Carefree Caribbean Cruising Aboard Celebrity Equinox

Friday, August 26, 2022

It was only a couple weeks ago when we boarded the Celebrity Equinox for an 8-night journey across the Eastern Caribbean.  We had used the last of our Covid-era Cruise Credits for the trip.  Our ports-of-call were old favorites: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, USVI; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, B.V.I; and Nassau, Bahamas.  We have visited all these islands many times before—some as recently as last March!!!  

So, “Why?” you might ask did we opt to do this again?

We would answer: “Simply, because being on a cruise ship is a joy!!!”  We love being on the sea.  The atmosphere of a cruise liner is one of calm, elegance, universal friendliness, and mutual respect between crew and passenger.  It is so easy to fall into a comfortable routine (unique to every passenger) that brings a sense of contentment to your day.

Every journey will be different, and for your RovingRaconteurs this cruise turned out to be one of rest and relaxation.  We awoke with the sun every morning and enjoyed the view of the sparkling sea as we prepared for the new day.  Day 2 was a sea-day so we began the day at the Café al Bacio for a Cappuccino and tasty pastry.  The café is in such a pleasant and comfortable area; we chose to linger over a second cup before moving-on to check out the ship.  While exploring the amenities onboard, we were able to decide where we would like to spend our time:  maybe the spa, perhaps the putting green or bocce court, perchance the pool to work on a tan and get a little exercise.  We found a spot to sit and read; we checked-out the shops and bought some “gotta-haves;” we assessed the casino; found the art gallery; and looked at all the venues for eating and drinking.   Ahh, we found the Tuscan Grill where a Food and Wine Pairing was set to begin!!!  We ended the day with dinner at Le Petit Chef in Qsine and learned that Celebrity has added a wine pairing to this unique dining experience.  Nice!!!

On Day 3, we arrived in San Juan to an overcast, blustery, and rainy day.  We chose to stay warm and dry on board the ship.  Day 4, in Charlotte Amalie, we docked at Crown Bay rather than our preferred Hanvensight which is larger and offers better shopping and dining.  Bummer!!!  And so it went; gradually, day by day.  We continued to enjoy our cappuccinos; read and enjoy the tropical view while sitting at a comfortable nook on the back deck.  Plus, we made it a point to sample the many different eating and drinking venues on board. 

And that, dear Readers, is how we wound-up cruising the Caribbean without ever leaving the ship!!! 

Here are some photos:

Quite honestly, we do apologize for the lack of destination detail on this posting; but if you would like more info on these ports, please use the search button to find posts from previous visits.                

Never, ever, have we spent so many days simply being on a cruise ship!!!  Must confess, the experience was pleasant!!!  There is a different rhythm—call it a more subdued vibe—on a docked cruise liner.  Mmm….we once spent 10 days in Civitavecchia, Italy between cruises and that experience was similar:  spending every day simply “being in the moment.”  No scheduling or planning involved:  waken, eat, wander, eat some more, meet friends, converse, learn, read, take a nap (hey, why not!!!), eat and drink again, and then repeat the next day with a slightly different, impromptu mix!!!  A very pleasant experience. 

This was a pleasant cruise.

And now, we wish you a very pleasant and carefree weekend!!!