First day lunch dining and 'Sanctuary' area?

[ian441672]

Not long now until we board the Reflection for our Caribbean cruise! We have only done one X cruise before (Elite on Princess, but liked the deal and itinerary here), and we have booked a Sky Suite for the 10 day cruise.

 

We are flying in to Miami from UK the night before, so we will be fresh the next day to board around 11.30am. Apart from the buffet, would there be any other options available to dine? I know on Princess, the MDR is open between 11.30 and 1pm (or something similar), and since we are not huge buffet fans, would it be OK to board this early (or earlier?), and find a similar seated dining room tor lunch? Is it anything different for a Sky Suite?

 

Also on Princess there is an Adults only area that you pay for that has upgraded loungers, free afternoon tea service, a tailored service etc. Sometimes it is nice for just one day to do this and escape the madness of the pool area and have a bit of seclusion! Does X have something similar (paid for?), and what is it called?

 

Many thanks.

[Mark_T]

2 minutes ago, ian441672 said:

We are flying in to Miami from UK the night before, so we will be fresh the next day to board around 11.30am. Apart from the buffet, would there be any other options available to dine?

The Suite Dining Room - Luminae, will be open for your lunch on embarkation day.

Edited December 29, 2019 by Mark_T

[miched]

For your sanctuary you can rent a alcove.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

[ian441672]

Thanks both. Sounds good.

 

How strict are they re boarding times and access to the rooms? I'm guessing the Luminae will be open for a couple of hours or so - I will check their website again.

 

Thanks.

[Mark_T]

1 minute ago, ian441672 said:

How strict are they re boarding times and access to the rooms? I'm guessing the Luminae will be open for a couple of hours or so - I will check their website again.

Any boarding time you have been given is really just indicative and once boarding starts you will not be turned away if you are there early.

 

If you want to be onboard as early as possible and you don't mind hanging around a bit, then just arrive early and wait.

 

Luminae will probably be open between 12-2 so you should have plenty of time to eat.

[39august]

What you describe as the Sanctuary on Princess sounds a lot like the solarium on Celebrity, except for the tea service and is adults only. . However, there is the spa cafe inside the Solarium and tea is available there during breakfast and lunch hours. There is no charge for the solarium on Celebrity.  The pool is quite nice there. 

[ECCruise]

25 minutes ago, ian441672 said:

Thanks both. Sounds good.

 

How strict are they re boarding times and access to the rooms? I'm guessing the Luminae will be open for a couple of hours or so - I will check their website again.

 

Thanks.

Boarding will be no problem in the time frame you mentioned.  Rooms will not be available until 1:00 or 1:30, but you will likely be having lunch in Luminae for a portion of that waiting time.

[ian441672]

8 minutes ago, 39august said:

What you describe as the Sanctuary on Princess sounds a lot like the solarium on Celebrity, except for the tea service and is adults only. . However, there is the spa cafe inside the Solarium and tea is available there during breakfast and lunch hours. There is no charge for the solarium on Celebrity.  The pool is quite nice there. 

That sounds nice - do you have to book in advance / reserve, or is it first come, first served?

 

Thank you.

[cruisestitch]

The Solarium does not require reservations.  This is where the indoor pool.  It is adults only unless there is inclement weather in which case it may be available to families for a few hours a day. 

 

Its Aqua Spa Cafe is not limited to those in Aqua Class rooms.  It is available to all passengers.  It offers breakfast and lunch.  

 

If if you are looking for afternoon tea with offerings like scones, go to the Oceanview buffet.  

[ScubesDad]

As you are sailing in a suite you will have access to Michaels Club. MC is a private lounge area for all suite guests, and is open from about 7 am until "late".  we have sailed on Reflection 3 times in the past 3 years and our only comment is MC can be a bit crowded sometimes due to the higher number of suites, however, it is also empty quite often.  it may serve as your "sanctuary" at times if you are just looking for a quiet spot...and a few refreshments.  they do serve an afternoon tea somewhere around 3 -4 pm.

[ian441672]

16 minutes ago, ScubesDad said:

As you are sailing in a suite you will have access to Michaels Club. MC is a private lounge area for all suite guests, and is open from about 7 am until "late".  we have sailed on Reflection 3 times in the past 3 years and our only comment is MC can be a bit crowded sometimes due to the higher number of suites, however, it is also empty quite often.  it may serve as your "sanctuary" at times if you are just looking for a quiet spot...and a few refreshments.  they do serve an afternoon tea somewhere around 3 -4 pm.

Fantastic, thanks for the heads up.

 

Thanks also for all the replies, appreciated. I know Princess like the back of my hand, but when you try a new cruise company, all the little nooks, crannies and nuances are slightly different. It will take us a day or two to get our bearings and get to know what we can have and where we can visit!  

 

Happy New Year!