This was our 22nd cruise. When checking on line for a December cruise, I was looking for Holland America but noticed that the Celebrity Equinox was sailing about the same dates, similar itinerary. Cruise critic ratings were higher for Equinox than the HAL ship we were considering. Talking with my travel agent, she pointed our that there was a Presidents day sale along with perks like a drink package shipboard credit for cabins cc class or higher. We booked the Equinox and we're very glad we did.

Embarkation went very smoothly and we had a very nice cc cabin not far from the elevators, slightly aft of the ship. We immediately noticed the courteous staff who greeted us with a smile everywhere on the ship. The dining room experience was excellent, our only complaint being placed in a corner near the galley which was not ventilated as well as the main portion of the dining room. The buffet was very good. Breakfast was especially good. The omelet station was operated very efficiently with very little wait times. Since it was December, the atrium was decked out in Holiday decorations, very pretty!! We made good use of the drink package. Having wine with our dinner every night was a plus. My wife is a perfectionist where Bloody Marys are concerned but a nice lady from Thailand did the job right every time. A special mention is the Martini Bar with the frozen bar and bartenders who made an art of making martinis.

We had traveled to some of the islands before, so our excursions were limited. St. Thomas is always one of our favorite places to visit, especially the jewelry store in Drake's Passage. St. Kitts is always beautiful, along with St. Marteen. The entertainment was excellent. Read more