DevilinaBluDress

More pictures from Thursday. The Internet was wonky and didn't upload all my pictures.

Thursday was a sea day and Will's first breakfast in Blu. The day's biggest event for us was lunch at Murano. It was good, but we both decided to cancel our dinner reservations for Friday and use the on board credit for massages today. 

I got up early for my new ritual of tea in Café al Bacio before breakfast in Blu. I think I've turned into a Hobbit this week. First breakfast at Café al Bacio and second breakfast at Blu. Before heading to Blu, I went back up to the cabin to make sure Will was up and ready to go to breakfast. Thinking he was still in the bathroom, I hung around for about 10 minutes before I realized he wasn't there. I went down to Blu to find him already eating! He had yummy blueberry pancakes and I had a couple of poached eggs with rye toast and sautéed spinach. 

We went up to the Persian Garden to lounge and read until we needed to change for lunch. In the distance we saw the Summit heading in the opposite direction. We currently have reservations for Spring break 2020 in a Sky Suite on the Summit so it was fun to see her and her new blue hull. 

After changing for lunch, I watched the first 45 minutes of Bohemian Rhapsody in the big theater. They have had a lot of showings of both Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born. Other movies shown this week were Ocean's 8, Venom, and Hotel Transylvania.

Lunch in Murano was very good. I had scallops and Will had the risotto for our appetizers. We shared three entrées: the lobster, the lamb chops, and the filet mignon. For dessert, we both had the soufflé. They didn't have the late harvest wine in the wine list so they recommended port instead. Then we both felt food comas coming on, so we went back to the cabin for naps. 

Upon waking up, Will felt a little sea sick. The ship was definitely rocking more. I gave him a dramamine and got a ginger ale for him. He stuck to ginger ale for the rest of the night. 

Dinner in Blu was OK. Will is a huge ceasar salad fan, but not last night's salad that had tofu on it. He ended up eating most of my crabcake which looked deep-fried which I don't eat. I had the baked lobster and Will had the stuffed pasta shells. Both we good. Dessert we tried the roulade and the chocolate fondant. The fondant was the winner!

Watched a beautiful sunset from the balcony to end our day. 

I had booked a few excursions online and then found out that they added many more excursions closer to embarkation. Canceled and rebooked with no issues or charges.

Molly 

Plenty of salmon this morning on the Equinox.

Molly

6 minutes ago, las52 said:

Thank you for your posts.  They've been very helpful.  I hope the rest of your cruise is equally as wonderful.  We sail on the Equinox March 30.  It will be our first Celebrity sailing and are looking forward to it.  I've been reading about many of the past cruises not being able to stop in Punta Cana  due to rough seas.  I would be very interested to know about your Punta Cana stop.  Were you able to stop there? If not, did you stop in another port or have an additional sea day?  If you did stop there, did you do an excursion?   

The ship did stop at Punta Cana yesterday. It's a tender port. The first picture in my recent post has a picture of the tender (one of the life boats.) Will and I chose to stay on board, but over the PA, it sounded like they gave people who did want to tender into port group numbers and asked them to wait in the Quazar lounge until their group number was called. At about 10 am, there was an announcement that no group number was needed anymore.

Have a great time in a little over a week!

Molly

It was a tender port day to Punta Cana yesterday. Will and I chose to stay on the ship, eat and relax. While Will slept in, I had a Chai latte and croissants at Café al Bacio. Will had a room service breakfast and I opted to eat my second breakfast at Blu. There I met a charming couple from Toronto who were in their 37th Celebrity cruise. After checking in with Will, I went to see the first 2/3 of A Star Is Born. I saw it before and was devistated by the ending but loved the story and the music until that last third of the movie. I ran into Will who has left the cabin to give José a chance to clean it. Will had a burger and fries at the Mast Grill already, so I was on my own for lunch. Nothing looked that appetizing at the Oceanview café Italian buffet, so I had a light lunch at the Aqua Spa Café. While looking over the ocean, I saw a whale! (I think)

On my way to the Persian Garden, I saw a hammock that wasn't filled or claimed, so I decided to give it a try. Next thing I knew, I woke myself up snoring! 😂

I headed back to our cabin to see if Will wanted to have a drink and snack on the balcony. We saw a beautiful sunset (pic below with my old fashioned from the World Class bar.)

Dinner at Blu was good. Will had corn fritters and the duck confit ravioli. I had the mixed baby green salad and the halibut (it was a little dry, but the sauce helped.) we shared the Apple Tart Tatin and the Olive oil Cremeux (the winner dessert.)

After dinner, we walked on the deck and saw the beautiful super Equinox moon. I was able to get a shot of Will smiling. He had just exclaimed, "Happy Spring Equinox from the Celebrity Equinox!" which cracked us both up. Back inside we heard the live band and Will broke out into a spontaneous dance (video below.) 

Will chose to hangout in the cabin for the rest of the night. I stopped by the Word Class Bar to get another old fashioned. (Really the best drink!) I overheard part of a conversation at the bar between a Swiss couple and a couple from Montana. One of the Swiss couple mentioned that he was from Glarus, Switzerland and that his relatives helped found New Glarus, Wisconsin. I introduced myself and that I live very close to New Glarus. We toasted to our connection and I went to the theater to check out the show.

There was a band playing rock and roll oldies that had everyone singing. Since I arrived a little late, there weren't any seats left that were easily accessible without disturbing others. So I stood and listened to a couple of songs then I left. One more stroll on the deck and saw that beautiful moon once again.

Molly

10 hours ago, cruising grandma said:

Following along. Thanks for posting and hope you and Will continue having a great cruise! My husband and I will cruise in an aft concierge cabin on Equinox 4/6/19. Could you please tell me who the cruise director is on Equinox?

 

Food looks amazing and drinks sound delicious!

Simon is the energetic cruise director this week. I've been admiring his fancy shoes all week.

Molly

I'm on the Equinox right now. It's due for its refurb/edification soon. It's a Solstice class ship. I haven't been on the paid tour, but I did go on a short, free kitchen tour earlier this week.

Molly

More... I included some of Wills more artist photos, too

More pictures - Internet is a little wonky today. Videos will need to wait for later.

Molly

Yesterday was  a fun day starting with room service breakfast on the balcony. I wrote in a request for smoked salmon/lox and it was honored! Yippee! The forgot my request for wheat toast, but it was simple enough for me to zip up to the Oceanview café to get some. We had a leisurely morning as the ship docked in St. Thomas. Three out of our four cruises stopped in St. Thomas, so we've done a different excursion each time. This time, we did a noon excursion on the Kon Tiki party boat. It motored over to the other port to pick up passengers from the MSC Seaside. Then on to Water Island and the beach while sipping rum punch, listening to the steel drum band, and learning about St.Thomas.   One passenger particularly got into the beat ( see video below).  We mostly stayed in the shade people watching. Will had conch fritters for lunch while I ate  protein bar. We waded in the water a little.

Note on my standout attire when at the beach: I am covered head to toe - swim leggings and a long sleeved rash guard with a  brimmed hat. I am very pale and have had some super bad burns when I was younger that were compared to being in the house fire- 2nd and 3rd degree that took a long time to recover from. I take not getting burned again very seriously. For the little bit of me not covered - 50 SPF! 

Back on the Kon Tiki, I met some of the 48 people who are celebrating a wedding on board, including the bride. The newly weds tied the knot on Sunday in Blu with the reception in the Tuscan Grill. In my pics below, the bride is in denim shorts and a bikini top. Everyone was having a fantastic time, doing the Cupid Shuffle, YMCA, and the conga. I think one of her bridesmaids won the limbo contest.

Getting off the Kon Tiki, I played a little more Pokémon Go (gotta keep the streak going). The Port shops were fewer than I remembered. I think the other times we docked where the MSC was.

Back on board the Equinox, Will had his first Pina Coloda and I tried some sugar-free pecan ice cream. We rested in the Persian Garden had a sample Thai massage and went to dinner a little later than we had previously.  Just before leaving for dinner, I tried the World class bar's old fashioned without simple syrup. OMG- it was the absolute best drink I've had on board (so far).

We ended up in a different quiet section of Blu with different waitstaff. We went against the recommended lamb shank. Will had the chicory salad and seared duck breast which he liked. Both my crab leg timpali and the seared tuna salad were "off" and too fishy for me. I ended up ordering the lamb as a replacement. It was better, but still a huge portion!

Tuckered out from the excursion and eating so much, we retired early.

41 minutes ago, Dall said:

I’ve always wondered if you make it to port but are denied to board because of sickness if you get your money back.

In our case, I was looking up the terms of our trip insurance while we were waiting in the lounge.

Molly

My son self-disclosed that his stomach was upset. We almost were denied boarding but ultimately we were able to board after a direct visit with the doctor on board. He was isolated for 24 hours in our cabin. Turns out it was likely due to anxiety. We are on day 4 in St. Thomas and he feels great!

Molly

Oops, I forgot to add my pictures from yesterday. Here ya go!

I guess this is turning into a live report...

Yesterday in San Juan, Will and I strolled around Old San Juan and windowshopped until we found a Marshall's. Then we really shopped. Will needed a pair of sandals because he forgot his at home and I needed a pair of jeans (well, NEED might be a little exaggerated.) I also played a little Pokémon Go-yup, I am a nerd. I have to keep catching 'em all. I caught my first Clamperl, so I am happy as a you know what!

Back on the ship, we changed and ate in Blu. After dinner, Will wanted to resting the cabin. We had walked a lot! I went down to the Martini Bar for the first time and picked up a couple of drinks for us. I don't like sweet martinis but thought Will might. Candy Apple for him and an Eurekatini for me. Bringing them back to the cabin was a challenge, but some I met a couple of good Samaritans who knocked on the door for me. Back on the balcony, Will tried both and liked the Eurekatini much better, surprise now it's his drink!

Will opted to staying the cabin while I went to the juggling show. It was amusing, especially his interactions with the kids in the audience.

Looking forward to today- we have an excursion in St. Thomas.

Molly

7 hours ago, USVIcruizer said:

Looks like you and Will are having a fab time, now that he's feeling better!
BF & I will be onboard in less than 2 weeks, wondering how you got the 20% and/or $25.00 all you can eat offers in Sushi on 5...was there an offer in your cabin? Program? Announcement?  I LOVE Sushi & would love to try, thanks for any info!

There was a coupon on the back of my group number for the free kitchen tour on Day 2. I just asked the host if there were any specials yesterday and was offered the $25 all you can eat.

Molly

1 hour ago, Silkroad said:

Following. Thanks for posting your review. I’m glad Will felt better within 24 hours, and I love his t-shirt (I reject your reality....). Sushi. Tableside wasabi! Yum😁

Will is a huge Mythbusters fan. We've seen them for the live show and live a couple of miles away from where the snow plow episode was filmed. Every time I drive past the plow during my typical routine, it makes me smile.

Molly

51 minutes ago, Loucat said:

Thanks so much  for posting on Blu! I agree that steak needs 4 more to help to finish. I could never eat something that size.

Your pics are wonderful so please keep posting when you can.

Glad you are liking Blu! I would not expect all perfection but at least interesting choices that are prepared well-sounds like that is happening. Liked your pics of Sushi on 5. Whatever was being poured looked interesting.

I will keep following as you are doing a great job with your report and many (me too!) are waiting for more.

 

It was the miso soup pictured.

5 hours ago, petefoss said:

Is the kitchen tour the $100+ behind the scenes tour or something else?

It was a free tour that was pretty interesting. It started with a gathering in the main dining room. We were handed sparkling wine as we entered and given a slip of paper with a group number. My group (7) was led by the head maitre d. He's worked for Celebrity for 28 years. He led us through the kitchen explaining what and who we were viewing. He stressed the cleaning protocols and how meticulous everyone was. It lasted about 45 minutes total.

There is a menu in the app and a menu on the TV. No where is it stated that you can order from the main dining room, but others report that you can. You would need to call that in, I guess. 

When room service is delivered, you are asked where to bring it in - in the cabin or on the balcony.

Molly

2 hours ago, Loucat said:

Glad to read the postive comments on 1601. We have this Aqua for the Christmas sailing. Have stayed in an Aqua before and know they can be on the small side.
Will hope you comment on Blu as this is one reason we booked Aqua.
Happy cruising!!

So far, we've liked Blu (as we did last time.) Service is great and the food has, for the most part, been delicious. I had short ribs for dinner the first night eating alone. Last night Will and I enjoyed our dinner, too. Will had the crab bisque and gnocchi. I had the pacific salmon. Dessert last night was the weak point. But we were pretty full, so no big deal. Gigantic portions and when I didn't finish either entrée, our waiter seemed offended and both nights encouraged me to order a second entrée. LOL! I liked them, but the portions are huge! I don't typically eat so much at one meal. Case in point - look at the size of my ribeye steak tonight! It's as big as the plate! I'll eat about 2-3 oz of it and be completely satisfied. And I just ate a crab martini! It's a lot of good food, folks.   Will loved his kale ceasar salad and fettuccine with clams. He just said it was one of the best cruise ship meals ever. Will likes to sit in the quiet part of Blu on a corner so he can rest a little. Today as we were guided to our seat, the hostess called this the Honeymoon corner! LOL!

Yesterday, I had breakfast in Blu and I am happy to report that there is plenty of lox/smoked salmon.

For lunch today, we ended up at Sushi on 5. This time all we could eat for $25 each. One special treat was the real Wasabi ground tableside. The miso soup had an interesting preparation, too. Tasted great! The ginger cake with Wasabi gelato was not good, but the macha tiramisu was good.

21 minutes ago, DrivnMike said:

Thanks for your review! How do you get a Lyft with a chill puppy like that?? That's how I want to travel from now on! We are in the same cabin in June, and wanted to ask if you've been bothered or noticed any significant noise from above? We love the location and AQ in general. Some of the reports we've read on that area were conflicting about noise. Any help would be appreciated!
 

Totally luck of the draw on Lyft. We almost had to call for another driver because the driver didn’t think he could fit our luggage into his car. He managed so we wouldn’t disturb Max in the front seat. Surprisingly given his gray muzzle, Max is only 4 years old. Apparently he was born with that coloring.

No noise problems whatsoever for us in 1601. Our cabin steward, Jose, is very nice and efficient. Love the big balcony and there are two loungers in addition to the typical chairs, table, and footrests. The inside configuration is bed by the balcony which we like. It's super close to the main elevators- very convenient. We were on the Equinox 4 years ago in cabin 1518 which was forward. I liked that cabin, too. But I think the location might have contributed to my seasickness last time. No signs of it on this trip.

Molly

 almost forgot to add- 2 more Silent Discos are scheduled this week plus other delightful surprise, I'm sure. Enjoy your cruise, too!

4 minutes ago, yhz123 said:

Great to hear that your son is feeling better. We are on the ship with you. I’m with my husband and 2 children age 11 and 16. The kids and I really enjoyed the silent disco too. Loved the music and hearing all the singing. A great way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. We are looking forward to San Juan too. Captain Kate says it will rain today but hopefully we will still be able to walk around the old city. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

I am not too worried about the rain since we don't have an excursion scheduled today and brought rain gear with us.  I did change out of my linen pants when I heard her say rain, though. I have experience from last August wearing those same pants in a downpour that I don't want to repeat. 😊

20 minutes ago, mnocket said:

Have a great time!  Sounds like Will is lucky to have you for a mother😉

Gee, thanks! I am the lucky one. Will is such a cool dude. I'm proud of him (and his older brother.)

Molly