Live report Equinox Eastern Caribbean, July 30-Aug 7, Aft Corner Sky Suite

[SUESEABE]

Yeah! The pictures have appeared. Thanks. Enjoying following along.

[AbbyCruiser45]

Good morning from the Equinox!! I’m currently sipping coffee and watching the sunrise, and runners that are way more motivated than I am. We had a great first day boarding this full ship. I did want to pop in and say we had quite the awful experience at Tuscan last night. I’m not one to really complain but to briefly summarize, we were only served our steaks over 2 hours after sitting down. The pasta course came 15 minutes later and was cold with hardened sauce. We left before dessert because we wanted to get to bed, which is unfortunate because the limoncello cheesecake sounded incredible. The server was incredible and apologetic, it sounded like kitchen issues. Oh well though! Onto what will be a great sea day today. 
 

Also for those curious, I’m posting this with the basic Wi-Fi and it was a little slow to load, but fine overall. 

[Corgidawgga]

On 7/28/2022 at 10:11 AM, Host Anne said:

Hello Kwis Family ~ we're sailing with you!  Please join us for sailaway at the Sunset Bar, deck 15 aft.  We will be meeting on the starboard side of the ship (non-smoking).  I'll be there around 3:30 with my husband (also Andy!).  

 

Mr. Kwis....my husband is a big bourbon drinker as well.  Don't count on Pappy being available 😉  But we do have a place on St. Maarten that has quite a few bourbons from KY that we can't get at home.  

 

Looking forward to meeting all three of you....you will love your aft corner sky suite!

 

Can you share the SXM location?   We will be there in Dec and my Blanton’s is getting dangerously low.  Thanks!

[kwis29]

Embarkation went very smoothly yesterday. We used Certificates of Recovery and here was our experience:

 

Once June rolled around, we started talking about which type of Covid test we would use, but then . . . we both got Covid at the end of June. After 2 and ½ years of dodging Covid (mostly due to our Covid-consciencous lifestyle- we took it pretty seriously), I threw caution to the wind and went on a 40th birthday girls trip with a group of life-long friends. 5 out of 8 of us contracted Covid within 1-3 days after returning from the trip. Then DH got it from me. Since we knew we were cruising in a month, we made sure to get a PCR/NAAT test. This was before the recent rule change allowing more flexibility with the type of test. We then obtained Certificates of Recovery and didn’t need to worry about scheduling the pre-cruise Covid test anymore. When we checked at the terminal, they took pictures of our positive test results and CoR. Easy! I also realized a few weeks ago that my passport expires soon. Oops! I brought copies of my birth certificate and marriage license just in case. There was no issue for embarkation.

 

(Retreat Lounge at the terminal)

We boarded the ship as some of the first few passengers around 11:15. Dropped our small bags in the room, walked around the ship and made our way to Luminae for lunch. I had the Cobb salad. DH had the burger. We were both satisfied with our lunch and had a great table next to the window.

 

 

Next up was a cocktail or two on the Lawn and then we unpacked before sailaway. We love all the storage! It makes it so much easier to keep things tidy as we are prone to throwing all of our stuff on the couch and desk. 

 

 

 

For sailaway, we grabbed a drink from the Retreat Lounge and made our way up the Retreat deck. There was a crew member up there, providing drink service. 

 

 

When we returned to our room, we met our Retreat Host, Max from Kenya. Right away he helped us locate a missing hair dryer, took some clothes we needed pressed and confirmed our preferences for lots of water in the fridge and ice.

 

Quick change for cocktails at the Martini Bar and dinner in Luminae. I forgot to take pictures of our food because we were just enjoying ourselves and the wonderful ambience. I think that is a good sign! Andy played some blackjack to end the night.

 

So far, it has been a great cruise! There was an announcement that we were sailing at full capacity but it doesn't feel crowded yet.

 

Edited July 31, 2022 by kwis29

[kwis29]

You should see a bunch of pictures in my last post. Please let me know if they don't appear. And ignore that random repeated pic at the end. It refuses to be deleted!

[stl82]

5 minutes ago, kwis29 said:

You should see a bunch of pictures in my last post. Please let me know if they don't appear. And ignore that random repeated pic at the end. It refuses to be deleted!

The pictures are displayed without problems.

[Jim_Iain]

On 7/30/2022 at 7:55 AM, Host Anne said:

 

I'm not seeing the photos today, either.  But I could see them last night

Wow..I'm on a PC and photos are beautiful and loading quickly.

 

Also just tried my iPhone and pictures loading fine.

Edited July 31, 2022 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for the information on the COR.   Some have been telling me that I had to have a Covid test 2 days prior to cruise but if I failed the COR would cover me.  

 

I often order the Cob Salad in Luinae but don't like the Pork Belly -   If yo are also not fond of it, they will substitute regular bacon if requested.

[Oceangoer2]

3 hours ago, kwis29 said:

You should see a bunch of pictures in my last post. Please let me know if they don't appear. And ignore that random repeated pic at the end. It refuses to be deleted!

Equinox Suite Cabin just as I remember it...but Michaels (or Retreat lounge now) sure has changed.  Good to see but I did like the dingy coziness of the former...LOL.

[klflote]

6 hours ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

Good morning from the Equinox!! I’m currently sipping coffee and watching the sunrise, and runners that are way more motivated than I am. We had a great first day boarding this full ship. I did want to pop in and say we had quite the awful experience at Tuscan last night. I’m not one to really complain but to briefly summarize, we were only served our steaks over 2 hours after sitting down. The pasta course came 15 minutes later and was cold with hardened sauce. We left before dessert because we wanted to get to bed, which is unfortunate because the limoncello cheesecake sounded incredible. The server was incredible and apologetic, it sounded like kitchen issues. Oh well though! Onto what will be a great sea day today. 
 

Also for those curious, I’m posting this with the basic Wi-Fi and it was a little slow to load, but fine overall. 

Had a similar experience at Tuscan last night, though at least every dish we were (eventually) served was fantastic. It would have been sad to miss the pappardelle with short ribs and the fig gelato in particular, and that filet was amazing, so in the end I was happy.

 

Definitely a kitchen issue; the wait staff was attentive enough. Hope that staffing issues aren't a general problem; Captain just announced that they're setting a post-COVID record this cruise with 95% capacity. Hope the same is true for the staff levels.

[Oceangoer2]

1 hour ago, klflote said:

Had a similar experience at Tuscan last night, though at least every dish we were (eventually) served was fantastic. It would have been sad to miss the pappardelle with short ribs and the fig gelato in particular, and that filet was amazing, so in the end I was happy.

 

Definitely a kitchen issue; the wait staff was attentive enough. Hope that staffing issues aren't a general problem; Captain just announced that they're setting a post-COVID record this cruise with 95% capacity. Hope the same is true for the staff levels.

Did you ever find out what the 'kitchen issues' were?  Perhaps the many staff tested positive....that would certainly create chaos.  I've found Tuscan to be very consistent pre covid.  Haven't sailed since Dec. 2019 but looking forward to our Tuscan dinner first night sail away from FLL.

[AbbyCruiser45]

2 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Did you ever find out what the 'kitchen issues' were?  Perhaps the many staff tested positive....that would certainly create chaos.  I've found Tuscan to be very consistent pre covid.  Haven't sailed since Dec. 2019 but looking forward to our Tuscan dinner first night sail away from FLL.

The head waiter found us in Oceanview this morning to apologize and offer a refund. He said that it was a combination of a full dining room (which is a new thing to many staff) and a “young kitchen” still being trained. We stressed to the head waiter that our server was great and we didn’t fault her. It sounds like it should be an issue that could work out soon. Maybe we’ll have others done later this trip that’s can let us know if it improved. 

[Surfguyxxx]

14 hours ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

The head waiter found us in Oceanview this morning to apologize and offer a refund. He said that it was a combination of a full dining room (which is a new thing to many staff) and a “young kitchen” still being trained. 

I applaud the Head Waiter for reaching out to you and admitting some faulty issues.  That shows character in my book.  

[Host Anne]

On 7/31/2022 at 7:44 AM, Corgidawgga said:

 

Can you share the SXM location?   We will be there in Dec and my Blanton’s is getting dangerously low.  Thanks!

 

We've been going to Gulmohar's for years..... Here's a link....  http://www.gulmoharsxm.com/  They do limit what  you can purchase for those things hard to get back home... i.e. Blantons.  But they are super nice people!!! Good luck!

Edited August 1, 2022 by Host Anne

[North2Alaska10]

On 7/28/2022 at 8:31 AM, MR.Kwis29 said:

Everyone is interested in our pre-cruise travel plans...right?  We live in WI but are within 2 hours of Ohare airport.  We started flying out of Chicago instead of Milwaukee the last couple of years (if MKE did not have a direct flight where we were going) to limit connections and time in airports.  We fly out of ORD tomorrow am direct to FLL for our Saturday Port Everglades cruise departure.

 

We are staying at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  We have sailed out of Port Everglades many times, always in the past staying along 17th St.  We are looking forward to staying in a different area, even though we really won't be there that long to fully enjoy the beach and the resort.

We are near Milwaukee and have direct flights to FLL. Was there a hotel along 17th St you recommend? Looking forward to your impressions of the Westin. Have a wonderful cruise. 

[bellemiche]

16 minutes ago, North2Alaska10 said:

We are near Milwaukee and have direct flights to FLL. Was there a hotel along 17th St you recommend? Looking forward to your impressions of the Westin. Have a wonderful cruise. 

We stayed at the Renaissance a couple of weeks ago. It’s very close to the port and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. 

[SanibelSusan]

Is Joyce working Michael's? She was there when I was on Equinox mid-June. I stopped there each night on my way to dinner at Luminea. She said it was her 21st year with Celebrity - a great employee. I've been on 20+cruises, most with Celebrity in suites, & was anxious to go again after a nearly 5 year reprieve. I found the dining in Luminea then to be best I've experienced at sea, including on Equinox during a 2014 TransAtlantic. Though some of the item ingredients are an unusual combination, be sure & give then a try. I especially enjoyed that the portions were small enough that I could happily eat an appetizer, entree, & dessert. Nice also that they were not too rich - or too sweet. I went to the Theater each night, enjoyed every show. Also had great treatment in the spa. My only complaint was that internet service - even upgraded - was sporadic & slow. Not enough to deter me from going again though. I'm booked again on Equinox in Dec. Enjoy your trip & please keep comments coming. They are most appreciated.

[bandp407]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,

 

We we’re on the 6 night Equinox July 10 & it was another great Celebrity cruise! In particular the bands and musicians were top notch!! Can anyone onboard tell me who the current bands are? D Coolers & BR4 I believe are finished with their current contract. We are contemplating the Equinox for September 8 & wonder who might be onboard. Music & dancing is a big part of our cruise experience.

If by any chance Marty Thomas is back on board - see him - he was great! Actually all of the shows very good!

 

Also, don’t miss Captain Matt’s talk on the last day of the cruise!! 

Many thanks in advance & enjoy the cruise!!
 

 

 

 

[santa24]

I was really excited to follow the OP’s review. I was enjoying her writing style but it looks like others have maybe taken over the review. I’m hoping she returns.

[North of 60]

52 minutes ago, santa24 said:

I was really excited to follow the OP’s review. I was enjoying her writing style but it looks like others have maybe taken over the review. I’m hoping she returns.

Probably unable to post due to spotty / poor internet. That has been an ongoing problem, not only on Celebrity, but pretty much every other line.
Remember the "good old days" when going on a cruise meant being completely out of touch with the rest of the world?

 

Chris in Inuvik, NWT, Canada --- Less than 40 days til our Equinox ABC Cruise (Sept. 8 )

 

[kwis29]

Hello again! I'm back! I took a little break yesterday and the internet was not working this morning.

 

I would say that we had a highly successful day at sea on Sunday. We continue to remark how “not busy” it is around the ship. We woke up early to fulfill our goal of exercising most days. If you don’t exercise the first day, will you even try to exercise the rest of the vacation? The gym wasn’t too crowded during the time we were there (7:00ish to 8:00ish). Our next stop is always a coffee from Cafe al Bacio. We usually switch between lattes and Americanos, depending on our mood. Up to the Oceanview for breakfast. Again, both of these locations were not very busy. Our go-to spot for breakfast is sitting outside at the back of the ship (always a table right by the door so we can feel the occasional draft of A/C). 

 

Then we changed into swimwear and easily located two chairs down on the pool deck. A few early rain showers cleared up to gorgeous weather for the rest of the day. There were fun activities throughout the day (water aerobics, dance aerobics, music trivia, officer/guest volleyball). We were very impressed by the number of drink servers working on the pool deck. Sometimes a drink came back in 5 minutes, sometimes 15 minutes. Either way, it was being served to my chair so no complaints! After a full day outside by the pool, we headed into the Solarium for a quick nap. It was louder in there than we remember, with larger family groups talking very loudly. There was a sign that said family hours were 5:30pm-6:30pm.

After our short nap, we spent some time getting ready for Chic night. We still like to dress up a bit on these nights. The Martini Bar was hopping as we sat down for our usual drinks (Cosmo for me and Tanqueray 10 with a twist for DH). We had another lovely dinner in Luminae. The dish that stands out to me that night was the chilled lobster salad. Such unique flavors! We kept the night going with a quick stop at the World Class Bar and then headed into the theatre to watch the production show, Topper. There is no story line, but the song choices are great. The voices of the main singers were also very good. Some of the best I have heard on a cruise ship. I definitely plan on dragging Andy to the next production show! We ended the night in the main atrium to join in the fun of singing and dancing to ABBA. That was so fun! I think half thr ship was there. Highly recommend it.

The next day (Monday) was another long day at sea as we didn’t arrive into San Juan until after 4pm. We spent the day on a windy Retreat Deck to avoid a day away from the crowds. We were definitely spoiled with service up there. Drink servers, fruit skewers, cold towels, lunch delivered to our chair, afternoon raspberry sorbet! Wow! The staff to guest ratio was impressive. 

 

Getting off the ship in San Juan was the first time it was busy and chaotic. Lots of people in line everywhere in the middle of the ship. We went to the Retreat Lounge and Connor personally escorted us to the front of the line. Nice! 

 

In San Juan, DH researched a more “local” establishment he wanted to try for drinks and food. First we walked around San Juan, made our way to the fort.

 

After getting nice and sweaty, we stopped at a little hole-in-the-wall place called Birria y Empanadas. Guess what we had there? If you guessed beer and empanadas you are correct! It can be a bit intimidating when you go off the beaten path and step into a restaurant for the locals. But once we got our drinks and food and chatted with the bartenders, we were all good! The empanadas with hot sauce hit the spot and we stayed for a few more rounds of drinks. 

We returned to the ship and rehydrated with some bottles of water in the Retreat Lounge and turned in for an early night.

 

[kwis29]

23 hours ago, SanibelSusan said:

Is Joyce working Michael's? She was there when I was on Equinox mid-June. I stopped there each night on my way to dinner at Luminea. She said it was her 21st year with Celebrity - a great employee. I've been on 20+cruises, most with Celebrity in suites, & was anxious to go again after a nearly 5 year reprieve. I found the dining in Luminea then to be best I've experienced at sea, including on Equinox during a 2014 TransAtlantic. Though some of the item ingredients are an unusual combination, be sure & give then a try. I especially enjoyed that the portions were small enough that I could happily eat an appetizer, entree, & dessert. Nice also that they were not too rich - or too sweet. I went to the Theater each night, enjoyed every show. Also had great treatment in the spa. My only complaint was that internet service - even upgraded - was sporadic & slow. Not enough to deter me from going again though. I'm booked again on Equinox in Dec. Enjoy your trip & please keep comments coming. They are most appreciated.

We have not seen Joyce. We agree about food in Luminae. Perfect sized portions and interesting flavor combinations. Internet has been fine except for this morning when we docked in St. Thomas

[kwis29]

On 8/1/2022 at 2:00 PM, North2Alaska10 said:

We are near Milwaukee and have direct flights to FLL. Was there a hotel along 17th St you recommend? Looking forward to your impressions of the Westin. Have a wonderful cruise. 

17th St is super convenient to the port but after experiencing the Westin on the beach, we would return to that area instead. 

[Surfguyxxx]

Those empanadas looked amazing.  Can't wait to read more of your ventures.  Thanks again.

[kwis29]

On 7/28/2022 at 3:22 PM, North of 60 said:

We are on Equinox in September (lowly balcony, not a suite).

My significant other, hereinafter referred to as "She Who Must Be Obeyed" or "SWMBO", likes the odd Gin and Tonic. But she is currently doing the weight watchers thing and is obsessed with asking "how many points is that?".

So - can you check if they have diet tonic on board, please?

If not, I will be relegated to schlepping a case of it onboard when we board.

 

Thanks for your help in keeping this Sherpa under-employed.

 

 

Cheers, and thanks!

Chris (and Bev) in Inuvik, NWT, Canada

DH just confirmed that diet tonic is available. Canada Dry.

 

Sad news: Aperol and sparkling rose not available