, we'd probably go with S-class over M-class, but it's a very close call.  I wouldn't hesitate to jump onto either.

[phoenix_dream]

I would choose based on itinerary.  If they were the same (or close) I would book based on price and cabin availability for my preferred options.  I love both of these ships.  On Summit I love the Rendezvous lounge for relaxing in the evening or before dinner, as well as the T pool.  On Equinox I prefer the additional Specialty restaurants to choose from.  One other factor for me is motion.  On a sailing with lots of sea days or in seas known for more motion I would lean towards an S class ship as they handle the seas just a bit better.  But I would be happy on either, and in fact am sailing Summit in September and Equinox next year again.

[Guppy99]

Been on the Summit many times (next week again), and then Euinox twice. i prefer Equinox because the layout is better, and I like the small theater and use of the  common space just outside.  Everything I want at mealtime is aft and everything I want the rest of the time is forward.  Summit I spend more time going back and forth and up and down. 

[lifeisrealygood]

Both are terrific ships.  We have been on both many times.  We've cruised the Summit New England -  Canada cruise to Quebec out of Port Liberty three times (all in September) and loved the ports.  The Summit was the only Celebrity ship doing that itinerary.  Perhaps because it is a little smaller, being one of the four M-Class ships built between 2000 and 2004.  (Millennium, Constellation, Infinity are the other three).  The Summit is comfortable, but I prefer the newer S-class ships, as I like the Grand Foyer layout much better on the S-Class ships. The Grand Foyer and surrounding areas are much more open than the M-class.  I say "newer" S-Class in quotes, as even the S-class are getting older, built between 2008 and 2012.  We have been on all five S-class and all four M-class, and like the openness of the S-class better.  The before dinner cocktails either at the martini bar or the lobby bar off the Atrium seems much nicer to us than the pre-dinner drinks in a low ceiling room on the M-class outside the main dining room.  Also, the S-Class ships have the quiet romantic Ensemble Lounge for a pre-dinner (or after dinner) cocktail, while no such venue exists on the M-Class ships.  For reference, do you like the casinos in old downtown Las Vegas or the ones on the strip?   Low ceilings in town, and more wide open on the strip.  That maybe is a good analogy between M-class and S-class.

 

By the way, we have been on the Edge twice, and do not like the layout at all.  Maybe a minority view, but the Grand Foyer area has everything going on in a single space, and the Eden area looked nice, but did not seem functional.  And I did not like the infinite veranda.  Just seemed like a cabin with a window that opens.  We much prefer the veranda.  But, since the Edge and the three newer E-class ships ready to sail are the future of Celebrity, we like the brand, so we maybe need to start liking the E-class.  

[lifeisrealygood]

One more point.  You cruise the itinerary.,  So, whichever ship has the itinerary you want, you cannot go wrong with any Celebrity ship.  As we are getting older, and have cruised a lot, the ship is more of our destination now, not the ports, so that is why I commented above.  But, you first cruise the itinerary, than the ship.  

[Guppy99]

7 minutes ago, lifeisrealygood said:

One more point.  You cruise the itinerary.,  So, whichever ship has the itinerary you want, you cannot go wrong with any Celebrity ship.  As we are getting older, and have cruised a lot, the ship is more of our destination now, not the ports, so that is why I commented above.  But, you first cruise the itinerary, than the ship.  

Actually, we do not choose itinerary over the ship. Ports are not of particular interest any longer, especially a new port every single day.

[chemmo]

I hope this makes sense but we love the ‘flow’ of the S class ships…you never feel you walk too far to get anywhere and no where ever seems that crowded. 
 

On M class we felt we were constantly walking back and forwards (probably not helped with us having a room right at the back). Lounge areas just didn’t feel so spacious…

 

As others have said, a real miss taking the Murano type restaurants out of M class.

 

 

[jagoffee]

On 6/21/2022 at 8:44 PM, MustBCruzn said:

I've sailed both, and Equinox is by far my favorite. In fact, it's my favorite S-class ship.

I have cruised on all the S Class ships several times, except the Equinox.  I always thought  the Solstice and Equinox are almost identical.  Not true?  What makes the Equinox your favorite S Class ship?

My favorite S Class ship is the Silhouette due to the additional speciality dining options and lack of Glass blowing.  I have not cruised on her since the Revolution changes.  

[Arzeena]

On 6/22/2022 at 8:09 PM, Stockjock said:

Do you recall the cabin number?

I believe it was 3119 or 3121. All the cabins in that row are the new ones put in during the revolution/refurbish/dry dock.

Sorry for the late reply. I just saw this.

Edited June 29, 2022 by Arzeena

[Ipeeinthepools]

9 hours ago, lifeisrealygood said:

By the way, we have been on the Edge twice, and do not like the layout at all.  Maybe a minority view, but the Grand Foyer area has everything going on in a single space, and the Eden area looked nice, but did not seem functional.  And I did not like the infinite veranda.  Just seemed like a cabin with a window that opens.  We much prefer the veranda.  But, since the Edge and the three newer E-class ships ready to sail are the future of Celebrity, we like the brand, so we maybe need to start liking the E-class.  

 

Certainly not a minority opinion.  The E-class ships are loaded with things that look nice but aren't functional.  Unless you're in a suite, you probably should consider other options.

[Big_G]

Tough choices. Equinox was our least favorite S Class but it's still a great ship. We've only sailed Summit in the M Class. The crew on Summit is it's greatest asset.

[phoenix_dream]

3 hours ago, jagoffee said:

I have cruised on all the S Class ships several times, except the Equinox.  I always thought  the Solstice and Equinox are almost identical.  Not true?  What makes the Equinox your favorite S Class ship?

My favorite S Class ship is the Silhouette due to the additional speciality dining options and lack of Glass blowing.  I have not cruised on her since the Revolution changes.  

You weren't asking me this question, but I'll give you my two cents anyway.  In large part I think all other things being equal we often will call a ship our "favorite" because of experiences on particular cruises.  By that I mean maybe you have made lots of friends with staff on a particular ship, or a particular cruise had great ports or great entertainment so you enjoyed it more than other cruises.  This is honestly why Equinox is probably my favorite ship, although I love all the S and M class ships (E class not so much due to design).  We sail a lot and over the years by chance have sailed Equinox more than many others and have made some long lasting friendships with staff onboard.  I have to admit that colors my opinion in nominating it my favorite.  This is not necessarily true for everyone of course, but I think it does factor in, particularly for long time cruisers.

[phoenix_dream]

1 hour ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

Certainly not a minority opinion.  The E-class ships are loaded with things that look nice but aren't functional.  Unless you're in a suite, you probably should consider other options.

Agree 100%.  I don't think I would ever sail E class unless in a suite, and it is not my preferred class regardless.  IMHO it is form over function - very beautiful and flashy but not necessarily nearly as comfortable for us as M or S class.

[jakebloke]

We love Sunset Verandas and you can't beat Summits.  They are very spacious....practically as big as the interior of the cabin.  Having said that, I would choose Equinox.  Our last 3 cruises have been on Summit and I'm starting to find her kinda boring.  Not that I need nonstop activity.   I do like to walk and explore the ship and there's just not enough to see anymore on Summit.  I also really like World Class Bar and more restaurant options on Equinox.

[MustBCruzn]

4 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

You weren't asking me this question, but I'll give you my two cents anyway.  In large part I think all other things being equal we often will call a ship our "favorite" because of experiences on particular cruises.  By that I mean maybe you have made lots of friends with staff on a particular ship, or a particular cruise had great ports or great entertainment so you enjoyed it more than other cruises.  This is honestly why Equinox is probably my favorite ship, although I love all the S and M class ships (E class not so much due to design).  We sail a lot and over the years by chance have sailed Equinox more than many others and have made some long lasting friendships with staff onboard.  I have to admit that colors my opinion in nominating it my favorite.  This is not necessarily true for everyone of course, but I think it does factor in, particularly for long time cruisers.

 

After giving Jagoffee's question of "why" some thought and reading your reply, I 100% agree with your thoughts on what makes one ship or another a favorite. I loved our cruises on the Silhouette too. I think I leaned toward the Equinox on an emotional level for the reasons you described. We were fortunate to have a very active rollcall several times, and made some very good friends...none of which has anything to do with the ship. You summed it up very well.

Edited June 29, 2022 by MustBCruzn

[GRBlizz]

On 6/22/2022 at 7:06 PM, Arzeena said:

I agree. I liked it a lot. We were in a deck 3 newer ocean view cabin with a huge window, it was round but almost as huge as the cabin wall. I would definitely book that one again if going on the Summit.

Great to hear. We have an OV on the Summit for our upcoming Iceland cruise. Ours is an accessible one on 6, but the window looks to be the same size.

[Rockymaya]

I have been on both the Summit and Equinox.Prefer the layout on the equinox.Wife enjoys making stuff at the Hot Glass area.

[Maggie North]

There is truly something to love about every class of Celebrity ship. Summit is small and cozy. Love the Rendezvous Lounge that stretches from Port to Starboard....lots of windows! Love the Sky Lounge and Rooftop Terrance (that can be accessed from the aft Aqua Class suites on Deck 11; which is cool). We had incredible service throughout; on a 4 day cruise, enjoyed Sushi on 5 TWICE (wasabi dessert was incredible!). We had a lovely Aqua Class cabin on Deck 11; I think the balconies might be a little smaller, but the cabins were uptodate and comfortable. I did keep making the mistake of taking midship elevators to 11; which only went to Le Petite Chef restaurant...oops! Those aft Aqua Class cabins also had a "back door" access to the Sunset Bar...bonus!

Equinox is a little bigger, but just as cozy. We have also stayed in the forward Aqua Class Cabins on deck 11. Really like the proximity to fitness center and spa amenities. As it turns out, we have actually sailed on her the most...who knew? Favorite bar is World Class Bar...amazing bartenders! Murano is amazing and Tuscan has such a great location!  As always, service is impeccable!  Love the Sky Lounge and Lawn at the back of the ship. Sunset Bar has a great staircase to the back of Oceanview Buffett..very convenient. 

I think I would decide based on itinerary; plus from Florida, Equinox sails from Fort Lauderdale (which is more convenient for us) and Summit sails from Miami, although very cool sail away!

[jg51]

.

We have been aboard both the Summit (twice) and the Equinox (three times), over the years.  We were on both ships during the second half of 2021.

 

We greatly prefer the Equinox, for multiple reasons.

We booked the Summit the first time (several years ago) only because Solstice-class ships do not visit eastern Canada.  We were aboard the Summit the second time (in 2021) out of curiosity -- to see how much it had been improved by the modernization.

 

We will never go on the Summit again.

We will soon go on the Equinox again (Heaven willing).

 

Thanks for asking!

.