Celebrity Equinox Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,313 reviews

Our Best Holiday Ever

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
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Mr_hat
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Oct 2014
Cabin: Concierge Class 1

We may be cruise virgins but we're not wet behind the ears. Our review is from a British perspective which we think is relevant. Flew with Monarch airlines. Celebrity have a block booking with this airline but you can contact them separately and order extra leg room and 3kgs each on top of luggage allowance at extra cost although 20kgs in suitcase and 10kgs in hand luggage was plenty. Meet and greet throughout was first class and everything went smoothly. Checking in at Barcelona was a logistical masterpiece for celebrity. We chose Celebrity for a special occasion, locations we would be visiting and value for money offered. The concierge extras didn't seem worth the money though as the only real benefit was the select dining enabling sitting when we wanted and not stuck with others. As non alcohol drinkers were disappointed with arrival drinks being only alcohol and waiter not very attentive but in every respect staff were the best we've ever come across. Our own service industry could learn a thing or two for sure. Well worth having gratuity package as without it you'll be charged 15% on every drink even with drink package paid for. We had the classic nine alcoholic package which again was well worth the money.

Room attendant was excellent and seemed that every time we went out he came in and tidied up. Food outstanding and didn't seem worth paying more for speciality dining. We even preferred what others might have referred to as the 'cafeteria'. Dietary requirements were all well met (and we have a few) and just about every cuisine provided including Sushi, Indian, Italian, Salads etc etc. Up selling of those packages and everything else was a bit full on right from the start. A bit off putting really as you'll be invited to every sale and art auction going. Culturally the Brits aren't really in to this level of sales. Sales on board needed careful consideration. Most items can be bought ashore or on eBay much cheaper. Especially Bella & Rose products. Not worth getting involved in the pushing and shoving that will accompany this experience. Tremendous range of activities and in 99% of cases could not fault our holiday. Biggest down side was excursions. These did not represent value for money and same as everywhere else at 3 x the cost. Athens was best example; X80 bus cost €4 each for all day travel card. Just outside terminal and dropped off at Acroplis. €12 each into Acropolis for access all areas. Short walk to temple of Zeus and Hadrians arch, through old town to parliament square, watch changing of the guards and back again for grand total of €32. Compared with celebrity cost of $120 which didn't even get you in to Acropolis or have time shopping. Port lecturer and excursion staff only keen to promote their own products and gave no assistance if you want to go alone. Trevi fountain in Rome is scaffolded and without water until 2016?? St. Peter's was crowded and didn't even get in after 1 1/2 hrs waiting. Dragged away from lines for commission based shopping? Evening entertainment was great but cheesy house crew and have to suffer the different cultural humour to be catered for. But when all said and done we had a brilliant time and will book with Celebrity again. Highly recommend this tour.

Cabin Review

Concierge Class 1

Cabin C1

Exactly as photos on their websites. Could easily have been our room. Really clean and well appointed. Very private on balcony. Meals to room more limited but great choice. Mini bar handy for keeping our waters cold. No need to take shower gels etc. all will be provided. No pillow menu and binoculars broken but really couldn't complain at all.

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