SeaHunt

SHIP: Reflection

CABIN #: 1519

DECK #: 11

CLASS: A2 AQUA

AREA: Forward Port side

BED NEAR: Bath

QUIET? VERY

BALCONY VIEW: Unobstructed

BALCONY SIZE: Nice/Normal/2 Chairs, both w/footstools, Table

WIND A PROBLEM: No

SOOT A PROBLEM: No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: Loved this stateroom, and would book it again. Super quiet. Noticed friends in cabin next door (1521) had their TV volume set fairly loud (due to his hearing loss), but we never heard a peep of it in our room. Worried that cabin might be too far forward, but found no problem for us. Noticed NO cabin "wear and tear" anywhere - all furnishings looked brand new. Flat screen TV could be swiveled to watch from bed. Beautiful balcony view, could even see the port navigation bridge farther forward and sometimes watched officers in there when leaving/arriving ports. Lovely relaxing cruise on beautiful ship!

Last week on Reflection, the Bistro on 5 was nearly empty most of the time. I thought it was closed but the staff was there waiting for diners. The Porch was dead too.

Same in December. Actually I did see some staff members dining in Bistro a couple times - though maybe they were there to try and draw others in. ;)

Happy Birthday to Norris :D

(Upon second glance, this muppet Happy Birthday opera singer resembles a shipboard maitre d' we've sailed with before LOL)

I got Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, which I've never heard of.

Me too!! Must be an Ohio thing - I'm originally from Ohio (now in FL) :D

Nothing like that on the Reflection in December.

 

Laura

The December 12 sailing did :) Here's the info I posted previously on another thread:

:

I just checked the dailies from our December 12 Reflection sailing - this is how it was listed on the "Celebrity Life Activities Highlights" on the front page (for Tuesday December 15, 2015 St Thomas)::

 

Society Presents Glastonbury

10:00pm Lawn Club Deck 15

Imagine Glastonbury or a modern day Woodstock with live music, camping tents and beer on tap. Glastonbury Festival is the only greenfield music and performing arts festival at sea, featuring the music of Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Alanis Morissette & more. This evening, Celebrity law still applies, but the rules of society are a bit different. Wine & beer, flip flops & bare feet.

But then again OP, maybe not quite the "concert" you are looking for ;)

Noon TV news (Orlando station) had tons of videos of damage reports from the storms/possible tornadoes down there this morning, including a semi truck blown over on I 95. Also said 28,000 without power.

Glad you didn't have major troubles while docking this AM, and hope everyone gets home safely.

had a noon flight out of fll off of the refection this past december. walked off the ship at 8:15 with luggage. took a taxi.got on 95 and the traffic stopped!!!they were doing some road repair. cabbie used the berm of road to get off the next exit and took alternate route to airport. total time was about 1 hour 10 minutes.made it to fll with plenty of time to spare.

Was this the December 12 sailing (flight 12/19)? We were in a big traffic jam on I 95 that day after leaving the Reflection/port parking garage.

We had friends who sailed with us who were flying out of FLL (11:20 flight with Delta, booked through ChoiceAir), and we were really worried that they wouldn't make their flight due to the traffic - but they called us when they got back home and said their shuttle driver just zipped through back streets and got them to the airport in plenty of time.

They used SAS shuttle (ridesas) @ $15pp both coming from FLL airport to our pre-cruise Miami hotel (JW Marriott Marquis Miami, wonderful), and then back from Miami to the FLL airport.

We all did self disembarkation, and left our rooms around 6:15 with all luggage (no breakfast on board for us this morning). My husband piggybacked two wheeled cases and I wheeled one. We went to the designated place and waited quite a while, then out on deck and waited again in another line. Pretty chilly that morning too. Finally allowed off (have your seapass with you, they scan it right before you get to the gangway - some people ahead of us had left theirs in their cabin and were having quite a conversation with an officer, don't know outcome of that). Off the gangway it was like the Indy 500 - everyone in quite a hurry - probably because of everyone with early flights).

We got to an area with an elevator and an escalator down to customs. I have a wonky knee and thought I'd better use the elevator, but there was quite a line, so I went on the escalator instead. I looked back at my husband behind me when the guard started saying - AFTER my husband was already on the escalator - that "if you have more than one suitcase you must use the elevator". Oh well, husband's two piggybacked cases were already on, can't turn around now.

I felt pretty good that we were on safely when BOOM... the escalator came to an immediate stop with people screaming. OMG what happened? Someone down further in front of us had fallen, and then more people had fallen over them. Everyone else just stayed where they were so others at the bottom could help clear the steps (apparently no one was injured, or at least I didn't see anyone taken away).

Finally the guard down at the bottom of the escalator yelled that we were going to have to walk the rest of the way down, so people started walking down the steps. Remember my wonky knee? Ugh. I s-l-o-w-l-y started down like a sideways crab, pulling/lugging my heavy suitcase down behind me on each escalator step (kaBOOM, kaBOOM, kaBOOM) followed by my husband and his kaBOOMBOOM, kaBOOMBOOM. The guard at the bottom was watching me struggle and then came up a few steps when I was almost down and helped me the rest of the way.

I can't remember if I even thanked her, but I really did appreciate it! I'd like to apologize if I held anyone behind me up also. What an exit! :o

Norris, between the photography, the travelogue, the humour, and the classic rock, this may be my favourite cc review…er Gentleman's Seafaring Journal... of all.

ITA and Adair anyone to do a better job. :D

(You can tell I'm a southern girl when "Adair" sounds like "I dare" LOL)

Since you appreciate the ship's art, if you are ever on the Reflection (;)) be sure and closely check out the picture hanging on the wall outside of Blu.

While not exactly "art", it's still worth a look!

You might already know all about it, but it's something that most don't pay much attention to. I would have never noticed it either, but a UK poster "lenbest" posted about it and I made a note to find it when we were on the Reflection.

We watched it after leaving breakfast at Blu one morning, and had quite a crowd join in wondering what we were so focused on. Then the "ohhhhh wows" started.

I found a youtube video that shows part of it - but I won't spoil the rest of what happens!

You can see how close you have to get to really see what is going on - it's too bad the video taker wasn't able to cut the glare off the glass. ;)

Our SV on the Solstice (8351) had a balcony the same size as all others. Looking at the middle two cabins on a deck plan, I see no 'broom closet' and the balconies don't look any larger than ours was.

Bob278 previously posted this picture of the Solstice aft - if you were in 8351 look 2 rooms over to 8344 to see the extra space:

Note: Be careful using this photo if booking the Reflection and Silhouette - they seem to have different cabin numbers than the photo above. I have booked 7366 on the Silhouette, which is 7364 in the Solstice picture above. :)

I just checked the dailies from our December 12 Reflection sailing - this is how it was listed on the "Celebrity Life Activities Highlights" on the front page (for Tuesday December 15, 2015 St Thomas)::

Society Presents Glastonbury

10:00pm Lawn Club Deck 15

Imagine Glastonbury or a modern day Woodstock with live music, camping tents and beer on tap. Glastonbury Festival is the only greenfield music and performing arts festival at sea, featuring the music of Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Alanis Morissette & more. This evening, Celebrity law still applies, but the rules of society are a bit different. Wine & beer, flip flops & bare feet.

I just wanted to tell you that instead of the Noro virus I have been diagnosed with the Norris virus! The symptoms are refreshing your computer screen over and over, hoping for a new installment from Norris! :D

In December we will be on the Silhouette in an SV (7366), but I checked and your 7309 S1 down the hall is still open for or sailing, and is very enticing after seeing your photos and video. I would be honored to stay in the "Norris & Carol Suite" (with it's stripper pole/magnet holder, wow)!

I posted this product on another recent thread, but you might want to try Motioneaze. All natural, no side effects:

http://motioneaze.com/

Works great for me!

Like so many other former Celebrity cruisers, why not switch to Oceania where there is no charge for specialty restaurants (that are actually special) and the food is so much better in all venues.

Plus the recommended dress onboard Oceania is resort or country club casual = no dress polls needed over on the Oceania board. :)

To my fellow motion sickness sufferers, when I read about seasickness I always have to mention a product I use called "Motioneaze" - it's wonderful! You just place a couple drops behind each ear (it's an all natural herbal oil) and voila, no motion problems.

You can use it prior to sailing, or it will help in about 5 minutes if you're already queasy. The charter fishing guys down here all keep it aboard in case their customers have problems as it helps keep them catching fish instead of "feeding" them LOL.

The only con that I have found is that you notice a sort of lavender-herbal type aroma for a couple minutes after you apply it (fades away), but other that that, you're golden - instead of green!

http://motioneaze.com/

It is possible that different states have different versions of coverage?

I think this could be the culprit. ;)

I noticed when I looked at the Doc from the link above it shows in the heading "2014-11-19-Final-Choice-33 States" and is 38 pages.

But when I used my state (Florida) for the quote, the Doc heading is "2014-11-17-Final-Choice-FL" and the sole itinerary change info listed is on page 14 (of 17 pages):

ITINERARY CHANGE

In the event a Cruise/Travel Supplier makes a change in Your Trip itinerary after Your actual departure date that prevents You from participating in an event/activity pre-paid prior to departure and scheduled on Your Trip itinerary, nonrefundable pre-paid event/activity expenses will be reimbursed up to the Maximum Benefit shown on the Confirmation of Coverage.

Benefits will not be paid if the event/activity is rescheduled during the course of the Trip.

Verification by the Cruise/Travel Supplier of the change in the scheduled Trip itinerary will be necessary for claim

payment.

*******

To check the difference I used Ohio for my residence in another quote, and I got the other terms:

ITINERARY CHANGE

In the event a Cruise makes a Change in Your Trip Itinerary prior to Your actual departure date we will pay up to the Maximum Benefit shown on the Confirmation of Coverage.

Change in Your Trip Itinerary shall mean the Cruise has a documented change of Port of Call from the scheduled itinerary.

Verification by the Cruise of the change in the scheduled Trip Itinerary will be necessary for claim payment.

ITINERARY CHANGE – INCONVENIENCE

In the event a Cruise makes a Change in Your Trip Itinerary after Your actual departure date we will pay up to the Maximum Benefit shown on the Confirmation of Coverage.

Change in Your Trip Itinerary shall mean the Cruise has a documented; 1) fire; or 2) mechanical breakdown; or 3) virus that

affects 30% or more passengers; or 4) an event on board that suspends 30% or more of the ship’s services for 24 hours; or 5) a delay leaving or arriving at/from a Port of Call of more than 3 hours from the scheduled itinerary.

Verification by the Cruise of the change in the scheduled Trip itinerary will be necessary for claim payment.

ITINERARY CHANGE – PRE-PAID EXCURSION

In the event a Cruise makes ca hange in Your Trip itinerary after Your actual departure date that prevents You from participating in an event/activity pre-paid prior to departure and scheduled on Your Trip itinerary, nonrefundable pre-paid event/activity expenses will be reimbursed up to the Maximum Benefit shown on the Confirmation of Coverage.

Benefits will not be paid if the event/activity is rescheduled during the course of the Trip.

Verification by the Cruise of the change in the scheduled Trip itinerary will be necessary for claim payment.

*******

So I guess for me to be able to get the better coverage I would need to leave Florida LOL.

(Just noting that I just bought insurance for my next cruise through Travel Safe because I like the "primary" payer option (they pay first).

I think I must have received the same - does yours start out with:

Dear Valued Guest,

We are inviting a select group of guests to participate in a survey regarding the ports of call you visited on your recent cruise vacation. W e are always striving to improve our products and services and y our participation in this survey will help us to enhance the Royal Caribbean vacation experience.

This survey will only take about 5 minutes to complete. We hope you'll make your opinion count as your feedback is very important to us.

I also thought "what the heck?" LOL.

They must mean my 12/12/15 Reflection sailing, because my last RCI sailing was the Allure last December 2014.

At least it's probably not a phishing scam.:p

BTW friends sailing with us requested a copy of their Reflection Seapass account after sailing from the celebrityonetouch email address, and that was also answered by "RCCL Folio".

Sorry I'm not 100% sure, but I booked four adjoining SV cabins on deck 7 of the Silhouette (7319,7366,7364,7362) for next December, and when I was researching to help choose my cabins I bookmarked this picture posted by GKM of the Equinox(?) with the aft balcony dividers opened (top row in picture, probably C1 cat?) - hopefully all 4 of my SV staterooms many decks below will do the same :D

I know the OP doesn't want to use the cruise bus, but I thought I would post this link for anyone else reading this thread who might be interested in the Cruise Connection bus service in Florida:

http://www.cruiseconnection.travel/

The pastries are included (and fabulous) also. On our latest Reflection cruise they would usually have 3 different types of cookies, and if you want to take some back to your room, they would place whatever you chose in a little sack.

My skinny husband would load up on the Macadamia Nut ones, but I have to warn you - he gained 17 pounds on this cruise! :eek:

Thanks for the great video, please hurry we're all ready to see the rest!

(How many others here saw the "Wet Varnish" sign on the balcony door and were thinking "Ohhh! Watch it! Watch out! Don't touch the railing!" when you guys stepped out there the first time LOL)

I think in a real emergency, they want you to go directly to your station. There are life jackets there. That is what I read any way. They don't want you going through danger to retrieve your life jacket.

Yep, and these 2009/2012 CC articles help explain Royal Caribbean's position on storing the Oasis and Allure life jackets at muster stations:

2009:

In a recent blog entry, Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain revealed that when Oasis of the Seas debuts this winter, life jackets will be stowed solely at muster stations rather than in passenger staterooms.

<and>

The vests-in-cabins plan could simply be a holdover from the days when ships were smaller and deck areas couldn't accommodate the jackets.

Fain writes, "We have the space ... the advantages are so overwhelming that you have to wonder why we haven't done this before. The only answer we have come up with is that we never looked at this process as carefully before Oasis.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3343

2012:

"On some ships, including Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, life jackets are kept at the muster stations rather than in individual cabins; ship safety officials made the switch for a couple reasons. One was that in a real emergency, forcing thousands of passengers back to their cabins to grab their life vests would work against an evacuation. Another had to do with dangerous dangling belts. "'Slips, trips and falls' during the drills was one of the most cited reasons cruise lines gave us for the change," said Brad Schoenwald, Senior Marine Inspector for the U.S. Coast Guard's Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise. "Passengers would slip on a belt strap on the way down the stairs, and you'd potentially have an injury."

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4719

Don't be jealous I'm still in line too

They're walking by offering that

It will get to you soon lol

Sandwiches and cold drinks now

Just took a group for a bathroom break

Escorted to elevator escorted to bathroom downstairs

Escorted back to place in line

Oh also said they turned air down since we were all cooking here with the big windows

Per rep Customs and border control doing a regulatory inspection of the ship

Can do at anytime decided to do today

Don't know how long

Water and snacks coming