Celebrity Equinox Review

Celebrity Equinox underwent an extensive refurbishment in May 2019. It received additional suites; Michael's Club was transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and the ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant was redesigned in an open, marketplace style.

As Celebrity's dedicated Caribbean ship, Celebrity Equinox takes advantage of the weather with outdoor amenities, such as real grass lawn on top of the ship and a Lawn Club Sunset Bar, complete with deck furniture and faux fire pit.

If that sounds sophisticated for a cruise ship, then you're correct. As one of the line's Solstice-class ships, Celebrity Equinox is about modern touches aimed at a crowd that enjoys craft beer and top-shelf mixed drinks, restaurant experiences that punch up to gourmet (the line has announced a partnership with Michelin-starred restaurateur Daniel Boulud) and entertainment that trends more toward cabaret -- think aerialists and magicians -- than big musicals or raucous parties.

While families do sail on Equinox during school breaks, and there are kids' clubs, children are not the focus on this ship. A collection of edgy and engaging modern art, with a living tree suspended in the atrium, sets an adult vibe. While there's an outdoor main pool, it's relatively small; significant real estate is given to the calm adults-only Solarium with yet another pool. Canyon Ranch provides spa services.

Evenings on Celebrity Equinox are relaxed. At night, you might have the opportunity to stargaze at the night sky with an enrichment guide, or you can check out the constellation lights twinkling above the bar in the Sky Observation Lounge. You can slow dance with your loved one to a live band before dinner, but you can also get down to your own beat with giant headphones during the silent disco.

Celebrity Equinox has a mix of cabin and suite options, with various associated perks. Both Suite Class and AquaClass spa cabins come with dedicated restaurants, leading to more personalized and intimate service; Suite Class has its own VIP lounge and special invite-only events. For groups, this means that you might have to coordinate your cabins carefully, so you are able to dine with your friends or family.

Health & Safety

Celebrity Cruises is strongly recommending vaccination for those 12 and older on Celebrity Equinox sailings from Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity ships are sailing with reduced overall capacity and with a 95 percent vaccination status onboard.

 Before Boarding

• Proof of completed vaccination at least 14 days prior to sailing, or
• Negative PCR test within 72 hours of embarkation for unvaccinated guests over age 2
• Rapid PCR testing is done at embarkation for unvaccinated guests over age 2; no charge for children 2-11; charge added to onboard spending account for ages 12 and up
• Pre-embarkation in-app health questionnaire
• In-app check-in and arrival time slot required
• Masks required for all guests over age 2 during the entire embarkation and debarkation process, and while on any form of transportation

Onboard

• Guests not required to wear masks onboard in their staterooms, outdoors, or indoors while seated and actively eating or drinking
• Children under age 2 do not need to wear a mask
• Additional screenings are done as needed
• Mid-cruise testing for unvaccinated guests, charged to onboard folio for guests over age 11, no charge for ages 2-11
• Capacity limits in bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues
• Buffet food is served by staff
• Physical distancing is suggested
• Dining reservations are strongly recommended; parties are limited to eight and must be with your travel party or those of a linked reservation
• Muster drill done individually using the Celebrity App and/or the stateroom TV, followed by a check-in with your muster station
• Sanitizing and hand-washing stations all over the ship

Off the ship

• Vaccinated guests may explore independently in most ports of call
• Unvaccinated guests may be limited to controlled tours in ports
• Some ports, including Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire, may require additional testing or screenings before disembarking
• Masks may be required on tours, in some ports, and in some businesses