X marks the spot; a Reflection review

[chaps612]

Background

 

We are a family of 3 (DD 46, DW 42, DD 10) who live in Florida. This was our first cruise with Celebrity and second overall (we cruised with NCL DAWN in Dec 2007). We drove down on the 20th and stayed the night in Boca Raton.

 

Embarkation

 

We arrived at the port around 1050. There was nobody in line so we breezed through in about 10 minutes and headed to the lounge as we were booked as a C3/Concierge. We were in the lounge for about 15 minutes then were boarded. We were greeted with Champagne and smiles all around. A very nice first impression! We went to the pool bar, upgraded my drink package to premium (DW already had it) and relaxed in the sun.

 

Stateroom

 

Khrishna was our attendant. He was absolutely amazing. This guy was always working. He would see us coming 30 feet away and would go out of his way to open our stateroom for us. Constant smiles and no request seemed a big deal. I tipped him $40 upfront and $5 for room service on three different occasions. The stateroom itself had plenty of storage and thanks to LibraryLady for the foldable bins suggestion for above the bed. She had the best pictorial review for reference. We were booked in 9249 and we liked the proximity to the elevators. It was also very quiet. Would book this room again in a heartbeat.

 

Food

 

We had varying opinions but quite the reverse from what most others think. We really enjoyed the buffet and all of the offerings. The food was always good and the variety was nice. Only complaint is the pizza station couldn't keep up with demand. The service was awesome as drink servers were plentiful. I never imagined having drink service in the buffet. And speaking of drinks, the premium drink package is a must. Between drinking Evian and Perrier, we got our money's worth! Can't ever imagine going on a cruise again without a drink package. But back to our critique. The MDR food was very good. The service was also incredible except for the first night. We had select dining and the first formal night at 8 pm was primetime. We waited for about 30 minutes for a table. We understood we went at high time but our server was overwhelmed. Still a very good meal. Our sommelier always picked out the perfect wine for our 4 dinners in the MDR. I knew beforehand that I wanted to take my family to the Lawn Club Grill on the second formal night. Watching my daughter make her own pizza and the overall experience made this night worthwhile. As for the food, it was okay. My steak in the MDR was better. The Lambchops were excellent and seafood kabobs but wasn't worth the extra $115. Glad we did it but was a one-time experience. Enjoyed meeting Shopgirl and her husband.

 

Oh Canada! There were Canadians everywhere! I think French was the second language of choice. But they were very friendly and liked to gamble:D I played Texas hold em just about every night with my Northern neighbors. The casino was nice and everyone who worked there were professional and friendly.

 

Kids club

 

I paid $90 for my daughter's VIP pass. She got to see the bridge and another tour of the backstage where the performers dress. She liked the tour of the bridge. The VIP also gets your child free lunches and dinners which are extra cost. However, our DD has a vast palate and prefers adult food. The lunches consisted of pizza and chicken nuggets only. She very much enjoyed the daytime activities and went without fail every sea day and one port day. My one complaint as a parent is their organizational skills were less than stellar. We signed her up for the slumber party day one which is also free with the VIP pass. However, she was bored as she watched movies for 2 hours. She said it felt like daycare. Not what I was thinking when I read slumber PARTY. But the ladies who ran the kids club were very nice. FYI-you have the option of letting your 10 year old check themselves in and out with parental consent.

 

Misc

 

All bartenders were friendly and helpful with exception of poolside bar. If you are unsure of what to order then just ask and they will make you something. Worked every time for me. Cafe Al Bacio was my favorite hangout and the ladies there were fabulous. The snacks were free and the drinks were also with the premium package. The Bistro on 5 which was across from the Cafe seemed a waste IMO. The Solarium was a nice place to read and swim indoors and was exclusive to adults. Very nice. Only niggle was it was a thoroughfare and allowed the music from the pool to drift in. Really minor but I have to find some negatives:D Thanks to cruise critic, we knew exactly the product we purchased (Modern Luxury) and it was awesome. We relaxed and went with the flow. If you want to constantly be entertained then go on RCCL. If pampering is your thing and enjoy relative peace and quiet then this cruise line delivers. I already booked Celebrity for Thanksgiving on the Silhouette.

 

Disembarking was painless as we chose for Celebrity to handle our luggage. Sorry for such a long review but there is so much to talk about. I just can't wait until November...

[upwarduk]

Thankyou for your review.

So glad you enjoyed your first Celebrity cruise.

It will be our first time on Reflection in October.

[wareagle98]

We board Reflection on Saturday and are even more excited thanks to your review!! I also have a child traveling with me so particularly liked your feedback re: kids club. Sounds like you had a good time!

[RCKM43]

Thank you for your review! We board this week. Glad to hear your child enjoyed the activities. Were there many kids on board?

[chaps612]

There wasn't a whole lot on board. I would estimate around 100 and that may be generous. I hope you had the weather we had. It was awesome all week.

[ChiGal1962]

Thanks for sharing! I board the Reflection next weekend (first time on that ship), and can't wait!

[GonzoWCS]

Nice concise review! Thanks for this.

[wallie5446]

Thanks! A very nice 'short' :D detail of your cruise.

 

After 7 lines spread over 25 years the Reflection is our favorite Ship. Great to read she was up to standards for your family.

EW

[juliet]

We're thinking of getting two adjoining balcony cabins for us and our daughter, son in law and a 1 1/2 year old and 3 1/2 year old. Concerned about having the kids around so many adults that want to relax. Also, would it be worth the extra $2000 upgrade to a Sky Suite for them seeing they'd need a crib too? Thanks