Silhouette 3/8 - 3/15

[Allhans Ondeck]

Embarkation Day - Drove over from S.W. Florida. Was at port at 11:30ish, went through security, checked in and on board by noon. No lines, no fuss, a breeze. We decided to skip the buffet and headed to the Mast Bar and grabbed a table our first drinks and some tasty burgers. Couple of drinks later at 1 the rooms are ready annoucement came over so off we went. I booked aboard Silly last year on the Eastern and got 9229 and 9231. Verandas on the hump, I love the location, no noise and very close to the elevators. We had carried the majority of the luggage on so we got settled in and I called Thomas to open the balcony divider. Then it was up to the Sunset Bar and to show the ship off a little to my Son and his Fiance who have only been on a three or four day Carnival cruise. It was nice to see things through their eyes as sometimes things seem to be not the way it was, but weather that is preception or reality or a little of both, it's still pretty darn good. Next we got the call from my parents that they we're on, so we went to meet them at their room they were in 2101. There was a total of nine of us including my Wife, Daughter, Sister and her Boyfriend. We caught up for a few minutes and then got more drinks and caught the sail-away from our balcony. It was our first time having the connecting balconies and really enjoyed them all week.

 

1st Dinner - I'm not going to give you a play by play on every meal here, but want to give some assessments here. First off one very noticeable change is the fact that they have now blocked off the Starboard entrance to the Cuvee Dining Room. It is now the entrance to Luminae. This causes all the main dining room guest to have to gaggle up in front of the one entrance. This wasn't very well thought out as now you have one main aisle going up one side of the dinning room shared by everyone including the wait staff. It's a cluster. We had a table on the Starboard side of the room and had to cut through the tables to get to our table and it was very tight and rude to people trying to enjoy their dinners. Our table 278 was round and room for the nine of us. It was very close to the wall and table next to us, as a matter of fact my Dad told me he could hear the other tables conversation better than he could hear ours. Several times I got a butt to the face when someone from the other table got up (you get the picture). Anyway they have made the MDR very crowded and chaotic. Now one more blow our waiter was the worst that we have ever had. Now just so you don't think this is going to bad review, this is really the end of the bad. We could not hear him, choppy service, forgetting things and the list goes on. Worst is he wanted to talk about his job and when he found out my Son and Fiance had been servers wanted an unconfortably long conversation about it, again and again. Then several times throughout the week mentioned the survey and how if we couldn't put a 7 or higher to put nothing at all (classless IMO). In hindsight I told my Mom we should have moved so if there is a next time we learned something from it. Enough of the negatives, the food in the MDR was great and everything I had throughout the week was very enjoyable, and loved the Top Chefs selections too. Jenla our Sommelier was very friendly and on spot. She looked and acted as if she really enjoyed her job and was excited about her offerings (the best ever).

 

After dinner we checked out the casino for a few and then went to see the show. The show was entertaining, it was the variety type, showing you a bit of whats to come. One performance that stuck out was Rondell Sherdian he was hillarious. I would catch his show the next night late to a standing room only performance that did not disappoint. Turns out those would be the only two shows I took in this week as we were just busy with something else or just to wore out to stay up. We saw the production shows last year and loved them, but as it turns out you just can't do it all!

 

Our first day at sea was about relaxation, the solarium, the casino, the Pool Bar, and the kids and I won the Pool Olympics with the help of a new Canadian friend to help sway the Canadian vote! Anyway as you can probably tell we are out to enjoy and make the most of our vacation. My kids that were with me are 18 and 23 and of course wanted to win their fortunes on the cruise so that took me to the casino alittle more than I normally would be in there. The staff there was very friendly and would call you by name. Seems to me they are interested in keeping track of your play more than in times past. Throughout the week I hold my own on the Blackjack tables and would hit and run on the Craps table. I won a small Texas Holdem Tournament and My Son won a Blackjack Tournament. By the end of the week My Daughter lost the little bit of stake she had along with hitting me up here and there. My Son and Fiance brought back everything they left with after shopping and tipping all week long. Needless to say they had a blast. Me, It's hard saying what I was up or down from winning, losing and handing it out (wife and daughter) but it was fun and entertaining and I only get to gamble on vacation.

 

Cozumel - Made a full day of it. Got off early for a snorkeling trip on the Fury. The staff was nice and friendly and catermaran in good shape. The snorkeling was less than impressive. I wouldn't recommend it unless you just want a boat ride. We took it in stride had a few drinks on the way to Fury Beach. There it was ok. Bathrooms were nasty and they served warm Dos Equis or watered down Margaritas. We messed around on the water playground for awhile. My plans were to instead of heading back to the pier with the boat walk about 3000 feet up the beach to Paradise Beach Club. I tipped the Captain and told him where I was going and he had me sign a release form, he was cool with it. The walk was a little ordeal because it was hard for my wife to walk on the sand. She would have to sit down for a bit and then walk a little farther. When we arrived at PBC it was awesome! We had worked up a thirst of course so it was real Margaritas and cold Mexican beer! I ordered some Ceviche, Nachos and Quesadillas from the huge pool. Clean restrooms, good service, great facility. We had a beautiful time there. Quick taxi back to port and I napped as the kids did some last minute shopping. I was a bit nervous about that and was relieved went I knew they were back on. Funny thing when my parents got back on in Grand Cayman and we stayed ashore, when I got back I got a phone call from my Mom checking on me.

 

Grand Cayman - I had read about the tendering nightmares so decided to do a ship excursion, even though the jet skis to stingrays sounded better. We were told to meet in the theather and it could have been better organized. They had the people trying to get tender tickets standing in the area between the shops and casino all the way down to outside Quasar. I had thought that was our line, thank goodness not. We got to the theater and we had to go down to the stage to get our number. This again made no sense as they had everybody coming all the way down to get a sticker and climb back up the steps to find a seat. Not that big of a deal for us but some older folks were stuggling with it all. While waiting for our number to be called they annouced 30% off Tuscon Grill so I went up to see if they had room for us and score, table for 9 at 7! Tendering went off without a hitch and we were on the bus in no time being told all about the islands on our way to the Turtle Farm. The Turtle Farm was awesome and we enjoy our hour there. I would go back to snorkel with the turtles and fish it looked like a cool thing to do. They also had a small water park and if you had small kids would be a great way to spend the day. Back on the bus and a short stop at a small store for rum and rumcake sampling and picture oportunity. Then again a short ride to Hell, where I pick up a shot glass for a shot from Hell and the Daughter mailed her boyfriend a postcard from Hell. Then on the bus and a ride to our boat to take us to Stingray City. The boat was a slow mover and they could have made a small fortune with some beers on ice. When we arrive it was cool, we were all in the water and the stingrays swimming by us on us and through us! The boat was called the African Grey and the crew was great the First mate would bring them in hold them and there was a girl that took some pictures. After a while I got out and got some video and my son had his GoPro the whole time as well. After it was over on the way back the girl came around to sell her pictures. I was already prepared to tell her no thanks as I knew from what we had gotten I could make that work. She showed them to us and they were very good and would sell the to us for $40us, too good of a deal to pass up and I was happy to help her out as well. So back to town we go and by now its pushing 4 and like I said ready to get my drink on. Our plan was to meet up with some friends that just happen to be in town the same day on the Breeze. We had a rendezvous planned at Paradise Grill. We were double timing it to get there when I saw the plume of smoke come from the Breeze's stack and knew we didn't make it. We headed closer to the tenders at Margaritaville to get my head lobbed off on some drinks, but hey I'm on vacation. Three Big Blender drinks and four beers later and I'm lighter $110 and we are getting on the tender and the girls have a bit buzz. Good Times.

 

Tuscon Grill - I always love this place and this time didn't disappoint. We were brought back to the civilized world with service the way it should be. I can't remember our waiters name, but he was a shaved headed Serbian man that was spot on. He ran through his recommendations and I just followed his lead. I ask the Sommelier (another friendly guy who did a wine pairing we attended) for his pairing suggestion and again awesome!

 

Molecular Bar - We were there for short stops all week long. I know there's talk of doing away with it but I hope not, at least set them up somewhere else. I love the 20 Year Martini, my son the Kentucky Derby and Fiance a Tanned Russian. Great service with a smile and a sophisticated atomosphere.

 

Jamacia - Well we needed a bit more ship time so we got off and shopped around the port for an hour or so and got back on. Falmouth seemed to be a bit far and I didn't want to waste 2 to 3 hours of bus time. Plus it was hard to figure something everyone would enjoy and wasn't up to spending $500 or more for something not everyone would like. Back on the ship we relaxed in the spa and it looked like a postcard around us. Drinks and more drinks.

 

Labadee - I got up early and started my day off with a Head to Toe. That starts off with a bamboo salt rub and then massage. Errolyn was awesome! That put me right in double relaxation mode and ready for what was to be the best surprise of the cruise. To think I overlooked this place. A slice of heaven from the cruise gods. Labadee ranks way up there with the best places I've ever stopped at. We didn't over complicate it, we took the tram to Columbus Cove where they sat out seven lounges under the palms. I rented two mats that we shared through out the day. It was paradise. Clear cool water like a lagoon and green mountains and soft sand. I had booked a cabana massage for the girls at 1pm and they loved it. I took a little snooze on the floating mat, had some drinks and got lunch at the place right there at the Cove. The ribs where out of this world. Drinks were always close by and we chilled there till about 3:30. On the way back we stopped at gift type store, not the market to look around. We found some interesting stuff and bought a few things. Watch out that you get the right change I'm pretty sure I might have got slightly overcharged, but hey it's really not that big of a deal and I'm on vacation. When we got back on the ship we went up to the rooms to watch the sail away. We had plans for dinner at Murano at 6:30 so got a few things to snack on from the buffet while we sailed away from what is now one of my favorite spots.

 

Buffet - We ate there a couple of times for breakfast, picked up snacks during the day. Cheese and sushi before dinner and a couple of times late for a sweet or pizza. Everytime it was on par. I never get around to icecream and this time only hit it up once but it was real good.

 

Murano - We always get the Wine room and it's just so elegant. I think I got the same thing as last year but it was a hit. Again service excellent. Even if you're not a fan of extra charge dining, this place is well worth the extra fee for the ultimate dining experience.

 

Last Day At Sea - Started off the day with breakfast in the MDR. This is always my favorite place for my first meal of the day. My parents and I always have nice conversation over a relaxing breakfast. Service and food great. More casino, more solarium, more drinks and had to get Bistro on Five in for lunch, again awesome. I then had the Hot Rocks by Errolyn, while the other went to the final bingo. They had to squeeze it in before dinner as it started at 5, I thought that to be a strange time. After dinner My Son and I took to the Sunset Bar to smoke some Cubans he had picked up in Cozumel and now the reality that it's over is hitting. Down to the Martini Bar to watch Five Oclock Somewhere, great entertainers. The Vibes were great all week as well.

 

Debarkation - I set a wake-up call for 6:15 so we could get down for breakfast and back for one last sweep of the rooms, but no call so I overslept. Woke up at 6:55 jumped in the shower and finished packing when the wake up call came at 7:15! We met the rest of our party in the Tuscon while we waited with coffee and danishes. About 9:15 made our way off the ship and into the line. My Sister's boyfriend got picked on the way out as someone they wanted to check out (they said it was random, I call b.s.). So they take him and my sister through everyone straight to the front, opened and check out their suitcases. They said they could do that every year to them if they wanted! It took the rest of us about 35 minutes to get all the way through. Said our Good Byes for now, and the Floridians made thier way to the parking garage. Depressing for me it's over but aleast the sun is shining!

 

Final Thoughts - Celebrity is still putting out a great product and for me it's the way I want to spend my down time. Things do change and people always compare to the past. I try and take the attitude I'm not going to let a few wrinkles spoil my vacation. Seeing what my Son and Fiance thought of the Celebrity Cruise was interesting, they really enjoyed the clientele and the upscaled atomosphere. See you on the Eclipse in about 9 months!

 

 

 

 

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[If only]

Thanks for your cruise review, we board on Sunday really looking forward to it. We have never been to Labadee so it really sounds like you had a good beach day. If you have the beverage package are your drinks included at Labadee or do you need cash?

Edited March 18, 2015 by If only

[Allhans Ondeck]

Drink package works on Labadee!

[bluecruisin]

can you please tell which nights are formal nights?

[Swimmomof3]

thanks so much for the great review. We are taking this same cruise, and you answered a lot of questions for us.

 

We will have an 18 and a 20 year old with us. Other than the casino, which they plan to hit, any other entertainment suggestions for them?

[Bimmer09]

Thanks for a nicely detailed review of your cruise.

 

Sounds like you roll with the punches and that's a good way to live.

 

Glad you had a whale of a time!

 

Norris

[bigbenboys]

can you please tell which nights are formal nights?

 

Formal was 1st sea day and the evening of Labadee from what I remembered. We did have a great cruise. Donna the Captain's Club Hostess was great. The food in Blu is still questionable. We did have real good service in Blu. And I did book another cruise in AquaClass. The draw back of the cruise. It was the 1st time we had the drink package with so many people having the package it was difficult to get drinks. On deck 14 aft the Solstice class 1st 3 ships have a Oceanview Bar. Not on the Silhouette ship. The have seating so you have to go up to deck 15 to get drinks or wait a 30 minutes to be served. I took note of the bar on deck 15. They had 2 bartenders. But the servers had to make the drinks that had been ordered. Because the bartenders were filling drinks at the bar. It comes down to staff. The question is. Is Celebrity not staffing for a reason?

[jeanne_stein]

Thanks for a detailed review! Do you any photos to share? I'm sailing this trip next March.

 

Jeanne

[TeaBag]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for posting.

[SnorkelMoose]

Great review. The last time I was in Labadee, I was probably nine years old, and on an RCCL ship. I'm glad it's still the paradise I remember! :D

[Allhans Ondeck]

When it comes to things to do for young adults, they had xbox live for adults (I seen it in the daily didn't do it). Ping pong in Quazar during the day. Some 3 on 3 basketball, karaoke, pool games like volleyball. Of course late night dancing in Quazar is always fun.

[ailetoile]

Thank you for the review! I'm disappointed in the changes to the dining room resulting in such a mess of people, but I can't say that I'm surprised. Ah well, it's a vacation and if a little bit of bumping is necessary then so what. :rolleyes:

 

We also board Sunday and I'm so excited. Can't wait!