Port Canaveral is now home to the Celebrity Equinox, a cruise ship that offers a unique experience for adult travelers. With its various amenities and destinations, it has quickly become a popular choice among cruise enthusiasts.

Why Celebrity at Port Canaveral?

Celebrity has been a highly requested brand at Port Canaveral for years. The port's officials were able to convince Celebrity that it has a strong market of cruisers who drive to the port and that it is the right move to base a ship here. Being close to Orlando International Airport and the area's attractions is another advantage. 1: The decision to sail out of Port Canaveral allows Celebrity to optimize its deployment and offer its guests more ways to relax and explore the Caribbean. "We put our guests first in everything we do, so we've optimized our deployment to shift our capacity to the destinations our guests have told us they are most interested in," said Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge. 2: Captain Nikolaos Frantzis added, "we are very excited to be here." This shows the enthusiasm of the crew and the company for this new home port.

Destinations and Sailing Schedule

The Equinox offers seven-night sailings on Saturdays from Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 1 to a variety of destinations, including the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Mexico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten. It will be sailing here through April 19. In coming years, Celebrity has scheduled seven-night sailings of the Celebrity Apex out of Port Canaveral from November 2025 through April 2027. The Apex is slightly larger and newer than the Equinox. 1: These sailings provide guests with the opportunity to explore different Caribbean destinations and enjoy a luxurious cruise experience. The variety of destinations allows guests to choose the one that suits their interests and preferences. 2: The extended sailing schedule also gives guests the chance to plan multiple cruises and create memorable vacations.

Ship Features and Amenities

The Equinox is relatively small compared to some of the mega-ships at Port Canaveral, but it offers a wide range of amenities. It has a 1,113-seat theater for Broadway-style shows, a casino, upscale retail shops, swimming pools, hot tubs, spa facilities, an adult-only solarium, a fitness center, a jogging track, and a basketball court. 1: These amenities provide guests with plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation. Whether you want to enjoy a show, try your luck at the casino, or work out, the Equinox has something for everyone. 2: The adult-only solarium is a particularly nice feature for those who want a quiet and peaceful place to unwind.

Stateroom Options

Of the 1,426 staterooms, 85% have verandas, 5% without verandas have ocean views, and 10% are inside cabins. There are 296 staterooms that accommodate three or four passengers, and 121 that have connecting staterooms. There are 19 categories of staterooms in all, including penthouse suites. 1: The variety of stateroom options allows guests to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget. Whether you want a spacious suite with a veranda or a more affordable inside cabin, the Equinox has you covered. 2: The penthouse suites are especially luxurious, with large spaces and private verandas.

Restaurants and Bars

There are a total of 10 restaurants on the ship, including four premium restaurants with an additional charge. The free restaurants include the Silhouette Dining Room, Mast Grill & Bar, Oceanview Café, Spa Café, Blu, and Luminae. There are also 13 bars and lounges, including Craft Social, which features more than 40 craft beers, wine, and cocktails on tap. 1: The variety of restaurants and bars on the ship allows guests to enjoy a wide range of cuisines and beverages. Whether you want a fine dining experience or a casual poolside snack, the Equinox has you covered. 2: The premium restaurants offer unique and delicious dining experiences, with fusion cuisine and classic Continental dishes.

The Lawn Club and The Retreat

The Lawn Club is a half-acre area on Deck 15 with natural grass, including the Patio on the Lawn and Sunset Bar, the Hot Glass Show, lawn bowling, and a three-hole putting course. The Retreat is an exclusive suite experience on Deck 16, consisting of the Retreat Sundeck, the Retreat Lounge, and Luminae at The Retreat. 1: These areas provide guests with additional entertainment and relaxation options. The Lawn Club is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take part in fun activities, while The Retreat offers a private and luxurious experience for suite guests. 2: The Hot Glass Show is a unique attraction that allows guests to watch glass-blowing demonstrations and learn about this art form.

Bookings and Outlook

The Equinox is sailing close to its full capacity of 3,148 out of Port Canaveral. While Celebrity does not have current plans for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral, they are always looking to the future for new opportunities. 1: The strong bookings show the popularity of the Equinox and the demand for luxury cruises at Port Canaveral. 2: The port's officials are working with Celebrity to expand sailings in the future, which is good news for cruise enthusiasts.