My first transatlantic sailing turned into a very pleasant and relaxing experience, thanks to the Equinox crew who are universally excellent. To a certain extent, this sailing was two vacations in one, the first week at sea and the second a bunch of stops in some superb locations. The weather wasn't bad although not warm enough to be sitting outside for long during the crossing. We had a couple of days of rain and I thought the sea was quite calm for the 7 days at sea. The boarding at the excellent Terminal 18 in Port Everglades could not have been easier, it took no more than 15 mins from kerbside to on-board. I usually head for Bistro on 5 for the first lunch as the buffet tends to be very busy at this point. Lunch here was a pleasant experience with table service which to me, is the whole point of cruising. The safety demonstration was painless and we were on our way at the scheduled time.

As an Elite Captains Club member for the first time on this cruise we are invited to cocktails in the Sky-lounge at the top front of ship from 5-7pm. This turned into a daily event with same seats at the bar and the same excellent bar staff and neighbours every day. Kudos to Sebastien and Vasilly for having my Gin and Tonic on the counter before I arrived at around 515pm. Breakfast for the two Elite tiers is available in the Tuscan Grill each morning and was excellent. Sitting at a table next to the rear windows of the ship on deck 5 with my latte, strawberry smoothie and salmon bagels was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I didn't eat in the specialty dining restaurants this time as I was traveling solo and find Murano,s 50USD cover charge to be over the top. However, the food in the main dining room was pretty good and occasionally excellent and I have to believe that the waiters in the main dining room are the very best in the business. I like the select dining when you choose your meal time and I never waited more than 5 minutes during the whole 2 weeks.

I enjoyed my 9th floor centrally located balcony and chose the right hand side, sorry starboard side of the ship for the sun. This proved useful during week 2 when the weather was just about perfect. My stateroom attendants were largely invisible but as always, they work a small miracle twice a day. Read more