11 day Equinox Cruise - Nov. 7th

We are taking our first cruise to a warm climate this Nov. our ship is the Celebrity Equinox. The cruise is for 11 days. I have read as many reviews as I can. (Pro and Con) Can anyone give me some straight forward open information as to what to expect?

We are taking our first cruise to a warm climate this Nov. our ship is the Celebrity Equinox. The cruise is for 11 days. I have read as many reviews as I can. (Pro and Con) Can anyone give me some straight forward open information as to what to expect?

We did this route in Nov 2014, liked it so much we did the 10 day route in Nov 2015, liked it so much we booked the 10 day to the ABC's for Nov 2017 :eek: 19 months in advance:D

Straight forward, we really like the Equinox.

EW

Any specific questions?

Just general ones:

We are spending 2 days in Fort Lauderdale pre cruise. What time should we be at the ship prior to 4 PM sailing?

What happens when you arrive?

We are on select dining, should we actually try and book a sitting for dinner?

Dress codes: I worked in Banking for over 30 years, hate ties do I need one?

When we are at ports or at the beach, we take some cash/CC etc. How d we safegaurd stuff when in the water?

These are a couple of questions that are bouncing around in my head.

Just general ones:

 

We are spending 2 days in Fort Lauderdale pre cruise. What time should we be at the ship prior to 4 PM sailing?We always get there around 10-10:30 you have to be on board at least 1 hour prior.

 

What happens when you arrive?

You arrive at the pier, and hand your luggage to a porter who stacks it with the others for later delivery to your cabin

 

You go thru the doors and you will go thru check in just like staying at any hotel. You get you room card, ( called your Sea Pass ) then if the ship is not ready for new guest, you are directed to the waiting area.

 

We are on select dining, should we actually try and book a sitting for dinner?

Just wait till on board and talk to the hostess, she/he will take care of everything.

 

Dress codes: I worked in Banking for over 30 years, hate ties do I need one?

Hot Topic! :eek: I took a tux for almost 30 years till our last cruise, no tie nor jacket, but you need to prepare like you are having dinner with friend at the country club and dress accordingly. NO SHORTS AFTER 5:00 PM, except in the buffet.

 

When we are at ports or at the beach, we take some cash/CC etc. How d we safegaurd stuff when in the water?

Just as you would when going to a beach on any other vacation. Water proof pouch, ect. If it is a ship tour, the operator will keep their eye on your tings for the most part. But you are in a foreign country be mindful of your surroundings as always.

 

These are a couple of questions that are bouncing around in my head.

Okie Dokie! This is actually your for real very first cruise!

The only dumb question is the one you don't ask!:D

EW

CONGRATS!

Take care of her! We'll be getting on just as you're getting off. This will be our 4th or 5th time on that ship and we've been on the sister ship Eclipse 4 times as well. Does that tell you anything?

We don't need to do a little tour when we first get on but you'll want to do that I'm sure. Just wheel your carry-ons around with you. No big deal. We are in a suite so we can leave ours in Michael's Club which is convenient and if you're in a suite that's what you can do while you eat or run around while waiting for the "cabins are ready" announcement.

It will seem a bit crowded from about 11 till 1:30 or so in the public areas on decks 3, 4 and 5 and up at Oceanview Cafe (buffet) because they are still getting cabins ready. Don't let that deter you. We always ate in Bistro on Five but now that that's a sushi place we'll just eat in Luminae (the suite restaurant). We tend to always avoid the buffet although it's nice. It's arranged in stations so you don't just have one long line. You pop in and out of the different stations. Most people tend to go there for lunch. I would recommend the Mast Grill for burgers. If not first day, then try one day.

We always feel that eating in the specialty restaurants is just part of the whole cruise experience. Murano is the fancy one and has excellent food although we believe the suite restaurant Luminae rivals it. Our favorite specialty is Tuscan Grill. Great views (but same as our cabin view we get so not as big a deal for us). We also like Silk Harvest, particularly their small plates. I could just eat those.

We like to do room service breakfast on port days to save back and forth walking when we're trying to get out early. Nice way to pull into port with your beverage and something to eat, sitting on your balcony.

I love the Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Show up on 15 outside at the Lawn Club area. I will watch the show nearly every day. Stay till the end because they raffle off glass pieces they've made. There are three glass artists and each one will make a piece each show. One will narrate, one will craft glass and one will help the glass maker. They rotate around and it's (to me) riveting.

Do experience the Martini Bar. They will do off-menu drinks like creme brûlée martinis if you're real nice. Fun to watch them pour up to 24 martinis at the same time. Really! Cool ice bar.

I don't want to spoil too much of the fun for you, however. Save some surprises so that when you first step on board you have that oooooh and aaaaaaah that you can only have the first time. Have fun and remember to take care of her for us!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/waterproof-smart-phone-digital-camera-pouch/3253440?skuId=42686460&utm_source=bingpla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=ProductType1%3Dphone%20accessories&mcid=PS_bingpla_nonbrand_electronicstoys_&creative=9338890613&device=c

Hope this link works. We have something like this for when we are at the beach (which isn't very often - we prefer other port pursuits). When we snorkel we either wear this or keep it in the boat in the tote bag that Celebrity gives you. Oh, they put beach towels in your cabin the night before port so no need for packing those. The pool has it's own towels too. Yellow for the beach, blue for the pool.

For in port I carry a small cross-body bag for essentials. I have all credit cards in a RFID safe sleeve. That's not just when I travel, it's all the time.

On the ship don't carry your sea pass (room card) next to your cell phone because the phone will disable the magnetic strip. Just keep a sleeve on your card or keep the phone separate. Ask me how I know this. If you *do* happen to cross-contaminate your phone and sea pass card, Guest Relations on deck 3 will gladly re-activate your card. I'm sure they get tired of doing it but they do it with a smile.

If this is your first cruise, prepared to get spoiled! I agree with the earlier poster, although I would also suggest the Spa Cafe in the Solarium as a place to get a healthy lunch on the first day (tends not to be as crowded as either the full buffet or the Mast Grill).

One other thing I would suggest is make sure that you join your roll call and register for the meet and mingle. That's a good way to get ideas about what to do in various ports and also a good way to make some new friends on board.

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On the ship don't carry your sea pass (room card) next to your cell phone because the phone will disable the magnetic strip. Just keep a sleeve on your card or keep the phone separate. Ask me how I know this. If you *do* happen to cross-contaminate your phone and sea pass card, Guest Relations on deck 3 will gladly re-activate your card. I'm sure they get tired of doing it but they do it with a smile.

One good idea with the sea pass is to bring a lanyard along with you. Guest relations will gladly punch a hole in the pass and voila, you can wear it around your neck and not have to worry about it getting disabled.

Hi!

I am on the same cruise! Have you looked on the roll call page? We have a lively group of people and some activities planned. Go join in and also register for the Meet & Mingle Party!

Bonnie

Did that but how can I check to see if my registration was accepted?

Sorry we did go back and check and yes we are there. Quick question do I need to register my wife as well or is that a given?

One note on this cruise - it is the first cruise after a transatlantic voyage, so I understand from some other posts here that embarkation could very well be delayed. I'm sure others with much more experience than I could give you some thoughts on that, but I mention it only as a consideration in terms of your arrival time at port. I'm probably going to come a bit later than I otherwise would, just to avoid unnecessary waiting.

Welcome aboard Ref2551!!!!!

We,too, are on this sailing and I KNOW you will have a wonderful time!!

I will re-iterate what has been said before.....but first.....remember that you are on vacation. Relax, go with the flow and enjoy yourself!!

The first day, things will be a bit crazy. The buffet will be packed...but it's not always like that! Pack a carry-on bag with things you might want.....a change of clothes, sunglasses, but leave the rest in your luggage and let the porters haul it around!

Walk around the ship.....leisurely and get your bearings. It'll be old hat after a few days, but until then, you will get turned around once or twice!

We DO enjoy room service for breakfast on port days. We sit on our balcony and wonder what the poor people are doing :eek::eek::eek:

The Mast Grill has great burgers and soft serve ice cream!! The ship makes hard ice cream that is available in the buffet area....yum!!!

Plan to see the shows, participate in some games, and generally partake in the cruise experience. The Martini Bar has "flights". Be sure to see that.....you can Google it for a video, but it is WAY more fun in person! Get off the ship when in port, that's why you went on a cruise in th first place!!!

Don't overthink things, don't overpack "stuff" but do pack a sence of adventure and plan on having the best time of your life!!!!

Hope to see you on board!!

One note on this cruise - it is the first cruise after a transatlantic voyage, so I understand from some other posts here that embarkation could very well be delayed. I'm sure others with much more experience than I could give you some thoughts on that, but I mention it only as a consideration in terms of your arrival time at port. I'm probably going to come a bit later than I otherwise would, just to avoid unnecessary waiting.

We did the Silhouette last year just after a TA and had no problems (but I'm sure they occur!)

One thing to note is that we will be the only ship in port that day, so at least the port authority will be attentive! Know they've done this before, but that "stuff" does happen.

We've taken the first cruise after three TA's, and never had any delays. We were on board by about 11:15.

You guys are making me feel more optimistic! Someone in the roll call for this cruise linked to a thread about this very issue, and in that one it seemed 2/3 of the time there were delays. As you point out, though, with only one ship in port we might have better odds. :)

We have sailed Equinox the last two Novembers with EW (wallie5546) and are booked for this November and November 2017. Celebrity no longer has formal nights, instead opting for Chic Night. You can wear Khakis and golf shirt, Tommy Bahama shirt or any shirt other than a t- shirt or sleevless shirt. During the day shorts are allowed everywhere and at night in the buffet. Speciality restaurants have the same dress code as MDR.

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You're on vacation so relax and enjoy. The most wonderful part of being on a ship is just being at sea. The air seems clearer and has a scent of sea spray to it.

One of the pleasures is to watch the ports vanish in the distance. I always like to go up and back to the Sunset Bar which is in the rear of the ship on the same level as The Lawn.

If that's too crowded the Oceanview Cafe has an outdoor seating area which is also very nice.

Some people like to go to the deck above the pool at the front of the ship for sailaway, You want to be on the port (left) side of the ship so you get a good view of the condo buildings and FLL beach as you sail away if you go there. Before you go up there get an excellent hot dog\hamburger from the Mast Grill (yummy).

I think you should get to the pier around 11 - 11:30 to try to get on the ship as soon as possible and make the most of your first day. They have it down to a science and if it takes more than 90 minutes to get aboard it would be very unusual. Some people like to pack swim stuff in their carryons so they can change as soon as they get on board in a restroom. Don;t forget your two bottles of wine you can bring aboard with you ( no hard stuff althoudh people try ).

PS At the minimum you must be on board 90 minutes before scheduled departure which for you means 2:30. ( not one hour as was said before).

Blame the Coast Guard, Corporate and Homeland security for this one.

My wife hates when I give this little tip away. They sell a limited number of weekly passes to the spa and Persian Gardens at a very reasonable cost. This area is usually complimentary for suite guests only. They have hot tile bed loungers to lie on . Wunderbar. So make this the very first thing you do after you finish your welcome glass of bubbly if you are interested.

If you have a drink package you don't have to be aware but if you;re paying per drink they will come around with drinks in souvenir glasses with umbrella in them with the drink of the day. They;re not free!

I usually travel in inside cabins so I am not looking to add many unnecessary expenses to the basic fare. Don't listen to all the fusspots, you don't need to go to the extra pay restaurants. It is your perogative to do so if you wish. The food in the Main Dining Room is very very good. Maybe one night you may want to go to the Oceanview Cafe for dinner. They set up a nice grill area where they can cook some nice choice meat selections.

I like the MDR because to me part of the cruise experience is to meet and enjoy a nice dinner with new people and make new friends who may last a lifetime. We usually correspond with many of these people over the years. You may even want to cruise again with them.

One good thing to me is that the new dress code is so much less formal. It definitely cuts down on the amount of stuff you have to take. My office calls it business casual wear. TG no more tuxedos and formal gowns. (other people are more traditionalists and feel differently).

Most important relax and enjoy your cruise. You will have fun.

You're on vacation so relax and enjoy. The most wonderful part of being on a ship is just being at sea. The air seems clearer and has a scent of sea spray to it.

 

One of the pleasures is to watch the ports vanish in the distance. I always like to go up and back to the Sunset Bar which is in the rear of the ship on the same level as The Lawn.

 

If that's too crowded the Oceanview Cafe has an outdoor seating area which is also very nice.

 

Some people like to go to the deck above the pool at the front of the ship for sailaway, You want to be on the port (left) side of the ship so you get a good view of the condo buildings and FLL beach as you sail away if you go there. Before you go up there get an excellent hot dog\hamburger from the Mast Grill (yummy).

 

I think you should get to the pier around 11 - 11:30 to try to get on the ship as soon as possible and make the most of your first day. They have it down to a science and if it takes more than 90 minutes to get aboard it would be very unusual. Some people like to pack swim stuff in their carryons so they can change as soon as they get on board in a restroom. Don;t forget your two bottles of wine you can bring aboard with you ( no hard stuff althoudh people try ).

 

PS At the minimum you must be on board 90 minutes before scheduled departure which for you means 2:30. ( not one hour as was said before).

Blame the Coast Guard, Corporate and Homeland security for this one.

 

My wife hates when I give this little tip away. They sell a limited number of weekly passes to the spa and Persian Gardens at a very reasonable cost. This area is usually complimentary for suite guests only. They have hot tile bed loungers to lie on . Wunderbar. So make this the very first thing you do after you finish your welcome glass of bubbly if you are interested.

 

If you have a drink package you don't have to be aware but if you;re paying per drink they will come around with drinks in souvenir glasses with umbrella in them with the drink of the day. They;re not free!

 

I usually travel in inside cabins so I am not looking to add many unnecessary expenses to the basic fare. Don't listen to all the fusspots, you don't need to go to the extra pay restaurants. It is your perogative to do so if you wish. The food in the Main Dining Room is very very good. Maybe one night you may want to go to the Oceanview Cafe for dinner. They set up a nice grill area where they can cook some nice choice meat selections.

 

I like the MDR because to me part of the cruise experience is to meet and enjoy a nice dinner with new people and make new friends who may last a lifetime. We usually correspond with many of these people over the years. You may even want to cruise again with them.

 

One good thing to me is that the new dress code is so much less formal. It definitely cuts down on the amount of stuff you have to take. My office calls it business casual wear. TG no more tuxedos and formal gowns. (other people are more traditionalists and feel differently).

 

Most important relax and enjoy your cruise. You will have fun.

This was not my thread, but I wanted to thank you for this post, which was just fantastic in terms of both information and positive attitude!

ClaudiaB...

Thanks for the link to BBB. I'll be heading there shortly to pick up the waterproof pouch for next year's Reflection cruise. My phone and/or camera typically stay on the beach while I'm in the water, but I could also throw my FitBit in the pouch. It met an untimely demise recently while snorkeling...now all I have to do is remember to take it off before I hit the water!!!

This was not my thread, but I wanted to thank you for this post, which was just fantastic in terms of both information and positive attitude!

Thank you.

Afterall, Q. What's not to like about cruising? A. Nothing not to like.

Something I forgot to mention to the original poster:

Check the deck plan. The best cabins are those that are located in between 2 passenger decks and not directly under or over any eating or food preparation area or crew area or pool or theater or casino otherwise you may get noise at ungodly hours. I was under a sauna one time. They cleaned it 3 times at 5 in the morning. I was OK with it because of the price but DW raised holy hell.

Cabins near or in closer to the elevator banks are very stable as well as anything midship and in the middle decks. So if you're prone to motion sickness you may want to take note.

Since it is your first cruise you may be unsure about this so bring some Bonine with you ( available over the counter at any drug store ). It will not make you drowsy.

But don;t worry. Sailing in the Carribean is like sailing in a bathtub. The only time you may feel anything is when you cross the Gulf Stream coming and going from Florida.

OP enjoy your cruise.

We did this cruise last November and it was AMAZING! The weather was great and the cruise was better. I highly recommend taking the bus, boat and train tour in Costa Rica. This was a fantastic tour. They had one that also had a canopy gondola tour along with the train, bus and boat. When we booked we thought that it would be too long of a day and boy were we wrong. That was our only regret not doing that also. You picked a fantastic cruise line, itinerary and ship! Enjoy and please post a review when you return.:D

Cheers!

Caribbean Train, Boat & Bus Adventure PL02 - This was a great tour.

We love the Equinox. It is a beautifully designed ship. We did your itinerary this past April and enjoyed it. We are booked on the Equinox for our 3rd cruise. You will fit in with or without your bankers blues. The dining room has a wide assortment of options. We have never had a meal that we didn't enjoy. If you have been to 529 in Wpg- the food quality would be equal. Enjoy, you are in for a treat.

Karen

We are taking our first cruise to a warm climate this Nov. our ship is the Celebrity Equinox. The cruise is for 11 days. I have read as many reviews as I can. (Pro and Con) Can anyone give me some straight forward open information as to what to expect?

A boring cruise compared to the other lines.

A cruise is what you make it. Go with a positive attitude and make it what you want it to be. It can be busy or relaxing according to your own choices. We loved Equinox. Wonderful crew, beautiful ship.