Summer means feeling the warm sunshine on your face and grass between your toes, and making a splash at the pool. Would you believe you can relish those summer treats any time of year? You can enjoy all of that year round on Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Equinox ^SM – even the real grass! Beginning in November 2016, Celebrity Equinox ^SM will offer year-round sailings to the Caribbean from her new homeport of Miami.

Endless Summer on Celebrity Equinox ^SM

Celebrity Equinox ^SM normally spends summers in Europe and 2010 was the last time a Solstice Class ship sailed the Caribbean year round. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, said that affluent vacationers, particularly families, desire summer cruises in the Caribbean. “Our new year-long sailings are perfect for discerning families and couples who want a summer getaway to sought-after tropical islands, with the best culinary experiences in the region and enriching activities for children and adults.”

In 2017, the 2,850-passenger ship will sail alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries between June and August, and 10- and 11-night itineraries the rest of the year. Some of the onboard highlights of Celebrity Equinox ^SM include:

• The Lawn Club – A real grass lawn on the highest deck for casual outdoor activities in a Country Club atmosphere.
• The Hot Glass Show – Professional glass blowers from the Corning Museum of Glass offer a one-of-a-kind exhibition of the beautiful art of glass blowing.
• Gastrobar – Comfort food and craft beer, entertainment and music where like-minded enthusiasts taste, mix and mingle.
• Canyon Ranch SpaClub – World class Canyon Ranch brings their unique services to a rejuvenating spa at sea, offering a complete wellness and lifestyle program.
• Michael Kors – Shop tax and duty-free at the luxurious new Michael Kors boutique, which joins an already superb assortment of shops onboard Celebrity Equinox ^SM.

Taste of the Caribbean

Celebrity has always been known for its superior culinary experiences, but the new Taste of the Caribbean program offers epicureans a premium package of beverage and dining options at substantial savings (packages from $700). It includes wine tastings and mixology demos, chef-led market tours, cooking classes, unlimited specialty dining, and much more. For 2017, the program is only available on Celebrity Equinox ^SM Caribbean sailings from 4/24/17 – 11/6/17. If you fancy yourself a foodie, this is a must-do package of culinary experiences.

Summer Camp at Sea

Because year-round Caribbean cruises appeal to families, Celebrity has seriously ramped up the “edutainment” programs for younger cruisers to provide engaging and enriching activities onboard Celebrity Equinox ^SM.

• iTake – Using a GoPro camera, kids go on a digital scavenger hunt or with the assistance of Youth Staff, they can create a short film (iDirector).
• Recreation Nation – Junior cruisers’ active appetites are well fed at every session with the massive “Fun Factory for Life” activity database.
• Creation Station – This immersive art program allows children and their families to express themselves in a creative and fun way during one-hour activities such as Airbrush Workshop, Button Making, and Model Magic Marvels. You’ll even have the option of transforming your child’s artwork into a stuffed animal.
• You Rule (ages 9 – 11) – Kids design their own nation from scratch with the help of Youth Staff. They create the flag, set government standards and plan the geography for enriching fun.
• Wanderlust at Sea (ages 15 – 17) – Teens learn about travel, adventure and cultural curiosities in a fun interactive game show that uses the ship’s Audience Response System.
• Anturus Explorer Academy – Junior cruisers use science and exploration to learn about the everyday world. Three 3-hour sessions focus on navigation, time, and weather, using a mix of multi-media, individual activities, experiments using high-tech equipment, and group journeys.

Celebrity Equinox ^SM Sumer Camp at Sea is like summer camp at home, but even better because of the variety of engaging activities. The whole family will have so much fun learning!

For summer fun any time of year, discerning travelers look to Celebrity Equinox ^SM. Contact a Covington cruise specialist for year-round sailings from Miami to the Caribbean.

*Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Celebrity Cruises as a valued partner and sponsor of this post.