Live! onboard Reflection... Western Caribbean Cruise

[LongJohn99]

Hello Everyone!

 

My name is Johnny and I'm writing this from our 11th deck Aqua Class balcony while sitting beside my lovely wife Amanda aboard the Reflection. It is so amazing to finally sit here and feel the warm morning sunshine and listen to the sound of the ocean. It has taken months of research and planning but we made it... we're finally here and doing it and I am so happy to report that the Celebrity Reflection is absolutely AMAZING. I could get used to this.

 

Some background on us: My wife Amanda and I are mid 30s and have two boys ages 6 and 8. This is our first vacation alone in 9 years. The only cruise we've ever been on was a Royal Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon but it was a very short 2 night cruise (we were so poor back then) so I don't think it really counts. This however is the real deal.

 

We chose celebrity because we wanted to go all out and splurge a little.... we didn't want a cheap and cheesy cruise (carnival comes to mind). Food and service were a big factor and I had read that celebrity had earned high marks for both, so we booked with Celebrity and here we are.

 

We boarded yesterday in Miami and everything went fine. Probably a 25 minute process from start to finish. When we got onboard it was really just amazing... The ship is beautiful. I've watched probably every YouTube video I could find of this ship and it honestly does not do it justice to how nice it really is. I was worried because I have read many reviews on here both good and bad and wasn't really sure what I'd think.... but I now have no doubt I am on one of the finest ships in the world. And I've got 6 days to go still.

 

We had dinner last night in blu. Stunning restaurant (but they all are I guess). I ordered the cheese soufflé which was excellent and we both ordered the filet which was good but I wasn't crazy about the sauce they used on it. Still an excellent meal and the service was absolutely exquisite. We just had breakfast there a couple hours ago and loved it as well. Loved the warm chocolate croissant and plan on ordering blueberry pancakes tomorrow. I also love that the orange juice and grapefruit juice is fresh squeezed and not something cheap like Minute Maid. The maple syrup is also real maple syrup and not maple flavored and colored corn syrup like most places would serve.

 

Tonight we are eating at Tuscan at 730 so looking forward to that. We purchased a 3 dinner package before the cruise so we are planning on Tuscan, qusine and possibly Murano. I know everyone says Murano is the best but we don't eat a lot of seafood and I'm not sure we would really enjoy it. I really would like to try it though... If anyone has some suggestions or wants to try talk me into it, I'm all ears.

 

Well, that's all for now. The wife is getting tired of me typing on my phone so we're going up to the pool deck and see if we can score some loungers and margaritas. If anyone would like me to try to answer a question or take a pic of something I will try my best to accommodate. We still have so much of the ship to explore! Talk to you later!

 

 

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[helen haywood]

Go take up residence at The Sunset Bar! My favorite place and the Reflection's redesign really enhances your view!

[jules815]

Have a wonderful time!

 

I'll be boarding next Saturday. :D

[hcat]

Enjoyed your post...

Hope you & your wife have an amazing cruise! BLU will leave sauces on the side if u ask...

[Zoey1]

Hello Everyone!

 

My name is Johnny and I'm writing this from our 11th deck Aqua Class balcony while sitting beside my lovely wife Amanda aboard the Reflection. It is so amazing to finally sit here and feel the warm morning sunshine and listen to the sound of the ocean. It has taken months of research and planning but we made it... we're finally here and doing it and I am so happy to report that the Celebrity Reflection is absolutely AMAZING. I could get used to this.

 

Some background on us: My wife Amanda and I are mid 30s and have two boys ages 6 and 8. This is our first vacation alone in 9 years. The only cruise we've ever been on was a Royal Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon but it was a very short 2 night cruise (we were so poor back then) so I don't think it really counts. This however is the real deal.

 

We chose celebrity because we wanted to go all out and splurge a little.... we didn't want a cheap and cheesy cruise (carnival comes to mind). Food and service were a big factor and I had read that celebrity had earned high marks for both, so we booked with Celebrity and here we are.

 

We boarded yesterday in Miami and everything went fine. Probably a 25 minute process from start to finish. When we got onboard it was really just amazing... The ship is beautiful. I've watched probably every YouTube video I could find of this ship and it honestly does not do it justice to how nice it really is. I was worried because I have read many reviews on here both good and bad and wasn't really sure what I'd think.... but I now have no doubt I am on one of the finest ships in the world. And I've got 6 days to go still.

 

We had dinner last night in blu. Stunning restaurant (but they all are I guess). I ordered the cheese soufflé which was excellent and we both ordered the filet which was good but I wasn't crazy about the sauce they used on it. Still an excellent meal and the service was absolutely exquisite. We just had breakfast there a couple hours ago and loved it as well. Loved the warm chocolate croissant and plan on ordering blueberry pancakes tomorrow. I also love that the orange juice and grapefruit juice is fresh squeezed and not something cheap like Minute Maid. The maple syrup is also real maple syrup and not maple flavored and colored corn syrup like most places would serve.

 

Tonight we are eating at Tuscan at 730 so looking forward to that. We purchased a 3 dinner package before the cruise so we are planning on Tuscan, qusine and possibly Murano. I know everyone says Murano is the best but we don't eat a lot of seafood and I'm not sure we would really enjoy it. I really would like to try it though... If anyone has some suggestions or wants to try talk me into it, I'm all ears.

 

Well, that's all for now. The wife is getting tired of me typing on my phone so we're going up to the pool deck and see if we can score some loungers and margaritas. If anyone would like me to try to answer a question or take a pic of something I will try my best to accommodate. We still have so much of the ship to explore! Talk to you later!

 

 

 

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We prefer Tuscan as well. The pasta is homemade and delicious!

Enjoy your cruise, try and get to Qsine, ask for Nathan to serve you, such a fun experience M

[Tiggertastic]

Have a wonderful time, were onboard in December so following to get some tips. Enjoy the martini bar

 

 

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[poffles]

I can feel your excitement. I know exactly what you mean about the sound of the ocean and the sun on your face, totally describes one of the greatest things about cruising.

 

I loved the Reflection too, she is a great ship. Have a great cruise and don't waste a minute of it keeping your wife waiting :)

[Lois R]

If you check in here before you go to dinner, Murano offers way more than seafood......beef/veal/poultry/lamb should be some

of your choices.

 

Hope you have a great week:)

[chocl8ldy]

Please do keep telling us about all the amazing things and activities and good on board! My husband and I will be on it in three weeks for our 25th Anniversary cruise to Eastern Caribbean. Our first on Celebrity and get so discouraged when I hear bad reviews about food and service. I've got the luggage out and outfits already put together...but got to get those darn taxes finished before I can go!! Just want to get in that ship, sit on our balcony and relax!!!

 

 

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[H2OH!]

Consider having dinner at The Lawn Club Grill. We love it there!! It is our favorite over murano and Tuscan....although food is quite subjective.

 

Have a great time! 9 years is a looong time.

[Bimmer09]

Go take up residence at The Sunset Bar! My favorite place and the Reflection's redesign really enhances your view!

 

I second Helen's recommendation of the Sunset Bar-my home from home on that magnificent ship.

Have fun on board!

Norris

[benne1ej]

Looking forward to your review! I'll be boarding the Reflection on the 1st also in Aqua Class. Would love to hear your thoughts on any aqua class amenities you receive.

[Lastdance]

On the RF for the TA to Europe...can't wait for all the sea days, parties and fun...keep the weather nice and a little warm for us too. Thanks for beginning to write this review; let us know your thoughts and opinions too of the RF...enjoy! We have a suite, but love to eat in AQ! Love the decor so much better than Luminae...

[watchdiva]

Murano served us one of the best meals we have ever had! Outstanding filet and chops. Stop by and read the menu, you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

 

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[LongJohn99]

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies, well wishes and advice. We are back on the balcony for a quick drink and then showering up and getting dressed for chic night. Then we'll go hit up a bar or two before dinner at Tuscan.

 

It is so sunny and hot today! I live in Cincinnati and this is just what the dr ordered. I am not one to complain about heat and sun so this is perfect. Exactly what I had hoped for... hopefully the weather is good to us for the entire trip.

 

Yes We were at sunset bar yesterday when we sailed out of Miami and we were there this afternoon as well. Couldn't find any available loungers anywhere but the solstice deck so I would run to the sunset bar and get drinks for us and run them back. We do usually wait for drinks for 5-8 minutes or so but they are pretty busy. I can't say they aren't working hard because they certainly are. The aft is just an amazing view that I don't get tired of. Talking to people there is so easy too... my regular line so far is "what a terrible view" and people usually just laugh and open up. We are passing Cuba right now and you can see the mountains in the distance. Very cool.

 

We also went to the casino last night and played some craps and met some people there as well. It seems like you can make a lot of friends on a cruise.

 

We have an extremely busy day tomorrow with an excursion to coba myan tour and then a ceynote swim afterwards. We have to meet for our excursion at 6:45 am so I guess I won't be at blu for breakfast tomorrow and those pancakes will have to wait until Tuesday [emoji20].

 

After dinner tonight we are planning on seeing a comedian or visiting a few other bars for some cocktails and fun. Have a good Sunday!

 

 

 

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[macaroni]

Murano had a fantastic chateaubriand for 2!

[cve]

We have to meet for our excursion at 6:45 am so I guess I won't be at blu for breakfast tomorrow and those pancakes will have to wait until Tuesday .

 

 

We get an extra hour tonight when they set the clocks back.

[biguntx]

Thanks for the real time review.

 

We will be boarding next Saturday just after you disembark.

 

Will you be posting your dailies?

 

Thanks again

[lola2013]

If at all possible, please try the Lawn Club Grill...either for dinner or lunch on a sea day. We were on Reflection just a couple of weeks ago and were sure to go there twice. The warm chocolate chip cookie served with vanilla ice cream is worth the price of admission!

Enjoy.

Susan

[aloanldy]

Johnny & Amanda - I hope you have an awesome cruise. I am on Reflection 4/8, this will be my 2nd time on her. All of the Celebrity cruise ships are wonderful.

Food is always subjective, it's a personal preference. You'll love Qsine, and if you do try Murano, i'm sure you will love it. I have been a few times and just love the Filet Mignon.

 

Keep posting and enjoy yourselves. Your vacation is what you make it!

 

Charlie

[Madu00]

We just got off the Reflection last Saturday (Eastern Caribbean) so I can understand your excitement - especially at the start of a cruise when you have the whole week ahead of you. This was our second time on Celebrity. First one was on the Equinox for a 12 day Mediterannean which was beyond amazing. We were in Aqua class both times and loved it. The craziest coincidence happend when we met our cabin steward (Inascio). As soon as he started talking I felt like I knew him or had met him before. I started asking him questions as to whether or not he was ever on the Equinox 2 years ago and sure enough he was! He was our cabin steward on that cruise too......what are the odds of that happening.

My only advice is to take advantage of all the ship has to offer. Make sure to see some of the shows......the entertainment is great......we loved them all. And don't miss the martini bar - the bartenders are very funny and entertaining while they make the martinis.

[LongJohn99]

Good morning,

 

Sorry I haven't updated but yesterday was a busy day. Our excursion was great but since we are mostly here to talk about the ship, I won't go into our excursions.

 

So at Tuscan Sunday night, we both ordered steaks.... I ordered the prime dry aged porterhouse (was an additional $16 or so) and amanda had the filet. I didn't think it was anything special though and amanda felt the same way. I did really enjoy the arugula salad with balsamic and the fried balls of goat cheese though. Looking back I wish I would have ordered pasta.

 

Yesterday (Monday) when we got back on the ship we went up to lawn club grill to make a reservation for that night (because we need more steak in our lives right?) and then went to sunset to grab a few margaritas to take down to our room so we could get ready. Well to our surprise, when we got to sunset bar, they had a DJ playing bob Marley and the place seriously might have been the happiest place on earth. We stayed and had about 3 drinks until they closed it down. All the bartenders were dancing and putting on a show for everyone... it really was paradise. We learned they do that for every sail away so we will be there as soon as we get back on the ship the next 3 nights :)

 

Lawn club grill was excellent. The staff was the friendliest of any we've encountered so far and the food was top notch. I loved that we could pick out the food we grill... I chose the 2 fattest filets and the waiter encouraged us to try more things so we ended up with 2 filets, some lamb chops, and a couple seafood skewers lol. Way to much food but hey, why not? We cooked it with the guidance of the chef and it all tasted fantastic. Of course we had the warm chocolate chip cookie which was as ridiculously good as advertised by all of cruise critic. The whole experience was so much fun... lawn club will go down as one of our favorites and we booked lunch there for the last sea day.

 

Hope everyone has a great day! We need to get ready and head down to blu for breakfast now.... my blueberry pancakes await me.

 

 

 

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[fielddreamer]

Sounds like you are having a great time !

[russg140]

Can you post a picture of the Senior Staff flyer that was in your room on embarkation day? Would love to see who is on board now. Thanks!

[CallyCruzer]

Lawn Club not to be missed. Best restaurant on the ship!!!