This blog post provides an in-depth review of the Celebrity Equinox cruise experience, highlighting the ship's amenities, activities, dining options, and overall impressions from a family perspective during their European excursion. It discusses both the positives and negatives, ultimately concluding that while there were some drawbacks, the experience was enjoyable enough to consider sailing with Celebrity again.
We recently embarked on our first Celebrity Cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox, specifically during a European excursion that included stops in Spain, Italy, and France. As this was our first time in Europe, we were eager to explore these beautiful countries while also enjoying the amenities of the ship. In this post, we will share our overall impressions of the Celebrity Equinox and whether we would choose to sail with Celebrity again.
The Celebrity Equinox features a variety of amenities designed to enhance the cruising experience. Here are some key highlights:
The ship boasts two pools and several hot tubs. One area, known as the solarium, is designated for guests aged 16 and older. While the pools were enjoyable, we found the hot tubs to be less warm than expected, which may have been influenced by the warm European weather. The main pool area was particularly crowded on sea days, making it difficult to find a chair by noon. We noticed that many guests saved chairs, and the enforcement of this rule seemed inconsistent, which was somewhat frustrating.
Most of the ship's sports and exercise-related activities took place around the pool area, including volleyball and mini-golf. These activities were entertaining to watch, but they also limited the available space in the pool. The pool bar service was commendable, with staff frequently checking in to refill drinks, and we particularly enjoyed the margaritas and mudslides.
The solarium provided a temperature-controlled environment with padded seating, making it a great option for those looking to escape the sun. We found it easy to secure chairs there, especially on a windier day when many guests sought refuge from the elements.
As someone who enjoys spa treatments, I found the spa on the Celebrity Equinox to be a bit pricey but worth it for relaxation. I recommend waiting for specials, as I discovered a fantastic deal called the Seashore Excursion special, which included a 60-minute massage, mini facial, and scalp massage for $149.99. However, I did feel that the staff was somewhat pushy regarding product sales, which detracted from the overall experience.
I purchased the Persian Gardens package, which grants access to hot stone benches, saunas, and steam rooms. While the ocean view was a nice touch, the facilities appeared somewhat worn and did not meet my expectations for the price.
The gym was well-equipped, but I preferred walking on the track, which was located above the pool area. Unfortunately, the track's location made it inconvenient, as I had to navigate around guests lounging by the pool.
The onboard shopping experience included designer purses, watches, and Celebrity merchandise. We did not attend many shows, as we spent most of our days exploring Europe, but we did enjoy a violin show and other activities like Bingo and Deal or No Deal, both of which had additional charges.
During our cruise, we primarily dined in the main dining room and buffet, opting not to try any specialty dining. The food quality was satisfactory, and we appreciated the variety available.
Would we sail on the Celebrity Equinox again? Yes, we would consider it, especially for a destination-focused trip like our European excursion. While there were some drawbacks, such as the crowded pool area and inconsistent enforcement of rules, we enjoyed the overall experience. The ship's amenities and activities provided a good balance for our family, allowing us to engage in both relaxation and entertainment.
In conclusion, the Celebrity Equinox offers a solid cruising experience, particularly for those looking to explore exciting destinations. If you are considering a cruise with Celebrity, we recommend keeping these pros and cons in mind to make the most of your journey.
