6SailTheSea

Hello Celebrity Reflection 7/25/14 Cruisers!

We disembarked from Celebrity Reflection on 8/4/14 and are in Rome for one night before a long return trip to SFO, U.S.A.

Overall, our impression of Celebrity Reflection is that the ship is beautiful. The crew and staff worked really hard to keep things organized, clean and really tried to make our experience comfortable.

Food was plentiful and food area was kept clean and organized. Loved the open seating/serving of 14th floor. Liked the fresh bread and cheese selection. Maybe more local fruit added at various ports to add variety, but otherwise good fruit selection. Meat was a bit overdone and 'chewy' on carving stations and seated dinners. Some variety with breakfast selections would be welcome. Sushi needs overhaul. Rice was more like Italian risotto! Unagi sushi and tuna maki would be good options, not salmon and 'tilapia'? Ability to place orders on hand rolls would be popular.

Performances: The show performers were multi-talented, even saw some as waiters! Some of the lackadaisical audience response could be that many do 8 hour tours each day and are too tired to clap?! The 2 female and male lead singers were phenomenal and could easily be on Broadway. The choreography and music selection on first few shows could use some refreshing. LOVED the magician, violinist and the last 'cirque du soleil-type' show.

Shore excursions: If you plan to tour at ports, plan ahead before boarding! Research what there is to see on internet and check out tour groups that exist at ports or that are organized from your originating country. I understand the cruise line wants to make money from excursions, BUT, it would be more safe and helpful to cruisers to have info on public transport at ports (bus routes/taxi stops), local reputable tour companies at ports - not just the local contact when arriving at port which is listed in newsletter that most people don't read. Cost of excursion was generally expensive. More info and options to share tours with reduced prices for groups would make more business sense for cruise company. Many cruisers are already sharing tours with other cruisers to make excursions more affordable. Cruisers should research tour options via cruise-critic or related community networking. Better to book using credit if you can book via US dollars. Almost all tours you book on your own will require CASH at end of tour, so be prepared with CASH or book using credit in advance. Last note: Deposits can bite you in the end if you decide to book a different tour group... Beware of cancellation time and charges before you book/reserve.

Room service: Very efficient and staff friendly and accommodating.

Internet connection: Internet connection on ship is VERY expensive and NOT available in-suite. Confirm all tour info before boarding so you avoid having to purchase internet in order to communicate with any tours, unless you HAVE to.

Perspective: We have only cruised once previously, on Grandeur of the Seas when it was also only 2 years old. We haven't cruised since then so can't say if this cruise trip compares to others. My family is more 'land-type' vacationers and prefer to spend our money on choosing own housing, food and activities rather than have it chosen for us. There is a vacation to suit all tastes! :-)

Happy trails to all who will re-cruise and eventually return home!

6SailtheSea return happily to California and U.S.A.

Anyone have tips on how to cancel a car rental in Italy (with refund) during July/August months? Our TA booked a car rental, didn't inform us that a 'van' is non-refundable in July and August. notarose@me.com