Just back from Silhouette. Observations

[macruisefan]

Celebrity Silhouette- Western Caribbean, June 13th – 20th

In lieu of a trip report, I instead submit the following list of arbitrary observations and conclusions.

 

Never again will I hurry to be aboard a cruise ship first thing. It was a beautiful Sunday. I relaxed by the pool, enjoyed a nice lunch, and boarded around 2:30. Avoiding the zoo of the Ocean View Café, and being able to go to my stateroom right away was so relaxing. I had a whole week to enjoy being on board, I did not feel like I missed out one bit by boarding mid-afternoon.

 

Sky Suite 2148 is a wonderful room. I love the corner aft balcony, and having the complete overhang was great. I occasionally heard a few chairs sliding around from the outdoor deck above, but nothing that every disturbed me. The walk to the room, on the other hand, THAT’S a P.I.A.!

 

For me, the Butler is of little to no use. I never saw mine after he introduced himself to me. Then again, I had made my spa and specialty restaurant reservations. My fellow traveler contacted her butler one day to try and make a change to a reservation. He was eager, friendly, and entirely incapable of accomplishing the simple task. Ultimately a call to the restaurant took care of it in about 30 seconds.

 

The canapés are overrated and I was usually happy to avoid them. People get excited about the shrimp, but room temperature shrimp that’s been trucked up and down the hall, only to sit on a plate in my room just seems like a bad idea.

 

The Premium Alcoholic Drink Package is a wonderful thing. Not just for the booze, but to get a fresh squeezed O.J. with breakfast, a large bottle of Evian or Pellegrino at any bar, and plenty of wonderful glasses of wine with generous pours, and frequent refills, was great! Of course, those glasses of wine at dinner are what did me in! I lost count of how often they kept refilling the glass! LOL!

 

The Lawn is very nice, but represents a HUGE amount of space that’s sorely underutilized. My prediction is that when it comes time for Solstice class refurbishments in another 5-6 years, you will see most of the lawn disappear. I could see it being replaced with some sort of exclusive enclave a-la The Haven on NCL. I think the bocce courts on either side of the aft might survive, but the big expanse behind the Lawn Club Grill, while attractive, is kind of a waste.

 

The Cabanas seemed quite nice. While they are a little bit of a hike to the pool, they certainly offer an opportunity for a quiet and reserved lounging area. I think it’s totally subjective as to if it’s worth the price.

The Lawn Club Grill is great, but it needs a little more to be as good as it could be. There is no true kitchen, so the offerings are a bit limited. Hence the only option for a “starter” is the flatbread. And while they’re good, who normally gets a flatbread before a large steak or chop? Also, the lack of an actual bar is a bummer if you want to order a drink. They end up trucking it up from one of the other bars, and it takes FOREVER.

 

Qsine was a big miss for us. I was very excited to try it, but the meal was excruciating. I say that because the service was hopelessly slow. I LOVE a leisurely paced meal. But we were seated at 7:40, and at 9:50, we had only received four of the six courses we ordered. In addition, while the menu sounded intriguing, none of the plates we had really delivered. They were good, but not really remarkable. The place was packed, and they seemed to be having a lot of trouble keeping up. I will probably give it another try, but I will book earlier, and probably be more proactive from the beginning with regards to getting our food in a somewhat timelier manner. Personally, I preferred Silk Harvest on Solstice.

 

Tuscan Grill actually exceeded expectations. I had been last year on Solstice, and while it was good, it wasn’t memorable. This time, it was OUTSTANDING. Definitely one of my favorite dining venues on any ship. The service and the meal were very enjoyable.

 

Murano was wonderful as always.

 

I find it disappointing that with six hot tubs and three pools, none of them are open before 7am. I guess I can understand not having one open all night (although I know RCI does). But 7am is actually fairly late for us early risers. It would be awful nice to soak in the hot tub at 6am to start the day.

 

Even more head scratching: the pools open at 7am, but on several days, the towel stands around the pool were not uncovered until after 10am. The explanation? If they open the towels earlier, people will take them ashore. While this may be a real issue, the solution is terrible. Having the pools open, but not providing access to towels is just stupid.

 

As I sat reading one afternoon in the Sky Lounge, all I could think of is Reflection. I wonder if those fancy new suites are subject to the same incessant “thump! thump! thump!” from the basketball court above.

 

Overall, I am still convinced that the Solstice class ships are among the most beautiful at sea.

 

I think I have now officially cruised the Caribbean enough that I truly don’t care where a ship goes. Because when you’re only in port for eight hours, every island is the same. “Hey, look! It’s a Senor Frog’s and Diamonds International”!

 

It’s a sad commentary that the Nathan’s Hot Dog, Quizno’s and DQ in the Falmouth port were packed.

 

Labadee might be my favorite port of call. Get off the ship, wander over to the beach, grab a drink, and relax.

 

Then again, the pool deck on port days is really my favorite port of call! Let everyone else get off, and I’ll enjoy the private pool deck!

 

As an avid blackjack player, it never ceases to amaze me how BAD the casino is on board the ship. I understand the reason, captive audience usually made up of novice gamblers who don’t know better. But the number of mistakes the dealers make is shocking. And the overall way the casino is managed (no new decks of cards, no new shuffles, etc…) would never fly on land. That being said, the staff is generally friendly, and the casino is well laid out.

 

I think having voicemail in your stateroom is great. Especially when travelling with someone in another room. Being able to leave messages is very helpful. However, having messages every time I come in from the Captain’s Club Host, Park West Auctions, and other such drivel is one drawback.

 

I had a wonderful massage on board, but the questionnaire and "interview" is a bit ridiculous. I haven't been grilled that hard by my physician. Look lady, I just want a massage. I fail to see why you need to know my occupation and what "products" I might be using. And no, I'm not interested in purchasing any product on board. Can I pay more to have you not go through this process and just give me the massage?

 

It’s unfortunate that the port building itself in Ft. Lauderdale is such a DUMP. I guess since Celebrity isn’t year round in Port Everglades, they aren’t going to get the best picks of terminals. But that setup is really pretty awful.

That’s all for now. If you have any questions, feel free!

[Mrs_Tiki]

Hi macruisefan, thanks for your report on your cruise. We leave on the Silhouette this Sunday.

Like you, we tried Tuscan on the Solstice and weren't "wowed." Could you recommend the items you enjoyed this time?

I was starting to wonder if I should have booked Qsine, since we have never tried it. But your experience and those reported by other recent Silhouette cruisers make me feel better.

Did you try Bistro on Five or The Porch? We will arrive around noon and typically have our embarkation lunch in Bistro, but were thinking of The Porch as an alternative.

You are so right on this one ~ “Hey, look! It’s a Senor Frog’s and Diamonds International”! :)

[Hazelwoodp]

Your comment about the pool towels brings up a question I have....we are thinking about making our own way to St. John to one of the beaches. Do I need to pack a beach towel?

[gelo7]

Thanks for sharing.

[macruisefan]

[quote name='Mrs_Tiki']Like you, we tried Tuscan on the Solstice and weren't "wowed." Could you recommend the items you enjoyed this time?[/QUOTE]

The onion soup was some of the best I've ever had. I loved the Veal Chop.


[quote name='Mrs_Tiki']Did you try Bistro on Five or The Porch? We will arrive around noon and typically have our embarkation lunch in Bistro, but were thinking of The Porch as an alternative.[/QUOTE]

I did not make it to either. My travel companion made it to Bistro on Five for lunch and loved it.


[quote name='Hazelwoodp']Your comment about the pool towels brings up a question I have....we are thinking about making our own way to St. John to one of the beaches. Do I need to pack a beach towel?[/QUOTE]


No. They provide two towels in your stateroom before the first port day to take ashore. They are a different color from the pool towels, and there is a note that if they are not in the stateroom when you leave, you will be charged $28 a piece.

[portofrome]

Thanks for the report.

[Hazelwoodp]

Thanks for info re: towels. We're 11 days out and I've started putting stuff in suitcase and worried about room!!! Can't wait!!!!

[zeeke42]

[quote name='Hazelwoodp']Your comment about the pool towels brings up a question I have....we are thinking about making our own way to St. John to one of the beaches. Do I need to pack a beach towel?[/QUOTE]

No, X provides beach towels and a tote-bag to carry them in in your cabin the night before port days.

[HopefulCruiser123]

I have come to really enjoy how macruisefan always sugarcoats everything.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

We always get on later too. We usually get to port around 1pm. No lines and go right to our cabin. Love it.

[Lois R]

Hi,:) thanks for the detailed review and glad you had a good time.
I am thinking you meant to put "January 13th-January 20th" though.
You posted June;)

I will be sailing her in April and very much looking forward to it:D
I guess I have always been lucky with boarding.......I prefer to go
early and never had lines to wait on:D (well, not long ones anyway).
And since they now have other choices for lunch, no reason to
even hit the buffet. Bistro on 5 has a lunch menu where you are
served.:) and there is also the Aqua Spa Cafe.

Again, glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[macruisefan]

[quote name='Lois R']Hi,:) thanks for the detailed review and glad you had a good time.
I am thinking you meant to put "January 13th-January 20th" though.
You posted June;)

I will be sailing her in April and very much looking forward to it:D
I guess I have always been lucky with boarding.......I prefer to go
early and never had lines to wait on:D (well, not long ones anyway).
And since they now have other choices for lunch, no reason to
even hit the buffet. Bistro on 5 has a lunch menu where you are
served.:) and there is also the Aqua Spa Cafe.

Again, glad you enjoyed your cruise.[/QUOTE]

LOL! You are correct. I did mean January. I guess subliminally, I was wishing it's June, seeing as it's FREEZING here today!

I totally understand what you're saying about getting on early. I have always been one of those people. I think the difference is this time, I was staying at a beautiful beachfront resort the night before, and it was a gorgeous morning. So rather than do any of that, I swam and sat in the sun all morning. Then, by the time I boarded, I was able to go right to my room and get settled. There was something nice about that, as opposed to boarding and not being able to get to my room for a few hours. I agree there are more options. It was just such a nice change this time.

[macruisefan]

[quote name='HopefulCruiser123']I have come to really enjoy how macruisefan always sugarcoats everything.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm.... I'm not sure how to take that!:p

[twosit]

[quote name='zeeke42']No, X provides beach towels and a tote-bag to carry them in in your cabin the night before port days.[/QUOTE]
That's funny--I did not know what the bag was for, we received it on the evening before disembarkation.
We didn't receive any of the phone messages you refer to--at all.

[Perstef81]

So I noticed from your list of cruises that you've been on both. We're considering a trip to the Med on Sihouette this Spring, but we're a little apprehensive. We loved loved LOVED Solstice when we sailed on it last winter, but some of the aspects we really enjoyed (like the glass show) are gone and we've heard some negative reviews on the sound insulation between rooms and the ammount of pushing "pay for" activities.

Just a little info on us, we do not use the spa or go to the extra pay restaurants. We loved the styling on Solstice and our cabin. Do we have anything to worry about? We're trying to convince DH family to go on their first non-river cruise and we want it to be a great experience.

Thanks for any input you have for me!

[macruisefan]

[quote name='Perstef81']So I noticed from your list of cruises that you've been on both. We're considering a trip to the Med on Sihouette this Spring, but we're a little apprehensive. We loved loved LOVED Solstice when we sailed on it last winter, but some of the aspects we really enjoyed (like the glass show) are gone and we've heard some negative reviews on the sound insulation between rooms and the ammount of pushing "pay for" activities.

Just a little info on us, we do not use the spa or go to the extra pay restaurants. We loved the styling on Solstice and our cabin. Do we have anything to worry about? We're trying to convince DH family to go on their first non-river cruise and we want it to be a great experience.

Thanks for any input you have for me![/QUOTE]

If you liked Solstice, you'll be more than happy on Silhouette. Yes, there is no hot glass show. It is what it is, I never cared about it. I respect that you enjoyed it, but I doubt that is a deal breaker one way or another.

Comments about sound insulation are complete nonsense. They have not diminished the sound proofing. I'm sure it's exactly the same. But people only complain when they have a reason to. So those reports are to be taken with a grain of salt.

[mahdnc]

Insightful comments, thanks for posting.....

[hcat]

Silhouette is a great ship--can't wait to be back on her in March...

We miss Silk Harvest from Solstice & Equinox as Q-sine is not that appealing to us... we did not miss the Glass show & enjoyed our dinner at the lawn Club grill (before they raised prices up there!)

We are AQ so we eat in BLU & will make one dinner visit to Tuscan--plus Porch & Bistro for lunches...

Either way--original S class or Silho--all good choices.. we have not tried Reflection yet, & not in a rush to try to it due to number of pax & itins....& repurposing of Quasar ...

[Solstice23]

Lawn club is our favourite part of the solstice cads ships was prefer it over the pool area in any ship

We hang there all sea days and late at night many many people enjoy it

No more private area on ships please love the lawn club