Reflection - Review - Ultimate Caribbean - April 2, 2018 - April 13, 2018

[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

The master bathroom which you enter from the bedroom has double sinks, a Jacuzzi tub, a stand up shower with both rainfall shower in the ceiling as well as a hand held shower wand, a full size mirror, toilet, and a scale.

 

Why you want a scale on a cruise in your cabin is beyond me so Scott quickly moved that and put it under one of the nightstands.

 

There is nice storage in the bathroom.

 

There were various Bulgari products like soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. There was also a container with Q tips and cotton balls. We didn’t like the smell of the Bulgari products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

The balcony had another big Jacuzzi, a lounge chair, as well as a table with chairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Enjoying your review. We are on Reflection in a Royal Suite for my birthday in November. When we sailed on Silhouette in February they did not have the special luggage area set up but we were escorted right onto the ship to MC.

 

 

 

Hi.

 

They told us this is a new procedure they were trying in Fort Lauderdale with the special delivery area. We were only the second sailing that had it.

 

After our sailing the Reflection did a TA, but I’m guessing the other ships in Fort Lauderdale are still doing this.

 

By the time you go on Reflection in November, they should all be aware of the process.

 

Happy early birthday!

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Very nice review

 

 

 

We were on the same cruise in a Sky Suite and never saw you guys....we were always in the back corner of Luminae with a group of very loud...lol air trafficking control girls..had a blast.

 

 

 

Keep it coming, still feel like we’re there

 

 

 

Hi

 

Thank you for the encouragement.

 

We didn’t eat often in Luminae, just a few times.

 

Glad you enjoyed the trip too

 

 

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[CaptCrunch]

You are so lucky that you boarded the ship before the fire alarm. It was bedlam outside!

[Ex-vogue model]

That’s good to know! Thank you and I look forward to more of your review and photos! [emoji16]

 

 

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[cruise47]

Thanks for your review it is a joy to read.

[Noreen411]

You are so lucky that you boarded the ship before the fire alarm. It was bedlam outside!

 

 

 

We heard about it from people we spoke with at the muster drill. Before that we had no idea there were any issues.

 

Guess that’s why the ship seemed so empty for a while once we got on.

 

You are right- I’m glad we missed the mayhem. Sorry you had to deal with it.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Thanks for your review it is a joy to read.

 

 

 

Thank you

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation - Continued

 

We had all sorts of papers in the cabin already.

 

I’ll start with the Celebrity Today. I liked how the first page showed the whole itinerary.

 

I didn’t do a good job actually reading through these too thoroughly while we were on the ship. Looking at it now I see it even shows when time changes occur, when formal (evening chic) nights are, and which port is a tender stop (even though that I was well aware of already).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

Inside the Celebrity today was a two sided document

 

The first side “In the Spotlight” listed the senior officers on board with their pictures and their a short bio on their backgrounds.

 

 

The other side was Useful Reflection Information.

 

 

Another two sided document had information on various packages you can buy.

 

The first side showed the various drink packages. Our room included the premium drink package already.

 

 

The second side included information on the dining packages, internet packages, photo packages and mentioned a welcome aboard champagne reception. Our room included unlimited specialty dining and internet packages.

 

 

There was also a shore excursion brochure but I’m not going to post all those pages since it’s dependent on the actual itinerary. If anyone is interested let me know and I’m happy to.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

Another envelope was also in the cabin that had information on our Elite benefits available to us on the sailing. Since we are Diamond Plus with Royal Caribbean, the reciprocal benefits make us Elite with Celebrity.

 

 

 

There was also a letter describing how to use them and beverage vouchers for each day. I was surprised to see them still using paper vouchers. Royal Caribbean does something similar but the 3 free drinks are loaded onto your SeaPass (ship card) so you don’t have to bring actual paper vouchers. I only took pictures of one page worth of vouchers but there were several pages of them.

 

 

 

We didn’t read through these documents either but since we already had the premium beverage package, internet, and other things, I don’t think many of the things would have been used even if I was more diligent in reading through the documents.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

Scott did his normal routine of wiping down the surfaces with Lysol wipes.

 

We unpacked which took a while since we had a lot of stuff.

 

Our room steward came by to introduce himself. I’m bad with names but I think his name is Sudesh.

 

Our butler, Walter, came by to introduce himself.

 

Here is a picture of Walter. I didn’t actually take this picture of him until later in the trip, I didn’t want him to think I was a nut job. But figured I would include the picture here so you can put a face to the name when I mention him. If you are lucky enough to sail with Walter as your butler, you will be very happy. He is great.

 

 

Our bar set up is already in the room. There is champagne (which we don’t drink). Walter said he will swap it out for wine if we prefer so Scott and him talked about the wines he likes. There is a bottle of Don Julio Tequila and a bottle of Hendricks Gin (these were the two bottles we chose from the list from the shoreside concierge). There are also bottles of Dos Equis beer. There are cans of Coke, Diet Coke, little bottles of Pellegrino, and big bottles of Evian. We need smaller water bottles since they are easier to take to the gym and carry around. Walter said he will bring them. He said he will keep everything stocked for us and if we want something different just to let him know. When I spoke with shoreside concierge I told her the beverages we like and I am impressed that everything is there for us. Walter also wants to bring us snacks and other cocktails or coffee whenever we want them.

 

While speaking with Walter we asked him about the dress code for dinner just to confirm we are dressed appropriately. He said that the first night is casual and Scott can wear his shorts to dinner if he wants. He also said the Lawn Club Grill and the Porch are also casual for dinner every night so shorts are OK there too. The buffet is always casual. Other than that, Scott should wear pants to dinner. Jeans are acceptable. Scott has some nice shorts that he’ll wear with a button down shirt but I read that Celebrity is a bit more formal and requires men to wear pants at night. We made sure to pack pants for him and also reconfirmed the expectations with Walter.

 

We also asked Walter about room service and who delivers it. I read that he would, but we often order room service late at night after the casino closes and I don’t want him to have to wake up to deliver it. We wouldn’t order it if that was the case. We were happy to hear that he’ll deliver room service while he’s working but if it’s the middle of the night, the regular room service people will deliver it.

 

Scott’s only complaint about the room is that there aren’t enough outlets to charge things.

 

On our way to muster we passed the Library which is on our deck near the elevators so I took pictures. It’s very nice and inviting and much bigger than I expected.

 

 

 

We went to the muster drill in the Opus Dining Room. Muster was running late and would start about 15 minutes late.

 

We chatted with people seated at the table with us and heard about the boarding fiasco they had. They told us the terminal was evacuated and it took people hours to get on the ship. They said there was a fire in a bathroom.

 

We had no idea until we heard them tell us their experience. But it makes sense why the ship was so empty for a while after we boarded.

 

The evacuation of the terminal is why everything was delayed. Muster drill started late. Sail away will be delayed. We missed all the commotion in the terminal as we were already on the ship.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

We went up to the spa for our facials after the muster drill.

 

 

My facial was very nice. Since there were various types to choose from, I asked the woman doing the facial which she thought would be best for my skin. That’s what I’ve done at home since they usually know best. I ended up with a facial that used some laser type machine that is supposed to help with nutrient absorption and gold leaf. It was probably a bit over the top and more than I needed but it was very nice and my skin looked great. Of course, they wanted me to buy all the products and even one of the laser machines. I didn’t buy any of these extra products.

 

Scott’s woman loved him and he took much longer. He had a regular men’s facial. He told me they started talking about travel and recipes and before they knew it more time passed and his facial went longer.

 

The spa staff had me wait in the Persian Gardens room for him. They put towels on one of the stone loungers for me to relax, including one to act like a pillow. I don’t get the appeal of these. I didn’t find it very comfortable.

 

 

I walked around the Persian Gardens a bit and saw the different rooms which all had a sign saying what they were with guidelines and warnings.

 

There was a sauna

 

 

A cold Room

 

 

A Hamman Room

 

 

An Aromatic room

 

 

I’m not good at relaxing so this is all sort of lost on me. I enjoy going for a massage and I can relax during that. Same thing with the facial, it was nice and relaxing. But once I’m done, I’m ready to move on to the next thing I want to do.

 

Scott is always saying that I need to learn to relax more. We’ll give it a try. I like to sit on the balcony and read a bit and watch the water go by. That’s relaxing.

 

 

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Edited April 29, 2018 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

Once Scott was finished, we walked around a bit on the top decks.

 

We wanted to see the fitness center.

 

 

 

We took a look at the pool area

 

We looked at both the Solarium (indoor pool)

 

 

 

 

As well as the regular outside pool deck

 

 

Around both pool areas, the lounge chairs all had padded coverings as well as towels on them for you to use.

 

 

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Edited April 29, 2018 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

Continuing to walk around we saw the Lawn Club area. I found it so interesting to have real grass on the ship that you can take your shoes off and walk through.

 

 

There are private alcoves you can rent (I’m assuming by the day) for a private area but I’m not sure of the appeal since you are just looking at the lawn or the big TV screen.

 

 

The outdoor TV screen I read is a new addition to the ship.

 

 

 

 

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[CaptCrunch]

I’m enjoying this review, Noreen. I think we might have crossed paths at one point during the cruise. Did you and Scott attend the Helipad Sail Away leaving Bonaire, by chance?

[Noreen411]

I’m enjoying this review, Noreen. I think we might have crossed paths at one point during the cruise. Did you and Scott attend the Helipad Sail Away leaving Bonaire, by chance?

 

 

 

Hi. Yes we were there at the helipad sailaway from Bonaire. I took some pictures there too. It will be funny if you are in them.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

We walked by the OceanView Cafe (the buffet) and there was the cutest decoration outside the entrance. I thought it was an egg shaped like a daisy. Scott thinks it’s just a daisy. I probably should have read the little sign on the pole near it that I’m seeing in my picture now, but at the time I didn’t stop to do so.

 

 

We also walked into the buffet to see what it looks like.

 

 

Heading back we looked down from near the elevator area and had a great view of the Library. You can really see the different little spaces they’ve carved out for people.

 

 

 

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[CaptCrunch]

Do you remember someone accidentally bumping the house phone on the wall down into the hole between the stairway railing and the floor? That phone fell a full story before it stopped - that cord was so long.

 

Anyway, that was me and I think you and Scott were standing there amazed at how long it took me to drag that thing back up from the hole it fell down.

 

 

We briefly spoke and laughed about it then we were on our way to the helipad. If that was you, we joked about you bumping the phone in your bathroom.

[Noreen411]

Do you remember someone accidentally bumping the house phone on the wall down into the hole between the stairway railing and the floor? That phone fell a full story before it stopped - that cord was so long.

 

Anyway, that was me and I think you and Scott were standing there amazed at how long it took me to drag that thing back up from the hole it fell down.

 

 

We briefly spoke and laughed about it then we were on our way to the helipad. If that was you, we joked about you bumping the phone in your bathroom.

 

 

 

OMG - small world.

 

Yes I remember the phone incident with it falling and taking a while to get back to it’s place. I think it was knocked off again later.

 

I don’t remember the conversation about the phone in the bathroom, but did knock that down a few times myself. I’m going to ask Scott about it too.

 

As I keep going maybe we’ll find other places our paths crossed.

 

Or if you want to post your pictures maybe that would help too?

 

 

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[CaptCrunch]

We’ve got photos on our camera and photos on each iPhone. One of these days we’ll get around to consolidating them into one place.

 

I never take photos with a review in mind though, so I don’t know if anything I have would accompany a narrative review. I think I need to go in reverse on our next cruise and take photos with a review in mind.

[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

We stopped back at our cabin briefly to get ready for the evening. Knowing tonight was casual we didn’t get dressed into what I call our dinner clothes, but stayed more casual.

 

I also had to try to do something with my hair since during the facial they wrap it in a towel to keep it off your face and it looked like a crazy nest. Scott, not having hair, didn’t have this issue. He’s so sweet and kept telling me it looked fine after I tried to fix it a bit.

 

Pretty soon it was time for dinner at Luminae since the Michael’s Club concierge made us a reservation for 6:30. The host at Luminae that seated us mentioned to Scott that shorts are OK tonight but other nights he should wear pants. The message is consistent with what Walter told us too.

 

 

 

OK - going on a little rant here...

 

After we were seated, an annoying couple was seated next to us. They were complaining about everything. They complained about the food, the ship in general, the delays today with boarding, what other people were wearing. There were other people coming in and most dressed pretty casually and lots of men wearing shorts. It’s not surprising after hearing about the delay with boarding.

 

The man started raising his voice going on and on about all the people in shorts and not dressed appropriately, it’s not allowed and they shouldn’t be seated, blah blah blah.

 

I turned around and told him that it’s the first night of the cruise and shorts and casual dress is allowed. He practically yelled at me and said “Who told you that? They are wrong.” I told him that both the butler as well as the host right here in Luminae told us that. The couple on the other side of us were laughing at this point. Finally the grumpy man shut up and went back to his food. Other than complaining I don’t think they said anything else to each other.

 

I don’t understand people like that. Here we are at the beginning of what should be a great cruise. We’re on a beautiful ship going to great islands. People should be grateful that they can do these things since not everyone can. I love the beginning of a trip...you are already there so you don’t have any more transportation concerns and you still have the whole trip to look forward to. If that isn’t one of the best feelings in the world, I don’t know what is.

 

Rant over...

 

We both had soda to drink. We also had Pellegrino instead of flat water.

 

I liked how the butter was a cute little circle shape. Little things like that amuse me.

 

 

We were given an amuse bouche which was a ham and cheese croquette in a remoulade like sauce. This was very tasty.

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

We’ve got photos on our camera and photos on each iPhone. One of these days we’ll get around to consolidating them into one place.

 

I never take photos with a review in mind though, so I don’t know if anything I have would accompany a narrative review. I think I need to go in reverse on our next cruise and take photos with a review in mind.

 

 

 

Hi

 

No need to do a whole review. It’s a lot of work. And takes a long time. I’m still on embarkation day LOL

 

But if you wanted to just attach one picture of the two of you, you can do it here in my review to see if we recognize you.

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Monday 4/2/18 - Embarkation Day - Continued

 

For my appetizer I had the Burrata. I always enjoy this wherever I get it and this was no exception. It was very good.

 

 

Scott had the Cold Smoked Salmon. He liked this very much.

 

 

For my entree I had the Filet Mignon. This was very good.

 

 

Scott had the Seared Duck Breast. He said this was just OK.

 

 

 

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