keesar

The number of promotions has greatly increased lately. The deals used to be state residency, seniors, municipal workers, etc. However, the cruise industry had reached a point where there were so many ships launched with larger capacities. They are all trying to fill the ships.

Also, if you notice, they often increase the prices shortly before a promotion is launched. Reminds me of other industries.

Some category staterooms are provided with free bottled water. But you can bring your own if you choose.

Yes, you are able to mix and match. In fact, on our cruise on Reflection, there were several couples that ate at the MDR after the first couple of nights in Blu. The issues were overcrowding. We have found that we had much more room for ourselves with a table for 2 when we have eaten at the MDR versus Blu. I concur that you should try to make the arrangements early on.

I was looking at Citizen Eco Drive watches. The price on the ship seemed good until I realized that the band was not Titanium. That makes a $75 difference. So you have to know your products and prices. Also, on one ship, they would not size it for you. Things to consider.

You have to be careful even with the brand name watches. I was looking at a Citizen watch. They had one that looked the same but it was the 'economy' version at the same price as the 'luxury' one. Know your prices and then make a decision.

keesar, i suspected you were from Maine but see its RI. On a trip to Maine a couple years ago we picked up our lobster from the pound when the boats came in - ate simply boiled lobster every day that week, and haven't enjoyed lobster at any restaurant since...fresh caught lobster will spoil you!

 

there is no way I'd sigh with delight for the stuff they serve as lobster specialties on a cruise!'

Those recipes all sound good, but not for my lobster!

I do agree. Maine lobster is the best but the lobster from Rhode Island and Massachusetts waters are also real good. When we have company, we head down to the docks and negotiate with the lobstermen. Get fresh deals at great prices.

The best part of the lobster in Murano is it being prepared at table side. That is entertaining. That is one of the reasons I order it. The lobster does not taste like Maine lobster. The same applies to salmon. I buy the fresh, wild salmon and it does taste different from the farm raised. Frozen salmon???

When we had it on Solstice, it was tough and flavorless--sounded good on the menu, tasteless in reality. Very costly disappointment. . .won't go back to Murano again.

What do you expect when they use frozen, warm water lobster? That is to be expected.

We were on the Solstice the first season and then just recently. It is still in great shape. Nothing to worry about in my opinion. Enjoy!

Yes, I also believe they are fresh water in the pools.

Steam rooms and saunas are free for Aqua class guests.

There is hard and soft ice cream on board. I thought the hard ice cream was rather disappointing as compared to other S-class ships. I saw several guests asking for M & M's without the ice cream.

There was no NBC, CBS, ABC on tv.

Sky lounge is small due to the added cabins, so the dance floor isn't all that plentiful. You'll find most dancing seems to occur in the grand foyer.

There is nothing GRAND about the Grand Foyer. It also is a rather small area. There are no ballrooms on the S-class ships.

If you are particular about the day and time you want to eat, then you should book beforehand. But you will not be able to use OBC and will have to use a credit card. So it can be a risk waiting. On one cruise, we were not able to book the day and time we wanted to eat in Murano. This was the case a few weeks before the cruise. Other times, it has not been a problem booking while on board.

Dance areas are in the Sky Observation Lounge, the area by Guest Relations, and by the pool. The band is really talented and play a wide variety of songs.

There really is not a lot of room to dance and can be crowded.

i have heard for over a year about the vouchers. They tend to come and go depending on the ship and numbers. The title of this thread could be misleading.

Inventory is often rather limited and sometimes they do not have the latest versions of Apple products. It is hit or miss. Don't expect savings on the ship except for the sales tax. I did not see alot of accessories available either. The staff is very knowledgeable and the classes are real good. I recall one that was held in the theater regarding the IPad which was exceptional. You had to bring your own and there were no loaners available.

I ended up just order room service because of how slow the service was in Blu. And based on how bad the pancakes were in Blu (think over sized hockey puck), the food was better.

I am roaring! I had made the same comment about the hockey pucks. But here is what to do. Load it up with melted butter and syrup and it will taste better. But I don't know if you want to eat pancakes when going ashore as you could get the calling. Actually, I order the omelets with REAL eggs in Blu. The ones with the liquid eggs were as bad as the hockey pucks!

Blu does open earlier on port days and we get there early and never had a problem with our excursions.

I would opt for the earlier flight. I would rather leave the ship early than spend the entire day waiting in that airport. However, if you were to rent a car and visit some of the local sites, that could be a lot of fun and a nice way to end your vacation.

We are scheduled on the Reflection in Jan. in AQ class. I've heard problems in the Blu because of the additional suites on the ship. Very crowded. Anybody have experience with this problem? Thanks in advance.

We were disappointed with Blu on the Reflection. It was crowded and staff appeared to be overwhelmed. It was not like our other experiences in Blu on other ships. When you add all those new passengers able to dine in Blu, it was not unexpected.

On the Reflection, there was never a crowd at the Relaxation Room. However, I did have to return later as the Persian Gardens were filled to capacity on two occasions. This was the case despite being expanded due to the additional Aqua class cabins. The Persian Gardens also have more therapy areas which are really nice. Staff will even suggest the sequence of using the various rooms.

The new rooms are included in your room rate in Aqua.

My child was bored on Celebrity. The complaint was the number of 'old people'. That is true. Some can be really cranky. Really enjoyed Royal Carribean as there was a higher energy level, more peers, and more activities.

Disney is a wonderful option as well, especially with children under 10.

On our cruise, there was a football game on a widescreen tv in a conference room and also in the bar area of the casino. Same game at each site.

We have been to Murano and Tuscan Grill on the Reflection. At Murano, the service was rather formal and aloof. The food was outstanding as we had the goat cheese souffle, lobster bisque, pork belly, and the chateaubriand for 2. The pork belly appetizer was rather filling but really good. I was nervous about the lobster bisque but it was outstanding with chunks of lobster.

Tuscan Grill had friendly yet attentive service. We had a great view from the back of the ship. We had the Tuscan onion soup, lump crab and the filet mignon. The filet mignon was REAL good! One of the best I have ever had.

Both are great for special occasions! You will not leave hungry.

We have dined in Blu several times. There are two nights that we do not eat there due to the limited and unappealing menu. Overall, the food is good but it is not like that served in a Specialty Restaurant. Breakfasts are quite good.

It is quieter in Blu but it is not intimate dining due to the close proximity of tables.

We have been on both ships. Go with the Freedom of the Seas. There is a higher energy level and many more activities geared to young people. Daughter loved the Freedom of the Seas and meet and hung out with some real nice people her age. There were significantly fewer young people on Reflection. You have to decide whether the vacation is for you or your family. If for the family, go with the Freedom of the Seas. If for adults, then go with Celebrity.

Can someone explain the 'two for one airfare' perk? Thanks.

You may want to do a review on the air perk. I did so and was not impressed.

There is one item I did not mention. The Reflection Theater does not have the overhead tracks in the ceiling around the theater for the performers. This was integrated in the older S-class ships. This does limit some of the aerial acrobatics and the WOW factor during the show. However, the shows were well done and we enjoyed them. A real hard working and professional group.