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

[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We got off the ship and walked to the terminal area. There was a shuttle bus for those that needed it, but it was only a 5 minute easy walk.

 

The terminal area is very nice. There are Peacocks, Flamingos, and Parrots.

 

We took some pictures walking around the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

Cat even found a cat to pet at the terminal area

 

 

 

We took a cab to the old walled city. The first driver told us it is $20 for a private taxi. Then he tried to put us in a shared van for $5 a person. The van was empty and we didn’t want to wait so asked what happened to the private taxi for $20. So he gave us back to someone else who took us.

 

We got in the private taxi and asked to be dropped at the clock tower in the old walled city.

 

There was a decent amount of traffic getting to the old city.

 

I took some pictures driving over the bridge to get there.

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

Once we were dropped off we walked around and took some pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

We were approached often to buy hats and other Knick knacks. We would say no thank you to the first person and there would be another person selling the exact same thing right behind him/her.

 

Some of the streets reminded me a bit of Old San Juan.

 

 

 

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[madcitymaven]

Just came across your review today, Noreen, and am enjoying your pictures and commentary! You have a great writing style that adds even more visualization to your pictures. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your review!

 

By the way, we are sailing on the Reflection in November for a 10-day cruise to celebrate my retirement. We have your exact same RS cabin #1241 booked! Talk about coincidences!

 

Randy

[Noreen411]

Just came across your review today, Noreen, and am enjoying your pictures and commentary! You have a great writing style that adds even more visualization to your pictures. I'm looking forwarding to reading the rest of your review!

 

By the way, we are sailing on the Reflection in November for a 10-day cruise to celebrate my retirement. We have your exact same RS cabin #1241 booked! Talk about coincidences!

 

Randy

 

 

 

Thank you for the kind words

 

Congratulations on your retirement. You picked a great ship and cabin to celebrate in.

 

If you think of any questions or there is anything I can help with, just ask.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We continued walking around and taking pictures.

 

 

 

 

The architecture and all the statues were beautiful

 

We were surprised that we didn’t find any souvenir stores for our usual purchases.

 

After wandering around for a while we were ready to head back to the ship. I wasn’t sure if the custom was similar to New York City where you just hail a cab. Luckily, a cab stopped for us and took us back to the ship.

 

I don’t think we got the best impression of Cartagena. While we wandered around, I don’t think we saw as much as we should have. We saw the fort from a distance but didn’t make it over there. Maybe this would have been a good place to take a tour even though we aren’t fans of organized tours. We definitely prefer to go on our own. Or maybe I needed to do a bit more research to have a better plan for our own touring.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

Once we were back at the terminal area, we walked around a bit looking at the animals. It was less crowded now than in the morning.

 

 

 

We went in the shop at the pier. We bought a postcard and magnet. We couldn’t find an ornament we liked but we found a key chain we can use as an ornament so we got that. Scott didn’t find any T-shirts he wanted.

 

 

We walked back to the ship.

 

 

They have a nice set up when you return to the ship. Before you board, there are covered tents with flavored water, couches and chairs in case you need to sit a bit, and wet towels. It’s a nice way to be welcomed back.

 

 

We were talking to a couple in the elevator. They went to a wine making class where you blend your own wine. I’m not much of a wine drinker but that sounds fun. This is another reminder that I really should read the Celebrity Today when we get it.

 

We ended up giving them a tour of our room since when we all got off the elevator we stopped at our cabin to go in and they asked why we had a doorbell. We started talking about cabins and invited them in.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We walked around the ship a bit.

 

Scott got a cappuccino and a cookie at Cafe Al Bacio and sat outside on the 5th deck to enjoy his treat.

 

 

I wanted to try one of the fresh pressed juice drinks from Aqua Spa Cafe so headed over there to pick one up.

 

 

I tried the Purple Rain fresh pressed juice but I didn’t like it. It was room temperature rather than cold. Scott didn’t like it either. So this ended up in the trash.

 

 

We received an invitation to a Helipad Sail Away experience so we went to the meeting spot as it indicated.

 

 

There were a decent amount of people there waiting.

 

The Helipad experience ended up being cancelled because it was raining and would not be safe. We were told it will be rescheduled.

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We went to the Martini bar, but were a bit too early. They didn’t open until 4. We sat there and hung out as they finished getting set up to open. Of course I took a few pictures. We didn’t have long to wait.

 

 

 

I had a Fresca Martini (watermelon flavored)

 

 

Scott had a Sapphire London Martini

 

 

The ladies next to us ordered a Martini Flight so we watched how they set that up to pour all 6 different martinis at once. The ladies didn’t have a camera with them so I took a picture and texted it to them. That was very impressive.

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We ran into Rich and Eileen so caught up with them. They were unhappy with their carriage ride tour in Cartagena. I went with Eileen to the shore excursion desk so she can tell them about it.

 

We were all hanging out on Deck 5 and it was a bit rainy so we stayed under the overhang to stay dry.

 

 

We were talking about trying to go to dinner together during the trip. They wanted to go to Tuscan Grille but when they tried to get a reservation were told it was fully booked. We will ask Walter if it’s possible to make a reservation for Tuscan Grille for the 4 of us on Tuesday.

 

Scott and I went back to our cabin to shower and get dressed for the evening.

 

We took some pictures of the ocean and sunset on our way to dinner. The seas have been so calm, like glass.

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We had dinner at the Lawn Club Grill

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had White Sangria which was served in a mason jar. I also had soda since I’ll sip the sangria throughout the meal but can drink the soda when I’m thirsty.

 

 

Scott had Mer Soleil Wine.

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

We each made a plate of salad from the salad bar.

 

 

 

We started with the margherita flatbread, half with sausage. We ordered 1 to share. The pizza was OK.

 

 

For our dinner we ordered the filet mignon, shrimp and scallop kabob, corn, and lobster macaroni and cheese.

 

 

 

We thought this was a lot of food.

 

The meat, kabobs, and sides were all very good. The pizza was OK but a cute gimmick if you wanted to go up and prepare it yourself. We didn’t do it ourselves, we let them cook for us.

 

They brought us various dipping sauces - Steak, Chimmi Churri, and BBQ.

 

 

 

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Edited May 9, 2018 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Friday 4/6/18 - Cartagena Colombia - Continued

 

Our waiter didn’t think we had enough food. He convinced us to get another shrimp kabob plus a beef kabob. We shared. The weakest item was the beef kabob; not horrible, but paled in comparison to the other food.

 

 

Our waiter was great, a lot of fun, he made the experience even better.

 

We shared the warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream for dessert. Scott wants to come back even if just for the cookie.

 

 

We asked if they have the cookie at lunch too and they do. We will probably come for lunch tomorrow. I was telling Scott about the burgers at lunch that I read about so he’s excited. Burgers and Pizza are his favorite foods; and chocolate chip cookies.

 

Scott’s back is bothering him so he wanted to lay down in the cabin for a bit.

 

I walked through some of the shops and then went to the theater for the 9pm show - Jason Neistadt. It was pretty entertaining.

 

 

I went to the casino after the show.

 

Scott showed up in the casino a little later. He said he fell asleep on the couch but Walter woke him when he delivered the laundry. Not intentionally but when he opened the door, that woke Scott.

 

I stayed at the casino until about 12:30 but we move the clocks ahead tonight so now it is 1:30am. Scott stayed a bit longer.

 

When Scott got back to the cabin he ordered room service. He ordered a hot dog with fries. He also ordered macaroni and cheese. He said everything was very good.

 

 

 

Scott tried getting into the safe but didn’t remember the code and locked us out. I will call in the morning for someone to fix it.

 

We hung out on the balcony for a bit then went to bed.

 

 

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Edited May 9, 2018 by Noreen411

[long time lurker]

Hi Noreen,

 

I have been following your review, but just now chiming in. As my screen name suggests, I tend to lurk more than post. Thank you for the great words and photos. I am doing this same itinerary in 2020. I was particularly interested in the Cartagena port stop as that is a new one for us. Would you be able to share why Eileen was unhappy with the carriage tour. We do not often do ship excursions, but find if there is one that stays smaller like walking tours or small vehicles that those might be a good way to learn about the area and still allow time to explore on our own.

[Noreen411]

Hi Noreen,

 

 

 

I have been following your review, but just now chiming in. As my screen name suggests, I tend to lurk more than post. Thank you for the great words and photos. I am doing this same itinerary in 2020. I was particularly interested in the Cartagena port stop as that is a new one for us. Would you be able to share why Eileen was unhappy with the carriage tour. We do not often do ship excursions, but find if there is one that stays smaller like walking tours or small vehicles that those might be a good way to learn about the area and still allow time to explore on our own.

 

 

 

Hi.

 

She was expecting the tour to be a carriage ride.

 

They spent the bulk of the tour not on a carriage tour. Most of the time I think was spent on a bus.

 

They were brought to a shop that seemed like one the guide was getting a kick back on. People asked to go to some nicer more unique stores they passed but the guide didn’t take them there.

 

I think she said the carriage part was maybe 15 minutes.

 

I am hoping she reads my report and sees your question and is able to provide more info.

 

While I don’t have personal experience I have seen a lot of positive reviews for Dora Explorer tours in Cartagena

 

Noreen

 

 

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[long time lurker]

Thank you for the reply! I have also seen good reports for Dora.

[pd7277]

Thank you for the reply! I have also seen good reports for Dora.

 

Another option is: https://www.freetour.com/cartagena/free-tour-cartagena

 

While looking for the site I found that there are now other free walking tours, but this one, with Edgar, was the one we used. 2 hours. Very informative, did not include going into places/churches as they charged a fee. Well worth the "tip" they are looking for. We paid $8pp. If you do it, go back with the group, as we had a language problem getting a taxi back to the ship after we looked around at the shops at the end.

 

The problem with "street vendors" was almost non-existent. Apparently the locals know to lay off their tour group. Unfortunately their website was not the best. Make sure you confirm and email with them. After we took a cab to the Naval Academy meeting location, we found out that they had attempted to pick us up at the pier.

 

Good Luck!

[long time lurker]

Another option is: https://www.freetour.com/cartagena/free-tour-cartagena

 

While looking for the site I found that there are now other free walking tours, but this one, with Edgar, was the one we used. 2 hours. Very informative, did not include going into places/churches as they charged a fee. Well worth the "tip" they are looking for. We paid $8pp. If you do it, go back with the group, as we had a language problem getting a taxi back to the ship after we looked around at the shops at the end.

 

The problem with "street vendors" was almost non-existent. Apparently the locals know to lay off their tour group. Unfortunately their website was not the best. Make sure you confirm and email with them. After we took a cab to the Naval Academy meeting location, we found out that they had attempted to pick us up at the pier.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I will check it out!

[Noreen411]

Celebrity Today for Saturday 4/7/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Inserts from the Celebrity Today 4/7/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Aruba Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Noreen411]

Saturday 4/7/18 - Aruba

 

We moved the clocks ahead last night so we lose an hour.

 

We don’t arrive in Aruba until 3pm so the morning/early afternoon is kind of like a sea day.

 

We went to the gym pretty late, we didn’t go until about 8am (new time after moving the clocks).

 

After the gym I stopped at Cafe Al Bacio. Scott has been talking about jelly donuts so I went to see if they had any. They had blueberry jelly donuts today so I brought 2 back to our cabin (one for each of us). They are small donuts and were very tasty.

 

 

We didn’t want to have a big breakfast since we want to go to the Lawn Club Grill for lunch. Donuts and some fruit from our fruit bowl will be our light breakfast.

 

We went in the jacuzzi on the balcony for a little while. Then we showered and got dressed.

 

We called about the safe being locked and someone arrived within a few minutes to open it for us.

 

We ran into Walter and asked him about the dinner reservations and he said we’re all set.

 

I’m not sure where we went next but probably wandered around the ship a bit.

 

We ended up outside with Rich, Eileen, Arleen, and her husband (I forgot his name) and hung out with them for a while.

 

We went to lunch at the Lawn Club Grill at about 12:15.

 

 

 

 

We started with a little salad each

 

 

 

 

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Edited May 11, 2018 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Saturday 4/7/18 - Aruba - Continued

 

I had the Signature Burger. This was a massive burger. It was very good. But very messy. Or maybe it’s just me being messy. The presentation with the big knife through the top of it is cute too.

 

 

 

Scott had the Deep End (tuna) burger. His had the same presentation with the knife through the top. He really enjoyed this and said he wants to come back for lunch again.

 

 

 

After our huge burgers, we were too full to have the warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream which was the original reason Scott wanted to come here for lunch. I’m sure we’ll be back for the cookie another time.

 

 

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[DocJohnB]

Just found this thread today. It is really quite interesting and well composed. Great pictures!

I am doing this same exact cruise in February with a group of folks that have cruised together since 1998.

BTW your rant regarding the complainers (not quite the verbiage I would use to describe them) is my pet peeve. Unfortunately, one runs across these types on every cruise. I have close to 40 cruises now and cannot recall one where there wasn't at least one of these sad folks flapping their gums.

Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[oskarNZ]

Thank you so much for this review. I have just enjoyed a lazy Saturday afternoon reading the whole thing and it’s thoroughly entertaining.

We are on the Reflection early next year and are really looking forward to your ABC Island posts.