We did an October 9 night cruise on the Equinox in 2023.
I have cruised on Disney, RCL and this was our first time on X.
I was very disappointed. I didn't want to believe some of the poor reviews... Some serious issues. I am sharing the good and bad from our experience. It might be helpful. This was my 4th cruise.
The balcony room, while had great views and awesome location- Bed: huge, hard pillows for a small bed- didn't make sense. The awesome room attendant did find me soft pillows. The balcony- paint peeling everywhere. The attendant did get me a big lounger as we had a huge balcony.
I can enjoyed fine dining but don't require it. The food on the big buffet- most of it was of poor or cheap quality, though nicely displayed. First night - daughter tried fettuccine Alfredo - a thin taste gravy. So disappointing because any reasonable cook/chef would know this was not good.
I found I didn't want to each anything there but the salads. The ice cream - cheap and most desserts with poor qualitiy at the buffet and in the cafe.
The dining room was so much better. 80 % of what we enjoyed there was nice. Staff was excellent.
Room service for coffee and rolls in the morning was okay.
The excursions offered- not well planned. They don't allow reviews and so you don't realize what others have experienced.
We got off in San Juan Puerto Rico- at sunset, they offer a bus tour. We are then to see the sights the fort but "from the parking lot" and then are taken to a beach- well it's dark! and they offer a bathroom, which is locked... strange.
Other X excursions lacked details to make a good plan as to what you are doing and if it will work for your group.
The Petite Chef was fun- food was just okay. Odd staff.
The entertainment was okay at night. We really enjoyed the comedian.
I enjoyed the RCCL so much more... in 2016 and 2018. But covid changed things a lot and I realize that the cruise lines are struggling.
Just my experience. For 11 grand- will consider another vacation plan. Big disappointment.
Mary