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Recently I had the privilege of sailing on the new Celebrity Equinox, definitely a ship with the X factor! Along with her sister - the Solstice who entered service last year, the Equinox who starts her season this August and the new Eclipse which will be sailing exclusively from Southampton next year, form the Solstice Class of ships. 5 star ships aimed at giving clients a 5 star service and Equinox did not disappoint.

From the moment you embarked, when you were given a glass of chilled champagne to the time you disembarked nothing was too much trouble. By the next evening I even found our waiter in the main restaurant remembered how I liked my steak and the type of coffee I preferred! Although a big ship it has been cleverly designed to give not only the feel of spaciousness but also a level on intimacy that can sometimes only found on a smaller ship.
Recently I had the privilege of sailing on the new Celebrity Equinox, definitely a ship with the X factor! Along with her sister - the Solstice who entered service last year, the Equinox who starts her season this August and the new Eclipse which will be sailing exclusively from Southampton next year, form the Solstice Class of ships. 5 star ships aimed at giving clients a 5 star service and Equinox did not disappoint.

From the moment you embarked, when you were given a glass of chilled champagne to the time you disembarked nothing was too much trouble. By the next evening I even found that our waiter in the main restaurant remembered how I liked my steak and the type of coffee I preferred! Although a big ship it has been cleverly designed to give not only the feel of spaciousness but also a level on intimacy that can sometimes only be found on a smaller ship.

Cabins have been finished to a high standard and are a good size, with more storage available than on a lot of other ships, including the bathrooms which again have been well designed.

For those who want to be pampered and recharge their batteries Solstice ships have the Aqua Class which has premium location on deck 11. They are the same size as other cabins but have unlimited access to the Spa areas, although treatments are extra. They also have their own healthy eating restaurant Blu.

Concierge Class has, as it suggests, a concierge service, with priority check in, butler service, champagne in the cabin on arrival and other special extras which you would expect from a more expensive grade.

Whichever cabin you pick on whatever grade they are all beautiful, as are the specialty restaurants: The Murano, (French) The Silk Harvest (Far East Fusion) The Tuscan (Italian) The Bistro (Crepes) and Blu (Healthy eating). The main restaurant is the Silhouette which is situated on 3 floors.

Apart from the many restaurants there are many bars and coffee shops where you can get a drink and snack at any time of the day or night. And the shops are open until very late so if you have not had time to browse during the day because you have been out on an excursion or lapping up the sun, then there is still plenty of time in the evening. Prices are better than you expect, even though everything is in dollars. There are several swimming pools all with lots of deck space and plenty of sunbeds to go around, and if you want to cool off whilst getting a tan then there are the pool bars.

Entertainment is varied to suit every taste with the theatre having several performances a night, to nightclubs for the night owls or a piano playing in one of the lounges, so there really is something for everyone. But if you want something quiet then there are lounges without entertainment and the well stocked library which has a huge range of books.

The kids have definitely not been forgotten as they have their own clubs and area on the ship which caters for their every need and are well looked after at all times.

One thing not mentioned and which is quite unique to the Solstice ships is the Lawn Club, a real lawn where you can sit and sunbath, play croquet or just watch the grass grow, very unusual.

There is so much that could be said about the Equinox that the only way to find out is to try her which I thoroughly recommend.