Brentngigi

Following along on your trip. Am excited to see photos of the new ship. Have a wonderful vacation!

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Planning a winter trip to the Caribbean and deciding between the Reflection or Silhouette. They have almost identical itineraries and similar pricing, so it comes down to the ship itself.

Does anyone have a favorite and if so, why? Are there any real differences or are they basically the same? Any advice is appreciated!

We are a family of 4 with 2 boys ages 10 and 11 at the time of sailing. We would opt for a Celebrity Suite or higher if that has any impact.

Thanks in advance!

Our experience (for what it's worth): We were in the penthouse on the constellation last March. The beverage package was included when we booked. We informed our butler that we had the premium beverage package and about our preferences, and he kept the full sized fridge stocked with Evian, diet cokes, juices, etc. There was no additional charge for any of the waters or sodas we consumed.

Go ahead and book again, it's such a great space and our service was outstanding. Just be clear with the staff about your expectations and they will do everything they can to make your trip a great one.

Thanks for your very entertaining and even handed review! Our family is similar to yours in age and travel style- we were in PH 6148 on the Constellation in March, with our 2 young sons and our nanny down the hall. Agreed that the cabin and balcony were fantastic. We didn't enjoy the buffet either. We did breakfast at the dining table in the cabin and after a few days ended up ordering burgers and hot dogs for lunch from room service and eating at the big table on the balcony. I felt a little silly spending so much time in the cabin/on our balcony, but was grateful to have the option to do so.

We were on the Constellation in March for a Caribbean cruise with our 2 sons 9 and 11. We took them to the MDR twice in khaki shorts and polo shirts- no problem at all. The adults adhered to the "dress code" but it's harder with little boys, and no one batted an eyelash. A Bermuda cruise will likely be similarly casual.

Also of note- MANY adults at other tables did not adhere to the dress code either, yet everyone seemed to have a lovely time nonetheless.

Enjoy your trip!

I like the new egg drop competition, the new ship building contests. Would like to see more similar ideas that get people interactively involved with others and the ship.

 

I'd like to see molecular bar teach people how to make their drinks in a clinic of some sort.

 

I'd like to learn how to DJ like a professional.

 

I'd like to learn how to blow glass, not just watch the shows.

 

I'd like music to be 80's and forward no classical or swing or stuff like that, Perry Grant being the exception to the rule. I'd like the pool to have more upbeat music all day and more frozen drinks and make it more of a fun party atmosphere than death's waiting room and a snoozefest.

 

I'd like the T pools on M class to also be on the S class ships.

 

I think a golf simulator experience may be fun.

 

These are my top ideas.

Agreed with ALL of this. Except for ballroom (swing) dancing-I'm in my 30s and have taken lessons for a few years- it's experiencing a bit of a revival among the younger set and we love the opportunity to partake on a cruise :)

Loving your review so far Gambee!

Anyone have any experience with an FV guarantee? If you are not assigned a FV, what is the upgrade? Could it be to a regular balcony cabin (much smaller) where everyone must sleep in the same room?

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Thanks for writing this review. My husband does the same thing when customer service people refuse to be helpful. Not yelling per se, but refusing to move until the situation is resolved. It is a very effective tactic. Am sorry you were so upset, though. Hopefully it did not ruin your trip.

We were on the Constellation last month and our 2 boys loved the fun factory too. Celebrity's is the only cruise line kids program they have ever agreed to go back to more than once (they wanted to visit the fun factory every day).

Congratulations the bride is beautiful!

Next time bring trulime packets http://www.truelemon.com So close to the real thing because they are made with real limes.

Really enjoying your review. Great photos!

He is giving you input. He said pick a cruise that makes you happy.

 

He'll be happy if you're happy. Just be sure to tell him and show him how happy you are that he is with you on the 35th anniversary cruise.

 

That being said be sure to take very good care to protect his skin during the cruise with regular rub downs with the lubricant of your choice (sunscreen, baby oil, almond oil) and you won't have any problems with him on whatever cruise you choose.

Excellent advice! Candycaramel knows what she is talking about!

Have only been married to my DH for 4 years and hope and pray we are lucky enough to have 35 years together. Congratulations!

It's exactly right that you must give positive feedback throughout the cruise that you are having a fantastic time and are so grateful to be married to your wonderful husband who takes you on such a fabulous trip. That alone will make things worthwhile for him. But in managing his daily schedule it sounds like you picked a great cruise itinerary given your time frame and embarkation port requirements. Relax, research your ports of call and have a fantastic time!

Just off the Constellation on Thursday. Stayed in the Penthouse with our 2 young kids and we brought our nanny who was in a Family Balcony by herself (I was able to upgrade her 2 weeks prior when the unsold cabins were released.)

As a PH guest there was no wait for check in. You will be greeted as you board and taken to Michaels Club for drinks/snacks as you wait for the cabin to be ready. Our room was ready at least an hour early and our butler met and escorted us there.

Service was fantastic. Our butler and cabin steward couldn't do enough for us. As with any member of your household staff, if you are clear with regards to your expectations you are less likely to be disappointed. Was generally pleased with service throughout the ship.

Food in MDR was generally good. I didn't have any dish that I particularly disliked. We only went there for dinners. While MDR food is good, don't expect "fine dining" quality. While you won't find a Michelin star, you will find a decent kids menu, and an accommodating staff that will bring you items not on the menu if you ask (we ordered a big bowl of grapes for the table every night).

We didn't eat in Blu this trip. We ate there quite a bit on our last X cruise and I prefer the food in the MDR. There is no difference in quality or freshness in the two dining rooms, just in style of food and atmosphere. With 2 kids we preferred the energy of the MDR.

We didn't try any specialty restaurants as it was a quick 5 night cruise and just never got around to it.

Buffet was good. Much better than the NCL buffet we experienced last summer. There was always pizza, Asian lunch, an Indian offering or two, a fish item, pasta bar, salad items, desserts etc. We only went 2 or 3 times at lunchtime, but I was generally impressed. Their ice cream bar was a very nice touch that we visited at least once a day.

There are two butlers for the two penthouse suites, one assigned to each, but they cover for each other. We were very pleased with ours. The PH has a butler's pantry with a full size fridge and he kept ours stocked and replenished daily with the cartons of milk, bottled water and diet cokes we requested. He kept pitchers of juices, drink garnishes and the heavy cream we like in our Americanos stocked as well.

We had a white tablecloth breakfast at the dining room table in the cabin every morning which the butler brought promptly at 8:30am as requested. He would have set up on the dining table on the balcony if we asked but we just took what we wanted out there ourselves if the desire struck. He showed me how to fill the outdoor whirlpool, adjust the temperature in shower in the master bath, etc.

We never had the butler serve dinner course by course but he would have done that as well. He brought sweets and sandwiches in the afternoon and left fruit and cheese plates (I requested these) in our refrigerator in the evenings. It was our son's birthday, and the butler brought a very nice little birthday cake with relatively short notice

The PH itself on the M class ship is showing its age, but is still a lovely space and parts have obviously been updated recently. The balcony is outstanding. We found ourselves repeatedly retreating to the cabin and balcony during sea days rather than spending a lot of time in the public lounging areas as it is such a comfortable space.

Penthouse guests will be invited to the captain's table for dinner on a formal night which was rather amusing and worth doing. You'll also get some useful extras such a two complimentary bags of laundry and two 90-minute internet packages, in addition to a number of other things we didn't use.

You will have a wonderful time. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Enjoyable and well written review! Can't wait to read the rest.

Headhurt, I'm enjoying your review. Thank you for taking the time to write and post it. The photos especially are appreciated. Can't wait to find out what you thought of Key West.

Congratulations Kris. Our only experience with Celebrity has been in Blu and it was lovely- perfect for your anniversary. We may see you in there a night or two!

Thanks to all for your helpful and very accurate answers. Once we got our edocs at 45 days out, it stated on them that our gratuities are prepaid. A quick email to the TA and we are switched to Select. No problem, just as you all said :)

I would be interested in seeing these too. Has anyone with kids 9-11 used the kids club that can comment on activities, etc?

We did Coco Reef last August- it was FABULOUS. No one knew about it- we were the only ones there on a day pass that day, and it was their prime season. There is a fee for adults, but children are free. I believe the fee includes lunch and a cocktail, but you can pay for any additional purchases. There is beach waiter service or you can eat at the restaurant. There is also a pool onsite. It's on elbow beach, but in a private secluded cove. It was our best day in Bermuda.

Thank you for posting these photos- have been looking all over for this info! Was your sailing a recent one?

Yes they have diet drinks. I drink diet Coke (or Pepsi) and in Mexico, they have Coke light, which is the same thing. 0 calories. :)

Thanks Mitsugirly! I love your reviews btw. Your assessment of NC almost stopped me from booking it, but then figured that with my 2 older (very active) boys, the hard to walk in sand will just tire them out which is a good thing. All I want is a shady spot and a Coke light :)

We got a great deal from an online TA that includes an OBC plus gratuities. However, I was told today that the OBC and gratuities will show up on our shipboard account sometime around the 2nd day of our cruise. How will this affect if we decide to go with Select Dining? We currently have the early seating, but I would prefer not to have a fixed dining time. Has anyone encountered this and what did you do? Thanks!

I noticed a huge change in Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Corp's attitude to how you book kids & teens about April or May 2012 (based on my experience: denied boarding when RC decided 5 days pre-cruise DH & I had too many teens with us! Long story... About that same time there was "Inside Edition" exposed RC bartenders & waiters giving a bunch of teens liquor...) Have had several TAs say they were shocked by my treatment by RC. So all this to say, if I were YOU, I would deal with it AFTER I was settled onto the ship & it had sailed before I started switching things around...just do it without asking and just ask for an extra room access card.

What a terrible experience that must have been for you! I believe the OP and I are in a slightly different situation as our children are much younger. We are just wondering if anyone has ever successfully had a child switched from 1 cabin to another without financial penalty. As we both are in suites I assume everyone will try to be as accommodating as possible, but we are still just unsure of the rules and of other's experiences.

Thanks for this post. Am SO EXCITED to be booked March 11 for 5 of us. Everything sounds perfect. Not to be a party pooper but has anyone attempted to maintain their bikini bod while at this place? All the drinks sound awesome and I won't leave without having a piña colada, but are there low-cal cocktails too? Did anyone notice low-cal mixers like diet coke, diet sprite, club soda, etc? Thanks!