Time to Reflect

[spav01]

Hi all,

this was our first Solstice Class cruise, having been on Summit twice before. I agree with the poster who said 3 nights was not enough.

The ship in a word: stunning. Love does not come close to describing how I felt about the ship.

We were in Concierge Class, had an excellent and unobtrusive cabin steward (Sudi). My partner and I agreed that the lack of drawers would make it a bit more of a challenge on longer cruises to store everything. Also, taking out the mirrors made the cabin feel smaller, despite the fact it is the same size as those on Millennium Class.

We had dinner at Opus (MDR) 2 nights, and found the food and service to be as excellent as always. We had dinner our final night at Qsine. I should mention we were traveling with friends and their family, so there were 11 of us at Qsine. Amazing, simply amazing.

As this was my first Solstice Class ship, I have no opinion regarding cutting the Sky Lounge in half.

Now, the only negative we found, and it was a big one, was trying to get a drink. Every bar we went to, and we went to Sunset, Martini, Molecular, Cellar Masters, and Ensemble, as well as the Sky Lounge, took FOREVER to get served. There were so few cocktail staff it sometimes took up to 30 minutes to get served. I do not know if that is a staffing issue or a training issue, but they need to fix it fast, because everyone I was with, and all the people we met, felt the same way. The staff that they had worked very hard, don't get me wrong, but it just seemed that having 2 bartenders at Martini Bar/Crush, and 2 "waiters" (the ones who go in back to make drinks) was far from sufficient. In the Sky Lounge, 3 cocktail servers strolling around. Seriously! At the pool, one server chatting up guests for 20 minutes at a time instead of taking drink orders. The only time we had responsive service was sitting at the bar in the Ensemble Lounge.

We also were never given a comment card, so I will be calling Captains Club or something to give them my comments.

So that's it. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, we had the Premium Drink package, and I will do that on every future Celebrity cruise. Between the wines, molecular drinks, specialty coffees, canned sodas, and martinis, it was well worth it.

Did not use the spa or fitness center, but the latter was big and inviting. Loved the Solarium, except for lack of the adults-only enforcement. The child was well behaved, but still.

[spav01]

One other thing: the "Edith Anne" Adirondack chairs in the Lawn Club were AWESOME!

[Lois R]

One other thing: the "Edith Anne" Adirondack chairs in the Lawn Club were AWESOME!

 

Hi Michael, I know those chairs were fun:D

 

I have 2 friends who also ate in Qsine the final night. They had about

20 in their group and it was my friends first time eating there. I told

them it was ALOT of food:eek:....I don't think they believed me before

they went;)

 

The bars did seem to be lacking bartenders.....I wonder if HQ did not

realize how busy this cruise would be:confused:

[lhbsurf]

Hi all,

this was our first Solstice Class cruise, having been on Summit twice before. I agree with the poster who said 3 nights was not enough.

The ship in a word: stunning. Love does not come close to describing how I felt about the ship.

We were in Concierge Class, had an excellent and unobtrusive cabin steward (Sudi). My partner and I agreed that the lack of drawers would make it a bit more of a challenge on longer cruises to store everything. Also, taking out the mirrors made the cabin feel smaller, despite the fact it is the same size as those on Millennium Class.

We had dinner at Opus (MDR) 2 nights, and found the food and service to be as excellent as always. We had dinner our final night at Qsine. I should mention we were traveling with friends and their family, so there were 11 of us at Qsine. Amazing, simply amazing.

As this was my first Solstice Class ship, I have no opinion regarding cutting the Sky Lounge in half.

Now, the only negative we found, and it was a big one, was trying to get a drink. Every bar we went to, and we went to Sunset, Martini, Molecular, Cellar Masters, and Ensemble, as well as the Sky Lounge, took FOREVER to get served. There were so few cocktail staff it sometimes took up to 30 minutes to get served. I do not know if that is a staffing issue or a training issue, but they need to fix it fast, because everyone I was with, and all the people we met, felt the same way. The staff that they had worked very hard, don't get me wrong, but it just seemed that having 2 bartenders at Martini Bar/Crush, and 2 "waiters" (the ones who go in back to make drinks) was far from sufficient. In the Sky Lounge, 3 cocktail servers strolling around. Seriously! At the pool, one server chatting up guests for 20 minutes at a time instead of taking drink orders. The only time we had responsive service was sitting at the bar in the Ensemble Lounge.

We also were never given a comment card, so I will be calling Captains Club or something to give them my comments.

So that's it. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, we had the Premium Drink package, and I will do that on every future Celebrity cruise. Between the wines, molecular drinks, specialty coffees, canned sodas, and martinis, it was well worth it.

Did not use the spa or fitness center, but the latter was big and inviting. Loved the Solarium, except for lack of the adults-only enforcement. The child was well behaved, but still.

 

On the TA, we found the bar issue like you describe only during the 5-7pm elite cocktail hours. We intentionally avoided all bars except Molecular during this time. We found the bar staff to be delightful, especially in Martini and Casino Bars. I know MANY people had a similar experience and left their comments (I did twice, since they gave us a comment card early in the cruise as well.) I hope they will figure it out soon, as it really does impact your impression of the bars....I was glad we were on the ship long enough (9 straight at sea days and 11 total does give one time to explore the ship lol) to try them out during different times of the day.

[lhbsurf]

We really enjoyed eating at The Porch. There is a $5 charge, however, desserts are included - the cupcakes that they charge $2.50 for downstairs in the Gelato area (forget what they called it sorry), were free and yummy!!!

 

In the mornings, the peace and quiet and lovely view were well worth $5 - we loved it!!!

 

Attached if it loads (I'm not too good with photos) is the view from our table at The Porch.

[Tina0922]

Lois & Michael....How did you guys arrange dinner in the specialty resturaunts for lg #? I was told they could not sit my group of 11 together! Did you guys sit at different tables but next to one another or did they put tables together? We all have select dinning as well & I already called Celebrity to tell them we want to be together each night. I booked it for everyone but was told even though I did this last month I still needed to double check when I board to make sure. This is the only time we ALL want to be together so I'm trying to make it work....Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

Tina

[Wine-O]

There are also small smoking sections portside in the Sunset Bar area, portside near Pool Bar, and starboard at Mast Bar.

 

On the last two cruises, one on M-Class, and one on S-Class, they moved the smoking section on the Pool Deck to the back aft section on the Port side, away from the Pool Bar. I think the reason is that when it was adjacent to the bar area, smoke would draft into the Solarium and T-Pool area when the sliding doors opened.

[Lois R]

Lois & Michael....How did you guys arrange dinner in the specialty resturaunts for lg #? I was told they could not sit my group of 11 together! Did you guys sit at different tables but next to one another or did they put tables together? We all have select dinning as well & I already called Celebrity to tell them we want to be together each night. I booked it for everyone but was told even though I did this last month I still needed to double check when I board to make sure. This is the only time we ALL want to be together so I'm trying to make it work....Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

Tina

 

Hi Tina, I did not have a big group. My dinner at The Lawn Club Grille?

4 people. That's it.....

 

I do know other folks who had large groups but I honestly don't

know how/who planned it. I know 2 of my friends were on the ship

with their TA, who booked it and I believe she is the one who booked

their dinner.....I know they ate in Qsine and those tables can

definitely accomadate large parties.

[Sanatee]

On the last two cruises, one on M-Class, and one on S-Class, they moved the smoking section on the Pool Deck to the back aft section on the Port side, away from the Pool Bar. I think the reason is that when it was adjacent to the bar area, smoke would draft into the Solarium and T-Pool area when the sliding doors opened.

 

Not on Reflection....it was portside next to pool bar

[Wine-O]

Not on Reflection....it was portside next to pool bar

 

That probably won't last too long as I'm sure there will be plenty of folks complaining about the smoke drafting into the Solarium.

[Sanatee]

Lois & Michael....How did you guys arrange dinner in the specialty resturaunts for lg #? I was told they could not sit my group of 11 together! Did you guys sit at different tables but next to one another or did they put tables together? We all have select dinning as well & I already called Celebrity to tell them we want to be together each night. I booked it for everyone but was told even though I did this last month I still needed to double check when I board to make sure. This is the only time we ALL want to be together so I'm trying to make it work....Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

Tina

 

We had 2 groups of 20-25 on the Ref TA for the Lawn Club Grill. We started out with the dining staff in Miami, who like most Miami staff were semi-clueless, but they did get us dates and times. Don't bother to go beyond that with them. As soon as you board go to the maitre d' where you have reservations and make final arrangements. Jordan in LCG and Andrea in Qsine were super accomodating about putting tables together for 11-12 people. :) Make sure you have names and cabin numbers or booking numbers for your group. The dinners worked out great!

[librarylady19]

This article from Frommers - with slideshow - is fantastic!!!

 

http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=1264&p=1

 

I challenge you not to want to sail on this ship:)

[gambee]

This article from Frommers - with slideshow - is fantastic!!!

 

http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=1264&p=1

 

I challenge you not to want to sail on this ship:)

 

thanks for sharing, I loved the base of the tree.

[boogs]

This article from Frommers - with slideshow - is fantastic!!!

 

http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=1264&p=1

 

I challenge you not to want to sail on this ship:)

 

Nice article. Unfortunately, on the first page they call the ship "Silhouette". The quote goes: "Celebrity already had the world's most stylish megaships in Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, and especially last year's Celebrity Silhouette, but in introducing the fifth and final Solstice-class sister, Celebrity Silhouette, they've raised the bar just a little bit higher."

 

That could cause a bit of confusion to people unfamiliar with these ships.

 

Other mistakes are stating that the lawn is on deck 12 when it's on deck 15. They state that there are eight alcoves instead of the ten that are there (two more have been added). The call the main dining room the "Grand Cuvee" Dining Room, but it is actually called "Opus". There are more mistakes, but you get the idea.

 

To me, when a publication publishes an article like this, they should get the facts straight because people may make decisions on what they think is an accurate description.

[didicruiser]

I just got off of the Reflection a couple of hours ago. Great ship-great cruise. The entertainment was one of the best that I have seen except for the juggler. 10 mins would have been fine but 45 mins was awful. Many people walked out. We ate in the MDR 6 nights and the food was good. One night in Qsine- outstanding. If anyone has any questions, I will try to answer.

[librarylady19]

Nice article. Unfortunately, on the first page they call the ship "Silhouette". The quote goes: "Celebrity already had the world's most stylish megaships in Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, and especially last year's Celebrity Silhouette, but in introducing the fifth and final Solstice-class sister, Celebrity Silhouette, they've raised the bar just a little bit higher."

 

That could cause a bit of confusion to people unfamiliar with these ships.

 

Other mistakes are stating that the lawn is on deck 12 when it's on deck 15. They state that there are eight alcoves instead of the ten that are there (two more have been added). The call the main dining room the "Grand Cuvee" Dining Room, but it is actually called "Opus". There are more mistakes, but you get the idea.

 

To me, when a publication publishes an article like this, they should get the facts straight because people may make decisions on what they think is an accurate description.

 

I guess I missed a couple of those error Boogs. I was too excited to see the photos and glowing review I guess. A source like frommers should definitely get their facts straight.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[librarylady19]

I just got off of the Reflection a couple of hours ago. Great ship-great cruise. The entertainment was one of the best that I have seen except for the juggler. 10 mins would have been fine but 45 mins was awful. Many people walked out. We ate in the MDR 6 nights and the food was good. One night in Qsine- outstanding. If anyone has any questions, I will try to answer.

 

Great to hear!! Don't think k would go to a juggler anyways. What were your favorite shows/entertainment and what times were the Theatre shows scheduled?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[didicruiser]

Great to hear!! Don't think k would go to a juggler anyways. What were your favorite shows/entertainment and what times were the Theatre shows scheduled?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The shows were at 8:45 and 10:45 for after fixed seating times. The show was before late seating on the last night. The shows were some of the best that I have seen with a broadway style productions and acrobats. The late night comedian was funny but there was only a 2 show availability in a small venue so many people were not able to see him.

[librarylady19]

thanks. I'm very happy to heat that the shows are later and of good quality. Do you remember the comedians name by chance?

 

The comedians on Eclipse last year were one of the highlights for us and we remember how crowded it got - will make a note to get there early!!!

[historyfounder]

Really appreciate the work you did on the Celebrity Silhouette Staterooms. Could you add 6103 and 6114?

 

Jack

"historyfounder"

 

Pueblo, CO

Sailing on the Silhouette on 26 September, Rome.

[librarylady19]

Really appreciate the work you did on the Celebrity Silhouette Staterooms. Could you add 6103 and 6114?

 

Jack

"historyfounder"

 

Pueblo, CO

Sailing on the Silhouette on 26 September, Rome.

 

Thanks! I will be happy to add them if you post cabin reports to the S class cabin sticky.

[historyfounder]

Thanks! I will be happy to add them if you post cabin reports to the S class cabin sticky.

 

Sorry, I'm internet savvy, but new here and can't find the S Class cabin sticky. I found the spread sheet.

[Lois R]

Sorry, I'm internet savvy, but new here and can't find the S Class cabin sticky. I found the spread sheet.

 

Hi, welcome to the boards:) the sticky is at the top of this page.

Here is a link:D....it is ALOT of pages......

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=911018