Celebrity Equinox Review

Magnificent Ship Mediocre Food and Service

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
User Avatar
CruiseTomJr.
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2013
Cabin: Deluxe Veranda 2C

By way of introduction, my wife and I are both 60ish and avid cruising enthusiasts, having gone on over 20 cruises in the past 27 years (RCCL, Princess, Azamara, HAL, NCL), this being our sixth cruise with Celebrity. In 2011 we had a wonderful 12 day cruise on the Mediterranean with the Equinox' sister ship, the Solstice, so we were very much looking forward to this Central American cruise, having knowledge of the ship and certain expectations as to food and service.

I can accept the fact that service in general is not what it once was, and that specifically the cruise ship industry is mired in competition and oversaturation, with escalating costs, and that finding quality staff to service the hundreds of currently floating cruise ships is becoming increasingly difficult, but I don't understand how Celebrity could deteriorate so significantly in just a few years. If half as much effort was put into food preparation and meeting the expectations of their passenger guests, as was put into promoting future cruise bookings, selling ship sponsored shore excursions, up-selling services/ drink packages and specialty restaurants, etc., then Celebrity would have no competition in the cruise industry.

The Equinox is a beautiful ship, well laid out, comfortable and spotless, with some unique features like the mid-ship Atrium with 8 glass elevators and an open view to every floor from the Lobby on the 3rd to the 15th floor (no 13th floor), and the tranquil glass enclosed Aqua-Spa Solarium for adults only, with dancing waters and serene music, although when the hot tubs fill with people yelling over the jets, the tranquillity is lost. The common areas are modestly appointed but modern, deck space is nicely designed with plenty of lounge chairs in full sun or shade, even on ship days, although the chairs are tightly packed and sometimes difficult to get on and off without rubbing thighs with your neighbors.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Veranda 2C

previous reviewnext review

Find a Celebrity Equinox Cruise from $339

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.