In preparation for our 10 day Caribbean cruise on the Equinox, we decided to spend a couple of days in Ft. Lauderdale prior to boarding, to relax and enjoy the weather. We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express on the 17th Street Causeway. The hotel was very nice but the airport shuttles are very confusing. Evidently there are about 6 independent Holiday Inn Express hotels in the area, each with its own shuttle bus. We got on the wrong one and had to return to the airport to finally get the right one. The hotel was in a nice location near the port, with good restaurants nearby. The hotel staff was superb, as was the shuttle service that took us to the ship and picked us up after the cruise to take us to the airport. Celebrity notified us via email that we should not board until 2 PM, but we had to check out of the hotel by noon, so we arrived at the port by 1 PM and breezed right through the Elite line and went on board. The first place we stopped was our favorite haunt, the Cafe Al Bacio, for tea and Espressos. I also upgraded the included free drink package to the premium package, which I found to be very worthwhile. Our cabin was soon ready for occupancy and we found the sunset veranda cabin to be very pleasant and enjoyed the quiet and privacy of the rear facing cabin. Usually, we book Aqua class cabins, but I wanted to try something different this time. The only downside was the lack of upgraded amenities, but we were able to overlook these minor inconveniences. Our cabin attendants (William and Nino) were superb, and probably the best we have had in 21 cruises.
We chose late dining, and after some confusion on table assignments by the head waiter, finally ended up at a table for 6 with two very pleasant couples. Our waiters, Fernando and Jackson, were true professionals and the wine steward, Maggie, was very attentive to our needs, making excellent suggestions for wine choices. The food choices were generally good, with the prime rib being outstanding. For my birthday, we booked the Tuscan Grill, and found the food to be very good, but the service somewhat lacking. We never saw the Maître D' again after being seated and never saw the wine waiter after being served the initial glass of wine. My birthday was not acknowledged, although I mentioned it to the waiter. At my age, perhaps it's just as well to forget all about these events and consign them to history along with chocolate buffets and ice sculptures.
One event that deserves special mention is the “Elegant Tea” for Elite members. Normally, these are perfunctory, crowded affairs, but this one was very special and well- executed. The tea sandwiches and hot, out of the oven scones with cream and jam were delicious.
Nice cabin, very quiet. Far from the maddening crowd.