monicajay

Canadians would be wise to pay what they can on Credit card. We just got back and it was a much better deal going straight from Pesos to CAD$ than paying in USD.

I do not think I have ever seen 40 people at the Bristo on 5 usually no more than a few people.

 

And that was at 1:45 when we entered. I counted (my husband thought I was nuts) but I knew it would be discussed on these boards. I'm sure there were others who went in at noon and had already left.

 

I can confirm that most nights around 7 we swung by because I was curious and there were always a good bunch of people, 30 to 40 most evenings at this time and likely more entered later.

 

Lunch for 2 cost us over $45 and we had no dessert, I can imagine with a larger appetite in the evening that dinner for 2 would easily run $60 -$70, so this is a winner for Celebrity compared to the Bistro.

We are considering the holiday Reflection cruise (Dec 24-31) with our 3 kids and their partners, ages 22-26. They are not big partyers but we're concerned they may not have enough to do on the Reflection as compared to say, the Oasis. We, on the other hand, love Celebrity for the class of service. Thoughts from anyone who has done this?

 

Also - our promo would include the Classic Beverage Package. We're not big drinkers and have never purchased a beverage package, but curious to know if this covers a decent amount of mixed drinks, beers and glasses of wine, or should I cynically expect that all the drinks we want would be priced JUST above the limit for the package?

 

Thanks!

 

Just back.

 

I didn't cruise with 20 somethings but those we saw, and there were a surprising number, seemed to be having a great time. Many were dressed to the 9's on Evening Chic night.

 

As for the Classic package, unless you are picky about brands of alcohol, you will find plenty to drink. I upgraded, not for the cocktails but for the better wines, my husband didn't and he was very happy with his package. No need to be cynical. Plus, you can wait till you are on board to decide if you want to upgrade and you don't need to do it on the first day. Try it for a day or two, then upgrade with any bartender. You will only be charged for the remaining days.

I am really sad to hear the buffet sushi is not there, but are you positive? It was always served starting at 5:30 after the Afternoon Tea.

 

I can confirm that no sushi was spotted at the buffet :(. Enjoyed lunch at Sushi on 5, although we found it a bit pricey but at least it was good. I was told that the plan is open on sea days for lunch and port days starting at 3:00pm for a late lunch or snacks when you get back on board.

 

We had lunch at 1h45 and there were at least 40 people in the restaurant at that hour.

SHIP: Reflection

CABIN #: 6209

DECK #: 6

CLASS: 2D

AREA: Hump

BED NEAR: Balcony

QUIET?: Sometimes in the shower I'd hear music.

BALCONY VIEW: Officially (sold as) - fully obstructed Unofficial- obstruction is minimal. Much better than I'd hoped for.

BALCONY SIZE: Oversized (angled on the hump). Fully shaded.

WIND A PROBLEM?: No

SOOT A PROBLEM?: No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: Despite being on smoking side with smoking area immediately below, we never once got a whiff. Also, some light reflects up at night from Promenade Deck. Was woken up one morning early to workers washing the deck below, however we'd left the patio door open so it was not a big deal.

 

For the price paid this was a fabulous cabin. At the railing we were able to see almost straight down to the water.

DYes..you can come and go whenever you want. It's about a 5 min ride, once they get underway. If you're on the tender, and they see folks approaching, they will wait until they get onboard, so waiting time can extend that time.

 

During the busy times, they run like every 15 mins or so....middle of the day, it's a bit more relaxed...

 

They can take a while to load (15 minutes at least if you are first on) so I wouldn't plan on a day of going back and forth.

 

Enjoyed our day very much.

 

Also, I'd like someplace with decent beach snorkeling, and Nache Cocom doesn't appear to have the best snorkeling.

 

I was doing some research into Chankanaab park, and from what I can tell you pay the admission fee, and then just pay for food and drink as you go. Chankanaab looks like it has better snorkeling, but there really isn't a beach (due to the rocky shoreline).

 

Any recommendations for a decent beach getaway that isn't an all inclusive and decent snorkeling? We probably won't eat lunch there, and may just get a few sodas.

 

Money Bar. Was there last week and it is still as nice as ever. No fee for loungers. Great snorkeling (rent or bring your own gear), stairs with railing to enter the water and loungers are in the sand with a back filled retaining wall. No pressure to order. Clean bathrooms and freshwater shower. Order a drink or two and a plate of Nachos to share and it makes for a really cheap day. The guacamole (you can order a whole big plate) with chips is my favorite.

 

Our taxi driver tried to talk us out of it. Not sure what the drivers have against this place but we love it. We have never seen it really crowded either.

 

Check out the pictures on their web-site.

We had considered renting one of these and were glad we didn't when we found the location. I like to swim and it is way to shallow in front of them. Also, there are plenty of other spots that provide shade and are far enough away from loud music.

 

This was our first time to the island and it was a very pleasant surprise.

Just off the Reflection. Sushi on 5 was open only in the evening on the first few days but we were told at the CC meet and greet they would be open for lunch on last sea day. We were also told that the plan for future will be lunch on all sea days and 3pm opening on port days.

We went for lunch at 1h45 PM and the place was still packed so there was certainly a market for it even if it is just the curiosity factor.

Food was top notch (although rice was not as vinegary as I like it) and I would have no problems going back on a future cruise.

We were also told this is a "pop-up restaurant" and they may come and go on different ships at different times. We were told to watch out for other 'pop up' spots.

Anyone who's upset about missing Coco Cay because of sea/wind conditions needs to read posts 99 & 101 of this review: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2317644&page=3

I read through those posts and although it sounded like a difficult time getting back to the ship, they seemed to really enjoy their day.

 

 

This has been the most windy and stormy winter I have ever experienced down here, so it does not surprise me one bit that Coco Cay is getting skipped a lot.

 

Seems the Reflection is still planning on heading to CocoCay next week. One of the people on our Rollcall (Daxwise doing a B2B) has spoken to the Captain and there will be no Key West for us:(. He'll try to tender at CocoCaye and if not it will be a sea day or maybe Nassau.

Interesting. I'll have to make a point of finding the art room on the first day. I don't think there was one on the Summit.

Why is everyone talking about cancelling and rebooking. When I take advantage of a price drop all I do is ask my travel agent to rebook me at the lower rate. There is never a chance I'll lose my cabin. I've booked cruises more than two years in advance.

 

I booked a cabin on the Allure for September 2013. There were several price drops which I took advantage of. There was also one after final payment. I asked my travel agent to see if I could take advantage of it. No, but I was offer a two category free upgrade (from Central Park balcony to oceanview balcony).

 

I booked a grand suite while on the ship. The best price they could give me was $5,000 plus $200 OBC. I knew the prices was closer to $4,000, so as soon as I got off the ship I had my TA rebook me at the lower rate ($1,000 less), and I kept my $200 OBC.

 

No harm in booking early, however, I will no longer book a future cruise while on the ship.

 

Book early and look for price drops.

 

Only those living in North America can do upgrades like this. The rest of the world is 'stuck' when the prices drop.

Yesterday, our shore excursions were for Key West. Later today on "My Celebrity" the excursions have reverted to CocoCay so I guess the idea of Key West was dropped for us.

Some photos of 6210 posted previously

 

(Notice where 6210 is marked at the left)

 

 

 

- and from inside looking out through the deep balcony

.

Will 6209 on the Reflection balcony look like this too?

I have never passed a crepe stand in Paris or at a fair without buying one. Having said that, my Celebrity experience has been reheated crepes rather than ones made from scratch and served right from the crepe maker.....so they are much like getting a waffle from the bin instead of right off the waffle iron. They don't reheat well...they get warm but lose any crispness around the edges, etc.

 

Apparently, I just haven't been lucky....and I'm going to try again on the eclipse in a few weeks...but I'm not hopeful.

 

Hopefully you will enjoy them while you can. Those of us on the Reflection are getting the new 'Sushi on 5' . Seems from my roll call and some members on a B2B already on board. The switch is complete. No more Bistro food or crepes:confused:.

Same in December. Actually I did see some staff members dining in Bistro a couple times - though maybe they were there to try and draw others in. ;)

 

Likely they enjoyed getting served instead of walking around the buffet.

 

I am looking forward to seeing a menu from the new Sushi on 5 on the Reflection.

 

Please post one if you can.

For our departure of Feb. 27th on the Reflection, many on the roll call received e-mails stating that our port had been changed to Key West. I did not get this.

 

Then, not long after, some got e-mails stating it was reverting to Cococay.

 

Now, if I look at 'my Celebrity' it states Cococay BUT if I try to book a shore excursion or activity that day, they only have excursions listed for Key West.

 

Such a mystery as we leave this Saturday. Some members of our roll-call have phoned to ask but nobody seems to have a clear answer.

 

I guess if we will miss Cococay, I'd prefer Key West over Nassau, but then again we could end up with a a sea day.

 

Who knows............. time will tell!

I was sure the OP was on hold with Celebrity last time I checked this thread. Hopefully she will come back and tell us it all worked out.:)

Once you upgrade to the premium (or if you have premium as a perk) you only pay the extra amount above the $13 limit. So if you want to order a glass of wine that is $14.50, you will be billed $1.50 plus the 18 %.

 

This is particularly helpful in the specialty restaurants where the cheaper wines are limited.

 

Can any of you suggest "must-see" attractions in Sydney?

 

Thanks,

 

Chat Thai restaurant.....OMG is it good. Huge lines, sign up your group on a clipboard at the podium and wait.......... You can bring your own wine. Interesting neighborhood to roam around.

Were there any passengers that embarked in Jamaica? I had read on line that this was possible but have not found it on-line. I even went to a travel agency to ask about this but they looked at me like I was green.

 

They didn't seem to know about this cruise either and tried to sell me a different cruise line.

I would like to thank you all for your replies. Based on the useful information you have provided us, we have decided to switch to select dining. :)

 

It's a snow storm here today... I'll continue to read your posts and day-dream of my upcoming cruise! Have a great day! :D

 

Good choice! The first night they seemed reluctant to give us a table 'by the rail' but by the 3rd, they realized we were in no rush and would gladly wait as long as needed to get what we wanted. After two wonderful cruises on The Summit, I'm just hoping that the Reflection is set up the same way.

My husband and I are sailing on the Summit to Bermuda in mid-May and are debating between two stateroom options - an oceanview room on deck 3 (by the conference center) or a balcony on deck 6 or 7.

 

Typically this would be a non-question for me because I love a balcony and I like being relatively equidistant from the top decks and lower decks as we prefer to take the stairs everywhere... but I have not cruised to Bermuda before, and I can see the benefit of having a stateroom closer to the gangway (which I believe is deck 4?) so we can come and go without having a long journey to and from the stateroom if we need to drop things off/grab things, etc. Also, mid-May might not be the most warm weather for balcony-sitting on a cruise to Bermuda. OTOH, I like a balcony on sea days to have some outside time without any crowds, and this cruise has more sea days than some.

 

For those who have sailed the Summit to Bermuda, what are your thoughts? I appreciate any input!

 

I have sailed on the Summit in 3112 by the conference center. These cabins are conveniently located and I had convinced myself I'd be OK with an outside cabin. I was not. This was the only time with an outside cabin. I found it frustrating to see outside and not be able to go outside. I've actually had a few inside cabins and enjoyed that more:rolleyes:. For me it will always be either a balcony or an inside if I can't afford the balcony. I know, seems odd but you asked for opinions.

 

Oh, and yes, the window was huge (but very dirty) and the cabin was very quiet.

Hello fellow cruisers. My husband and I have only been to all-inclusive resorts and we needed a change. DH recently retired and I am retired so to celebrate we are taking our first cruise which will be on Celebrity Reflection March 5th. We're very excited and we've read many great things about this ship.

 

My questions are with regards to the Internet connection. We read in one post that the Internet connection' date=' which we can purchase, is poor. We want our family to be able to reach us if need be and they will want to hear from us. When we travel we usually log in first thing in the morning and before dinner for a few minutes. Can anyone tell us if the connection will be good enough to meet our needs? Also can we log in from our room if we buy it or do we need to go somewhere else?

 

Thank you for your help and Happy Sailing!! :)[/quote']

 

You can pre-purchase 90 minutes for $82 CAD by going to the 'manage reservation' section at MyCelebrity. That being said we have never purchased it and prefer to 'turn off' for most of the week. We have always easily found free internet in all of our ports, sometimes not truly free but the price of a drink.

Can you tell me how difficult it is to obtain a table for two by the window in the MDR for the late service (8:30)? We are looking for romantic evenings (:D) and I read about the tables for two being so close to each others... Thanks!

 

If you switch to Select Dining you will be on the second floor. The best tables for 2 are private and along the side of the railing looking over the downstairs and traditional dining. On both our Summit cruises we would ask for table by the railing and explained that we didn't mind waiting. It never took long 10 - 15 minutes with a pager but we always ended up with a really nice table for 2. We tried to be seated at least 10 -15 minutes before the traditional dining was seated. It is so much fun to watch the waiters rushing around trying to get it all ready in time and then the herd of diners scurrying in to get their spots.

 

My husband and I love chatting with others before diner at the Martini Bar but really enjoy our evening meal alone.