Celebrity Reflection January 14 to 21 2017

[Bimmer09]

Carol handed me these in the hotel room and my pulse quickened.

A year of anticipation was almost over....

 

 

I put the label on the camera box, ready now to drop off at UPS on our way to the ship.

 

 

Taxi! Tip the bellman. Drive to UPS. Took 10 mins in there as some people who had never sent a package were before me. Got receipt, photographed it, attached to an e mail to Borrowlenses with much thanks for the new 6 D.

 

Drove.

 

I see ships!! 5 big ones! Oh-look-all the way at the back-two blue funnels and one big....

 

X

 

See you onboard??

 

Norris

[Jasperdo]

Loved your early morning photos of the Art Deco hotels in South Beach. I've only seen them in the daytime. They look magical at night.

[Bimmer09]

20 minutes to the port. We are the closest ship to the city. A hive of activity on the pier.

 

Tip the cabbie. Tip the luggage man so that our luggage isn't filled with sea water when it appears in our cabin.

 

Through security. Check in. There's a line for Suites Elites and Zeniths and we have no one in front of us. Smiles. Passports, Express Pass. Photo for Cruisecard. No waiting room. Your ship is ready. It's 11.30.

 

Onward.

 

Ship's photographers. Pose in front of a banner of an anonymous S Class ship.

 

Onward and upward boarding on deck 5.

 

Offer of "champagne" or orange juice. Declined as we have too much to carry.

 

Elevator. Press 15 as we know where we are going...

 

HERE

 

 

 

All aboard!!

 

Norris

[hockeyguru32]

carol handed me these in the hotel room and my pulse quickened.

A year of anticipation was almost over....

 

 

i put the label on the camera box, ready now to drop off at ups on our way to the ship.

 

 

taxi! Tip the bellman. Drive to ups. Took 10 mins in there as some people who had never sent a package were before me. Got receipt, photographed it, attached to an e mail to borrowlenses with much thanks for the new 6 d.

 

Drove.

 

I see ships!! 5 big ones! Oh-look-all the way at the back-two blue funnels and one big....

 

x

 

see you onboard??

 

Norris

 

pointer sisters

[Bimmer09]

Pictures that are worth a thousand words....

 

(These two are iPhone shots to post on Facebook)

 

 

 

The Guinness poured table side by a roaming Jamaican waiter called Tadfy signifies that it is time to relax and take it all in....we are on the ship!

 

Overcast sky but no rain forecast. There's more to see up here than in Ft. Lauderdale so I walk across the grass for some pics. I haven't been in Miami since November 1986. I count 16 cranes at work on new buildings with a sea view.

 

 

 

Closer looks at the view from our chairs

 

 

 

At 1 p.m an announcement that the rooms are ready for us is made and we head down to deck 7 to take up residence all the way aft in a starboard corner Sky suite.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

This is a 10 minute clip from about an hour's worth of Segway Go Pro video and I chose it as it gives some shots of the Art Deco buildings and the food tents and general hubbub of South Beach.

 

It has received zero Oscar nominations and you'll see why but I hope it gives a flavor. (personally I think Hollywood is snubbing me)

 

Many of my clips from that day were taken riding by the beach on the winding public walkway until we were stopped by the Police (not the rock band- the actual Police) or taking shortcuts through the beachfront park. A variety of terrain in short.

 

You can watch this while we are taking our carry-ons to the cabin. I was toting two bags filled with cameras, lenses, chargers, tripods and cables so was glad to put them down when we reached 7358.

 

[YOUTUBE]2iHunzEEofA[/YOUTUBE]

 

Norris

[dgparent]

Ahhhh having a smoke and a beer in the Sunset Bar, jealous !!! I will be in that exact spot come March, we are in SS 9376 can't wait, loving your review.

[Bimmer09]

Yay, Norris once again!!!! Thanks for the invite over at the Princess Boards. I surf both, so would have probably found you over here, but felt special having an invitation to join this blog/review. I learn so much about cruising and the enjoyment of life from your posts ... as well as your humor. Let the fun begin.

 

Richard

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Richard, good to see you again and thanks for joining us here.

 

The invite on the Princess Board didn't stay around for long and I am sure most P people didn't see it so if anyone wants to bump it up again by popping in there to say "hi" (or anything) that will help. I can't do it myself again as it would be considered Solicitation and I can't deal with another lawsuit at this time.

 

Cheers, Richard!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris,

 

Very much looking forward to your review of the Reflection. I didn't see your Star Princess review until a couple of weeks ago, and I just finished reading it on Friday, so it's great to continue on without getting any Norris review "withdrawals".

 

I've been a lurker on your reviews for a while, and since there seemed to be a large number of lurkers on your Star Princess review that came out, I decided to do it on this one (and it looks like I'm the first one to come out on this review)!

 

We are very much Celebrity and Princess fans as well, with the majority of our cruises being between these two lines. Our first cruise in 1994 was on the Star Princess, although it was Princess' previous Star Princess that was launched in 1989 I believe. Our first Celebrity cruise followed in 1996 on the Zenith.

 

Can't wait to find out whether your second Celebrity cruise was as good as your first. I'm sure the Sunset Bar was home to a large part of your week. Just an awesome place to spend time!

 

I know both Carol and you work hard to bring these reviews to everyone, and that is why they are tops in my book! Your pictures and stories can't be beat.

 

Thanks....or should I say Cheers!

 

Bruce

 

Bruce as you know I am always excited to see lurkers coming out of the shadows and am also glad that you have read my Princess reviews too. Thanks for the kind compliments on the reads.

 

I am going on the Princess site today to find a cruise for the fall.

 

Thanks for joining us here!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Following your journey again Norris!

 

So, the fact that you've booked two more X cruises must mean that you are hooked and had another great experience. ;) We're considering Norway also. Which sailing did you book?

 

Kim :)

 

Kim, Silhouette to Norwegian FJords, same suite, late August 2018

 

and Equinox, W Caribbean including Dominican Republic and Nassau, plus Coz and Cayman in January 2019

 

Norris

[300dtc]

I love your writing style, and was so happy to find this review!

 

Maryann

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[MustBCruzn]

Kim, Silhouette to Norwegian FJords, same suite, late August 2018

 

and Equinox, W Caribbean including Dominican Republic and Nassau, plus Coz and Cayman in January 2019

 

Norris

 

Norris - I've loved your past reviews and this one is every bit as entertaining. I can't wait to meet you and Carol on the Norway cruise. We're almost neighbors--although from the lower class neighborhood--we're booked a couple of doors down in 7366. :D

[Bimmer09]

Well so far this has been the toughest start to any of my reviews due to technical difficulties with the videos but I thank everyone for being supportive and enthusiastic.

 

Normally I respond to each and every comment but I am so far behind in that.

 

To keep the review flowing, especially as some of you are cruising soon I'd like to give a roll call and a shout out to those that have responded but haven't got a reply from me. I want you to see photos and not me thanking each person for joining us although I am truly thankful to everyone who does as it's more fun for me to have feedback and questions to answer

 

So in no particular order here is a list of people I want to thank for their unanswered comments.

And the Nominees are....

 

lienf

morbihan

G & G cruisers

Sassy cruiser

Jules815

Riclop

Shims dan

lola2013

jlfi (Judy)

luv2camp04

Jase0581

MinnesotaCruiser1974

Eloise4Ever

gold1953

pretty princess

I'm a Happy Cruiser

Destan71835

macsford

sajlm045

jzad

benne1ej

NCHPcruiser

Lin336

Lastdance

jg51

mrsgoggins (did you see me on the ship?)

Golfwife1

DJSchib

Princess Dano

cruisekrazykaze

perfect match (Nancy!)

nursedibdob

cruisehappy001

Tins

GabrielleR

Hockeyguru32(master of spotting my song references!)

Morton (Pam)

rcssmom

sparkins_mob

SOLIVITA LADY (Jackie!)

DavietheScot (hoots mon!)

christineboston

CoatRackOfDoom (Ed-best screen name ever)

Mit429

Gordoncruickshank

chat

walt fan

ILgirl

PghCruiseGrrrl

yovacruise

 

 

If your name was called, please report to the Principal's Office immediately.

 

Norris, with thanks

[Moonlitherial]

YAY a new Norris review!

 

I love Borrow Lenses. Great service and willing to work through any issues with planned delivery times. I used them for a selection of potential lense purchases in my full frame Canon days. I hope you're loving the 6D and it works out for you. I miss being able to weild a camera of that weight.

 

Thank you for the Miami intro, we're taking our first cruise that departs from there in April so I was looking for things to do on our safety day (I know end of April snowstorms are wildly unlikely but hey, Northern habits are hard to break :D)

 

Can't wait to see the rest!

[Bimmer09]

We are in our suite and immediately at home as it is the same as the Silhouette and immaculately prepped by our Room Steward, Boban.

 

It's starboard this time as opposed to port on the Silly and I didn't take pics of it until the last sea day so for expediency sake I'll use the Silly photos to enhance my silly review/report/ramble/journal. It will be a mirror image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

I asked our steward Boban why there was no bathroom (he had asked if there was anything he could do for us...I said Yes, get me a bathroom.) He said that there had been recent cutbacks among the stewards and we would have only one not two so to make that feasible the company had eliminated the bathrooms and sold them to a new hotel opening up in Miami. It made sense to me from a financial point of view.

 

He went on to say that we could use the pools on the ship and he could provide Bvlgari soap and shampoo if we wanted to bathe adding "but you're on holiday and can bathe when you get home."

 

Again it made sense but Carol demanded a bathroom so off he went to get a carpenter and plumber and after half an hour of banging away they came up with this ....

 

 



 

 

A pretty nifty job and an example of going beyond for your customer!

 

Norris

[donswife]

Consider yourself "bumped" on the Princess board.:D

[Bimmer09]

On the balcony looking out

 

 

Supplies being loaded for the voyage of 2,004 miles

 

 

 

 

 

While I was taking pics Carol was wiping down all surfaces we might touch, including the phone and TV remote with Clorox wipes. Now we were free to go to lunch-in Luminae, the Suites only restaurant.

 

That's next.

 

Norris

[Walt fan]

"Report to the Principal's Office" - yikes, Norris, you gave me flashbacks to high school:) We won't go into further detail there.

 

I would rather read your review and pour over your photos than work. But, I guess I have to earn a few pennies today. I will be following along this weekend!

 

Have a good weekend and stay warm.

[Bimmer09]

I've just booked a Princess cruise to Canada and New England for this October so that will be my next Princess review. October 14 Regal Princess a class of ship I have steered clear of until now so it should be a voyage of discovery in all ways.

Coming soon to an IMAX near you!

 

I am off to work soon.

 

I am sure you could all use a vicarious lunch so let's go to Luminae!

 

We were not blown away by Luminae on the Silhouette. Oh, it was good but not memorable but we had to try it again as it beats the buffet on embarkation day.

 

As expected we were greeted warmly and quickly seated in this gorgeous room.

Water and bread were produced and drinks ordered. Once my Stella and Carol's club soda were delivered we sat for 15 minutes before our order was taken. Ho hum.

 

 

A raised eyebrow brought our waitress and we ordered our vittles...

 

We both had a delicious lobster bisque and bowls were licked or mopped with bread.

 

 

Next, my mouthwatering Luminae Burger with truffle fries and a tasty treat it was

 

 

and for Butternut Squash risotto which she loved and shared a forkful with me

 

 

Carol wasn't up for dessert but I sure was and this white chocolate Macadamia nut cake really hit the spot. We both agreed that lunch was fantastic and we would come back to Luminae without hesitation.

 

 

Lunch video coming much later tonight, followed by Muster and Sailaway in photos and video.

 

Norris

[DancerOT]

This is so cool to read as I was on the same week as you! We must have passed each other in the wind :)

[fletch1027]

 

 

 

 

Just started reading along - love the review so far!

 

What's the name of the app you are using in the photo?

[Sadebud]

What's in store is a Chronological account of our vacation so don't expect to see the ship in the first few days of writing as we will be spending those in South Beach.

 

Segway video through the Art Deco area

Dining at Joe's Stone Crab

The Ritz Carlton

Lunch in Luminae

Sailaway

Dinners in Lawn Club Grill/Murano/Qsine/Luminae (food porn!)

Blu

Sunset Bar where I took up residence

Live shows in photos and video

The Alcoves

Just about every room and bar on the ship

Ship art

Segway tour in Cozumel

Turtles and stingrays

Jamaica the good the bad and the ugly

Labadee

All sailaways including other fine cruise ships in port with us

The ship at night

Sunrises and sunsets

Officers and guests pool volleyball

Bocce ball

People enjoying themselves

 

and whatever else I happened to photograph/video

 

The review is written for me and Carol so we can't forget it as time passes and our memories dim.

 

It is also written for people who have never sailed this ship and for those who have and want to be reminded of the time they spent on her.

 

And it is for my friends who live on the Princess Board where I happily dwell most of my time.

 

With that being said I will start the story, or Seafaring Gentleman's Journal as I like to call it.

 

Norris

 

Hi Norris,

 

I just saw your post on the Princess Boards alerting me to the Celebrity Review...I knew you had a cruise in January but I forgot it was on Celebrity. I will be catching up all weekend!

 

PS--Just off the Crown Princess Rio to Valpairaiso, around Cape Horn. Fantastic trip but there were some hiccups and we didn't make all the ports. Still had a fabulous time and would sail the Crown again anytime!!

 

Tracy

[DaisyFire]

Since you've already had your socks blown off - I'll take my hat off to you for your fantastic review!

 

I've now officially caught up from the beginning of the thread and am adding my thanks to you and Carol for taking pains to make this a truly excellent review!

 

Looking forward to living the X-life vicariously over the next several weeks. I've never been on the Reflection... though I will be on her sister, the Silhouette, in November. Our first S-class cruise (on the Eclipse) departs in just over 60 days and I am beyond excited!!

[Hoosier-Cruiser]

Just started reading along - love the review so far!

 

What's the name of the app you are using in the photo?

 

This app is called "Ship Mate".