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2 minutes ago, davekathy said:

IMO, obviously Celebrity doesn't share your opinion. 

Celebrity needs to stay in business. I understand their issue very well.  It doesn't make it any less rude, or potentially a danger to their staff and cruising in general.   The first ship with a major outbreak may end cruising for everyone for years.  Masking is a small price to pay to keep on cruising.

I am used to being forward facing to the public in crowds at trade and consumer shows.   My first concern is me and my staff.   I now cheerfully hand masks out for free to people who come to my booth.   I buy them in cases of 1000.  If they are indifferent to the well being of me and my booth staff, they can go elsewhere.     

On 2/28/2022 at 9:57 AM, Dreamcruise27 said:

Just wondering if people are wearing/planning on continuing to wear masks on-board. 
 

If you are currently onboard, please let me know what it’s like on the ship! 
 

Thank you!

I wear a mask indoors.  Even on Reflection right now with under 900 passengers, and especially when talking to staff.  They are mostly double masked - all day!   It's rude, imo, to possibly put them at risk.   I don't wear one outdoors, and of course at meals.  Most people on board aren't masked anywhere.

5 hours ago, Scrst said:

I know the Mediterranean cruises have not yet started, but does anyone have info if tours other than those of Celebrity, will be allowed!

Why not?  As long as you covered - vaccine and testing - according to whatever the Italian and EU rules are at the time, you can do whatever you want on shore.

Yesterday was Nassau.  I don't need to review the stop, I'm sure we've all been there at least once.   There is construction at the port so there's a longer walk to get to the town.   The vendors who used to be right by the port entrance are now to the left and up a block.   The Straw market is still there but was maybe half full.   One of the vendors told is they just re-opened a month ago.

LOL! But don't worry, Diamonds International, Columbian Emeralds, Tanzanite International, Little Switzerland, and Del Sol are still there!

One more thing masks are required everywhere by ordinance , including on the street.  Many stores we went into also insisted on our using hand sanitizer as soon as we walked in.

On 2/28/2022 at 7:52 AM, Mimiya11 said:

We are heading aboard in a few weeks and hoping it is not full.   Would be nice to find a shady spot by the pool without having to wake up early to find one. But understand how weird it would feel when the ship is not as energized as when it is full.   

I guess one of the staff told you how many onboard?    

Noonish on a sea day.   This is just bizarre.

2 hours ago, bandp407 said:

Following. .. We sail her again on March 26th. Hoping to once again enjoy the low passenger counts. It won’t last forever! 
 

Have a fabulous cruise! 

I think I would like it with more people.  It is a bit subdued.  But definitely no problem getting a chaise in the shade by the pool!

We are in 3 aft concierge cabins.  We opened the doors between us.  It is really comfortable.  The buffet had some great ethnic options like Indian (a personal favorite) and Mexican.  It was difficult not to eat everything.   Breakfast today was also exceptional.  There were the usually expected stuff - omelet bar and eggs benedict bar.  The cheese choices (another favorite) have been wonderful.   Tonight we try the main dining room and the show.

Bimini is pretty, but nothing to write home about.  This is obviously just a substitute stop.   The itinerary of this cruise changed several times before sailing.  Pretty much it's just a beach stop.  Take the free trolly to the beautiful public beach and either sit on the towels the ship supplies or rent two chaises and an umbrella for $30.

With less than 1000 passengers. this ship feels empty.  Sort of like 11 am boarding day before most of the passengers have come aboard.  As I write this at 8:30 an at our first port, the outside seating aft of the buffet has only 10 tables taken out of maybe 40.   We used to have trouble finding seats here. It feels weird.

Otoh, the staff is top notch as alwsys.  Everyone welcomes us back and is extraordinarily helpful as always.  As is our usual habit we eat at the buffet on embarkation day, and it didn't disappoint.  A huge array of choices that were fabulous.   I can't speak to the desserts but our friends devoured them.  Give me ice cream, those wonderful chocolate cookies, and maybe a piece of chocolate cake and I am more than happy.

The acoustic guitar duo yesterday at the sunset bar was a great way to start off the trip with my first martini of the week.

Masking is optional on this cruise.  I personally, am a proponent of mask wearing.  But with so few people and no crowding, I haven't felt at risk   Mine has only been on in elevators, when we have been face to face with the staff who are all mostly double masked, and indoors at a presentation or the casino.

Soooooo glad to be back on Celebrity. It is different, but still the same comfortable vacation I have come to expect.  

More later.

We are finally getting back on Celebrity, our last cruise was August 2019.    I will miss the Captain's Club cocktail hours in the lounge.  We met lots of interesting people over the years and heard about great destinations and cruises we hadn't been to.    

Thanks for the info.  We are leaving on Reflection in a few days.  We have aft balcony cabins (3 couples) and we are all bringing two tests per person just in case one - or all of us -  start to feel symptoms.   We are leaving nothing to chance.  Actually, one of my greatest fears is that some cleaning product or scent will start me sneezing - it happens to me in certain hotel chains - and people will think I have covid!

Sounds great!  We'll be on Reflection next weekend!

Also following, we'll be boarding February 26!

I have been using one for years.  I always talk to the same agent. He has warned me about possible issues, handled refunds and price changes for me, and has been responsive to any and all questions we have had.   We frequently travel with other couples. He coordinates our reservations and makes sure our cabins are on the right side of the ship for the itinerary we're on.  

Plus, he always finds us the best prices.   We are on Reflection next month and he got us 3 concierge cabins in a row on the aft deck for 200pp less than Celebrity wanted for the "we assign you a cabin" price in the same category.     If there is a way to PM, I would give out his number to anyone who asked.

For anyone who hasn't done New Zealand - you must go!  It was one of the prettiest places I had ever seen.  I don't have a bucket or wish list, I know that sounds odd.   I just want to keep traveling.  Some of my best cruises were ones we booked because we had time and there was an interesting cruise when we had the time to go.   

We had previously done one cruise a year, and then at least one land trip.    We are finally hoping to get back into that mode this year.

I was glad to not bring formal wear when formal nights were eliminated.  It cuts out one suitcase for traveling.   On a Caribbean cruise I'll bring a couple of fun colorful skirts and nice t shirts or tanks to mix and match with them.   DH wears nice chinos or pants and a button down shirt.   We are taking a 1 week cruise on Reflection in one 24 inch suitcase and a carry on.   We could do it in carry ons but I like to have extra shoes!    

On 1/27/2022 at 2:07 PM, TeeRick said:

Just bring a screwdriver.  Just kidding.  Ask your cabin attendant once onboard to see if it is allowed for those cabins.   

LOL!  I set up booths at convention centers for part of my work.  I have a small tool kit in every purse I own.  When we travel I have to empty out my bag before we leave to make sure I don't have anything sharp or not allowed on airplanes.   With a normal bag, I could probably do it.   I suppose it's best if I ask the stewards! 🙂

1 minute ago, sptrout said:

Sorry cannot able to fairly comment on the types of entertainment that you mentioned; not our thing.

 

There is a very good 6 member band in the main theater that has played backup every night. 

Thanks!  We are pretty open about music.  We just like the vibe of live music being performed.

We have three aft Concierge cabins next to each other booked on Reflection February 26.  Can the dividers be opened so we have essentially one large balcony for the three cabins?    The three couples often travel together and we figured that if any of us were uncomfortable on deck during sea days or the evening, we could have our own space and just order room service.

4 hours ago, sptrout said:

The other posters are both correct. The Reflection sailing now only has 841 passengers (per the Cruise Director). With so few passengers even one show has very small crowds. We feel sorry for the performers to have to play to a nearly empty theater; very difficult to get the small and scattered audience fired up. 

 

The CD has managed to have different shows each of our 10 evenings. A few hits and misses, but considering what has to be a limited entertainment budget the majority of the shows have been good. 

How is the live music?   Tbh, I like a piano bar or live music best.  I loved the cruises where they had music at the back bar behind the buffet.

On 1/24/2022 at 6:54 PM, sptrout said:

I am on the Reflection also and there is one show in the main theater and it is at 9 PM each night. 

That's annoying.   We always eat late dinner.   We sometimes end up closing the dining room!  Are they any good?  I may never get to a show. 

I'll miss the HH in the Sky lounge if they don't start it for our cruise next month.   We usually travel with two other couples and it was our meeting spot before dinner for a cocktail and snack.

On 1/23/2022 at 4:40 PM, hiccups said:

We are booked on Reflection for 2/26, and had Key West replaced with Bimini last month.  I'm surprised any itineraries are still showing Key West.

We just booked that cruise this morning after our Azamara cruise was canceled.   I only half expect us to have any stops once we get started.   I just want to spend a week not being cold.

I've never done Elite breakfast.  All I ever really eat for breakfast is coffee, toast, and fruit.  I go to the buffet and take it outside.   I would love it if they set up tables by the pool for dinner like on the Azamara ships.  Especially on a Caribbean cruise, I would always rather be outside.

• We have three couples traveling on Reflection at the end of February.  We have three aft balcony cabins next to each other.   I don't even care if we cruise to nowhere right now.  My Azamara  cruise was canceled and I just need to get out!   I will mask up and be careful, and even call room service if I'm uncomfortable for my meals, but I am getting away for a week.

So glad to hear!  I literally just booked Reflection for a week on February 26 after our Azamara Cruise was cancelled.  We just want to be warm and away for a bit.   Tbh, I don't even care where the ship goes.   We took three of the aft deck concierge cabins.   I have never gotten one of those so close to sailing, not to mention getting three together for our group!    We are OK with the masking and anything else.