Celebrity Equinox Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,316 reviews

Mediterranean Cruise-June 2011

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
User Avatar
JFIN
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

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

Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2011
Cabin: Deluxe Veranda 2B
Traveled with children

We sailed in early June 2011 on the Equinox. What an amazing ship. Built only 2 years agto they left nothing out. We were in a cabin with a balcony and were a family of 4.Our adult children are 20 and 24 so they were not little. The cabin worked out great. We had a trundle bed and once we put the bed away each morning we were fine for room. The bathroom worked out fine. Was the largest and nicest bathroom on a ship we have ever had. This was our 10th cruise and first time with a balcony. We loved it.Our family likes to get involved so there were many things to do on the ship all the time. The crew was great. They got to know us personally and we found that to be a big plus. We enjoyed Charlotte and all the staff. We were invovled in family games, pool games, bingo, golf, dance contests and even had an opportunity to be a Beattle in a show. The night life and shows (dancing, violin and comic)were not to be missed. Our 20 year old son found a group his age and we never saw him when he was on the ship. He has made some life long friends. We opted to pay the gratitudes upfront and had select dining. We could go into the dining room at any time and had different waiters and sat with different people each night. This was an option we loved. It made it very easy and flexible for us. I would do this again. We did not use any of the specialty resturants and loved the food. I have a very picky daughter and she was able to order off the child's menu each night. Made us all very happy.When we got to port the ship was delayed due to the prior sailing having a virus on board. The ship was cleaned from top to bottom and for the first week staff only (gloved) served you everything. Hand washing was encouraged to be used all the time. By the end of the first week these restrictions were lifted and the cruise went on as normal. We had to pay extra for some ofthe gym classes, like spin and they had no Zumbe. I think you pay enough, the classes should be free. We also had a noisy passanger one day at sea and security should have stepped in long before it did. She was finally handled and that was the only complaint on the ship.I was surprised at the weather. We had temperatures in the 70-80. Some days it was very hot and others were cloudy and cool. I liked this time as prior readings indicated that July and August are a more crowded time.We arrived a day early in Rome and I am glad we did. I had,an airline booking problem and at the last minute had to change plans. The extra day allowed use to see Rome at a more leisury pace (if that exists on a trip like this). We used jumplimousinerome@gmail.com for our transportation in Rome. They picked use up at the airport and drove us to our hotel in Rome 45euros about a 40 minute drive. Then the next day took us to the ship for 115 euros. This was about 1hr 15 min ride. When the trip ended they did our transportation also.Our first night we walked to the Spanish steps, Trevi Foutain and Pantheon.I would recommend taking the bus. Transportation is 4euros for a 24 hour period and the buses and underground are very easy to use.We had dinner in the Patheon square and it was worth the money just for the experience. We also found (thanks to Rick Steve) the best Gelata in the world at Gelateria Caffe's Pasticceria Giolitti. Very close and walkable to the Pantheon. We did not make it into the Pantheon as it was closed when we got there.We had continential breakfast at Hotel Sony (200euros) a night. That could change with availability. Be sure to ask for the newly renovated rooms. We then toured the Colosseum with Rick Steve's audio tour, Palantine Hill and Roman Forum. I would not spend too much time in Palantine Hill the Colosseum and Roman Forum are the best to see. My kids downloaded (for free) Rick Steve's audio tour. We followed all his suggestions and used his tours when ever they were available. He gave the basics which was more than enough. Tour time in Colosseum with Rick Steve 45 min. with the tour at site 2 hours.Due to the extensive trip ahead of us I knew I could not bombard the family with hours of touring. Wanted the trip to be fun also.Santorini we did on our own. Rented a car from Spiridakos@otenet.gr 50euros inclued all taxes and insurance. My husband got an international drivers lisc. from AAA for $15 before we left.We took the cable car up the hill 4euors each way. The secret here is to try to get off the ship as early as possible. Waiting for tenders and then the cable car really cuts into your time here. We drove to the beaches-must see the red sand beach. Be prepared to walk up and down very step clifts.Then went to Oia and Fira. Oia is beautiful, small and quaint town. Unable to stay for sunset due to timing with ship. Then drove to Fira. Walked around, shopped and then time to move on.Athens was the only stop I was not sure how to plan. The day we arrived there was a strike. To my surprise the cruise lines provided a free bus to where the taxis were and also the Hop on Hop off bus. 20euros a person and they would take you to different sites. We got on the double decker bus was able to listen to audio and went straight to Acroplis. It was very hot and walking was tough but was one of the hightlites of the trip.Rick Steve was used here also. We saw Parthenon, Temple of Athen Nike, Odeon of Herod Artticus, Mars Hill and then we saw a special ceramony of the lighting of the torch for the Special Olympics. We then walked (more than 2 miles one way) to the first Olypmic staduim. I would not do that again. Wanted to go to the museum but was running out of time. Walked thru the National gardens and then back to the main square. Due to the protests roads were closed and the bus did not run on schedule. We also saw the government ralley but left that area quickly. Shopped for a short time and then had to catch the bus for the ship. We were not able to use the bus as I hoped to see more things and we just ran out of time.Istanbul was our favorite place. Had a tour with Hayim Algazi thru Ephesus Shuttle $75per person first day and $60 the second day. Worth every penny. Hayim got us into places other people don't see. Was able to get us at the front of the lines and was so full of energy and education. Saw the Topkapi Palace, definately see the Harem, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Did get into a rug demonstration, was interesting but felt obligated to buy(we did not). Second day Hayim picked us up and we saw the Blue Mosque (a highlite for me), St. Sophia, Basilica Cistern and drove up the Boshporous area. We had an overnite in Istanbul but due to political elections the next day we opted to go to Taxism (5euros) to shop and then came back and had dinner on the ship and relaxed.Ephesus had a tour thru Ephesus Shuttle $64 per person. We saw the House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus(Ruins) see the Terrace Houses. We had a female very good and I forget her name.Also saw St. John Basilica and Artrmission Temple(1 pillar left). That was not to impressive. We went to Ephesus in the afternoon and it was hot. No bathrooms or water for the 2 hour walk. Very crowded there also.Mykonos rented a car again 55$ Kosmos rent a car. Was to meet us at the pier at 8AM but didn't open or show up till 9. Went to the beaches in the morning, loved Parangi. Water was cold perhaps 70. Beaches are pebbles and when you enter water there are rocks, very slippery, every where. We were dissappointed in all the sand beaches on this trip but that was not what we were here for. Beware of nude areas on beach if you have children.Saw the windmills and Little Venice.Naples and the Amalfi coast- had a tour guide Simply Amalfi 450euros for the 4 of us-Adriano. Was amazing. What is to say about the drive and towns. The nicest place we have ever visited. Had lunch in the mountains at S. Giovanni Ristorant. The best pizza, view, white wine and lemon chello ever.Adriano suggested this place and it was to die for. Due to a problem with the port we had to tender here. We were more than 1 1/2 late for our tour.We ended the day in Pompeii (Rick Steve audio tour). An amazing area and one not to be missed. We had 1 1/2 hours here and it was not enough. Adriano made the trip here. Ask for him and do not try to drive the Amalfi coast. The driver would not enjoy the experience at all.Back to Rome-Pre booked the Vatican Museum tour for 11AM at home. Jump Limo picked us up at 8AM. Terrible traffic, got back to the hotel, dumped our bags , quickly got on the bus and just made it by 10:45AM. The place was mobbed and crowded. Enjoyed the tour and the Sisten Chapel but was so crowded we walked thru and did not spend any time to enjoy the room.(Rick Steve again- but we left the audio in our room)We made out OK but would have gotten more with the tour. Then we walked 2 miles to the entrance to St. Peter's. The line was long but moved fast. We toured in the inside but by the end my husband (bad knee and had knee surgery) had to stop.This was a family trip of a lifetime. Everyone loved it and would go back. I followed Rick Steve's suggestions(bought the books) and used Cruise Critice and Trip avdisor to plan this vacation. I spent days researching before the trip and it was worth every minute.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Veranda 2B

Cabin 2B
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.