1st Celebrity After 10-Year 'Never Again' - Silhouette 12/4/2023

[At Sea At Peace]

17 hours ago, goofysmom99 said:

OP, I'm genuinely looking forward to your take on what has been my favorite ship in the Celebrity fleet (although it almost seems some folks don't want you to enjoy your cruise),  Bon voyage!

 

Will do.  😎

 

Well, not up early enough to get a snapshot of her coming into to port this morning. Can see her on the port webcam.  She appears to have backed in, so when we leave 'Lake Mabel" it will be one turn and a straight shot out.

 

We have a late boarding slot 2-2:30 which was appropriate as we booked last minute.  All packed and ready to go.  Probably head over @ 1PM or so after the drawbridge closes.

 

 

Port Everglades is getting huge with development.  I guess it's natural as FLL has gotten huge.  Old Lake Mabel and FLL from times gone bye.

 

[At Sea At Peace]

36 minutes ago, NewPennCruiser said:

OP, we will be joining you today on the Silhouette. We also have not cruised with Celebrity in quite a while but unlike you only have positive memories of our past experiences with Celebrity so it will be interesting to see how things have changed. Our last cruise with Celebrity was also on the Silhouette about 1 month before everything shut down in 2020 and it has been one of our favorite ships. We’ve only cruised once since the pandemic and it was with NCL. It was a great cruise. Anyway, we are looking forward to warm weather and some relaxation.  Happy Sailing!   Dave

 

Nice Dave.  Hope to have a great time.  We have also have had a lot of Celebrity Cruises that were nothing short of simply perfect.  Just had one bad one and it really was due to a large group that we were not informed of prior to or during the sailing.

[Arzeena]

OP you are going to enjoy your cruise!

We were on the Nov 20, 10 night sailing and enjoyed every bit! No complaints, no grumbles. It was a great cruise. And I hope you will also have a great

time!

[PTC DAWG]

On 12/4/2023 at 10:40 AM, At Sea At Peace said:

 

Just had one bad one and it really was due to a large group that we were not informed of prior to or during the sailing.

It would be nice if when a group, any group, hit a certain percentage of bookings on a partial charter, if they would let other passengers know..10-20% maybe?  Any thoughts on this suggestion. 

[hasentreelake]

12 minutes ago, Arzeena said:

OP you are going to enjoy your cruise!

We were on the Nov 20, 10 night sailing and enjoyed every bit! No complaints, no grumbles. It was a great cruise. And I hope you will also have a great

time!

We were on the ship with Arzeena and I will say that the Vibe was upbeat and the service was more than adequate.  Ketel One is my go to over Grey Goose, so that change was positive for me.  Craft Social was awesome for all the football games, the internet was A+ (except a bit sketchy at the Sunset bar), food was very good in all the specialy restaurants and MDR.  Our room steward (we had a sunset veranda) was outstanding - leaving me ice at least twice daily 🙂  I guess it's all in the expectations. 
The only thing I saw that has been a bit different than previous cruises is that the Casino was hopping most nights.  I guess this was a 'blue chipper - casino' cruise.  Since I don't frequent the casino it didn't bother me in the least.  Have a wonderful cruise and hope you enjoy the Silhouette.

[At Sea At Peace]

3 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

It would be nice if when a group, any group, hit a certain percentage of bookings on a partial charter, if they would let other passengers know..10-20% maybe?  Any thoughts on this suggestion. 

 

Just a note.  The WIFI 'premium' has been an issue for us.  Not all, but for us.  Seems to be improving, but a work in progress.

 

The APP is really good, once you get downloaded.  Like a 'circular reference' error that you can't resolve yourself, despite capabilities, without the IT lounge kids on Deck 5 😉  Go well before opening  the lines will amaze.

 

- - - - - -

 

Agree on the 'group disclosure' as a fairness to the 'non group passengers.'  On Equinox, our special group was, per as told, almost 800.

 

Didn't mind the 'group' in any way, shape or form.  However, we had early dining (at the time after decades of owning a business we're up a 5-6am and down at 8-or so.  The group decided to all switch to early. We had the 8:30-9 reassigned.  A no go for us.  They offered same meal at room service, just not arrived until 10-10:30 at night.  It happens.  But the company line was 'we have a large group the we must accommodate.'  That didn't cut it for us or hundreds or others.  

 

Several areas of the ship were commandeered as they changes their plans at will.  Ugh.

[At Sea At Peace]

3 hours ago, hasentreelake said:

We were on the ship with Arzeena and I will say that the Vibe was upbeat and the service was more than adequate.  Ketel One is my go to over Grey Goose, so that change was positive for me.  Craft Social was awesome for all the football games, the internet was A+ (except a bit sketchy at the Sunset bar), food was very good in all the specialy restaurants and MDR.  Our room steward (we had a sunset veranda) was outstanding - leaving me ice at least twice daily 🙂  I guess it's all in the expectations. 
The only thing I saw that has been a bit different than previous cruises is that the Casino was hopping most nights.  I guess this was a 'blue chipper - casino' cruise.  Since I don't frequent the casino it didn't bother me in the least.  Have a wonderful cruise and hope you enjoy the Silhouette.

 

We're having a really good time.  We have a lot of pics of the ship, our food etc.  The WIFI has been pretty tough, but we've seemed to be at the overcome point.  Will post more tomorrow.

 

Generally, the Celebrity passenger mix is more 'us.'  We're RCCL for the big ships with families as we have GKs.  We're MSC big for the Yacht Club 'because we like it.'  NCL for certain features on the Breakaway and Quantum Classes.  There is younger, more 'city' crowd, but nice.

 

A sneak refresher, Celebrity Main Dining (the last time we ate main dining was 2012 on Celebrity) is better than each and every one of the other lines.  From service, organization, quality of food, very nice.  We probably didn't need to book 6 Specialty reservations.

 

Thanks for the input and inquiries.  Will work on the pics and comments tomorrow.

 

 

[At Sea At Peace]

On 12/5/2023 at 7:57 PM, At Sea At Peace said:

 

We're having a really good time.  We have a lot of pics of the ship, our food etc.  The WIFI has been pretty tough, but we've seemed to be at the overcome point.  Will post more tomorrow.

 

Thanks for the input and inquiries.  Will work on the pics and comments tomorrow.

 

 

 

The WIFI is location dependent.  Found that in the Ocean Cafe in the morning it is the best for my laptop.  Should be able to do some PICS today on a catch up basis.

Edited December 8, 2023 by At Sea At Peace

[At Sea At Peace]

1 hour ago, At Sea At Peace said:

 

The WIFI is location dependent.  Found that in the Ocean Cafe in the morning it is the best for my laptop.  Should be able to do some PICS today on a catch up basis.

 

The ship looked decent upon boarding, which is always a hectic time.  Stateroom was ready.  Pretty nice holiday decor around the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[At Sea At Peace]

22 hours ago, At Sea At Peace said:

 

The ship looked decent upon boarding, which is always a hectic time.  Stateroom was ready.  Pretty nice holiday decor around the ship.

 

 

First Topic - Cleanliness

 

Seriously, after being stateside during and post Covid and experiencing the working habits of, well, every sector, watching and noting the Crew on this ship is rewarding.

 

At the outset, it appears the demographics are roughly 25-35% 'each' Indonesia, India and Philippines in that order.

 

Every aspect of the ship, dining, common areas, bars, pool decks, Solarium, everywhere, is spot-free almost all day and night lone.  They are not just deep cleaning at night and dawn, they are at it 'live' all day.  The work as a team, use technology (ear pieces and phone) and operate like a 'well oiled machine' in the hardest areas servicing the main dining, top select main dining and the Ocean Cafe.  They are professional, engaged with smiles, welcomes, needs, etc.  Equipment, tables, food islands, etc. are kept clean 'during' service.

 

Really, really impressive.  The ship, although 'getting up there, is 95% quality rated in all regards IMO.

[hcat]

great info already..and nice pics of the holiday decor

we are looking forward to updates and photos

[Cruise a holic]

We have sailed on the Silhouette three times over the years.  Will again sail in January.  We love the ship.  Service great- love the lawn club grill and all of the suite amenities.  Great service- looking foward to sailing on her again- and seeing the renovations.  

 

Not happy about the new butler situation- and the excessive increase for photographs, but will report back after our cruise.  Interested in you analysis.  Have a great trip.

[floridatravelersforlife]

Late in the game here.  We dropped Celebrity due to growing dissatisfaction which culminated in an unacceptable experience on the Infinity in 2016.  After covid we tried Retreat and have sailed several Celebrity ships.  So far so good, but If the experience suffers we'll be gone again.  The few new destinations we desire to visit  are mired in war or chaos, so our options are limited. Larend tours may be in our future

[At Sea At Peace]

On 12/9/2023 at 8:05 AM, hcat said:

great info already..and nice pics of the holiday decor

we are looking forward to updates and photos

 

Main dining, upper floor (walk-in, no reservations, no fixed time) first night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same location, first breakfast.

 

 

 

 

Breakfast for 'Elite' level at Tuscan (there are 800+ 'Elite' level on cruise; only 30 or so people here for breakfast each day.

 

 

 

 

 

Will post 'Le Petit Chef' later.

 

TECH NOTE

 

On iPhone, switch setting on Photos to 'most compatible' so that when transferring to PC the high resolution iPhone image is converted to CruiseCritic acceptable formats.  🤨

 

 

[LeeW]

On 12/3/2023 at 7:12 AM, At Sea At Peace said:

 

Usually get astonishing looks from servers, sometimes Maître d, when we pass on the bread, share an appetizer and only eat 2 ounces of a tenderloin and a bit of the potatoes, etc.  🤨

 

 

Did you try the kid's menu filet?  Not sure it is back yet on all ships but DW often will get it instead of the main dining steak.  We buy 4 oz filets at home since that is the perfect size for us.

[hcat]

Dinner portions look small on large plates..not many veggies  we lkke double veggies.  Maybe it's the camera angle? How was the fish?

 

The  combo breakfast plate looked great!

Enjoy!

  

 

[At Sea At Peace]

25 minutes ago, hcat said:

Dinner portions look small on large plates..not many veggies  we lkke double veggies.  Maybe it's the camera angle? How was the fish?

 

The  combo breakfast plate looked great!

Enjoy!

  

 

 

The plates are huge.  😳

 

The Salmon was very good.  I asked for 'glistening' and that is how it came.  Skin still crisp, salt and pepper and like a potato chip.

 

We could not do justice to that breakfast plate.  To our shame, a single woman near us ate more than we did together.  😯  It was really good.

 

There are 800+ Elite level eligible to have this at Tuscan from 8-10am.  Appears to be about 10-15% take advantage of it.  Although there is a limited offering it is a real comfortable environment, view and ambience.  Good premium coffee also.

[May B]

30 minutes ago, hcat said:

Dinner portions look small on large plates..not many veggies  we lkke double veggies.  Maybe it's the camera angle? How was the fish?

 

The  combo breakfast plate looked great!

Enjoy!

  

 

I’m guessing most diners don’t even finish the small amt. of veggies that is the standard amt. I thought the salmon and the other main looked quite large size. Not sure what it was … breaded chicken cutlet? 
 

I sometimes ask for my fish to be cooked “gently”, especially after one overcooked piece.

 

We sometimes go to Elite breakfast just for the fresh-squeezed juice and a cappuccino, although then we do often want a little something to go with our coffee.

 

I think it’s more to the single woman’s shame, that she ate more than the two of you did, than to YOUR shame! 😊

[At Sea At Peace]

Le Petit Chef, was fun and innovative.  The technology effect doesn't last long for adults, but fun.  The food was very limited and we mixed and matched to sample the entire menu.

 

NEW MENU OUT TODAY - Will post tomorrow

 

The short rib, so far, was the best menu item of the trip in any dining venue so far.  👍 

 

For two reasons.  The cut was thick (stood tall, against the grain top and bottom) and when my DW touched the top with a fork it slid off, most and very tasty.  Second, she didn't offer me a bite until the last piece.  🙄

 

NOTE

 

Others tried to book Le Petit Chef and the APP indicated nothing was available.  At our seating, the first, there were 5 other couples.  Almost empty.  Really odd, but not uncommon on this cruise.  At Tuscan, the same, nothing available on the APP yet during our dinner, early, 2/3rds empty?  🤨

 

PICS 

 

Some have 'rays' in the image.  Although not visible to the naked eye, the iPhone picks it up.  It's the part of the table projections throughout the meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The absolute winner so far on cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

[Purplsmurf]

We are going on Silhouette next week and curious to know who the bartenders are at the martini bar. We are wondering if we will know anyone. Can you please let me know who is there if you get the chance? Thank you!

[dlh015]

I've been following along and must say you are doing a great job of sharing your cruise!!

 

Love all the details...👍

[hcat]

Are photo costs high as someone noted? 

 

We like to get a portfolio frame with a photo of the ship and room for an 8x 10  portrait,  and maybe 1 or 2 more.

 

Big birthday cruise!

[At Sea At Peace]

14 hours ago, May B said:

I’m guessing most diners don’t even finish the small amt. of veggies that is the standard amt. I thought the salmon and the other main looked quite large size. Not sure what it was … breaded chicken cutlet? 

 

The other item was a breaded pork chop with marshmallow sweet potato with green beans.  Not a big deal, but as most do with pork, it was well more than the medium.  🤨  Safety 'cruise, public dining,' likely over 'at home' quality.

[At Sea At Peace]

12 hours ago, hcat said:

Are photo costs high as someone noted? 

 

We like to get a portfolio frame with a photo of the ship and room for an 8x 10  portrait,  and maybe 1 or 2 more.

 

Big birthday cruise!

 

We have no idea re: the photo costs.  Will take a look at today.

 

We, in the past decade, have used our photos, public images (google ship and/or island) and use an ONLINE art store make a print, fabric or ceramic with or without frame after sending them the digital files.

[At Sea At Peace]

Sushi on 5

 

Hopped in there a couple of times and ordered small plates.  Still not very busy, but noted the HR department, full uniform, enjoying two full tables at the back of the venue. Saw this go by, had to order one.😉

 

Transferring PICS from The Lawn Club last night.  Will post later.  Will be an interesting 'take' on the venue.