Pre-Inaugural Voyage Announced on Celebrity Equinox

by  Amber Nolan | Feb 26, 2009
Passengers on board the Celebrity Equinox
Passengers on board the Celebrity Equinox / Photo courtesy of the cruise line

Webster's may need to coin a new phrase for the term “inaugural cruise,” as more cruise lines have been sneaking a second maiden voyage into their newest ship’s schedule. Celebrity Cruises just announced that because their super-motivated workers have been making remarkable progress constructing the new Celebrity Equinox, they will be launching a pre-inaugural voyage. (It’s amazing what a little Red Bull can do.) While we’re all still racking our brains about what to call this “soft-launch” sailing, a number of passengers have already booked their cabins on the new 8-night cruise set to embark on July 31. In fact, interior cabins and oceanview staterooms have already sold out; leading me to believe this was Celebrity’s “secret” plan all along. (You sly dogs!)

When the sophisticated Equinox is unveiled this summer, it will offer a variety of unique amenities like a freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck, luxurious main dining room with a two-story glass wine tower and sparkling chandeliers, and an innovative hot glass show presented by the Corning Museum of Glass, the first of its kind at sea.

The pre-inaugural voyage will sail from Southampton, England to the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, and will return just in time for the official 10-night maiden sailing on August 8. For those who “jumped the gun,” and already booked the August 8 "Best of Europe" itinerary, a special offer is available allowing them to combine the two cruises, and receive an onboard credit of $200 per stateroom, or $300 per suite.

What's your thoughts about these pre-inaugural cruises? Do you think it's a fair deal for those who already pre-booked the original inaugural cruise?

To learn more, or to book a cruise on the Celebrity Equinox click here.

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