JaneAustenCruiser

Lots of threads on the boards on this these days. As stated, they're a fire hazard, especially if they have a surge protector.

 

If you're charging USB chargeable devices (Kindle, cell phone, etc.), then get a 5-6 port USB charging hub off Amazon. It'll charge your devices an only use one of the outlets, and with an adaptor you can use it with the 220V European outlet.

Oh good info! I was thinking a power strip was the way to go, but I'll grab one of the USB charging ports from Amazon. Thanks for the advice for this first time cruiser!

We like to stop at a Costco or Wahlgreen;s by a port and buy economy box or pack of snack bags (Cheezits or whatever). They don't let you bring unbagged unwrapped food off the ship in almost all ports so it's good to have something while on an excursion or in port.

 

......

 

The days of formal dressing are over. I don't even bring a jacket anymore.

 

Enjoy your cruising days.

You should make this a checklist! This is great. I'm going to C&P your post and use it when I pack. :halo:

I hope they do make that amount in tips! I'm assuming that's pre-tax. This has got to be a tough job. Away from your family for weeks at a time, stuck on a boat, very small personal quarters, anything customer service can be brutal. This will be my first cruise, but I don't need to have been on a ship before to know how some people behave to service workers. :D;p

Stopping in Columbia on the Celebrity Reflection at the end of February. Should I get some CPs out of an ATM at the port terminal? I hate using USD when I'm visiting another country - it feels like not traveling, LOL.

That being said, are the ATMs at the port terminal legit bank ATMs or the mom-n-pop kind you see in 7-11s here in the US?

Thanks! First time to Columbia - excited!

Hi

We have cruised a number of times as a couple, however, this year my 13 yr. old granddaughter and 87 year old mother may be coming with us.

Due to my partners work we are limited as to when we can go, looking at end of August through to beginning of December. We are thinking of doing Southern Caribbean beginning of September, but I'm worried about the weather. We like it hot, need excursions to suit the various age groups and evening entertainment.

Looking for suggestions on where to cruise and when. We will be flying from UK, looking to do 10 to 14 days. Any help much appreciated

@BLJ1, Generally the Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, etc) doesn't experience hurricanes as frequently as the northern areas do.

I did find some good info right here on Cruise Critic too; maybe these links will help:

• Atlantic Hurricane Season info
  
• Hurricane season cruising
  
• Southern Caribbean cruise tips
  

Good luck!

Did you check the S class sticky at the top of the page? Cabin will be the same on all S class ships, so a review of any will do. EM

Hey, that's good information. I'm doing my very first cruise on Reflection next month and had no idea that the cabins were the same on the same class of ship. Thanks for the info!

I believe it is $11 + 18% tip but could have gone up. I don't know about Yoga but I did see with Zumba that you could sign up for several classes and save a bit.

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Does anyone know the costs involved for the exercise classes on Celebrity ships? Thinking yoga, etc. Thank you!! Looked but can't seem to find anything. Maybe I overlooked it?

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I'm on the Reflection for the TA in April. Happy to hear it's being refurbished. Nice...

@Banjo, off topic since I can't seem to contact you via PM: where did you get your sig countdowns? :D

I loved the pictures of the menus! I am doing my first cruise in February and had no idea what to expect. :) Looks like I'll be gaining weight! haha

We were on the 11/17/17 sailing....ship looked same as our prior Reflection cruise and was in ok shape, but wherever we sat in Anytime dining, the chairs were in terrible shape....ripped and worn and not just a little. Many comments were made to staff. We were told they were being reupholstered during the dry dock in Jan. We're on the ship again in March '18 so looking forward to non-ratty dining seating. We were speaking with a senior officer and told there are two 'docks'...dry and wet where they take the ship out of the water or keep it in. Not sure which the Jan. one is.

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You can check out passenger reviews of Reflection by clicking on the Research drop down at the top of the page next to the Cruise Critic logo and then following to Reflection. They have a wonderful crew and you will have an amazing trip. Enjoy!

I've been doing this! Thanks for the recommendation. :) So many good places to get info on this site.

Don't get too excited by the 'jogging track' - In two cruises (one on Equinox the other on Reflection) I've yet to see anyone jogging (but I've not observed it before 9am, so maybe first thing...).

 

All it is a 1.5 metre / 5 foot wide by 200 metre long marked out track on the deck above the pool that is surrounded on either side by sun beds. It is also part of normal walkways around the deck so will have people walking leisurely about, bar staff with drinks trollies etc. It is used a lot by people exercising by doing a 'brisk walk', but anything faster during the main part of the day would likely end in disaster.

 

And, if it bothers you, it also goes past the smoking area by the Mast Bar.

LOL, good to know! I say it sounds like the gym is probably the better option for me. :) Thanks for the info!

Try not to miss the specialty restaurant Murano. Wonderful food and service. We love the Lobster Murano (prepared tableside) Chateaubriand (ditto) and Crepes Balon Rouge (ditto).

You're making my mouth water! Murano sounds wonderful.

As an avid Jane Austen fan (my ebooks go with me on every cruise) I love your name!

 

My first cruise advice to you and you stepmom would be not to rush around too much. Find time to sit and people watch, relax and soak in the atmosphere! There are some fantastic places to do this including cafe el bachio, the sunset bar, lounge areas and my very favourite my own balcony - enjoyed first thing in the morning with coffee and last thing at night with a final tipple...

 

You will find on your bed each evening a Today sheet which lists the activities for the next day. A highlighter pen can be useful. We often enjoy some of the smaller activities (how to cook a perfect steak, fish....) than the bigger shows. We also enjoy the live music that moves around the ship.

 

Speciality dining is worth paying for a few nights in our opinion....if you are flexible with time and day you can get good discounts.

 

Remember you can also dine in your room. On excursion days it can be useful and time saving to have breakfast in your room. Also if you do come back exhausted from an excursion and don’t want to dress for dinner you can order from the MDR menu during the restaurant opening times.

 

If you do want the opportunity to make friends on your own for some parts of the cruise you could join the roll call or ask at guest relations if there are any ‘singles’ activities.

 

Sincere best wishes for a wonderful cruise. Take PRIDE in your choices, don’t show PREJUDICE in trying new things, keep SENSE and SENSIBILITY with your drinks package and I don’t think you will need much PERSUASION to have a great time!

This is such great advice. My stepmom is a veteran cruise so i know shes looking forward to helping me get acclimated to ship life. I read that somebody had recommended bringing your own coffee mug to take to one of the cafés. Would you recommend this?

I’m definitely going to talk with her about making reservations at a couple of the specialty restaurants. Thanks for the great advice.

That last paragraph! So funny! :') (y)

Just got off Reflection, 10 Day Ultimate Caribbean.

Ask any questions you like, I will answer.

Michigan Native !!!

Wonderful! I hate to mention this but i work at MSU...GO GREEN! Lol!

Do you mind if i ask which deck your cabin was on? We’re on 10, aft port with a veranda room. I was excited to see we were on the same deck as the library. I’m kind of a nerd that way. ;p;p I’m curious how the different decks are like re: staterooms.

If your MIL has already lined up shore exs, I'm not sure what else I could suggest for port visits, unless you aren't planning on joining her.

 

If you are a runner, there is a jogging track on the Lawn Club deck as an alternative to the treadmill.

 

Be sure to join the roll call for your ship's sailing. You'll be able to see what some of your fellow cruisers are planning.

 

Sounds like your MIL has most things already set up. Have a great cruise.

Thank you, The jogging track sounds awesome!

Mostly checking in as a new community member. Going on my first cruise on the Celebrity Reflection in February to the Caribbean. My user name comes from the fact that my stepmom is very generously paying for this cruise for me since my dad HATES to travel (former 2x Vietnam Vet with PTSD). So I feel like the poor distant relative that acts as the traveling companion for rich, older lady. LOL. Accurate, except for the fact that my stepmom is pretty all around great fun and not the querulous old snoot you usually see in Austen's books . My husband is definitely jealous!

Have been reading through all the forum postings and Celebrity-specific forum.

So, since I need to have a specific question here, what is the one thing you would recommend I do to get a full "cruise" experience? She's purchased us the premium beverage package, unlimited internet, shore excursions, etc. We are going with a special interest group (crochet cruise), but there will be plenty of time on our own as well. I'm a runner/active person and am super looking forward to some gym time on a treadmill. I don't run in the winter because a) I live in Michigan and b) I'm not crazy. LOL I would consider myself an adventure traveler and am open to trying pretty much anything once (except base jumping hahahaha).

Thanks in advance and am looking forward to community conversation.

You can also cross post on the Celebrity Cruise Line Forum where other cruisers can share more info with you. Enjoy your cruise!

 

Celebrity Cruises

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

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I'm not a forum newbie, so I'm not sure why I didn't think of that! Good advice! :D

Mostly checking in as a new community member. Going on my first cruise on the Celebrity Reflection in February to the Caribbean. My user name comes from the fact that my stepmom is very generously paying for this cruise for me since my dad HATES to travel (former 2x Vietnam Vet with PTSD). So I feel like the poor distant relative that acts as the traveling companion for rich, older lady. LOL. Accurate, except for the fact that my stepmom is pretty all around great fun and not the querulous old snoot you usually see in Austen's books;p . My husband is definitely jealous!

Have been reading through all the forum postings and Celebrity-specific forum.

So, since I need to have a specific question here, what is the one thing you would recommend I do to get a full "cruise" experience? She's purchased us the premium beverage package, unlimited internet, shore excursions, etc. We are going with a special interest group (crochet cruise), but there will be plenty of time on our own as well. I'm a runner/active person and am super looking forward to some gym time on a treadmill. I don't run in the winter because a) I live in Michigan and b) I'm not crazy. LOL I would consider myself an adventure traveler and am open to trying pretty much anything once (except base jumping hahahaha).

Thanks in advance and am looking forward to community conversation.