Anyone Just Off Reflection? How was the bar sevice and overall service?

[20pluscruises]

Based on the experiences described in the Nov 30th thread, I would say it was massive improvement. Just departed on Saturday.

 

We had the premium alcohol package and had no problem at any bars as long as you went up to the bar. Service was spotty around the pool. Most other times we just grabbed a seat at wherever we were getting drinks at that moment so no need to test the waiter/waitress service.

 

I did ask a bartender how the cruise was going and his response was much better than the last one! So I asked what happened, and he mentioned 1000 people had an alcohol package and they were completely overwhelmed. I asked if they were fully staffed and he said yes, just too many that wanted to "party". So there you have it.

 

Overall the cruise was quite good. MDR service was great overall.

 

Buffet could use better organization.

 

For those going on Reflection in the future, I am pretty confident you will be fine unless you are REALLY into letting details derail your good time. It does sound like if you have a large group onboard with many having an alcohol package then there could be similar issues to the Nov 30th cruise. Celebrity does need to address this. I would have been just as upset as those who experieced that....

 

Thanks! I'm sure we will all have a great time!

 

In all fairness to the Nov 30th group...I have not read one complaint about the Nov 30th crowd being a big party problem. Actually, heard most say the would love to cruise with the (unknown at the time) group, again.

[Wine-O]

Wine-O, did I read that right/ Cigar smoking is allowed at the Sunset Bar? DW is allergic to mold and mildew, but as long as wdo not need to go through the casino for anything, that should not be an issue.

 

Yes, cigar smoking is only allowed at the Sunset Bar, Port side.

[packercruising]

Thank you.

[TexSea]

Sitting at the airport off the December 14 Reflection. Service was really good at the bars with waits of more than a minute rare. Saw very few slips being signed so it seemed there were lots of packages. Once we accepted Blu service was going to be slow it was fine.

 

Regarding the casino smell...I was on the Silhouette on its second sailing and the smell was there. Last December on the Reflection it was there. This time too. I really think it's a scent they use in the area to make it smell like every other casino I've ever been in: stale and smokey. It's so specific to that area that I don't think it's drift from someplace else. Just my theory.

[packercruising]

Thanks. It looks like you can go around the casino on the Reflection. Hope you had a good cruise!

[sunset@sea]

I just got off the Reflection last Saturday the 14th and I found bar service to be spotty. I usually had to stand and wait at least five minutes and often ten or more - sometimes just to be acknowledged. It wasn't like people were standing three people deep either - just a few people around the bar. Sitting down in a lounge was often worse. A few times I walked up to a bar with a couple people working (even flipping glasses and shakers) only to be told they were closed until 4pm. Yet the next bar over had a long wait. Seems like a poor use of resources, and perhaps a deterrent to people making use of their beverage packages.

 

One evening the server at the lounge near the specialty restaurants (Oasis?) said they were out of Pinot noir. No offer to get more or suggestion about where else to try. Just a blank stare waiting for me to choose something else. I walked fifteen feet over to Michaels and got a glass. No biggie, but a little off putting. On a different evening I asked in Michaels if they had port and they said, "Let me see". Before I knew what was happening, the bartender walked out to Oasis and got me a glass although I certainly didn't expect him to. It was a huge difference in service and attitude. By mid way thought the cruise, Michaels was my go-to place. The atmosphere is relaxing and the service was impeccable. They had wonderful craft beers for my husband and wine for me. (It does get loud when football games are being broadcast.)

 

As for smoking, I never smelled any smoke except when walking past the smoking section on deck 15.

[packercruising]

It would be off putting to get service like that. Sounds like Michaels will be our bar! We tend to stick with specific bartenders, when we find good ones, and tip them accordingly. So if we are on the starboard side of Sunset, we shouldn't be affected by smoking on the port side?

[Wine-O]

It would be off putting to get service like that. Sounds like Michaels will be our bar! We tend to stick with specific bartenders, when we find good ones, and tip them accordingly. So if we are on the starboard side of Sunset, we shouldn't be affected by smoking on the port side?

 

Michael's doesn't really open until around 6pm.

 

As for smoking, I found they did not enforce the smoking on Reflection. They were smoking cigars at the Mast Bar, and some folks took ashtrays from the port side of the ship at the Sunset Bar and were smoking on the starboard side. Of course, the bartenders aren't going to say anything as their service depends on tips, but it didn't seem that the officers really cared unless someone tracked them down and complained.

[packercruising]

What kind of bar doesn't open until 6 pm??? What are the best bars open mid-afternoon? I will be really disappointed if there is smoking all over the ship as I have respiratory problems.

[TexSea]

That's really interesting about the smoking at Sunset Bar. We were back there and it was pretty windy. Some smokers wanted to move to the non smoking side so their smoke wouldn't blow on the non smokers. The bartenders told them they couldn't do that so they sat in the smoking section.

[cricketgal]

Yes, cigar smoking is only allowed at the Sunset Bar, Port side.

 

Why would they do that at such a popular bar? I so looked forward to going there but that would be a total deal breaker for me as I have asthma and cigar smoke is the worst for me.

[Cruising89143]

Why would they do that at such a popular bar? I so looked forward to going there but that would be a total deal breaker for me as I have asthma and cigar smoke is the worst for me.

 

Smoking is only allowed on the port side. That should not be an issue if you sit on the starboard side.

[packercruising]

Shouldn't be, but apparently it has been when the wind is blowing toward starboard. This is probably a nonissue with most people, but for those with asthma, it is a pertinent issue.

[cruiz10525]

Wine-O, did I read that right/ Cigar smoking is allowed at the Sunset Bar? DW is allergic to mold and mildew, but as long as wdo not need to go through the casino for anything, that should not be an issue.

 

Actually the smoking is a problem. Also was on the 12/7-14 cruise, and overall it was terrific. BUT, the smoke and mildew smell is outside the shops on both 5 and 6. You can't walk anywhere on pool decks without getting the cigar smell due to the wind. Both of these bothered me.

 

On the other hand, the "Great Race" activity (aka Amazing Race type of thing) was really super.

 

Loved the Molecular Bar. Spent a lot of time there. Neat drinks, super bar tenders.

 

Enjoy the ship.

[CleoChase]

Just got back yesterday. I have asthma too. I went up to Sunset a couple of times and did not have any issues. I was up there at sailaway and people were smoking on the port side, but it was not an issue on the starboard side. But then the wind was cooperative too. I think the change in the layout of the bar on Reflection helps too since the actually bar divides the space.