Reflection Review - Nov. 30 - WARNING - LONG READ

[2Fltravelers]

Would love to get together on Equinox. I do not know for certain about the gratuities that are "written in" as I read it on another thread on the Celebrity board. We do tip staff for exceptional service in cash (always have) so we'll continue to do that.

 

I'm really looking forward to our Equinox cruise. Drop me an email at the Cruise Critic address below and we can plan to meet.

 

Just sent you an email:)

[upwarduk]

I can't help but wonder and think the overly loud music thing on Reflection has to do with it being 7-day sailing where =X= is targeting a younger clientele?

 

It'll be interesting to compare when we're aboard Solstice for 18 nights (Aussie/NZ) in February. I can't imagine =X= playing loud techo and rap music on a sailing that long where the average age I'm sure will be 60+.

 

Host Anne,

We certainly didn't have loud piped music on Infinity TA (14 nights) but we did have more than 1,000 Elite passengers, so I assume a different demographic of passengers. i.e not Caribbean 'party!'

We had 3 drinks coupons per day, which could be used in most bars. We never had to wait for a server to come to us in the Rendezvous lounge, which was our chosen venue for 'Happy Hour.' We chose not use the lounge on deck 14 (which was the designated lounge with canapés ) as we were on 1st sitting, so we didn't need to eat at 5pm. The only time I saw the venue very busy, was between dinner sittings ( same with Martini Bar)

 

Do they still have the Elite Happy hr on Deck 14 forward ( Sky Observation Lounge?)between 5-7pm, as you didn't have coupons except for the one night when it was used for a private party?

 

Where was the Elite breakfast held? We didn't attend until day 10, but wished we found it earlier, as the pace was slower than the Ocean View cafe, but quicker than the MDR.

We had a brunch, but the information was 'hidden' in the daily, along with other restaurant timings.

We saw our Deputy Maître'D (David) daily. He was very much in evidence, as he brought me the menus for the following day, as I order lactose free meals. He also made a habit of asking if the food was O.K. One night, he even tasted a bowl of Onion soup, as 3 passengers had complained it was too salty. In fact the Maître D on Eclipse ( March -April 2013, Southern Caribbean) also couldn't do enough for me, especially when we were invited to the Captain's Table on the 2nd Formal night. He came down to Deck 4 to check that my menu selections had been transferred correctly.

Edited December 12, 2013 by upwarduk

[Host Anne]

Host Anne,

We certainly didn't have loud piped music on Infinity TA (14 nights) but we did have more than 1,000 Elite passengers, so I assume a different demographic of passengers. i.e not Caribbean 'party!'

We had 3 drinks coupons per day, which could be used in most bars. We never had to wait for a server to come to us in the Rendezvous lounge, which was our chosen venue for 'Happy Hour.' We chose not use the lounge on deck 14 (which was the designated lounge with canapés ) as we were on 1st sitting, so we didn't need to eat at 5pm. The only time I saw the venue very busy, was between dinner sittings ( same with Martini Bar)

 

Do they still have the Elite Happy hr on Deck 14 forward ( Sky Observation Lounge?)between 5-7pm, as you didn't have coupons except for the one night when it was used for a private party?

 

Where was the Elite breakfast held? We didn't attend until day 10, but wished we found it earlier, as the pace was slower than the Ocean View cafe, but quicker than the MDR.

We had a brunch, but the information was 'hidden' in the daily, along with other restaurant timings.

We saw our Deputy Maître'D (David) daily. He was very much in evidence, as he brought me the menus for the following day, as I order lactose free meals. He also made a habit of asking if the food was O.K. One night, he even tasted a bowl of Onion soup, as 3 passengers had complained it was too salty. In fact the Maître D on Eclipse ( March -April 2013, Southern Caribbean) also couldn't do enough for me, especially when we were invited to the Captain's Table on the 2nd Formal night. He came down to Deck 4 to check that my menu selections had been transferred correctly.

 

Upwarduk ~ The Captain's Club Elite Cocktail hour was normally 5 - 7 in the Sky Lounge. The Elite Breakfast was in Tuscan Grill. Very nice room for this. We only used it on disembarkation day. Will have to try it more often next cruise.

 

We've experienced the kind of service from a head waiter that you are describing above on a past cruise on Summit. The night our table went to a specialty restaurant, he came to find us to ensure our dinner was still good! I think the reason we didn't see a head waiter was that our table was actually placed in the Select dining room. The fact that we were tucked out of sight likely didn't help. I didn't really mind, I just don't like to have to compensate someone we never saw. The odd thing was we did have late seating and the Select dining room was always half empty when we arrived and left. It was later. The head waiter should have had plenty of time to stop by.

 

I am thinking you are right about the music and length of cruise. Our upcoming cruise on Equinox is a 10-night. It will be interesting to see if there are any differences.

[Lsimon]

I was a "first time Cruiser on Celebrity (dec30th Reflection) and I was 100% impressed with the service and will book Celebrity again without hesitation. I think some of you are much much too critical of them. ..

 

One of the pitfalls of being able to cruise frequently (once or twice a year in our case) is that you end up comparing cruises to each other. This sometimes leads to complaining about things you'd be raving about if it was your first cruise experience. It would be great if every aspect of a cruise had the very best experience of that particular aspect from among the many Celebrity cruises we've taken but that expectation would be a bit too much to expect.

 

We've never had a bad cruise nor a cruise we didn't totally enjoy. But on every cruise we find things we like more, and other things we like less, than past cruises.

[C 2 C]

We've never had a bad cruise nor a cruise we didn't totally enjoy. But on every cruise we find things we like more, and other things we like less, than past cruises.

 

X used to promise "Exceeding Expectations." Once you experience excellence on board, exceeding that promise is tough. Shortcomings however are quickly noticed and expressed when they fail the comparison test.

[Tennessee_Cruiser]

Hello all! Just booked my first Celebrity cruise (going on the Reflection) and I found this review very helpful.

 

Thanks again!! :D

[20pluscruises]

i (and others) have not complained about service. We have noted that the ship was far understaffed. The service, given the circumstances, was outstanding! The bar staff worked incredibly hard and no one is faulting them for the situation. There is a big difference in complaining about service and complaining about the lack of staff which is a management issue.

 

If celebrity wants to change it's long time direction and go after a "younger demographic" they should go for it. I just want them to make up their mind about who they are and who they want to be so i can make an educated decision about the kind of vacation experience i'm paying for. Wanna play rap and over-the-top loud music all day and work your staff to death so they can barely serve customers, go for it. Just let us know up front. I think that's a fair request, don't you?

 

ita!!!

[Karen@Steve]

We were on this cruise too (Hi Everybody) and agree with Host Anne almost word for word. In general we were very impressed with the ship and service. It was truly a great cruise. The only negative comments would be about the bar service. The bartenders were overwhelmed and the bar would continually run out of the basics. Who ever heard of a Mudslide made with Tia Maria and no chocolate syrup???? Small thing but also a pretty basic service was missed.

 

The other thing we noticed was the buffet was just not prepared to handle the number of people returning from shore excursions. One of the few times I can say there just wasn't enough food. The lines at the pasta station were 10 to 15 people deep. The pizza line was long too until they completely ran out then it was empty. The other stations were closing or changing up. We could have order room service or went to the Mast Grill but it as a small disappointment. Again pretty obvious but the staff just kind of ignored the issues as people complained.

 

Just small things we noticed.

[AttilaTheFun]

Thanks for the great review! I'm trying Celebrity for the first time next month, with my parents being raving fans already, but was so disappointed to hear the grand brunch is gone! That was one of the signature events they look forward to and the pictures they shared with me looked spectacular!

[cle-guy]

One of the pitfalls of being able to cruise frequently (once or twice a year in our case) is that you end up comparing cruises to each other. This sometimes leads to complaining about things you'd be raving about if it was your first cruise experience. It would be great if every aspect of a cruise had the very best experience of that particular aspect from among the many Celebrity cruises we've taken but that expectation would be a bit too much to expect.

 

We've never had a bad cruise nor a cruise we didn't totally enjoy. But on every cruise we find things we like more, and other things we like less, than past cruises.

 

Ahh. the principle of Diminishing Returns at work. :-)

[TexSea]

On the December 14 cruise now and just pulled into San Juan. Wanted to update that there have been no waits at any bar for us (others may differ). Though the bartender at the Molecular Bar admitted that a couple of weeks ago there were waits of 45 minutes. The new craft cocktails are great at the Sunset Bar. Will try to get menu.

 

Blu is hectic, unlike last years cruise at this same time. I think there is a very full AQ. Persian Gardens busier than last year, but no problems for us actually getting to use anything.

 

On the pool deck bar staff is roaming. Pool butlers picking up towels all the time. And there is staff dedicated to picking up the used glassware. All in all service has been great.

[wpgcycler]

On the December 14 cruise now and just pulled into San Juan. Wanted to update that there have been no waits at any bar for us (others may differ). Though the bartender at the Molecular Bar admitted that a couple of weeks ago there were waits of 45 minutes. The new craft cocktails are great at the Sunset Bar. Will try to get menu.

 

Blu is hectic, unlike last years cruise at this same time. I think there is a very full AQ. Persian Gardens busier than last year, but no problems for us actually getting to use anything.

 

On the pool deck bar staff is roaming. Pool butlers picking up towels all the time. And there is staff dedicated to picking up the used glassware. All in all service has been great.

 

Nice to see this (mostly) positive update, thanks! What sort of problems are occurring in Blu? Any signs of them being addressed/resolved?

[TexSea]

There is a wait for some people to be seated though some of those are waiting to be seated in specific sections. The first breakfast we waited 10 minutes. Our first nights waiter was very slow for our section. We noticed people seated after us in other sections were on dessert before we got our entrees. The wine stewards are busy and eventually get to everyone. The staff is rushing around and isn't relaxing as it should be. The managers are also working to clear off tables, serve water, or whatever is needed. We are on vacation so in the end waiting a little isn't killing anyone.

 

For some reason the closeness of the tables is really bothering us this year though they are the same as last year. We are going to try an earlier time tonight to see if that helps with our feeling of the crowd. I don't think much can be done except convert some AQ rooms back to regular rooms.

[nursesusiee]

Ahhh...trying to chase out the (old) rats with the loud music, eh?

 

Well, I must be an old rat at age 29 because I cannot stand music where you have to scream at each other when you're 6 inches away from each other. So annoying...

 

Perhaps they're trying to make a 'Vegas Pool Party' style?

 

Very disappointing to hear about the bar staffing. I don't like to get sloshed, but I do like to drink throughout the day when I'm on vacation.

 

Are there poolside waitresses on Celebrity that come to you, or is your only option to go to the bar for another drink?

[Lois R]

Well, I must be an old rat at age 29 because I cannot stand music where you have to scream at each other when you're 6 inches away from each other. So annoying...

 

Perhaps they're trying to make a 'Vegas Pool Party' style?

 

Very disappointing to hear about the bar staffing. I don't like to get sloshed, but I do like to drink throughout the day when I'm on vacation.

 

Are there poolside waitresses on Celebrity that come to you, or is your only option to go to the bar for another drink?

 

Hi,:) I always respect Anne's reviews and am quite sorry this happened

on her cruise. I will tell you normally there are always waiters walking

around the pool area taking orders. Not sure what was going on with

the lack of bar staff...hopefully this was NOT the start of something

new:eek:

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Casino Smoke - There was a horrible smoke smell in casino area that permeated through the shops along the port side of the ship and up to deck 5. I’ve never noticed this on other Celebrity ships in recent years.

 

 

I do not think it was a smoke smell more of a mildew smell, noticed it on out TA on the Equinox, when the they bring out the $10 crap to sell, probably been sitting in the bottom of the ship hole for months

[20pluscruises]

Well, I must be an old rat at age 29 because I cannot stand music where you have to scream at each other when you're 6 inches away from each other. So annoying...

 

Perhaps they're trying to make a 'Vegas Pool Party' style?

 

Very disappointing to hear about the bar staffing. I don't like to get sloshed, but I do like to drink throughout the day when I'm on vacation.

 

Are there poolside waitresses on Celebrity that come to you, or is your only option to go to the bar for another drink?

 

I really can't wrap my head around why they think the loud music is a good idea :confused: It makes absolutely no sense.

 

I could only come up with....

 

Drowning out the long waiting customers having to yell to get the bartenders attention

 

The ship has some really annoying engine noise they are trying to cover up

 

:confused::confused::confused:

Edited December 17, 2013 by 20pluscruises

[20pluscruises]

Casino Smoke - There was a horrible smoke smell in casino area that permeated through the shops along the port side of the ship and up to deck 5. I’ve never noticed this on other Celebrity ships in recent years.

 

 

I do not think it was a smoke smell more of a mildew smell, noticed it on out TA on the Equinox, when the they bring out the $10 crap to sell, probably been sitting in the bottom of the ship hole for months

 

Didn't they have a water pipe burst on that ship where a whole floor of cabins were flooded? You may be right...it could be mildew :eek:

[Host Anne]

Didn't they have a water pipe burst on that ship where a whole floor of cabins were flooded? You may be right...it could be mildew :eek:

 

The smell on the Nov. 30th cruise in the casino area was definitely smoke. Mildew is a very different smell from smoke.

[Host Anne]

On the December 14 cruise now and just pulled into San Juan. Wanted to update that there have been no waits at any bar for us (others may differ). Though the bartender at the Molecular Bar admitted that a couple of weeks ago there were waits of 45 minutes. The new craft cocktails are great at the Sunset Bar. Will try to get menu.

 

Blu is hectic, unlike last years cruise at this same time. I think there is a very full AQ. Persian Gardens busier than last year, but no problems for us actually getting to use anything.

 

On the pool deck bar staff is roaming. Pool butlers picking up towels all the time. And there is staff dedicated to picking up the used glassware. All in all service has been great.

 

Jayson ~ very glad to hear you aren't experiencing any issues at the bars. Perhaps it was the number of people who had the drink package on our sailing. Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

[Host Anne]

Hi,:) I always respect Anne's reviews and am quite sorry this happened

on her cruise. I will tell you normally there are always waiters walking

around the pool area taking orders. Not sure what was going on with

the lack of bar staff...hopefully this was NOT the start of something

new:eek:

 

Hi Lois ~ we still had plenty of great things about this cruise. Wonderful people we met; great crew members. I'm hoping the bar issue was because so many had the drink package. The music, however, I think is a sign of things to come. Let's see how Equinox goes next month! Good to "see" you!

[20pluscruises]

The smell on the Nov. 30th cruise in the casino area was definitely smoke. Mildew is a very different smell from smoke.

 

Thanks! Someone did mention the sliding glass doors and wind draft from the outside smoking deck (deck 5 I think) as the problem.

[Lois R]

Hi Lois ~ we still had plenty of great things about this cruise. Wonderful people we met; great crew members. I'm hoping the bar issue was because so many had the drink package. The music, however, I think is a sign of things to come. Let's see how Equinox goes next month! Good to "see" you!

 

Hi Anne, glad you had a good time:) I meant my previous post as

a compliment to you as I know you have always written very objective

reviews:)......and good to see you again as well! I was originally booked

on your upcoming Equinox cruise but plans changed. Hopefully one

day we will cruise together again.

[4774Papa]

We were told by the cruise director on a recent cruise that Celebrity was definitely "going in a new direction" and wants to attract a younger customer base. He also said that the style and volume of the music was dictated from Miami and he could not change the music or lower the volume. This "more contemporary" music is suppose to appeal to a younger audience.

 

We were also told that the cruises with older passengers were not as profitable and that was part of this decision.

 

We are regular Celebrity cruisers but we are definitely looking for a change of pace and have booked cruises on Azamara, Oceania and Princess for 2014.

We love Celebrity, but if rap music is going to be forced down on us, we might start looking for another cruise line.

We have done six X cruises and three on NCL. NCL has a younger crusing profile, but I don't ever remember hearing rap on NCL.

 

The average age on our X cruises has been about 60-65, with NCL about 55. Frankly, we try to get our grown children to cruise with us, but they rarely can take off work to do the two week cruises that we like.

[pnsnkr]

We love Celebrity, but if rap music is going to be forced down on us, we might start looking for another cruise line.

 

We were on the same boat and no rap music was "forced down on us." It's a big ship.