We love the Equinox, this was our 3rd time sailing on her and our 29th cruise overall, but the ship atmosphere was a little dead this time around and the shows and especially the music were not what they have been in the past. We attributed that to being in the Med vs. the Caribbean, and perhaps having a new person in charge of entertainment? Don't remember if the cruise director was new this time around. The area around the Sunset Bar that was recently upgraded is a great change!!! Weather certainly dampened a couple of our days, but overall it was a good time.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Pretty good
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
There is a definite difference between the food on the Ascent and the Equinox.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
There was really not much going on, but then Celebrity isn't a party ship. This sailing seemed to be much more subdued than our previous times on this ship, but we are attributing that to being in the Med vs. the Caribbean where the people are much more lively. Maybe that was it...
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The music on this ship sucked to put it bluntly. This was our 29th cruise and 3rd on Equinox. That wasn't the case previously. It's like they have a new music director and that person has made cut backs. It's not like it used to be. There used to be more music opportunities. This time around, the musical groups would show up for a few songs, then pack up and were gone in very short order.
One example was the Ensemble Lounge. We remember there being music there earlier in the evening and it going on for a good portion of the evening. Other passengers who had been on the ship previously made the same comment. The theater shows were sleepers for us, but that's just our opinion. On previous sailings, they had a musical act in the theater playing hit songs such as 80's rock. Something more lively.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
ALL staff were great, as they have been every time we've sailed on this ship.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Frankly, the ship is starting to show its age. It's very clean and we still enjoyed it, but a slight renovation could help improve things. The removal of the grass areas and the introduction of the two new lounge areas near the Sunset Bar was a HUGE improvement and provided guests with much more opportunity to be outdoors and relax in that area vs. the wasted space of the grass areas. Hopefully they will do the same to the area between the glass blowing and the big screen tv.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Sailed in this area previously. Very convenient.
Ship tip
It's not a party ship and it's NOT a ship for children or teenagers.
Did an excursion to Gordes and Loumarin, which were alright, but would prefer to skip this port entirely and spend more time in Italy. It's difficult to find an Italy intensive itinerary, but this one was better than most.
Unfortunately, it rained a lot this day, so we did not see much. This was the port I looked forward to the most and we had planned to enjoy both Santa Margherita and Rapallo, but after an hour or so of wandering in the rain, we gave up and went back to the ship. Maybe some day in the future we'll get back there.
The ship actually was docked overnight in Le Spezia, not Livorno. The first day, all tours into the Cinque Terre area were canceled due to the weather, so we had to shift and do a tour to Lucca and Pisa. Lucca was fairly interesting, but I wouldn't make a special trip to go there. There's not much to see in Pisa and we definitely would not go back. The next day, we took a tour to Florence. Florence is great, BUT it's insanely crowded and on a tour like this, you spend your time trying to follow the tour guide through the throngs of people. It would have been nice to spend more time there, but you are on the bus for 4 hours out of your day, so...
We wandered around the city on our own all day. A very easy and walkable port. It's insanely chaotic, busy and somewhat dirty. I personally enjoyed the chaos for the brief time we were there however, but my wife said it was too much for her. In the area where we wandered, it was mostly small alleys that serve as streets where cars, bikes and the crazy scooter drivers come blazing by you. It's important to keep your wits about you for that reason. We visited Piazza del Plebicito, Pizzeria Brandi, The San Carlo Theater (amazing) and just enjoyed our time wandering, but again, keep your head on a swivel for the idiots on the scooters.
We did on night in Rome post cruise. Stayed at Lifestyle Suites in Piazza Navona. Excellent location with most attractions within walking distance. Note that all of the monuments were under renovation while we were there, even the Trevi Fountain. We walked a lot and Rome is also very busy and chaotic (and this was early October mind you), but cleaner and safer than Naples. We came across a place called Scholars Irish Pub, which was a nice quiet oasis to chill and have a drink and relax. Personally, it was one of my favorite moments in Rome. We also ate and drank at two of the bars/restaurants in Piazza Navona and we really enjoyed that as well. We'd go back.
Wonderful itinerary! We were on another Celebrity ship this summer and on sea days there were lots of interesting activities. On port days, the ship is quiet because everyone is off the ship exploring.
Sorry you were disappointed. I agree Carribbean cruises have a different vibe.
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