Equinox Review by a Cunard Traveller

[LadyL1]

We have just returned from the Inaugural Trip of the Equinox, which was an 8 night Norwegian cruise.

 

Our booking was made only 5 weeks out from departure, and we were travelling as a foursome; 1 Sky suite (disabled) 1 Concierge Class cabin. The disabled suite was well designed with very large wet-room; the butler very attentive to his clients needs. Although not wheelchair bound the occupants were frail, aged and had mobility problems. The accommodation was a great success, but unfortunate that the suite was so far aft and therefore a long walk from the lifts. The Concierge room was much narrower than QM2 staterooms and hence the balcony seemed small for the size of the furniture, which was good quality. The shower room was impressive, but the result was that wardrobe/drawer space, were only just sufficient, and the bedside tables seemed a late added extra in a different finish and the little shelves were adequate for a book & a pair of specs! The leather sofa was hard and uncomfortable. Our room was designated as being suitable for a 3rd person, but this would seem a challenge.

 

We ate in the Silhouette Restaurant 2nd sitting (8.45pm). The food was generally good, but the service could be painfully slow so we were leaving around 11.00pm. The tables were very close together and the ceiling so much lower than QM2, and I feel the QV. The only time this space looked inviting was when it was empty, white and very contemporary. Perhaps because it was a new ship, the little extras were missing; no parmesan cheese offered with minestrone soup, pepper offered if the waiters appeared not too busy, etc. However the Murano Restaurant was delightful in ambience, service & food, but sadly had no view whatsoever. The Tuscan (Italian) again had an excellent menu and being at the rear of the ship had fabulous windows all round. Also there was no vibration or noise. These two speciality restaurants compare with well with Todd English. I cannot comment on the Aqua or Asian restaurants and other small eateries. The Oceanview Cafe (buffet) was impressive both in layout and presentation. A good selection of salads, hot, oriental, Italian food & desserts was on offer and quite delicious (especially the salads). I was impressed by the array of fresh bread. This eating venue was at the aft of the ship on deck 14 and a feature was an open deck for dining, across the whole width of the ship. The minus(s) of this restaurant was the décor; the orange and blues, plus the plastic looking modernistic panels that were not subtle. With the highly patterned carpet this was just too much for our liking, but all kept extremely clean. The drink vending machines issuing lemonade & fruit punch were invariably empty except for water. Orange juice was only available at breakfast time. Tea & coffee were freely available.

 

The Martini Bar was a huge disappointment. It seemed a cold, sterile area which was just aside of the walkway to the casino. The furniture was “funky” rather than comfortable as was the décor. The noise from the casino clashed with the music being played, and again this fought with music from yet another area below that rose through the atrium. The classic martinis were excellent, but the fruit based ones just did not have real flair. So if you are a Commodore Club devotee, this is not for you, as again there is no view being at the side of the ship. Other bars had the same problem of being part of a thoroughfare, but the “Ensemble Bar” did have a good atmosphere and the live musicians (jazz & easy listening) kept the bar busy all evening. Cunard “diehards” would probably not appreciate being addressed by their Christian name learned by the bartenders from their seapass cards. The Sky Lounge deck 14 was vast, with panoramic views forward was underused during the day. The furniture was again very modern, rather than for the comfort factor. The evening found this as the venue for live music. Rather a shame as this was the only indoor bar with sea views.

 

Entertainment/activities were published the previous evening. A mix of lectures, dancing classes, bingo, cookery lessons etc all prevailed. If you like shopping there were the obligatory expensive shops, and the “inch of gold” stalls. The glass show on the top deck was interesting for one viewing and the grass area for bowls, golf etc always busy. We did not attend the theatre for shows, but a quick peep revealed the usual amenities. My own opinion is that the QV wins hands down on this.

 

The swimming pool areas were excellent and no shortage of sunbeds; the indoor pool size was impressive. The shooting fountains for the youngsters seemed great fun; I would have enjoyed being 6 years old again!! The children’s club seemed to be well used and their charges very happy with their activities. Again, we had a look at the “Fun Factory” as we often travel with grandchildren, and noticed that the programmes were very creative, and the children had the opportunity to eat together supervised by the staff, in the Oceanview Café. The only thing we were surprised by was that the entrance to the children’s zone was not secure from either inside or out as is the case on the QM2.

 

The officers were constantly visible around the ship and very approachable. The crew were always willing to please and very polite.

 

We did not take any excursions as we always make our own way by foot, public transport or taxi. At the one destination where tenders were used, organisation was very efficient.

 

Overall we thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. If the Equinox and QM2 were going to the same destination at the same time QM2 would be the choice, preferring the formality, especially by way of dress code in the evenings and the space. We would travel on this ship again if the itinerary suited.

 

The Equinox will probably not appeal to Cunard traditionalists, but it does have some very endearing features.