Quick Reflection review Eastern Caribbean 11/26/16

[hockeymom21]

We love this ship. We are platinum on Princess, but have moved to Reflection. We normally do Aqua Class. This trip was Concierge Class. Took Uber from hotel to port around 11:00. Boarding was quick. Room on Deck 10. Balcony. Marion our room attendant was wonderful! Our first female attendant ever! We never asked for pillow menu. The only thing I asked for was a couple wine glasses and an opener. And an ice bucket daily. There was not one until I asked. Your attendant will bring you your sparkling wine when you ask. If you are concierge or aqua and want it, don't forget to ask.

 

We are in our early 50's. Felt right in the middle. Some younger, some older. Fun week with a large group men!

 

Took advantage of 30% off Murano on the first night for dinner. We did anytime dining. Only once did we have a 20 minute wait for a table. Tables are a little close together. It's impossible not to hear what your neighbors are talking about. We also went to Tuscan Grille and Lawn Club Grille.

 

Loved meeting Maarten, the new Cruise Director. He was definitely all around the ship. Very friendly. Stops and chats. Not as brightly dresses as the previous cruise director!

 

First night, went to comedian in theater. Second night saw the show Broken Wings. Recommend that! Went to The Liars Club in Celebrity Central. Very funny. Loved the Silent Disco in Sky Lounge. Nice addition. Stopped by the Disco night in the Grand Foyer. Needs a better venue IMHO.

 

We had upgraded beverage package. We always purchase a wine card for the Enomatic Wine Machines in the Cellar Masters. We are of the few that enjoy the machines. I like to try different wines. They had Caymus until the bottle ran out. Love Stephania. I have taken the Reidel seminar a couple times, but not this time. It's a great deal if you are a wine glass snob. You may use a Reidel glass in Cellar Masters but can not walk around with one. Same in the dining room.

 

Really enjoyed Gordon on the ship. Solo guitarist. I believe he is on the ship till the end of January? Enjoyed Blind Vinyl. Was not overly impressed with DJ Inferno. He is techno like stated on many reviews. Overall we enjoyed the music around the ship. There seems to be a lull at times of finding something to do music wise. Between dinner/show times. Last year there were more nights of a DJ at the martini bar with dancing- if the house band was not playing. We did listen to music in the Ensemble Lounge.

 

We enjoy Ricky and his staff in the Sunset Bar. Always a pleasure to see them. Did not love the staff at the pool bar. We vacation to relax, so not a complainer about having to wait for drinks. It was a very full ship that week so one would expect to wait their turn.

 

We like to still dress for Evening Chic. Was very nice so see other people join in that. Lots of tuxes and suits. Ladies in long and short dresses.

 

If I had one complaint, and not really a complaint more an observation.. we have never taken dancing lessons. The dance floor in the foyer gets taken over by certain couples who seem to need the whole floor. It is entertaining to watch for a night or 2, but gets tiring at the end. It's almost like their dance floor.

 

I feel some food was better than others. I would never order Lobster on a ship and hear/read complaints about that. The short ribs in the dining room were very good. One night they had Gnocci with braised beef that was very good. My husband had fish two nights and did not enjoy. If that happens, the staff is so good at offering something else. He also enjoys the french onion soup every night. The Lawn Club Grille was different this time around. Every time we are on board, we go and they offer the "cook" your own. This time he had to ask. He was the ONLY one in the restaurant to go up. Not sure if they are going to discontinue that?

 

I did not get off the ship. Been to those Ports many times. Wish the itineraries

would change to different ports for the Reflection. My husband gets off and dives in St. Maarten.

 

Did not win big in Casino! He played poker many times.

 

Loved the Cafe Al Bacio. The cookies are addicting. Missed the white macadamia nut this trip!

 

I make a cheese tray during the day and take to the room and put in fridge. Would love to see cheese/crackers out later in the day. Enjoyed many great things from Aqua Spa Cafe. It's really a great place to sit and have lunch.

 

The pools were full but fun. I got up every morning by 7, grabbed a coffee and 2 chairs at the pool. When my husband gets up he comes to where I am sitting and we grab a quick breakfast. I KNOW people grab chairs and they are gone for hours. I think they must go back to bed! It is a big complaint on a full ship. If you want a chair poolside, be prepared to get up early. If you don't care, there are plenty on the upper decks. They do not take the nets off the pools until 7AM but many morning chairs were already taken- not to be sat in for hours. Really not much you can do about it.

 

The internet worked fine.

 

Senior Officers Cocktail party was full. Captain was around the ship a couple times. He remembered us from previous trips. Asked how we were enjoying ourselves. He comes and watches staff/guest volleyball game. You also can find him at the Breitling cocktail hour. He also does a meet/greet one morning in the Cafe al Bacio.

 

We love this ship. Have made many friends with the staff on it. I hope those of you going for your first time enjoy it!

 

Disembarkation was smooth. Grabbed our bags, off the ship in 20 minutes. Took Uber to Ft. Lauderdale airport. Fast!

[CruisinNole]

Thanks for the review. We board on Christmas Eve. We haven't sailed Reflection since 2012 so we're looking forward to this cruise. How were your dinners at Tuscan and Lawn Club?

[Cruise_Dancer]

If I had one complaint, and not really a complaint more an observation.. we have never taken dancing lessons. The dance floor in the foyer gets taken over by certain couples who seem to need the whole floor. It is entertaining to watch for a night or 2, but gets tiring at the end. It's almost like their dance floor.

 

I'm sorry to hear this, Hockeymom. I am a full time ballroom dance teacher and I strive to train my students to adjust their dancing for different situations. When I work with couples going on a cruise we actually constrain the dance floor to cruise ship size and have other couples come in to do "clutch and sway" style dancing so that our students can learn to share the floor with other people. A shame these dancers have learned how to dance but not how to be polite. Please don't think poorly of us as a whole because of the poor manners of others.

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[opuscat1]

I really like your cheese tray idea ... genius I say. Pop it out later with a glass of wine on your balcony anytime or before dinner. :)

[jules815]

I really like your cheese tray idea ... genius I say. Pop it out later with a glass of wine on your balcony anytime or before dinner. :)

 

I was thinking the same thing!

 

Thanks to the OP for your review. :)

[benne1ej]

Isnt there a rule about putting towels out hours in advance? Ive never been on a cruise before, but going on my first in April. Im an early riser, but not 6am early. My boyfriend always wakes after me later too, so I usually grab us spots ahead of time. When we have been at resorts in the past, if stuff is out for an hour or more, I have moved it and taken the spot. I just dont think its fair of you're not going to be there for hours trying to hold a spot...

[bhughey]

It was indeed a great cruise! Thank you for the review.

I agree with your observation regarding the pool bar... not a lot of happy bartenders there, though I managed to find one, Arie, he was the best. I found that if I ordered prosecco... most of the bartenders would pour whatever sparkling wine they had on hand - not the same! Arie would always find a bottle for me.

 

We loved Gordon! Especially enjoyed his Mumford and Sons set in Ensemble.

Such a great ship. I wish it was one week ago... I would be enjoying a drink on the balcony about right now :)

[marieps]

I'm sorry to hear this, Hockeymom. I am a full time ballroom dance teacher and I strive to train my students to adjust their dancing for different situations. When I work with couples going on a cruise we actually constrain the dance floor to cruise ship size and have other couples come in to do "clutch and sway" style dancing so that our students can learn to share the floor with other people. A shame these dancers have learned how to dance but not how to be polite. Please don't think poorly of us as a whole because of the poor manners of others.

 

We have noticed the same thing on a few ships. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. We enjoy dancing but are not as talented as many who dominate the floor. Nice to know someone clearly skilled is looking out for those not so.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[cjmx]

Hi thank you for your review. I have a question regarding the pool chairs. On the summit, the pool attendants were great on putting signs on the chairs that were being reserved every half hour. Especially by the pool. It really stopped pool hogs. That way. There was no going for hour lunches. Everyone had a good chance to be by the pool[emoji41]. Did they use that system to monitor the chairs? Are the pool attendants around???I truly hope so, on full ships I have seen too many petty fights.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[MERLOTCHAMPAGNE]

We love this ship. We are platinum on Princess, but have moved to Reflection. We normally do Aqua Class. This trip was Concierge Class. Took Uber from hotel to port around 11:00. Boarding was quick. Room on Deck 10. Balcony. Marion our room attendant was wonderful! Our first female attendant ever! We never asked for pillow menu. The only thing I asked for was a couple wine glasses and an opener. And an ice bucket daily. There was not one until I asked. Your attendant will bring you your sparkling wine when you ask. If you are concierge or aqua and want it, don't forget to ask.

 

 

 

We are in our early 50's. Felt right in the middle. Some younger, some older. Fun week with a large group men!

 

 

 

Took advantage of 30% off Murano on the first night for dinner. We did anytime dining. Only once did we have a 20 minute wait for a table. Tables are a little close together. It's impossible not to hear what your neighbors are talking about. We also went to Tuscan Grille and Lawn Club Grille.

 

 

 

Loved meeting Maarten, the new Cruise Director. He was definitely all around the ship. Very friendly. Stops and chats. Not as brightly dresses as the previous cruise director!

 

 

 

First night, went to comedian in theater. Second night saw the show Broken Wings. Recommend that! Went to The Liars Club in Celebrity Central. Very funny. Loved the Silent Disco in Sky Lounge. Nice addition. Stopped by the Disco night in the Grand Foyer. Needs a better venue IMHO.

 

 

 

We had upgraded beverage package. We always purchase a wine card for the Enomatic Wine Machines in the Cellar Masters. We are of the few that enjoy the machines. I like to try different wines. They had Caymus until the bottle ran out. Love Stephania. I have taken the Reidel seminar a couple times, but not this time. It's a great deal if you are a wine glass snob. You may use a Reidel glass in Cellar Masters but can not walk around with one. Same in the dining room.

 

 

 

Really enjoyed Gordon on the ship. Solo guitarist. I believe he is on the ship till the end of January? Enjoyed Blind Vinyl. Was not overly impressed with DJ Inferno. He is techno like stated on many reviews. Overall we enjoyed the music around the ship. There seems to be a lull at times of finding something to do music wise. Between dinner/show times. Last year there were more nights of a DJ at the martini bar with dancing- if the house band was not playing. We did listen to music in the Ensemble Lounge.

 

 

 

We enjoy Ricky and his staff in the Sunset Bar. Always a pleasure to see them. Did not love the staff at the pool bar. We vacation to relax, so not a complainer about having to wait for drinks. It was a very full ship that week so one would expect to wait their turn.

 

 

 

We like to still dress for Evening Chic. Was very nice so see other people join in that. Lots of tuxes and suits. Ladies in long and short dresses.

 

 

 

If I had one complaint, and not really a complaint more an observation.. we have never taken dancing lessons. The dance floor in the foyer gets taken over by certain couples who seem to need the whole floor. It is entertaining to watch for a night or 2, but gets tiring at the end. It's almost like their dance floor.

 

 

 

I feel some food was better than others. I would never order Lobster on a ship and hear/read complaints about that. The short ribs in the dining room were very good. One night they had Gnocci with braised beef that was very good. My husband had fish two nights and did not enjoy. If that happens, the staff is so good at offering something else. He also enjoys the french onion soup every night. The Lawn Club Grille was different this time around. Every time we are on board, we go and they offer the "cook" your own. This time he had to ask. He was the ONLY one in the restaurant to go up. Not sure if they are going to discontinue that?

 

 

 

I did not get off the ship. Been to those Ports many times. Wish the itineraries

 

would change to different ports for the Reflection. My husband gets off and dives in St. Maarten.

 

 

 

Did not win big in Casino! He played poker many times.

 

 

 

Loved the Cafe Al Bacio. The cookies are addicting. Missed the white macadamia nut this trip!

 

 

 

I make a cheese tray during the day and take to the room and put in fridge. Would love to see cheese/crackers out later in the day. Enjoyed many great things from Aqua Spa Cafe. It's really a great place to sit and have lunch.

 

 

 

The pools were full but fun. I got up every morning by 7, grabbed a coffee and 2 chairs at the pool. When my husband gets up he comes to where I am sitting and we grab a quick breakfast. I KNOW people grab chairs and they are gone for hours. I think they must go back to bed! It is a big complaint on a full ship. If you want a chair poolside, be prepared to get up early. If you don't care, there are plenty on the upper decks. They do not take the nets off the pools until 7AM but many morning chairs were already taken- not to be sat in for hours. Really not much you can do about it.

 

 

 

The internet worked fine.

 

 

 

Senior Officers Cocktail party was full. Captain was around the ship a couple times. He remembered us from previous trips. Asked how we were enjoying ourselves. He comes and watches staff/guest volleyball game. You also can find him at the Breitling cocktail hour. He also does a meet/greet one morning in the Cafe al Bacio.

 

 

 

We love this ship. Have made many friends with the staff on it. I hope those of you going for your first time enjoy it!

 

 

 

Disembarkation was smooth. Grabbed our bags, off the ship in 20 minutes. Took Uber to Ft. Lauderdale airport. Fast!

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[MERLOTCHAMPAGNE]

Great precise review This will be our first Celebrity Concierge class cruise, after over 20 cruises with Princess. Looking forward to a change. We do enjoy our wines and specialty dining so looking forward to the premium package and experiencing new dining venues especially Murano - thanks for the tip for the discounted first night. Not at all familiar with the Riedel seminar. Sounds like the wine glass policy is the same as Vines - you may use their glasses while in the venue but can't take the glass with you. In the dining room, you may ask for better stemware for your wine?

 

Disappointed re pool hogs. Had hoped the pool attendants enforced the policy as there's no way either of us were planning to be at the pool to reserve seats by 7am. After all we are on a cruise and plan to "relax". We've done the ports numerous times so our relaxin pool days will be while we're in port and everyone's gone ashore.

Looking forward to a change of pace for evening entertainment as Princess was same old, same old. Happy to hear disembarkation was quick and easy as we'll pick up a rental car and drive back to the west coast for a few days before heading home.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Edited December 9, 2016 by MERLOTCHAMPAGNE

[hockeymom21]

Great precise review This will be our first Celebrity Concierge class cruise, after over 20 cruises with Princess. Looking forward to a change. We do enjoy our wines and specialty dining so looking forward to the premium package and experiencing new dining venues especially Murano - thanks for the tip for the discounted first night. Not at all familiar with the Riedel seminar. Sounds like the wine glass policy is the same as Vines - you may use their glasses while in the venue but can't take the glass with you. In the dining room, you may ask for better stemware for your wine?

 

Disappointed re pool hogs. Had hoped the pool attendants enforced the policy as there's no way either of us were planning to be at the pool to reserve seats by 7am. After all we are on a cruise and plan to "relax". We've done the ports numerous times so our relaxin pool days will be while we're in port and everyone's gone ashore.

Looking forward to a change of pace for evening entertainment as Princess was same old, same old. Happy to hear disembarkation was quick and easy as we'll pick up a rental car and drive back to the west coast for a few days before heading home.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

The attendants- not sure who they really are- do not enforce the policy sorry to say. To get a poolside chair you need to be up there by 7:30 at the latest!

 

We love Princess. The main reason we switched is that Princess does not offer what Celebrity offers by the way of prepaid gratuities, onboard credit etc.. what happened is then we made friends, loved the ship and got sucked in. In a good way! My husband teases me that i abandoned Princess!

[hockeymom21]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Hi thank you for your review. I have a question regarding the pool chairs. On the summit, the pool attendants were great on putting signs on the chairs that were being reserved every half hour. Especially by the pool. It really stopped pool hogs. That way. There was no going for hour lunches. Everyone had a good chance to be by the pool[emoji41]. Did they use that system to monitor the chairs? Are the pool attendants around???I truly hope so, on full ships I have seen too many petty fights.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

On all of my Reflection cruises never have I seen any attendant take stuff off a chair or post signs. I think the pool staff is so busy they don't have time to deal with that. Like I posted earlier, if you want a seat by the pool you need to be up there by 7:30 at the latest.

[bhughey]

On the first sea day, we didn't make it out to the pool until about 10, and found plenty of chairs up on the Solstice Deck (obviously not poolside). The last two sea days, I guess we just got lucky... both days we found the cushiony lounge chairs to the right and left of the pool bar available for 4 people. Again, at like 10am.