Equinox Live - 7/11 Barcelona to Rome

[KasioSails]

Hello writing this as people sound to be celebrating Spain’s victory outside. 😀⚽️

 

Today was a lovely day in Barcelona as we reset our clocks and see some new sites. Our day started a bit later as both my son’s sleep was all askew but we left our hotel about 8:45 and stopped for breakfast at a little focaccia place and it was very good. Then we headed to the Barcelona History museum (with a visit to a cathedral and a gelato stop for time along the way for time). 

We got to the museum as it opened and avoided most crowds while there from being early. This museum is a big recommendation as it was very interesting and very inexpensive (only 14€ for all 4 of us). We spent several hours exploring the tunnels alone. After a stop back at the hotel to hydrate and get some small bites from the market we headed to a different museum Big Fun. My thoughts like the reviews are mixed on this place. It’s neat and my boys enjoyed it (especially my YS) but it was very expensive I thought for the experience. So mileage may very on your enjoyment.
We wrapped up the day with some dinner at a Lebanese place that was mostly good before relaxing early for the evening reading. Everyone seemed ready for a not too early but reasonable rest time. 

[Jazzbo]

We did a similar itinerary last fall on Reflection and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bon Voyage and have a fantastic time!

[KasioSails]

It was an action packed day for our last full day today. We started out on our way to the Picasso museum with a stop at a wonderful bakery along the way. The museum was very reasonably priced and quite enjoyable. I felt it had a good flow to it and enough information to learn some about the many pieces, styles and surroundings events. The boys did ok with the museum as there were enough pieces of interesting things to focus them on along the way. 

After the museum we headed onward to the city zoo. My boys love zoos (especially the older son who is very into nature photography and planning to go into forestry) so we often find the local zoo in new places. The price for this zoo was very on par with one in the states and a decent size. It took us a few hours to walk nearly all of it. There is plenty of shade thankfully through out to make the whole place very enjoyable to walk through. Last comment about the zoo, if you like peacocks this is the place. There were about half a dozen each of peacocks and peahens just everywhere in the park. You could see them very close and it became a fun game to see them in random enclosures.

We took a cab back home as we were all pretty warm and tired to rest and have some dinner. Then we wrapped up the night with a quick stop at the illusion museum. This was a cheap add on to our Big Fun tickets from yesterday. It was cute for some fun photos and laughs. We ended the day with some yummy fresh churros and cocoa while packing up for tomorrow. I think everyone is excited to set sail tomorrow. 

Overall I give Barcelona a solid grade. The city has beautiful architecture and views. We have enjoyed a lot of good food and cool places and there are many other sites we didn’t see yet. I would return to enjoy more for sure. 

[odysee]

Just for context and to relate to your experiences with museums etc : what are ages of your kids ?  

[KasioSails]

26 minutes ago, odysee said:

Just for context and to relate to your experiences with museums etc : what are ages of your kids ?  

The oldest is nearly 15 (just finished freshman year) and the younger is 8. They have both been cruising since they were infants.  

[hcat]

Nice review so far.. if possible can u post a few photos of the highlights.

 

We enjoyed Barcelona  and saw alot of the Gaudi buildings,  plus a visit to  the music hall and and museum in the old city which had underground Roman  ruins. We went to Montserrat monastery  post cruise on ship's excursion. Good restaurants as well!  

[NMTraveller]

Montserrat,  Sagrada Familia,  and tapas were the highlights of our cruise to Barcelona ...

[hcat]

We sadly  missed going to the old synagogue.  What locals refer to as "gypsies".. a youth gang in blue jeans make and females... blocked both access streets.   On one street  we were "swarmed"  but managed to escape.. some middle age/ older folks can use elbows &  move fast when necessary..

 

Only downside to Barcelona is pickpickets and thieves..lax enforcement. .We used a security pouch for my husb,   & when we travel, I use the " bank of bra"!

 

  Other than that  it is a great city of art, food,  music,  architecture...mix of  old and new!  

[KasioSails]

We are on board 🚢😀

First a review of our place for anyone coming to Barcelona. We stayed at the Apartments at La Rambla 102 in a one bedroom place with a full kitchen and laundry. I would recommend the place as it was very large, nice, and convenient. The only downside was the beds were terrible for sleeping. But on to the trip 

Woke up not too early today and leisurely finished packing up, walked around the market a bit more and made our way to the port. I had tried to prebook a cab with  FreeNow - what a bust!! They said some was coming then the person didn’t show  - we waited until about 7-8 min past the time then just hailed a cab which we should have just done from the start - then an hour later got an oops no one us available sorry message. I do not recommend for sure. But it only delayed us like 15 mins total. 

We arrived at the pier about 11:10 found a worker and once we said we were suite guests were promptly escorted through security to the check in area. For the check in the set up allows you to grab a drink and/or snack while they handle all the set up and then we were escorted all the way to our room. All and all the process took maybe 20mins with us dilly dallying with snacks. The Royal Suite is so lovely - we usually book suites but the RS was an anniversary splurge for sure. For those curious we do have 2 of those footstool chair things to relax but I don’t think we have like a full lay down lounger (unless I’m missing something). Our butler showed up quickly and we talked over some benefits, logistics, etc. I was surprised this is the second time my shoreside request for a sharps bucket that was confirmed wasn’t filled and no one seemed to even realize I had requested it (I did get one later in the day though so I have one now). 

After checkin we headed to our assembly station to check that off the list and the lunch at luminae. It was very good and my husband was so happy to have the lobster roll. 

I’ll write more to our day in a bit but a fun smile and Easter egg to anyone on board. We wore to the ship and all day matching Zelda Windwaker Hawaiian shirts and I have to say I have never had more compliments - it was kind of lovely.

[KasioSails]

10 hours ago, hcat said:

Nice review so far.. if possible can u post a few photos of the highlights.

 

We enjoyed Barcelona  and saw alot of the Gaudi buildings,  plus a visit to  the music hall and and museum in the old city which had underground Roman  ruins. We went to Montserrat monastery  post cruise on ship's excursion. Good restaurants as well!  

In truth I’ve never figured out how to post photos on the site. I may try though I don’t take many - it’s usually my husband and now OS on picture duty. 

[KasioSails]

7 hours ago, hcat said:

We sadly  missed going to the old synagogue.  What locals refer to as "gypsies".. a youth gang in blue jeans make and females... blocked both access streets.   On one street  we were "swarmed"  but managed to escape.. some middle age/ older folks can use elbows &  move fast when necessary..

 

Only downside to Barcelona is pickpickets and thieves..lax enforcement. .We used a security pouch for my husb,   & when we travel, I use the " bank of bra"!

 

  Other than that  it is a great city of art, food,  music,  architecture...mix of  old and new!  

Agree about the stress of pickpocketers. And I know this sounds curmudgeonly but I didn’t care for all the trashy shops selling tshirts with icky phrases. I know it’s not new or exclusive to Barcelona - just not happy to see it. Final Barcelona annoyance (trust me I did enjoy the city) was I found out the Big Fun place - which I already wasn’t into much - double charged me so that’s a thing now for when I get back. Oh well 

[hcat]

glad u are on board!  

would love to see u all in those shirts

 

pet peeve re dinibg in barcelina..lots of things were extra like an order of bread!

[hcat]

1 hour ago, KasioSails said:

In truth I’ve never figured out how to post photos on the site. I may try though I don’t take many - it’s usually my husband and now OS on picture duty. 

it is pretty easy..I am  very lo tech and manage.  I have an Android phone and  upload from my Gallery.. see box  next to paper clip in posts  that says ADD FILES..  Maybe take son with u to the ineret guys..they are a great help.. You don't have to go nuts but one or 2 pic posts might be  nice!

 

Review is great as is.. just a thought!

 

 

[KasioSails]

Day 1 part 2

Continuing the day after lunch we walked around the ship a bit - saw the retreat sun deck and lounge as well as the shops. We stopped at cafe al bacio for coffee and treats before winding our way back through the ship to our room for sail away. It was the perfect place to enjoy seeing the ship pull out of port. After a bit we headed to dinner at luminae which was very good. My YS had some items from the kids menu (which seems larger than before) and the rest of us had the filets that were very tender and perfectly cooked. Only meh food was I had a Caesar salad and it wasn’t great. 

After dinner our OS headed to the teen club - admittedly this trips teen club seems kind of lame. There doesn’t seem to really be activities - just a come by time that from his description folks just left. Last trip had planned like sports court competitions or dance parties etc. OS will check back but so far he wasn’t impressed. We all decided then to head your way the pool for a swim which was the perfect temperature and a nice break from the heat. Finally we worked to unpack for the week (our bags had not arrived until right at dinner time) while OS/DH got some wings and such from craft social - they gave them a spicy thumbs up. All that was left was to relax to the waves outside. 

[Bask]

How are you finding the overall condition/shape of the Equinox? I saw some of your general Retreat comments, but has Luminae met your food/quality/service expectations?

Sailing on Equinox next year (put a refundable deposit down)....and a little concerned about the age and condition of the ship. Had great cruises on quite a few S-class ships (never Eclipse), but its been years since we sailed on one. More recently we have been cruising on newer E-class ships. I really enjoyed our past S-class ships sailings, but as I said its been awhile. 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Susanb10567]

2 hours ago, Bask said:

How are you finding the overall condition/shape of the Equinox? I saw some of your general Retreat comments, but has Luminae met your food/quality/service expectations?

Sailing on Equinox next year (put a refundable deposit down)....and a little concerned about the age and condition of the ship. Had great cruises on quite a few S-class ships (never Eclipse), but its been years since we sailed on one. More recently we have been cruising on newer E-class ships. I really enjoyed our past S-class ships sailings, but as I said its been awhile. 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Just disembarked the Equinox on 7/11. I thought the ship was in very good shape. We even booked it again for February. A lot  of my Celebrity sailings have been on Edge class ships before the retreat pricing went through the roof. I have done 3 Edge and one sailing each on the Apex and Beyond. We were booked in Aqua this sailing and loved our balcony. It was so relaxing…I didn’t want to give up that experience to be in an infinite veranda on an Edge class ship for February since the retreat pricing does not provide value to us right now. We also love the flow of the Equinox. I felt there were more places I wanted to go to have a drink and listen to music. I thought the service was excellent in Blu and around the ship. We had issues with service on the Beyond in Luminae in January . I am booked on the Eclipse for the British aisles next June …I just hope they upgrade the soft goods in the stateroom during dry dock.

[jmps]

We, also, just got off the Equinox on the 11th.  The ship is in very good shape from the May refresh.  My wife did the glass “class” and loved it.  If you haven’t considered it check it out.  Glad to hear boarding was smooth.  Our boarding was long delayed with internet issues causing a long line in the sun.  The crew is across the board really good.  We used a cabana for a sea day and liked it so much we did it again on the next port day.   If you can please give your thoughts on them.  

[KasioSails]

Hello - I have a few days to catch up sorry everyone 

Day 2 sea day 

This trip has very few sea days so we wanted to enjoy the relaxation on our first sea day. We woke up not too early at 8 and headed to breakfast at Luminae. It was ok food wise I would say - so far the food has been good but not knock it out of the park. We had the pancakes and crepes among us. After breakfast we decided to head up to the lawn for games. But unfortunately the lawn hasn’t been open yet this trip. This is very disappointing as games like bocce ball are some of our favorite things on the last trip. We did walk around and find shuffleboard in Quasar that was fun. After a bit of shopping we headed your the pool. The water is really warm on this trip so it’s very nice. I ran into our butler along the way and coordinated some goodies for the room. We saw an archery time open so we watched that and OS was able to try it. It was fun but very hard - the arrows just sort of go. 

After a fun day we got dressed back up and headed to the officers meeting in the retreat lounge. The event was nice and we met some new people, got our picture taken and had a drink. I was able to have my favorite sidecar drink. Dinner this evening was in Luminae - DH said the snapper was very good but OS was unable to eat the lamb from toughness. We decided to just leave and find him something else after the show. 

The evening entertainment was one of the musical shows. The cast were very talented and the lighting and effects were nice. There was a very loose plot it seemed. After we headed to our room to pick up some room service that was to be put it got us - but it never showed. OS wanted to attend the silent disco right but they ran out headphones basically right away so DH took him to the ocean view for a nibble and a game of ping pong while I put YS to bed. It is nice our attendant does a good job at opening the bed each day but also putting it back early enough the room us more usable. 

 

I will pop back in quickly for our first port day in a bit to catch up. 

[KasioSails]

13 hours ago, Bask said:

How are you finding the overall condition/shape of the Equinox? I saw some of your general Retreat comments, but has Luminae met your food/quality/service expectations?

Sailing on Equinox next year (put a refundable deposit down)....and a little concerned about the age and condition of the ship. Had great cruises on quite a few S-class ships (never Eclipse), but its been years since we sailed on one. More recently we have been cruising on newer E-class ships. I really enjoyed our past S-class ships sailings, but as I said its been awhile. 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

I would say the ship is in good condition as well - though we did find some trash in our couch. Luminae isn’t quite in my opinion though as good as the Solstice last year in terms of service or food quality. It’s very good - but our last was unbelievable. 

[KasioSails]

8 hours ago, jmps said:

We, also, just got off the Equinox on the 11th.  The ship is in very good shape from the May refresh.  My wife did the glass “class” and loved it.  If you haven’t considered it check it out.  Glad to hear boarding was smooth.  Our boarding was long delayed with internet issues causing a long line in the sun.  The crew is across the board really good.  We used a cabana for a sea day and liked it so much we did it again on the next port day.   If you can please give your thoughts on them.  

Rough - that sounds bad for check in for sure

 

We did the hot glass last trip and loved it. We decided not to for this trip because it seemed tough to transport home. But I definitely recommend it as it was very fun. We have never looked at the cabanas really - in our case our room is quite sizable so if just relaxing we hang out here. 

[KasioSails]

11 hours ago, Susanb10567 said:

Just disembarked the Equinox on 7/11. I thought the ship was in very good shape. We even booked it again for February. A lot  of my Celebrity sailings have been on Edge class ships before the retreat pricing went through the roof. I have done 3 Edge and one sailing each on the Apex and Beyond. We were booked in Aqua this sailing and loved our balcony. It was so relaxing…I didn’t want to give up that experience to be in an infinite veranda on an Edge class ship for February since the retreat pricing does not provide value to us right now. We also love the flow of the Equinox. I felt there were more places I wanted to go to have a drink and listen to music. I thought the service was excellent in Blu and around the ship. We had issues with service on the Beyond in Luminae in January . I am booked on the Eclipse for the British aisles next June …I just hope they upgrade the soft goods in the stateroom during dry dock.

I agree about all the live music. We enjoy the life it brings to the ship. 

[KasioSails]

Oh I forgot lunch on day 2.
DH & OS had a huge meal at the Sushi on 5. They said the food was very good as was the service. While they enjoyed sushi I took the little one for lunch at the buffet. It was a large variety and easy to navigate. The hardest was finding a table but we managed. 

[cruisegal1970]

Are Celebrity still allowing people to play cards in the OVC when many are looking for a table?

[Susanb10567]

2 hours ago, cruisegal1970 said:

Are Celebrity still allowing people to play cards in the OVC when many are looking for a table?

Did not see that on the Equinox last week. They still have a card room so people can play there…

[desibee]

That’s too bad about the lawn being closed.  Did they say why?  I would’ve thought they would finish working on it while it was in dry dock.