LIVE BLOG! From The Reflection! 11/28 & 12/5 b2b cruise....

[thebigbluesea]

Oh my gosh! as I read your blog, I feel like I am there with you! Im soooo jelly!!!! (aka jealous! :D)

 

Thanks for the weather/sea data as you go. the weather does look gorgous, you both are so lucky ur tummies are sea proof!

 

Looking forward to reading more of your blog.

 

 

 

Some of the videos posted below will be spliced together from the first two days on the ship. I'm not sure when they'll be posted as I write this and I'm unsure of our connection quality once I connect. Right now it is Monday (as I'm typing this) around 2:30. We are about an hour from a Puerto Rico and are laying by the pool.

 

So far everything has been excellent. Let me know talk about some of the highlights and observations.

 

Charule: Charule was our favorite bartender on the Eclipse last year. He is now on the reflection manning the Molecular bar which is still open. The switch should happy in January but he is already trained in all the new drinks and will be training staff as well. He is very excited for the menu. Charule has been awesome. He is making our favorite drinks (kettle one Martinis) at molecular even though they're not on the menu. He remembered not only our names, but where we are from, what we do for a living, our favorite drinks and what kind of eater we like (Pellegrino). He is a true class act and we cannot be more thrilled to have him on this sailing!

 

Luminae: Everything has been great. We've eaten lunch there every day including embarkation day. They are close on port days but we're open today because we are not arriving into port until 3:30. Service has been prompt, consistent and food has been excellent. We've had no issues getting seated right away and our wine is always refilled quickly. We routinely get two different wines with dinner; one for the starters and one for the main course. Our waitress is Tetiana from Ukraine and we get along very well. The sommelier is superb as well.

 

Our Butler: Our butler is Keegan. For starters he is quite cute, which is a nice positive. We haven't utilized him much but he has made reservations for us for Murano and he has recognized us during the first formal night show and escorted us to the reserved suite seating. He even poured us champagne as we brought a bottle with us from dinner.

 

Cruise Director Alexander: People have complained about him on this thread. Well, here are my thoughts. Edward and I went to the "frisky feud" game show. Think of family feud but very dirty. He was hosting one team and his assistant was hosting another. He picked me out of the audience to be on the first team. Ugh! Then he picked Edward for the next team. He was very engaging during this event and despite the fact I didn't want to go on stage I had a great time. The next day he saw us by the pool and said hello. The following no to was formal night. This night he was hosting the LGBT happy hour at 10pm in cellar masters. After the show we were at the molecular bar. He came up to us and chatted with us for a minute and made sure we were attending the happy hour. We met him in cellar masters and he was very engaging, highly talkative and friendly. We were chatting about different ships, different shows on the ships, etc. he has a bit of an attitude but in a fun way, at least in my opinion. He is energetic at all events and is the only cruise director I've run into to actually host an LGBT event. For that I'm grateful and happy.

 

Martini Bar. We've barely visited because it has been packed! And our favorite bartender Charule is at molecular. Despite what some people may say about the noise....whatever, the martini bar and atrium are packed every evening. From a business perspective what they're doing is working! Plain and simple. The molecular bar is still quite and so are other venues.

 

Pool Bar: Pool bar service has been very good. They're quick at making drinks and have been excellent at seeing who comes to the bar first. We've sat at the pool bar the last two mornings to have some screw drivers before lunch. We've watched them work for at least an hour each day....they're well organized and probably the best organized pool bar I've seen in a while. Cheers to them.

 

That's my quick update for now. We will likely book an alcove for tomorrow so I will have our butler inquire regarding alcove discounts for multiple days. I'm taking photos of the dailys and restaurant menus. I might not be able to upload them right away but will when I can so please hang with me.

 

Sea roughness: it's definitely been a bit choppy, the first day was worse than today. It is quite windy which is causing the ship who move some. Personally, it does not bother me at all. It is a slow rock, so nothing abrupt. No one seems to be getting sick from it or concerned about it so I wouldn't worry too much.

 

As of now we we on time for Puerto Rico. If we arrive late I will let you know. Cheers!

 

 

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[existentialtraveler]

Thank you for taking the time to write this blog. We will be on the Reflection December 5, and we appreciate your posts, especially the Dailies. If we see you the week of December 5, we will say HELLO! Please do the same if you see us.

[cruise47]

Thanks for taking your precious vacation time for writing your awesome review and video.

[elsieperalta]

@chicagopaul We are on the same ship and loving it!

[elsieperalta]

Hope to see you on board! [emoji898][emoji572]️

 

 

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[vered4]

Hello fellow Cruise Critic Members! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving (at least those who celebrate it!). We have just finished packing and are looking forward to trading our wonderful view of the city for a view of the ocean for 2 weeks.

 

Edward and I will be sailing on the Reflection for two weeks, starting this Saturday. I will do my best to live blog throughout the cruise, post videos, post photos and of course answer any questions you may have.

 

Last year we traveling over the holidays and I did my best to live blog from the Silhouette and the Eclipse. Now I will find myself better prepared with better apps for taking photos, video editing, etc.

 

I'll also be posting photos to my Instagram as well so feel free to follow there if you'd like: Instagram.com/paulkblackburn

 

Our Plans We leave tomorrow morning, flying Southwest. Unfortunately we have to connect through DC but should be in Florida by 4:30pm. We are staying at the Intercontinental in Miami and have requested a bayview room so we can see the ships in the morning.

 

I'll post some random videos and photos throughout the day tomorrow and as we board the ship, but if there are any specific questions you'd like answers to feel free to ask and while we are onboard we will do our best to get the answers.

 

Cheers!

 

I'm sailing on Reflection December 19th - and I would LOVE to be reading your live blog but I can't find it. Where might I find it? Thanks!!

[Texed]

I'm sailing on Reflection December 19th - and I would LOVE to be reading your live blog but I can't find it. Where might I find it? Thanks!!

 

Mr. Paul is doing the blog on board Reflection at this time. He is posting from the ship as he sees fit. If you check some of his posts, they also contain Youtube videos of their trip. :)

Edited December 2, 2015 by Texed

[chicagopaul]

Thank you so much for the update! I know internet is limited. If possible, please update us with yesterday and todays dailies if you still have them. Also, can you tell us if art studio still open and offering classes?

 

 

 

Thank you again!!!

 

 

 

12 days and counting!

 

 

I'll be answering questions in random posts as I now have wifi by the beach. Yes! There are still art classes but the selection is not huge, one or two a day max. I took a photo of the schedule and I'll post it at the latest on Saturday when we are back in US territory.

[chicagopaul]

Thanks so much for bringing us along! I love your videos and your summaries of your day... Keep it up!

 

Here's a random question... Can you check out the casino slot machines? There's two in particular I'm looking for: Hex Cat and Texas Tea.

 

I know that's very random and nit-picky, but if you're hanging out in the casino, I'd appreciate knowing if they're there!

 

(They're my favorites, as they are really the only ones I've ever actually won on...)

 

 

We've spent some time in the casino and I can't say I've seen either of these but I will be there tonight I'm sure and will check for you. They have the typical "quick hit" "wheel of fortune" and the random celebrity games covering movies, etc. our favorite is quick hit with the wheel, so I understand the curiosity lol! I'll check and report back.

[chicagopaul]

Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews. I am happy to hear your positive thoughts about the Molecular Bar and may even see you there next week as this is our nightly choice of a venue on the ship. Looking forward to your feedback about the alcoves.

 

 

I spoke to someone who booked the alcoves. I'm told that the discount, if you book for the week is 20% and on port days it is $79. They don't seem to be oversold so maybe you could get lucky and work out a better discount? This is the discount that was told to someone I spoke to that booked them and I also saw this advertised near the alcove.

[chicagopaul]

Luminae: Everything has been great. We've eaten lunch there every day including embarkation day. They are close on port days but we're open today because we are not arriving into port until 3:30.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your informative write up. From what you have posted above it seems as if Luminae is open for lunch on the day you arrive in Puerto Rico at 3:30? If so, this is great news.

 

 

Yes, this is correct. The lunch hours are strict, only Noon to 1. But yes, even on the Puerto Rico day arriving at 3:30 it was open. Service continues to be prompt and friendly.

[chicagopaul]

Hi ChicagoPaul,

 

 

 

Our group of 8 cruised with you guys around this time last year on Silhouette Western Caribbean and usually hung out at Martini and Molecular. Our same group will be boarding Reflection while you are getting off on the 12th. Looking forward to your blog, thank you for taking the time.

 

 

 

Could I bother you to take a daily photo of the MDR Dinner menu each day for your Eastern Caribbean cruise? Reflection is apparently doing a 14 day MDR menu over the b2b itineraries that repeats. Interested in what nights the menu might not be that good and we'll book a specialty restaurant instead.

 

 

 

Have a wonderful cruise! Save us some vodka!

 

 

 

Maybe see you in Port of Miami as we pass by on the boarding ramps. Thanks again! Cheers,

 

 

 

Mark (DowntownCanada)

 

 

I've taken the photos every day so far and will continue to do so. The only photo I couldn't get was the first night. I left luminae and it was a made house outside of the MDR due to some seating issue. I thought a riot was going to break out! But they got everything sorted. By the time I came back they had taken that menu down. But I will get all the others for you. I may wait until the end to post all of them. I might use my Flickr account for that so I can categorize them but I will keep you posted.

[chicagopaul]

Hey Paul, we'll be with you on the second leg as well. Are the toiletries the Gilchrest ones or have the started to switch back to Bulgari (sp?)? We're in an RS next week and if our 2 young kids can behave, we may actually try Luminae. Any mention of the sky suites accessing Michaels Club? I know it isn't supposed to start for another several weeks, but maybe they had a soft opening...

 

 

No Bulgari yet, at least in sky. And no talk about access to michaels club. Though we haven't inquired about it our butler did not mention it to us. He did remind us we still get one free specialty dinner. I'll report on that in a few minutes.

[chicagopaul]

Thanks chicagopaul for doing this review, much appreciated. Our past 5 or so cruises we've been able to purchase the unlimited specialty dining packages for the cruise. Can you let me know if you run across anyone with the package (they put a little red sticker with a star on your sea pass card if you have the package) and if so, does it now include the updated Porch menu as well as Bistro on five? In the past, they were both included, but at that time was still the old menu, etc. Enjoy your cruise! We were scheduled to set sail with you yesterday for the back to back as well, but decided to change to a Jan sailing for one week and to take the kids and grandchild on a December cruise instead. I'm sure you're sailing with a fun, lively group, have a great time!

 

 

I will check into this. Haven't seen anyone with the red sticker but I will keep an eye out. I'll ask them if I see EM selling the packages on the nest cruise and will keep you posted.

[chicagopaul]

I hope everyone is doing well! We are sitting at a bar in St. Martin now having a margarita. I've finished checking my work emails so I can provide a quick update with regard to the cruise. I'll have photos and videos properly posted when we hit us soil on Saturday. I'll also have the internet package on the next cruise so you can expect better posting for the last seven days of my cruise.

 

Food continues to be great in Luminae. No problems to report so far. The lamb loin was excellent the other night as was the veal the night before. Our sommelier has been very prompt, offered great suggestions and our wine glasses have never been less then shelf full. Gabriel is awesome. Our émigrés To Tetiana from the Ukraine is great as well.

 

Last night we had dinner in Murano and as expected all went well. We had the lobster bisque to start, following by a spinach salad and scallops in a puff pastry. We had the chateaubriand for an entree followed by a wonderful selection of cheese with desert. Our sommelier in Murano made some good recommendations. We went above the package for all of our wine choices but it was worth it.

 

The production show last night was good. Typical celebrity, but I think the dancing routine has gotten better (better talent).

 

Alexander continues to say hi to us when he sees us after the show or in the bar area. Again, I find him very friendly.

 

We haven't been to martini bar much but the music that has played in the atrium and at the martini bar has varied and it is always packed! People are enjoying themselves but I have yet to see anyone stumble over drunk as previous posters in other threads have commented.

 

The moving nightclub scene continues. The other night it was in cellar masters and was complete with cage dancers. Yes, dancers in cages. It was packed with people of all ages dancing (from 20s to 70s). It was definitely unique but only lasted just over an hour so it wasn't too over the top. Tonight is "liquid" which is the nightclub in the solarium.

 

Johnny Mantra is the guitar vocalist on the ship. We saw him last nothing in ensemble prior to dinner and he was amazing. He had a wide range of tunes he can sing but did them all with a little twist, in his own personal style. Very talented. You will all enjoy him regardless of what music you like.

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

The seas have calmed down. It was a bit rough when we first sailed away the first sea day but that was because of how windy it was. Recently things have been great. We had some rain last night but overall things have been very sunny, not too windy and warm (but not overly hot).

 

 

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[Boxerlover2]

I spoke to someone who booked the alcoves. I'm told that the discount, if you book for the week is 20% and on port days it is $79. They don't seem to be oversold so maybe you could get lucky and work out a better discount? This is the discount that was told to someone I spoke to that booked them and I also saw this advertised near the alcove.

 

 

 

Thank you so much for checking!

[dizneydawn]

Thanks for the updates!!!

 

Could you try to get a copy or photo of the wine list?

Thank you!!

[OKCer]

These dance/club events you mention. Are they the $20 cover charge events or open to all for free?

[languageartslady]

We've spent some time in the casino and I can't say I've seen either of these but I will be there tonight I'm sure and will check for you. They have the typical "quick hit" "wheel of fortune" and the random celebrity games covering movies, etc. our favorite is quick hit with the wheel, so I understand the curiosity lol! I'll check and report back.

 

Thank you!!! I appreciate you checking. I definitely have better luck with some, and not others... Wheel of Fortune is my Wheel of MISfortune! I love to watch other people play that one, though!

 

:)

[Swank803]

Any reports of stolen items on the boat? I'm on this cruise and had a laptop, iPad, and Bose headphones stolen from a backpack in my room. Security tells me they have two of the items but won't tell me more until I meet with them after we leave st Martin. While not confirmed, the items were obviously taken by a staff member either when the luggage was transported to my room or out of the room. Any suggestions on how I should handle? I'm happy that I will get at least two of the items back but I'm pretty unhappy that they were taken in the first place. My wife was in tears this morning when we discovered the items missing and is fearful that other things might have been taken that we haven't realized yet. We both feel violated. I would hope that they attempt to make some sort of restitution, especially if we find that the items are now damaged. Any advice on how to handle?

[Dave85]

Any reports of stolen items on the boat? I'm on this cruise and had a laptop, iPad, and Bose headphones stolen from a backpack in my room. Security tells me they have two of the items but won't tell me more until I meet with them after we leave st Martin. While not confirmed, the items were obviously taken by a staff member either when the luggage was transported to my room or out of the room. Any suggestions on how I should handle? I'm happy that I will get at least two of the items back but I'm pretty unhappy that they were taken in the first place. My wife was in tears this morning when we discovered the items missing and is fearful that other things might have been taken that we haven't realized yet. We both feel violated. I would hope that they attempt to make some sort of restitution, especially if we find that the items are now damaged. Any advice on how to handle?

 

 

Wow, sorry to hear that. My advice is to meet with security before worrying about what may or may not be damaged or jumping to any conclusions. In the mean time, if I were in your position I'd be brainstorming and writing down any questions I had to ask the security staff to ensure I don't forget them in the heat of the moment. I'd also take a good look around to ensure that there are no other missing items that security should be aware of. Hope all of your items are recovered and the perpetrator is dealt with satisfactorily.

Edited December 2, 2015 by Dave85

[hcat]

Get everything in writing before you leave the ship...photo everything taken and returned...

very unnerving..

 

Son in law had his camera stolen at an event on Royal...Quest.. security actually searched his room to insure it was not a false claim...he had no proof and nothing came of it...so you are in much better shape with yhis unfortunate incident.....i'd be carrying my stuff and jewelry with me

 

Wonder if the person has been caught and charged...and hope the third item is recovered or replaced by X....wonder why you have to wait to leave St Martin...

[dodger1964]

Get everything in writing before you leave the ship...photo everything taken and returned...

very unnerving..

 

Son in law had his camera stolen at an event on Royal...Quest.. security actually searched his room to insure it was not a false claim...he had no proof and nothing came of it...so you are in much better shape with yhis unfortunate incident.....i'd be carrying my stuff and jewelry with me

 

Wonder if the person has been caught and charged...and hope the third item is recovered or replaced by X....wonder why you have to wait to leave St Martin...

 

Maybe they r worried that the local authorities would/could get involved, potentially delaying departure.

 

Our last time in St Maarten they brought police K-9 unit onboard. We were in line to reboard ship and they walked in just in front of us. Don't know if bomb or drug dog, never heard anything about it after boarding.

[elsieperalta]

I'm sorry to hear this at Swank803. I'm also in this ship and I hope everything works out for you guys but I do agree with Dave85.

 

 

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