Celebrity Equinox Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We are seasoned travelers and Elite Plus cruisers. We always arrive a day early to the departure city to reduce stress from airline delays. The Holiday Inn Port of Miami has easy access from the airport and to the dock using public transportation. Equinox is a beautiful ship with excellently trained crew. Spotlessly clean, they have mastered the constant maintenance to avoid rust and general entropy. Embarkation and disembarking are rapid and efficient.
We are big fans of Luminae and Blu. It is good they have gone to smaller portions. We enjoy the marvelous recipes and presentation. The food is varied and delicious. We appreciate being able periodically to order from the dining room menu too. But after several days, we want a cook more than a chef, meaning, just a simple bowl of vegetable soup with cornbread. We recommend a periodic "Cracker Barrel" option of simple "meat and three" home cooking. The desserts were better this time. They often seem to be European inspired that do not appeal to our Southern palates. The Mast Grill is a periodic favorite with excellent hot dogs, burgers and fries. We generally avoid the crowds and inherent health issues of self-serve buffets. But the occasional foray to the buffet, with rapid return to the room, is awarded with good variety and flavor. The only fault is in the Asian food. It generally is awful, from ones who have traveled extensively in Asia. All of it tends to be Indian influenced, even when described as other specific Asian cuisine. We love Asian food but avoid it on board.
This cruise did not have "beyond the podium" and other educational lectures that we really enjoy. The guest entertainers are excellent. The on board productions are well choreographed and presented but they seem to forget the target audience age and educational level. We choose Celebrity because it is the opposite of Carnival. We prefer the mature, educated and more refined activities and emphases. We caution Celebrity to maintain that distinction. The cruise director tends to be more at home on Carnival.
Cabin Review
Sky Suite 2
2120 is comfortable, quiet, centrally located and well designed. The spacious suite avoids the shuffle dance for two people to pass from one end of the cabin to the other. We travel only with carry-on bags so did not use even half of the closet and drawer space. The large balcony could accommodate 4 chairs with the table. So it is very comfortable with the two chairs and footstools. The room is located directly under the pool deck which is much wider than deck 12. We like the added shade but seeing the stars is somewhat hindered. The support poles also hinder some panorama photos. We spend a lot balcony time and noticed no overhead noise. Shipmates should remember to use inside voices when on the balcony. We prefer starboard to avoid any second hand cigarette smoke wafting from above. The room has the usual limited number of electrical outlets located at the desk, two US flat pin and one European round pin. The Butler will bring an extension cord and distilled water for CPap devices. He also will stock the small fridge as requested. We like Teaforte, Bulgari amenities, pillow options and comfortable bed. The couch is even comfortable and near the window. The TV screen is adjustable to maximize viewing from bed or couch. Access to Luminae restaurant is a major benefit.
Port Reviews
Miami
Very good port to begin and end a cruise. Hotels near port are on public transportation and free trolley to the port. Great beach, shopping and restaurant options.
Key West
Great port to walk around. The Truman white house is historically interesting. Good snorkel options.
Costa Maya
The port is built for cruise passengers. It is expensive but convenient and introduces the novice to the culture, merchandise and food. The water at the port pool did not look clean. The little drug store just outside the port is much cheaper than the drug store in the port. Probably even cheaper in Mahahual, which is too far to walk safely. We were unsuccessful to find a beach to snorkel near the port. Take the shuttle to Mahahual or take an excursion to the excellent Mayan ruins.
Cozumel
A vibrant and interesting resort area, it is a short, hot walk into the city. The walk through the city is constantly interrupted by annoying touts to get your business. Each store has the same merchandise. We have been before and stayed on the ship. Excursions to beaches and Mayan ruins are good options.
Roatan
Another port built for cruisers. Greeted by a cacophony of drums and chanting. Some were awakened by them. Sent them a tip and they say happy birthday to my sweetheart. Can see everything in less than an hour. Excursions to the reef or ruins are a good option