LIVE!!!!! From the REFLECTION TRANSATLANTIC - CHICAGOPAUL -

We did buy it. We purchased the premium. You can buy them for TAs but they don’t offer them as “perks” included in the price. We pre purchased it and Celebrity actually ran a special for 20% off prepaid beverage and dining packages. They’ve also been selling them on the ship too.

 

 

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Thanks for the info and the great pics and reviews. The 20% off special was available when you booked I assume?

I'd be interested at the end of your trip, for you to give an overall impression of "regular" cabin and multiple nights of dining package vs Luminae/Blu. We were in Aqua last trip, and enjoyed Blu, but are thinking of doing what you guys are on our next trip - which might be a TA.

Can’t wait to follow your blog. We are going to help bring the Reflection back to FLL in the fall.

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Good Evening Everyone. We had a wonderful dinner in a Murano tonight. We enjoyed the production show and I even snapped some photos for you of the show. Tomorrow is Malaga but we don’t dock until 11:30 so I’ll update you all on tonight’s activities from the pool bar in the morning.

 

Before I go to bed I just want to make one comment. Tonight Edward and I were sitting in the theater for the 7pm show and there was a man sitting in the row in front of me. He was probably in his late 60s or just over 70. He kept looking behind him, behind us up at the entrance to the theater with an anxious look on his face. Eventually after 5 minutes the woman he was waiting for showed up and he looked like a kid in a candy store. I couldn’t help but notice they looked as if they were on their first date. I suppose that literally could be the case haha, but I’d assume they’ve been together for more than a week. Anyway, between seeing how happy they were and watching a show which I very much enjoyed, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with a simple sense of contentment. At this point, at the beginning of the show, I looked at Edward, I looked at the couple in front of us, I looked at the gorgeous cast (they’ve really been recruiting ridiculously good looking dancers and singers!), and I looked at the beautiful room around me and I simply thought ‘there is no where else I’d rather be right now.’ We all have these thoughts from time to time but this evening it hit me in a way I can’t explain. I keep thinking about the smile of the man in front of me when he saw his wife, girlfriend, mistress or whatever haha, and there was something about it that just cleared my mind and made me appreciate everything around me.

 

If you’re still reading this thank you for bearing with me. I just wanted to share that with you all because it is random moments like that which is why I love traveling and it is moments like that which make me fall in love with life all over again.

 

Ok so sappy talk is over. I’ll check in with you from the pool bar in the morning.

 

 

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Paul

Thank you for sharing your wonderful insightful thoughts.

I often have that same “sense” and that is exactly why we love cruising!!!

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Hello Everyone. We had a wonderful day in Malaga. It’s incredible how cheap everything is yet how beautiful this town is. I’ll update you fully this evening but in the meantime enjoy this photo from the AC Marriott where our group had a total of 6 drinks for only 19euro.

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Before I go to bed I just want to make one comment. Tonight Edward and I were sitting in the theater for the 7pm show and there was a man sitting in the row in front of me. He was probably in his late 60s or just over 70. He kept looking behind him, behind us up at the entrance to the theater with an anxious look on his face. Eventually after 5 minutes the woman he was waiting for showed up and he looked like a kid in a candy store. I couldn’t help but notice they looked as if they were on their first date. I suppose that literally could be the case haha, but I’d assume they’ve been together for more than a week. Anyway, between seeing how happy they were and watching a show which I very much enjoyed, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with a simple sense of contentment. At this point, at the beginning of the show, I looked at Edward, I looked at the couple in front of us, I looked at the gorgeous cast (they’ve really been recruiting ridiculously good looking dancers and singers!), and I looked at the beautiful room around me and I simply thought ‘there is no where else I’d rather be right now.’ We all have these thoughts from time to time but this evening it hit me in a way I can’t explain. I keep thinking about the smile of the man in front of me when he saw his wife, girlfriend, mistress or whatever haha, and there was something about it that just cleared my mind and made me appreciate everything around me.

If you’re still reading this thank you for bearing with me. I just wanted to share that with you all because it is random moments like that which is why I love traveling and it is moments like that which make me fall in love with life all over again.

So true....reminds us of how thankful we should be for being able to travel like this and even for our every day life.

Thank you for sharing that with us. And I hope we'll meet the 2 of you on a cruise on day. I would love to meet someone who has a sense for things like this. Too cute...:hearteyes:

And yes, still reading..... ;)

PS. We'll board the Connie in 2 weeke in Civitavecchia.

I do agree; sometimes we just forget to smell the roses, even though they are right in front of us...life is short so seize the day!

See you on Friday in Civi!

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So true....reminds us of how thankful we should be for being able to travel like this and even for our every day life.

Thank you for sharing that with us. And I hope we'll meet the 2 of you on a cruise on day. I would love to meet someone who has a sense for things like this. Too cute...:hearteyes:

 

And yes, still reading..... ;)

 

PS. We'll board the Connie in 2 weeke in Civitavecchia.

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Very touching words, fellows, straight to the heart!

The Reflection will be leaving from Civit the same day as the Connie and also at 17:00. We meet up again in Gibraltar (actually, we are leaving Gibraltar early to make place for you) before getting back to Civit on May 18.

Yesterday Edward was not feeling well during the day. Exhaustion and a perpetual week plus hangover finally caught up with him. He slept while I hit the pool bar in the morning. It was a cool morning so I had on a light sweater but later changed to a polo as the day started to warm up.

 

For lunch we decided to order room service. Edward just ordered some chicken soup and rice and I ordered a Cesar salad and a turkey club. The room service took an hour to arrive which wasn’t ideal but oh well. The food was very good. The few times we’ve ordered room service I’ve been quite happy with food quality.

 

Before dinner we went to the Martini Bar per the usual and then saw the production show Elysium. I’ve seen this show plenty of times before but it’s been a couple cruises so I went to see it again. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I think they made some changes since I saw it last. I’m not a broadway critic so I can’t comment on the choreography or the vocal pitch of each singer. All I can say is it appeared the entire cast was enjoying themselves. I loved their voices. The costume design was beautiful. They were all beautiful. And all of them were performing way better than I could ever do.

 

After the show we went to Ensemble for a glass of wine while we waited for our 8:30 Murano reservations. We made a couple new friends and chatted. Dinner in Murano was great. We started with a cheese plate which I didn’t photograph in time! I love their cheeses. There is only one I do not like. I’m not sure the name but it is a very musty taste and almost reminds me of a corked bottle of wine. There is another one which I had to learn to like but now I’m in love. I’m not too eloquent at describing cheese so pardon my brash words but I’d describe it as tasting like the smell of paint thinner and is extremely soft and “runny” in texture. Very odd I know but it’s a new favorite of mine.

 

After the cheese had my crab parfait. We then both had the steak Diane. I never like anything on my steaks with the exception of the steak Diane in Murano. I ate every last bite as did Edward. Fantastic job on their steak Diane as always. For those who do not know it’s not on the menu but if you give them a days notice they can prepare it for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward’s African Solstice tea.

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The runny cheese you describe sound like the perfect brie - I brought one back from France in my carry on bag once and it stunk out the whole plane - the passengers were not very happy with me, but it was totally delicious when I got home!

That's a great tip Paul about pre ordering the Steak Diane.

Cheers

Peter

Paul, enjoying another of your reviews. We sailed Reflection to the Eastern Med in 2015 and the Western Med last summer and your review helps keep those wonderful memories from our trips fresh. I agree with your comments regarding Malaga. It was the surprise jewel of our itinerary last summer even if it was a bit of a hike into town. The town center is great to just walk and explore and I think we stuffed ourselves on tapas and sangria at 4 different spots for about $25-30 Euros apiece...

From the photos, the cheese you enjoyed looks like Epoisses or some similar washed rind cheese. If so, one of my favorites but definitely an acquired taste. Enjoying your posts.

To ChicagoPaul:

Re: Lobster in Murano...

It has taken me several "reads" to realize that if the "Lobster Spit" in Murano is a $39 upcharge...does that mean they no longer do tableside lobster prep (Complimentary/included in fee for dining in Murano)?

If the only lobster available is the "Split" for a fee...is it simply a split "warm water lobster tail" or is it a Split Maine "Cold Water" lobster?

In the past, there have been a variety of entrees that I "appreciate" in Murano, but my DD is not a fan of fish (except shellfish)...so don't want to book us for 3 nights in Murano, and then find out there are no "included" entrees that she likes.

She does like beef. Is Chateaubriand still available if shared by 2?

Your information has been so helpful in us "fine tuning" several plans and I greatly appreciate your efforts!

Becky

To ChicagoPaul:

 

Re: Lobster in Murano...

 

It has taken me several "reads" to realize that if the "Lobster Spit" in Murano is a $39 upcharge...does that mean they no longer do tableside lobster prep (Complimentary/included in fee for dining in Murano)?

 

If the only lobster available is the "Split" for a fee...is it simply a split "warm water lobster tail" or is it a Split Maine "Cold Water" lobster?

 

 

 

In the past, there have been a variety of entrees that I "appreciate" in Murano, but my DD is not a fan of fish (except shellfish)...so don't want to book us for 3 nights in Murano, and then find out there are no "included" entrees that she likes.

 

 

 

She does like beef. Is Chateaubriand still available if shared by 2?

 

 

 

Your information has been so helpful in us "fine tuning" several plans and I greatly appreciate your efforts!

 

 

 

Becky

Hey Becky. Thank you for continuing to follow along and comment! The regular table side lobster is still available. They’ve just added the split lobster as an additional choice for $29.

Yes the chateaubriand is still available and is advertised for 2. However I’ve heard of people ordering a portion for 1 as well.

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Good Morning from the pool bar! We’re docked in Cartagena Spain this morning. It’s a beautiful day. Low 70s. Slight breeze. Not a cloud in the sky. Before I review yesterday’s activities here is the Daily for today.

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I'd be interested to know about the silent liquid party scheduled for tonight. I've never attended one but they seem to be getting more popular.

Peter

Paul, is the ‘special order’ Steak Diane in Murano prepared table side as it was when it was a regular menu item?

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Apparently this pair of Cartagena-ian neer-do-wells slipped past security and boarded the ship. They looked like pirates to me, so I insisted they be made to walk the plank......after their evening cocktails

Apparently this pair of Cartagena-ian neer-do-wells slipped past security and boarded the ship. They looked like pirates to me, so I insisted they be made to walk the plank......after their evening cocktails

Haha thanks Johnny! Thanks for taking our photo! Everyone I will update you shortly. We had a wonderful time in port. So I need to update you on both yesterday and today. All I can say is everything is going very well. We will be attending the liquid party tonight as I always enjoy it. Hopefully it’s well attended. I’m running on fumes but it’s nothing a nice drink and great conversation can’t fix.

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Paul, is the ‘special order’ Steak Diane in Murano prepared table side as it was when it was a regular menu item?

 

 

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Yes it’s still prepared table side! Such a great smell.

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Never eaten in Murano as we are new X cruisers. So, am I understanding correctly that if you wish to order the steak Dianne, you have to order it the day before your dinner reservation?

Yesterday afternoon / evening we watched the sail away from the balcony. There was not much for us to see from our side of the ship but we did see a couple oil rigs which I thought was pretty interesting.

 

 

After that we got ready for dinner. We made reservations at Murano for the following night so we could have our steak Diane. We sat with friends at Cafe Al Bacio around 6:15 for a while until the current Martini Bar crowd cleared out on their way to the show or dinner. We did our usual pre dinner martini. Our plan was to just walk into Lawn Club but our new cruise friend Nick, who is traveling alone, was going to head to Murano so we joined him and we were able to get in after only a 10 minute wait. They said we could have a seat in Ensemble while we waited. We ordered some wine and when the table was ready the MaitriD came out with a tray, took our drinks for us and escorted us in.

 

I started with the crab parfait. We then had the split lobster to share in the center and I followed that up with the lamb. I figured I’d try something different. My first bite of lamb was a bit tough but thankfully it was only a fluke. Every other bite was great. Our sommelier was extremely attentive and we enjoyed a couple glasses of various wines and a nice port with dessert (grand mariner soufflé for me).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hi Paul,

We love your detailed blog. We'll be on the Reflection in a few weeks and wanted to know if the specialty dining restaurants limit you to 1 App, 1 Entree, & 1 Dessert? There's only two of us, but we like variety. Do you know if we can order multiple apps, entrees, & desserts (i.e. 2 of each) per person?

We did that a few years back at the recommendation of our table mates. Is that still the case at all specialty restaurants, especially at Murano?

Thanks!

Cat

Haha thanks Johnny! Thanks for taking our photo! Everyone I will update you shortly. We had a wonderful time in port. So I need to update you on both yesterday and today. All I can say is everything is going very well. We will be attending the liquid party tonight as I always enjoy it. Hopefully it’s well attended. I’m running on fumes but it’s nothing a nice drink and great conversation can’t fix.

 

 

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That's a great photo of you guys...happy sailors.

Dear Paul and Edward,

we are still enjoying to read all the posts here...

Just want to ask if you ever tried the Crêpe Balon Rounge for dessert in Murano?

We like it a lot as it is a nice mix of cold, warm and fruity. A few times we asked the waiter if they can make it with Mango Sorbet instead of Vanilla Icecreme and with Raspberries instead of Strawberries. It is a great way to finish off your meal.

Wanted to post some pics of it but the size is too huge... and as well they prepair you the Chateaubriand which I enjoy sometimes just for myself....! With X you can’t go wrong.

You both do it right and you enjoy life in the way you like it and you can afford it - go on!!!

All the best for the reminder of the cruise!

Bernd

Hi Paul,

 

We love your detailed blog. We'll be on the Reflection in a few weeks and wanted to know if the specialty dining restaurants limit you to 1 App, 1 Entree, & 1 Dessert? There's only two of us, but we like variety. Do you know if we can order multiple apps, entrees, & desserts (i.e. 2 of each) per person?

 

We did that a few years back at the recommendation of our table mates. Is that still the case at all specialty restaurants, especially at Murano?

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

Cat

Hi Cat - I wish I was still going to be on board in a few weeks! You’ll have a wonderful cruise. Yes, you can order as much as you want. There are no limitations. As a matter of fact we’ve found the wait staff to be very encouraging when it comes to ordering. They basically want you to eat so much you need to be rolled out of the restaurant.

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Thank you to everyone for following along! My apologies for being a bit MIA the last 24hrs and not properly updating all of you.

I’ll get back to your questions shortly but let me quickly update you on the previous day.

Yesterday was Malaga. It started off a bit rainy and cool but eventually the sun decided to join us and brought with it a bit more warmth. I really enjoyed the town of Malaga. It has beautiful architecture and small restaurants and shops around each corner. Some streets were a bit more commercial / office but you didn’t need to walk far to find a more quaint looking street.

When we got off the ship we purchased a shuttle ticket for 5euro round trip which brings you to the start of the town. The pier is new and large but because of the new pier it’s a decent walk. You still dock right in the center of town but the port area is so large a shuttle is needed. The shuttles were operating all day and very often.

We stopped at 3 places in Malaga. The first for a glass of wine near a square located by the Picasso museum. The next was a restaurant in the center of town where we ordered a bottle of wine, Iberian ham and some cheeses. FYI we were exploring with our cruise friend Nick so that helps when sharing the wine. Lastly, we ended up walking toward the ship and noticed some people on the roof of the Marriott hotel. We thought we should check it out as I have a love for hotel bars. If you follow my Instagram (PaulKBlackburn) you’ll already have seen the short video. It was a gorgeous view. And the drinks were cheap!!! We paid 3euro for a glass of wine! Between the 3 of us we had a total of 6 drinks and our bill was 19euro. Incredible.

Wine in the center of town

Roof top bar from street level

View from the rooftop bar

Rooftop bar pool

View from the other side of the bar

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