CELEBRITY EQUINOX ~ fEB 2014
SHIP/PORTS: Celebrity Equinox – 10-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise
St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados and Dominica.
STATEROOM CABIN TYPE: Concierge Class- Balcony Stateroom
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION PROCESS: We embarked from the Fort Lauderdale port. Embarkation and Disembarkation process was smooth, especially with concierge class which was a great perk for getting dinner reservation at specialty restaurants or for moving dining reservations around or any other help that you may need. Not to mention, there is a great lounge to enjoy as well.
DINING/FOOD OPTIONS: We were very familiar with this class of ship as Equinox is a sister ship to Eclipse that we had been on for our Honeymoon. So, although, we did mainly dine in the Main Dining Room, we did enjoy a night at Murano and the Sushi on Five restaurant. Both were great but we dined at Tuscan Grille three times. Slightly addicted to that restaurant’s food, views and ambience. Otherwise, we ordered room services in the morning for breakfast or grabbed a quick bite at the buffet. We would generally dine at the buffet on sea days for lunch as well. Food was more than adequate.
ACTIVITIES ON BOARD: We took advantage of the art classes, Bingo and the green lawn on the top deck. The solarium was so peaceful too and we enjoyed our time in the pool there. We did enjoy the outdoor pools and bars more so in the Caribbean. Sitting on the lawn listening to music at night enjoying the sounds and stars was so relaxing we chose to do it several times. We also caught a couple shows and glass blowing demonstrations. All were fantastic.
ENTERTAINMENT: The entertainment was great, same as our previous experience with regards to bars, lounges, music venues and types of shows. I enjoy the afternoon art classes learning how to paint with water colors and a good game of Bingo. Although, there is much to entertain you, I feel like Celebrity has more of relaxation vibe anyway, as oppose to an energetic and youthful one. We knew what to expect so it was just what we were looking for, but if you are looking to be entertained throughout the day in a different or more boisterous way, it may be too boring for you.
KIDS CLUBS/CHILD CARE: We did not use the clubs as we did not have kids with us, but we did see a few children. They were always well behaved when we saw them around the ship and the child care tends to be more hands on and individualized or more unique and specific to a small group of children. The activities were also a step above your typically family-focused larger cruise lines that cater to tons of kids.
SHORE EXCURSIONS: St. Maarten we took a partially underwater submarine to view sea life. Honestly, would never do it again. Saw nearly nothing and the mostly just sandy ocean floor with some seaweed plants and very tiny fish (or bait -lol). Plus, it can get stuffy and claustrophobic. St. Thomas we tried the underwater scooters and again, didn’t see much, but the experience was fun as we maneuvered through the water below, albeit very slowly. The excursion was at the port so that was very convenient and left us most of the day to enjoy the beautiful weather and sun on the outdoor decks on the ship. We enjoyed a cocktail as we departed the bay and it was so picturesque with the green mountains, blue water and gorgeous yachts and cruise ships in port. St. Kitts was not that impressive however we did not leave the port or book an excursion which could have left us with a different opinion. We spent time shopping in the port but were quickly turned off by the pushiness of the vendors. Barbados had the most incredible blue water and white sand beaches. We took a taxi to a recommended day use spot. Taxis were plentiful at the port and made it easy to get there. We enjoyed a few hours soaking up the sun and relaxing in the water before going back to the ship. I will never forget the color of the water there! Dominica we went on a guided tour. We got a little history lesson of the island, its people and buildings. We learned what plant toilet paper came from and the natural effects of lemon grass for nausea, but the coolest part of the tour was the hikes, waterfalls and swimming portion, not to mention the natural Hot Springs. First, we hiked up to the waterfall with the group, put life vests and water shoes on to navigate down and into the water. We swam through cliffs that were maybe only about 5-10 feet wide at some points making it a little eerie. What we didn’t know to near the end of the swim but it was the location of where one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed, so that was pretty cool. We dried off and got back on the bus to drive to the Hot Springs. They had fresh fruit and fruit juices readily available when we arrived and they were delish. The Hot Springs were so cool with multiple levels and size pools to submerge in. Some have different temperatures as well. I would not recommend this excursion for kids.
OVERALL GENERAL EXPERIENCE: This cruise was the perfect getaway for relaxation and some fun in the Caribbean. The weather was perfect in February, per usual. Although we love the suite life, we felt Concierge Class was more than sufficient, but would highly recommend upgrading a few nights to enjoy specialty dining options. The Eastern Caribbean is a mixed bag of islands when it comes to their differences but all uniquely beautiful in their own way.