Janet987

I would phone the Captain's Club to see if they can do a booking for you or at least assure you that you will be able to do it on board. Your sailing is around the current expected time for the transition to take place, and nobody, not even the officer responsible for it all, knows exactly how that will happen yet. See my post #92 here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1959394. Unlikely that X would accept losing the spa revenue for even a week during transition, so it should be offering services as usual, and you lucky person, may be one of the first to experience the Canyon Ranch products.

Hi Tn Vol fan,

Think sailed on the Eclipse with you before. The breakfast hours are sea days 8-9:30 and port days 7:30-9. DisEmbarkation 6:30-8.

I agree that they describe many ingredients in the sauce which only adds a hint of flavor, e.g. The wonderful short ribs are three pieces of tender cooked beef, the sauce not a major taste. Dishes are simpler than they sound. Herb crusted lamb is a basic roasted lamb recipe, and the pecan crusted duck breast was prepared perfectly, with a thin crusty skin coating. This week is the chance for you to try new dishes while you can always order multiple entrees (add the classic steak to lobster for surf and turf) or return the one you try for something else from the classic list. Another advantage of having the Blu kitchen nearby, special requests are handled quickly. Have a great cruise in AQ!

Not sure how much X cares about our health or second hand smoke, but they do care a great deal about their ships and want to avoid a fire disaster similar to one on Princess when a thoughtless person smoked on their balcony.

We smelled smoke embarkation day in AQ on our balcony but could not determine from where it came, but then never smelled it again. Assume quick work by X security put a stop to that safety hazard.

 

More than once, by verbal announcement and in dailies, we were reminded there was a guest conduct policy for smoking and alcohol, and it would be enforced.

Just off the Reflection and if you ask spa employees they will deny any knowledge of a change or timing. However, had a long chat with an X officer, and current information indicates that the change to Canyon Ranch will take place on all ships before sailing to their summer locations. This has been a complicated transition with three companies involved and information to the ships about the process and timing has changed often. Since there is still no official X announcement, it may change yet again but he was hoping for April. This has been hard for the spa employees, some of whom are married to X staff. No word about their future options on employment or contracts and little cooperation from Steiner. The spa however was running as usual, same services and packages, with some daily specials. The Persian garden was never full and I was there often and at different times during the day. We agreed Canyon Ranch will be a positive change and fits well with X's modern luxury marketing; it can't come soon enough but the delays are understandable.

Being completely relaxed and lazy on the one week Reflection in AQ, I did not take photos of the menu but it appeared similar to the other four times have been in Blu. http://eclipse2011ta.webs.com/blumenus.htm

There were no new dishes that had an 'spe' designation. The short ribs, lamb, veal recipes seemed the same to me. Lobster recipe was the same (had two to test it) but came already removed from shell so no fancy work for the waiter. The Usual three classic entree choices were offered, and four classic desserts (huge apple pie, chocolate cake, etc) if the smaller, lighter desserts offered on the Blu menu don't appeal. Everything we selected was excellent and the service flawless. Breakfast menu was the same too, and my only quibble was the coffee didn't seem as good as on the Eclipse so I switched to tea. But then we sauntered over to the Elite lounge in Tuscan for a cafe mocha and life was good again :)

 

As mentioned on another thread, for Jan 11th sailing on Reflection we were offered 50% discounts at various speciality restaurants on, I think, five of the seven nights. The offer always came by phone in the morning, so check the message light. The maître d Thomas (excellent, very efficient and friendly) said it is offered when the other restaurants have available reservations. The offer stated it was only for AQ class, the first night it was for any restaurant, other nights only for Lawn Club or Qsine. However, I never saw a wait or overcrowding in Blu at any meal anytime we ate. We did eat in Tuscan the first night where I had a view of the Blu door, and no line formed, so the reason may indeed have less to do with Blu overcrowding and more due a lack of demand for the specialities. This of course will vary widely by the customers on each sailing, and by day and restaurant, just be aware you may have offers to try the other restaurants if in AQ.

SHIP: Celebrity Reflection

CABIN #: 1548

DECK #: 11

CLASS: Aqua Class, AQ2

AREA: near forward elevators

BED NEAR: Balcony

QUIET?: Very quiet, no sounds from neighbors or pair door, hallway, elevator or on balcony. On Reflection this cabin is Located under last cabin before the deck above is the gym, but that "motion" room rarely used anyway.

BALCONY VIEW: Unobstructed at sides and no overhang.

BALCONY SIZE: Normal

WIND A PROBLEM?: No, protected when the vessel is moving.

SOOT A PROBLEM?: No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: Located on a quiet hallway with the Relaxation Room at front. First time stayed in the forward section of AQ rather than aft section under cabins. Good to be closer to Relaxation Room and Persian Garden, which we used often and was never crowded. Aft rooms are nearer to stairs to buffet and elevators to Blu, so either end of this deck have advantages as long as under another cabin for quiet above.

Correction. The 50% off speciality restaurant was a telephone message I had not seen light blinking. Only AQ, only first night.

Was there champange when you arrived?

 

They didn't have it when we boarded on the 21st.

 

Yes. Sparkling wine and OJ.

On board now in AQ. No speciality restaurant offers, not even 50% first night. Just usual letter that FIRST night only as it is busy

they give you a reservation for a one hour time a slot.

There are a few threads about this on the port board for St Maarten where you can find up to date local information. On and off, There has been a Level 1 alert for dengue fever throughout the Caribbean on various islands/countries for years, which means to take 'usual precautions'. And that is what we plan to do, as we board the ship today and will enjoy St Maarten.

Since the initial warning was issued by the CDC, it has recently been upgraded to a Level 3 warning ("avoid nonessential travel to the area") so I guess it is possible that cruise lines will alter their itineraries.

 

Where did you find this information, as you see from the previous post, the CDC website still lists a Level 1 Watch, which is the same level watch that has used for Dengue fever throughout the Caribbean for years. I having been following this information closely and have not seen a raised level above "Practice usual precautions" which are listed on that CDC link.

When you have any questions about a port, look first at that port's message board.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

Up to date answers here. I am going next week and will take logical precautions and enjoy St Maarten.

I really think it's just going to be on Reflection, at those prices anyway. They added a lot of extra cabins without increasing the size of Blu, so it's a situation unique to that ship. I'm just surmising, mind you. . .

And it could have been an offer unique to the Reflection TA, maybe there were few advanced reservations for the speciality restaurants, maybe past sales indicate TA passengers don't tend to book specialities. Reflection reviews from early Dec. mentioned the first night offer, but not this. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1965864

What a deal! Since that was the 11 day TA, is there a similar dining package being offered to AQ on the Reflection one week Caribbean? I've read about the 50% first night offer, but not this. Interesting..is Blu that crowded now with the extra suites?

That is true and he would be fine with steak. He also loves fish and chicken. Do they have an everyday menu in Blu with steak or chicken on it daily. He would be okay with that all week.

Looking at the menus, I think I will do okay. Some of the foods sound a little fancy for me, but I like food with flavor and like sauces and marinades etc. as long as they are light and not overpowering. I will try most things unless it has to do with bugs or anyone's(things') liver. DH likes his steak lightly salted and peppered, then grilled with heinz 57 sauce and fries. So as long as they have something that caters to the simpler side, I think he will be okay. Of course he surprises me once in a while by eating things like calamari or escargot. The other day, he even tried some sushi (it was just a california roll though).

 

Well he is in luck, as the Classic favorites, unless changed, are grilled ny strip, broiled salmon, and roasted chicken breast. Another advantage of Blu, having its own kitchen, means that you can make specific requests as to how much salt and pepper, leave off an ingredient, whatever and have a good chance of having it truly made to order. Some of the sauces sound 'fancier' than they taste, you can always return it if you don't like it.

Carole, Hey neighbor, another AQ fan here. Agree with baldercash's review of the excellent food food in Blu. Even if the food was the same, we would prefer the atmosphere over the MDR. After four AQ sailings we went back to a 1A and MDR last cruise because DD was with us...what a mistake. Everything suffered by comparison, but just having available open seating (Select dining was often a wait, but never more than a few minutes in Blu), smart casual dress so no formal dress needed, much lower noise level, better service, etc was worth it. Also a fan of the Relaxation room and heated tile loungers, always found one on the Reflection, and I go at different times a day, sometimes more than once. So excited to experience AQ again in 3 days! Been too cold here for me. AQ is a great choice, Janet from Cary.

 

Ps Lisa, there is always a steak, which is excellent btw, but try some of the other meat dishes like the short ribs, filet, etc.

We always book a 10:15 out of MIA. We do walk off, and last Dec were through MIA security by 7:30! (Crazy cabbie) If we did miss our flight due to a delay arriving back, we have frequent flyer status that allows re-booking same day, and if there was absolutely no way to get home Saturday, it also would be fine bidding on a hotel for an extra night. If you are OK with your options in a worse case scenario, the 10am is fine.

And Caneel Bay on STJ

 

Can the public use all facilities at Caneel Bay? Or like Westin everything but pool? Loungers to rent ? Beach? Outdoor bar for lunch?

Know it just changed hands this fall so wondered how restricted access is there.

Thanks for any recent info.

Here is a great Reflection review with every daily easy to access and review, thanks to Mike and Carol Preisman. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1958980&page=4

 

Blu is 5:45- 9:30 for the Caribbean one week, though I wonder if hours might be slightly adjusted later since your fabulous itinerary originates in Argentina. Don't miss breakfast in Blu, wonderful in a beautiful relaxing room. Hours for that vary by port schedule, but usually 7:30 or 8 to 9 or 9:30. We love everything about AQ, but especially Blu...you will have a wonderful time.

Thanks, Suni..have a wonderful cruise. We'll be boarding as you depart.

There is no Elite function on embarkation day, but interested to know if they use coupons or sky lounge this week. Either one is fine with us, but curious after all the discussions here. I love Blu, glad you enjoyed it too. Don't miss breakfast..my favorite time of day in the restaurant. Have a relaxing and fun sea day!

We were on the very first Solstice Christmas cruise and loved it, "Christmasy" enough for us. Holiday cruises are going to vary by ship, ports, schedules, but we had decorations, Santa for kids, caroling, services, Xmas show and dessert buffet, etc. Everything you mention Princess had. Enough kids and teens on board, but well behaved.

Christmas Eve was a port day, so there was a Special Holiday Menu in the MDR that night (can't remember but maybe turkey, stuffing, prime rib, and Xmas desserts?). Christmas Day was in Tortola, we sailed on a cat to Norman Island that morning! We were back on ship in time for a huge Brunch Buffet in the MDR, Xmas ice sculptures, more Xmas desserts again. If Christmas means snow and sleigh bells to you, a cruise ship won't cut it :) but we still talk about the Christmas morning we spent sailing through Drake's Passage in the BVI.

I would suggest you phone Captains Club as soon as you make the booking, possibly talking to a manager as these situations are not common. A TA may have more influence when making the request.

My DD Classic CC# was given when she was 17 after she completed her first cruise. Celebrity should have a record of your children's sailings, though inconsistency in having records or how companion passengers' CC level is raised or not is common.

Yes, they get their own credit and as a courtesy, Captains Club, may raise them to your club level (at least they did in the past). Our DD had her own credit, but when she turned 21, she was raised to our status. (Must still be living at same address) The cruise booked was 12 days after she turned 21, but they changed her CC account to Elite about a month before it. Phone CC directly (what I did when raised DH's status) or have your TA ask her X rep when booking (what was done for DD)

Not current ones, but see my post #25 here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1963826

I hope to post a complete set from my sailing on the 11th.

What a great upgrade...grab it now!

Especially since the larger angled balconies are all in good locations, though you can always check the S-Class cabin list above to see if any specific issue has been noted. The only AQ cabins I would avoid are right up front and under the gym, never noticed additional movement from being on a higher deck.

 

Here is a complete set of menus with photos of food, in this photo album from back in Nov '10. http://sailing.smugmug.com/Celebrity-Eclipse-November/MenusFood/14850454_UchZ4#!i=1111441577&k=SkfCgfm

 

And another 10 day set, with hotlinks to a photos set. https://docs.google.com/folderview?id=0B5BK-JzLUuM2YzIzOWI0OWYtZWE5Ny00NWRiLTg2NTctNGRiMDllNzNkZDMx&usp=drive_web&hl=enbrowerok%3Dtrue

 

Sorry these are not current, but many of these dishes are still offered. There are 14 days of menus which are rotated. It will give you an idea of the way the food is prepared, the servings are generous, and with Blu having its own kitchen nearby, you can easily make special requests. The decor, smaller space, open seating and smart casual dress are all added benefits to the fantastic food in Blu, and as many have mentioned breakfast is wonderful!