Spring Break 2012 brought us back to the Caribbean, and our 1st cruise with Celebrity after cruising previously with HAL. We flew from the Pacific NW into Miami a few days early to visit with friends we had met on 2010 cruise. What a great way to start a vacation! They drove us up to Port Everglades Monday morning, and the very 1st thing that impressed us was how fast and easy it was checking in. We were in Concierge, and having an expedited check in was very nice.

Our Port Side stateroom did not seam that much larger than previous Veranda staterooms on HAL, although when our Stateroom attendant, Maria, took the barrier between our veranda and my brothers room down, having the larger deck was very nice. We took advantage of Room Service for breakfast every sea day, and service was prompt and orders correct. We also sat out on deck for evening hors d'oeuvres, a very nice touch. The Equinox holds more passengers than the Noordam and yet, we felt we had more open spaces and very little crowding. A very well designed ship.

When we chose to eat in the MDR, our Wait Staff was friendly and helpful. We were seated with a very nice couple from Florida, although one evening, we were seated elsewhere, even though we ate at the same time. We chose to eat in Specialty Dining twice: The Tuscan Grille and Silk Harvest. The Tuscan's service was outstanding, the food excellent, and very reasonably priced. Silk Harvest was also a great value for the money. When we ate casual in the Oceanview Cafe, the food was okay. Read more