Celebrity Reflection January 14 to 21 2017

[Bimmer09]

Our last Vegas trip was in June, 2010. We're excited to be going back! I will be sure to let you know how we liked TOR after we get home, which will be at the end of the first week of May.

 

Thanks Nancy! We'll be coming back from Houston at the same time.

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Yes work puts a hamper on some of our plans we wish to accomplish. I'm lucky and thankful for my 2 cruises I will be going on in April and October. As for the thinking process, rum or water whatever works best I say.

 

I hope your trip to San Francisco is a good one, hopefully you will put your adventure on your blog page as I read that as well.

 

Cheers to you as well my friend

Scott

 

Thanks Scott!

San Francisco is 15 months away but with Wagner operas you have to get your tickets early.

We have been to SF 4 times in the past 4 years and love it mucho.

In the meantime we booked another cruise-for January 2018. We debated between Celebrity Summit from San Juan to the Southern Caribbean, including Grenada and Barbados and Crown Princess to the ABC islands as it had 2 sea days out from Port Everglades and 2 on the way back and Sea-Day Carol held up one of Snowy's paws in a show of hands for the latter.

I threw a yellow flag for "illegal motion" but was overruled. So Crown Princess it is: January 12 to 19 with a Ft. Lauderdale day before and after. For the first time we are in a Balcony cabin as we got the last one available aft. We're Elite on Princess so we'll get some perks and the cost of the cabin will make it a cheaper than usual cruise. At the way the bookings stand now we have 2 Princess followed by two X but it will be a mighty long time before I am back on the X board.

We'll take up a residence in the Sanctuary for the week. Sadly no lawn....

Princess is only asking for $100 pp deposit vs 20% of the fare up front and Gratuities are included but not the raft of Go Better/Best perks. We've sailed the Crown before.

I have neglected the blog for the past 7 weeks and will get back there once this is over.

Cheers!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Last of the ship pictures

There were a couple of announcements that disembarkation was held up due to the length of the line once off the gangway. That was fine by us as we had no plane to catch and it gave me more time to wander with the camera while Carol relaxed in the Hideaway.





Just to backtrack for a minute to show you a Carnival ship returning to port



 

Built without balconies in 1993 and with the old style lifeboats up high she had some balcony cabins tacked on in 2009.



I like the use of these little retail vignettes to tempt customers opposite the elevators on deck 3



 

 

I can't recall where I saw this great piece of art



 

 

Another place I spent no time in



 

I carry my own laptop when I cruise now and the wi-fi up at the Sunset Bar and Alcoves was faster than expected and unlimited minutes were a good perk. I once did a "live" report from Emerald Princess in the Med and my first post took 28 minutes to upload from an allotment of 150 minutes so I haven't planned to do anymore lives since then.

 



 

 



 

Returning via the now easily accessible elevators to the Hideaway I for the last time packed away my cameras and as our group was called we made our way to the gangway on deck 5 at the tail end of the Tuscan Grill waiters (not the guys who serve our dinner). One of the security guards was playing the passengers off with some lively bluegrass banjo but when he saw our faces he put it down and picked up his violin in a mournful Irish melody. More fitting.

 

 

What awaits us at the foot of the gangway?

[PghCruiseGrrrl]

 

 

I have to say goodbye to the Sunset Bar. Thanks for the memories...

 

 

 

 

and my beloved lawn, the green green grass of home



 

 

 

Not only Tom Jones, but Fall Out Boy. :D

 

 

I am so upset I am missing my chance to cruise with the Wonderful Norris! When they had the last Sip & Sail promo it was a toss up between the cruise you are doing in January and another cruise. I went with the other one since it was going to St. Kitts and I have always wanted to visit Nevis, but they ended up substituting another island for St. Kitts anyway. Bummer. Maybe some other time Norris!

[Walt fan]

More amazing art for me to ogle; thank you Norris.

 

We did the RC Enchantment out of San Juan one year; fabulous itinerary. And San Juan is beautiful. The Enchantment is one of a kind ship for RC. Over 10 years ago they stretched the ship by cutting it in two and adding a section in the middle. A "mid body extension" they called it. They were going to do this to her sister ship, the Grandeur, but RC put a stop to the plans due to costs. It was different layout for sure. Your take on the Princess Regal ship will be most interesting.

 

Staying on the ship for as long as possible sounds like the best possible plan Norris; can't wait for more.

[Bimmer09]

Not only Tom Jones, but Fall Out Boy. :D

 

 

I am so upset I am missing my chance to cruise with the Wonderful Norris! When they had the last Sip & Sail promo it was a toss up between the cruise you are doing in January and another cruise. I went with the other one since it was going to St. Kitts and I have always wanted to visit Nevis, but they ended up substituting another island for St. Kitts anyway. Bummer. Maybe some other time Norris!

 

Well it seems Carol and I have got into a long-term booking mode as we now have 4 cruise dates (and two land trips) booked so my whereabouts are known for those particular weeks. If you book on one come and say "hi".

I meet all sorts of interesting folks (and an occasional boor) when I sit for a smoke and a coffee or beer. It's something I love to do and I am very quick to start up a conversation. I would love to meet people from CC but I seldom do- I miss the roll call meets somehow and having attended a few feel that I am not missing much really. I am out and about all day and readily spottable with the cameras and the Guinness when everyone else has an umbrella in their drink.

So if anyone sees me I'd be happy to meet you!

Cheers!

Norris

[hockeyguru32]

Thanks Scott!

San Francisco is 15 months away but with Wagner operas you have to get your tickets early.

We have been to SF 4 times in the past 4 years and love it mucho.

In the meantime we booked another cruise-for January 2018. We debated between Celebrity Summit from San Juan to the Southern Caribbean, including Grenada and Barbados and Crown Princess to the ABC islands as it had 2 sea days out from Port Everglades and 2 on the way back and Sea-Day Carol held up one of Snowy's paws in a show of hands for the latter.

I threw a yellow flag for "illegal motion" but was overruled. So Crown Princess it is: January 12 to 19 with a Ft. Lauderdale day before and after. For the first time we are in a Balcony cabin as we got the last one available aft. We're Elite on Princess so we'll get some perks and the cost of the cabin will make it a cheaper than usual cruise. At the way the bookings stand now we have 2 Princess followed by two X but it will be a mighty long time before I am back on the X board.

We'll take up a residence in the Sanctuary for the week. Sadly no lawn....

Princess is only asking for $100 pp deposit vs 20% of the fare up front and Gratuities are included but not the raft of Go Better/Best perks. We've sailed the Crown before.

I have neglected the blog for the past 7 weeks and will get back there once this is over.

Cheers!

Norris

 

WAIT!!!!!!! How could Snowy have a vote, she unfortunately can't make the trip. Like they say if momma isn't happy no one is happy and ABC islands how could you go wrong. Pick up that flag and put it back into your pocket and save it for another time. But I know you going to Wagner in Germany wouldTOP ALL things and even the flag will definitely stand on that one no ABC's or buts..

 

I'm glad you have more cruises planned one day I will get on Princess

[Bimmer09]

WAIT!!!!!!! How could Snowy have a vote, she unfortunately can't make the trip. Like they say if momma isn't happy no one is happy and ABC islands how could you go wrong. Pick up that flag and put it back into your pocket and save it for another time. But I know you going to Wagner in Germany wouldTOP ALL things and even the flag will definitely stand on that one no ABC's or buts..

 

I'm glad you have more cruises planned one day I will get on Princess

 

Yes Scott, if we get tickets for August 2018 Wagner in Bayreuth that scuppers any summer cruise plans. We were last there in 2013 after applying for I think 5 years in a row and it's always possible that we could get tickets for 2018.

We cancelled a cruise in 2013 when we struck lucky. Saying NO to the tickets is out of the question.

Cheers!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We heard the pings from our last use of our room cards and walked down the gangway from deck 5 into the terminal building where there was a line waiting to be allowed to proceed down the escalator to the luggage and customs hall. After 15 minutes we were moving and quickly found our luggage and joined another line for customs.

I was asked to go to a private room when the customs agent asked to see my Green Card. I told him it had been stolen during an armed burglary and that the replacement had been sent almost a year ago and was lost by the Chicago Post Office (motto "Oops"). I had a valid 9 month extension stamp which runs out this September. We were in an office sitting on a bench which had handcuff hooks attached, watching one of the ship's dancers having her luggage thoroughly checked. After 5 minutes of waiting an Officer came and got my lost Green Card story and went to look me up on a computer. He came back smiling and offered to escort us out without handcuffs. This was good news and we were out in the sunshine of Miami and had no wait for a taxi.

We were soon pulling up at the Ritz Carlton for our second stay of the week. The location by the beach and smack in the middle of the South Beach Art Deco area can't be beat for us.

I get out of her way when Carol unpacks and went to the beach and sat on a wall looking at the sea and remembered we had just been on it a few hours ago.

Another great cruise? Oh yes! They all have been in their own way; Alaska 3 times, The Med twice and 6 to the Caribbean in the time since our first in August 2011 when we cancelled a trip to Munich at Oktoberfest time as we couldn't get our favorite hotel, the Admiral, and re-thought being there when the city would be crowded. The Coral Princess Voyage of the Glaciers was Carol's first cruise and she was hooked forever.

Our second Celebrity cruise... and we got to relax and enjoy a beautiful ship, great evening entertainment and good food. We had some good excursions which is important for me as I love going ashore. Service and interaction with the crew was very satisfying. The ship was built for relaxation without need for waterparks and rope climbing structures, both wasted on us.

The time on the ship just flew by and I missed so many of the activities that were scheduled each day-like the introduction of the Officers on the first Elegant Chic night and Coffee with the Captain in Cafe il Bacio near the end of the cruise. Liquid Lounge happened in the Solarium one night but I was unaware. I never stopped for more than 2 minutes to listen to a band nor did I swim in one of the three pools or simmer in a hot tub. I skipped meals (??!!!) and we went for hours without eating when there was food to be had all over the ship. I was up early every morning but needed a nap each afternoon and that aft cabin with the sound of the wake made for deep deep sleeps.

Luckily Carol kept notes on her iPhone and I could track where I had been and what I had done through the photos and video and have been able to share those with anyone who has been reading this.

There is no more ship from here on in. That ship has sailed and we thank her and her crew for a memorable week as I imagine those getting on after we got off had. Each week 3,000 new people to dazzle, week after week. No rest for the crew until their contract is over and they are on a flight home on the other side of the world. I was once one of them.

No more ship photos but photos of a different kind as we walk on a self-guided tour of the Art Deco district. To those of you with no interest in that, my thanks for following along on this past 6 weeks. It was a technically troubled write from my end with iMovie and Youtube issues and then CC being relaunched with many bugs. That is still going on 6 weeks later. My thanks to Carol's computer savvy for getting the movies onto the screen and for her notes and stellar cruising company.

Norris

[pd7277]

We heard the pings from our last use of our room cards and walked down the gangway from deck 5 into the terminal building where there was a line waiting to be allowed to proceed down the escalator to the luggage and customs hall. After 15 minutes we were moving and quickly found our luggage and joined another line for customs.

I was asked to go to a private room when the customs agent asked to see my Green Card. I told him it had been stolen during an armed burglary and that the replacement had been sent almost a year ago and was lost by the Chicago Post Office (motto "Oops"). I had a valid 9 month extension stamp which runs out this September. We were in an office sitting on a bench which had handcuff hooks attached, watching one of the ship's dancers having her luggage thoroughly checked. After 5 minutes of waiting an Officer came and got my lost Green Card story and went to look me up on a computer. He came back smiling and offered to escort us out without handcuffs. This was good news and we were out in the sunshine of Miami and had no wait for a taxi.

We were soon pulling up at the Ritz Carlton for our second stay of the week. The location by the beach and smack in the middle of the South Beach Art Deco area can't be beat for us.

I get out of her way when Carol unpacks and went to the beach and sat on a wall looking at the sea and remembered we had just been on it a few hours ago.

Another great cruise? Oh yes! They all have been in their own way; Alaska 3 times, The Med twice and 6 to the Caribbean in the time since our first in August 2011 when we cancelled a trip to Munich at Oktoberfest time as we couldn't get our favorite hotel, the Admiral, and re-thought being there when the city would be crowded. The Coral Princess Voyage of the Glaciers was Carol's first cruise and she was hooked forever.

Our second Celebrity cruise... and we got to relax and enjoy a beautiful ship, great evening entertainment and good food. We had some good excursions which is important for me as I love going ashore. Service and interaction with the crew was very satisfying. The ship was built for relaxation without need for waterparks and rope climbing structures, both wasted on us.

The time on the ship just flew by and I missed so many of the activities that were scheduled each day-like the introduction of the Officers on the first Elegant Chic night and Coffee with the Captain in Cafe il Bacio near the end of the cruise. Liquid Lounge happened in the Solarium one night but I was unaware. I never stopped for more than 2 minutes to listen to a band nor did I swim in one of the three pools or simmer in a hot tub. I skipped meals (??!!!) and we went for hours without eating when there was food to be had all over the ship. I was up early every morning but needed a nap each afternoon and that aft cabin with the sound of the wake made for deep deep sleeps.

Luckily Carol kept notes on her iPhone and I could track where I had been and what I had done through the photos and video and have been able to share those with anyone who has been reading this.

There is no more ship from here on in. That ship has sailed and we thank her and her crew for a memorable week as I imagine those getting on after we got off had. Each week 3,000 new people to dazzle, week after week. No rest for the crew until their contract is over and they are on a flight home on the other side of the world. I was once one of them.

No more ship photos but photos of a different kind as we walk on a self-guided tour of the Art Deco district. To those of you with no interest in that, my thanks for following along on this past 6 weeks. It was a technically troubled write from my end with iMovie and Youtube issues and then CC being relaunched with many bugs. That is still going on 6 weeks later. My thanks to Carol's computer savvy for getting the movies onto the screen and for her notes and stellar cruising company.

Norris

 

[CruiserRob]

Norris as always, a great GSJ

 

Robert

[Sadebud]

Thanks Scott!

San Francisco is 15 months away but with Wagner operas you have to get your tickets early.

We have been to SF 4 times in the past 4 years and love it mucho.

In the meantime we booked another cruise-for January 2018. We debated between Celebrity Summit from San Juan to the Southern Caribbean, including Grenada and Barbados and Crown Princess to the ABC islands as it had 2 sea days out from Port Everglades and 2 on the way back and Sea-Day Carol held up one of Snowy's paws in a show of hands for the latter.

I threw a yellow flag for "illegal motion" but was overruled. So Crown Princess it is: January 12 to 19 with a Ft. Lauderdale day before and after. For the first time we are in a Balcony cabin as we got the last one available aft. We're Elite on Princess so we'll get some perks and the cost of the cabin will make it a cheaper than usual cruise. At the way the bookings stand now we have 2 Princess followed by two X but it will be a mighty long time before I am back on the X board.

We'll take up a residence in the Sanctuary for the week. Sadly no lawn....

Princess is only asking for $100 pp deposit vs 20% of the fare up front and Gratuities are included but not the raft of Go Better/Best perks. We've sailed the Crown before.

I have neglected the blog for the past 7 weeks and will get back there once this is over.

Cheers!

Norris

 

Hi Norris,

 

Still following, although very sorry it is nearing its end! I read the above and got all excited that you chose the Crown in 2018 to the ABC Islands because I thought I might have the chance to meet the famous author of such fabulous reviews and his lady...but no, alas, we are not on your sailing. We are sailing same ship/itinerary on February 10th. Oh well, maybe I'll be able to read your first three days of reviews before I leave. :-)

 

Thanks again for another fantastic read!!!

 

Cheers,

Tracy

[Walt fan]

Standing ovation Norris; take a bow.

 

Thank you again!!!

 

(And yes, every member of the family, even feline, gets a vote; kudos to Snowy)

[Jasperdo]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review, as always. I'm definitely sticking around for your South Beach photos. I can't get enough of those wonderful Art Deco buildings.

[easyboy]

No more ship photos but photos of a different kind as we walk on a self-guided tour of the Art Deco district. To those of you with no interest in that, my thanks for following along on this past 6 weeks. It was a technically troubled write from my end with iMovie and Youtube issues and then CC being relaunched with many bugs. That is still going on 6 weeks later. My thanks to Carol's computer savvy for getting the movies onto the screen and for her notes and stellar cruising company.

Norris

Thanks again for the great review. I really enjoyed the beautiful ship photos!

[Bimmer09]

 

Peggy, thank you for the Bravo! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

It was a learning experience for me and what I have learned will be put to good use in a better review on my next cruise.

I am learning more and more about photography-things like take the lens cap off for better pictures and so on.

I already have ideas for how to improve and am planning not to leave a lot of ship photos until the last morning. A note from my mother will explain everything.

I hope you hang around for my last blitz of photos- I have been looking at them in Lightroom and am happy with them.

Thanks for your many comments and enthusiasm!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris as always, a great GSJ

 

Robert

 

Robert...ah yes, a Gentleman's Seafaring Journal. How apt and I wish I had thought of that! Wait-I did!

Glad you were along for the ride and hope you stay to the end to see the beauty of the South Beach architectural gems and to see RCCL in 1986 from this old brochure before me and there will be pics of Norris on the ship.

Ah-but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now...

I will give some insights into life onboard the Song of Norway back in 86.

Stay tuned!

Norris

[nursedibdob]

Robert...ah yes, a Gentleman's Seafaring Journal. How apt and I wish I had thought of that! Wait-I did!

Glad you were along for the ride and hope you stay to the end to see the beauty of the South Beach architectural gems and to see RCCL in 1986 from this old brochure before me and there will be pics of Norris on the ship.

Ah-but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now...

LOVE A BIT OF DYLAN ❤️

 

 

I will give some insights into life onboard the Song of Norway back in 86.

Stay tuned!

Norris

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[One_plus_one]

Thanks Norris and Carol, I really enjoyed your review. We were on the Reflection Med cruise in 2015, so it brought back great memories of the ship. My husband is from Belfast, he still has his accent and has been here in Australia for 40 years. I'm sure your accent would still be there when you talk to folk from NI. :D You will have to do a cruise down under one day, your camera would love it!

 

Best wishes.

 

Tracey.

[hockeymom21]

Thanks Norris and Carol! I have enjoyed reading every word & looking at every picture! Reflection is such a wonderful ship! What a wonderful review!! Like reading a book in installments!!!

[jlf1]

I will be here to the very end.

Love your pictures. Any more food porn to come?

[Bimmer09]

SOUTH BEACH

ART DECO

DISTRICT

It was the reason we moved our post-cruise booking from the boutique Marriott Stanton hotel to the Ritz Carlton-location, location location. In the thick of the A.D.D

Now we had an afternoon to explore on foot using a map. We picked up some free bottles of water at the Front desk and while there I asked if the hotel had donkeys for hire (as I know some do). I was thinking of a burro to tote my cameras. Apparently "no". "Maybe a burrito?" (small donkey). The clerk pointed me to a food stand across the street. I scratched my head.



I had to carry the cameras and the water myself and off we set. Our plan was to see as much of this unique Architectural district which sprung to life in the 1930's the age of our favorite design style, Art Deco, as time and our feet would allow.



As Legend has it I first set foot in Miami in August 1985.

In a way I wasn't a stranger as my favorite TV show back then was Miami Vice starring the excellent Don Johnson and much of it was shot, I much later learned, in South Beach which was at that time rather run down. Apparently it was easy to film in the streets as there weren't many cars parked there. I'd say that has since changed. The production crew had to repaint some of the exteriors which had fallen on hard times.



Thankfully, the buildings weren't torn down to make way for the new after the show went off the air a few years after it's 1984 launch. Rather the opposite as the area began to lure tourists and Preservation committees formed to keep the architecture and spruce it up.



On a sunny afternoon we set off to see up close what we only caught glimpses of from our Segways just a week before.



We started by having coffee at the Starbucks I had discovered on my 5 a.m walk last week in the dark and the drizzle. Carol is visible in her pink shirt at right. There was a long line at the counter when we got there so crafty Carol got on her Starbucks app and ordered online. Then I just went in and sashayed up to the counter for online pickup and got the necessary fuel for our stroll.

 

 

As I stood aside having the unbeatable combination of a quad espresso :cool: and a cigarette I looked around at the immediate environs.

 

 

 

Suitably refreshed we set off on our leisurely ramble

 

 



Ocean Plaza is from 1936

[Bimmer09]

Thanks Norris and Carol, I really enjoyed your review. We were on the Reflection Med cruise in 2015, so it brought back great memories of the ship. My husband is from Belfast, he still has his accent and has been here in Australia for 40 years. I'm sure your accent would still be there when you talk to folk from NI. :D You will have to do a cruise down under one day, your camera would love it!

 

Best wishes.

 

Tracey.

 

Thanks Tracey!

The subject of Australia has come up many times at home and we have several FB friends that are relatives of Carol who live there. We even looked at a cruise on the Diamond Princess for this year from Sydney to Fremantle which is near Perth were Carol's relatives do dwell. Carol has been to Australia I think 3 times as her mom used to live there before returning to Chicago to be near Carol. Carol has done the Nullarbor Plain Indian-Pacific train ride which took 3 days.

It's so far away though and with a limit of a week's vacation at a time, which I already tack on 4 days to, using up my two days off a week and the jet lag involved I have resisted but it's a certainty once retired in 5 years (ish).

We watch a TV show called Househunters International and Australia looks good on that.

Australia and New Zealand are on the bucket list.

Norris

[Bimmer09]

 

 

 

 

McAlpin is from 1940





Pastels rule!



 





 

Here is Mr Pastel, deep in thought, perusing his menu al fresco in Miami 1986. The Song of Norway was based in Miami

 

 

 

[Cruising_Bill]

Robert...ah yes, a Gentleman's Seafaring Journal. How apt and I wish I had thought of that! Wait-I did!

Glad you were along for the ride and hope you stay to the end to see the beauty of the South Beach architectural gems and to see RCCL in 1986 from this old brochure before me and there will be pics of Norris on the ship.

Ah-but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now...

I will give some insights into life onboard the Song of Norway back in 86.

Stay tuned!

Norris

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums