LIVE!!!!! From the REFLECTION TRANSATLANTIC - CHICAGOPAUL -

[cruise47]

Thanks Paul for sharing all your candid information.

[SkystheLimit]

We board Solstice in a few days and will head straight to Sushi on Five for lobster ramen for embarkation lunch! My favorite on the menu along with the Agave cocktail w/jalapeño!

 

 

Love both of these. Have tired to duplicate that cocktail at home with no luck. So, guess we have to keep on cruising.

[yoshi]

Hi Paul, enjoyed your thread very much. I have never done a trans-atlantic and would like your opinion on west-bound versus east-bound if planning on also spending 1 week or so on land in Europe (before WB or after EB).

Thanks, Laurie

[SF]

Great review and photos. Thank you so much for taking the time to share and answer questions. Sounds like you all had a great cruise. :) We've been on Reflection a few times and can't wait to return this October. Hope you continue this thread with your experiences in Rome.

[RomyFamily]

Thank you very much for helping bringing Reflection safely back to the Med and for posting. I am very much looking forward to sailing on her later on this year. Your previous reviews/youtube videos help me choose our cabin, I am very grateful for this. Have fun in Rome and a safe journey back home.

[chicagopaul]

Good Morning Everyone and thank you all once again for the kind words. I’ll continue to update the blog over our next couple of days in Rome and our travel home.

 

We’re current sitting in Cafe Al Bacio. It is 8:20am. We have a 9am pickup scheduled with RomeCabs. The cost is 130euro to pick us up and take us to our hotel. We’re staying at the IQ Hotel Roma which we stayed at a couple years ago. The location is great and it’s a nice and simple hotel but is quite modern.

 

We will be walking off shortly, finding our bags, and hopefully finding our driver soon after.

 

On the car ride to the hotel I’ll update you on some final thoughts on our last day and start working my way through some questions I missed.

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Well we are currently in a nice Mercedes heading to the hotel. Our bags were neatly placed in group 39. The exit was a bit hectic with lots of people hanging out waiting for pickups but it was easy to navigate. For our pier we simply grabbed our bags and walked to the left after exiting the baggage area. You’ll go under a covered area where there are chairs and then out to an area where there are a bunch of drivers holding up signs. Our driver called us around 8:30 to let us know he was already there and it didn’t take us long to find him. He had some ice cold waters waiting for us too. I can not recommend Rome Cabs enough. They’re always fantastic. I think this is our 4th time using them.

 

It’s a beautiful day here today with a daytime high of 81 and only a few clouds in the sky. I’m so jealous of the next cruise. They’ll have a wonderful sail away.

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Last night we said our final goodbyes to everyone we met and of course our martini bartenders.

 

Putu Arya was our bartender who we got to know the most. We went to bed early last night a little after 10 and I think he was sad we were going so early.

 

On the way to the room we ran into Roger from Colombia, the casino bar server. We got to know him well a couple nights ago when we parked ourselves at the casino bar until they closed. He found out we will be visiting Cartagena Colombia on our November cruise and he was adamant about showing us around since he will be on break then. We shared information and said good bye.

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Here is my mini car recap of the cruise before I start posting Rome items.

 

In general every cruise is great. We always enjoy it. We always make the best of any situation even if it’s not the most desirable. I realize in cruising, as in anything in life, there are simply things you cannot control. You can only control how you react to them. So even if there are some negative aspects we will take them in stride.

 

This cruise, however, there was no need for me to worry about taking anything in stride. This cruise, in my opinion, was one of the best we’ve experienced. The crew on this ship I thought was probably some of the best as a whole we’ve ever encountered. Everyone worked extremely well together and we found any small hiccups that came up was dealt with very quickly and professionally.

 

I was especially impressed by all the crew you’d run into in cabin corridors, on stairways, or in random common areas. They always took time to say hello and always had a smile. I’ve always found the crew on celebrity to be well polished in this area but this crew seemed to be much more so than ever before. I found myself feeling like I was on my first cruise again where I was impressed at every turn.

 

The cleanliness of the ship was as impeccable as ever. There was only one or two small areas that I noticed a little bit of residue from salt or dirt. The bathrooms were always spotless.

 

We definitely enjoyed our Captain. He was a lot of fun. I didn’t do a lot of shows so my experience with Rich was limited but what I did see if him I really liked and I’m glad I finally got to meet him. He’s a great CD. Valentina the activities director was fantastic. She was very lively, extremely social. She really seems to enjoy her job and always had lots of energy. And I’m not just saying that because her father is following this blog!

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Well our room isn’t ready yet so why not some wine. Can you guess where we are?

 

 

 

 

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[wendyam76]

Piazza Navona - love that square! Thank you so much for the blog - we were on the cruise before you and loved the ship and the crew especially.

Wendy

[chicagopaul]

Piazza Navona - love that square! Thank you so much for the blog - we were on the cruise before you and loved the ship and the crew especially.

Wendy

 

 

 

10 points for Wendy! Some people say it’s too touristy but we love it. Amazing people watching too. Thank you so much for following along. I’m glad you share our sentiments regarding the crew and ship.

 

 

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[wendyam76]

It may be touristy but it’s fun and we didn’t find it that much more expensive to eat/drink there. The crew are just so friendly onboard and that was from the Captain down. Mum and I love interacting with them.

Wendy

[chicagopaul]

After our bottle of wine we went back to the hotel, put our luggage in the room and sprayed our shirts with wrinkle releaser because they were quite wrinkly from the car ride.

 

As I mentioned we are staying post cruise at the IQ Hotel Roma. We paid around $220/nt. We’ve stayed here before for as cheap as $170/nt. Personally I like one end of the spectrum or the other. Meaning we were either going to stay at the St. Regis or a place similar to this which is very basic but is clean, modern, and has free bottled water, coffee etc and in a great location.

 

The room is very clean and is decent size by Italy standards.

 

 

 

 

 

We’re now eating at place by Termini called Florian’s Cafe. We’ve been here before and it’s a nice local spot with a handful of outside tables and great sweets too plus cheap house wine.

 

 

 

 

 

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[melbloch]

Here is my mini car recap of the cruise before I start posting Rome items.

 

In general every cruise is great. We always enjoy it. We always make the best of any situation even if it’s not the most desirable. I realize in cruising, as in anything in life, there are simply things you cannot control. You can only control how you react to them. So even if there are some negative aspects we will take them in stride.

 

This cruise, however, there was no need for me to worry about taking anything in stride. This cruise, in my opinion, was one of the best we’ve experienced. The crew on this ship I thought was probably some of the best as a whole we’ve ever encountered. Everyone worked extremely well together and we found any small hiccups that came up was dealt with very quickly and professionally.

 

I was especially impressed by all the crew you’d run into in cabin corridors, on stairways, or in random common areas. They always took time to say hello and always had a smile. I’ve always found the crew on celebrity to be well polished in this area but this crew seemed to be much more so than ever before. I found myself feeling like I was on my first cruise again where I was impressed at every turn.

 

The cleanliness of the ship was as impeccable as ever. There was only one or two small areas that I noticed a little bit of residue from salt or dirt. The bathrooms were always spotless.

 

We definitely enjoyed our Captain. He was a lot of fun. I didn’t do a lot of shows so my experience with Rich was limited but what I did see if him I really liked and I’m glad I finally got to meet him. He’s a great CD. Valentina the activities director was fantastic. She was very lively, extremely social. She really seems to enjoy her job and always had lots of energy. And I’m not just saying that because her father is following this blog!

--------------------------------------------------

Although I only found your thread through the one for the Reflection departing May 7 a few days ago, I have thoroughly enjoyed your daily updates, thoughts and insights.

We, too, have found Celebrity crew are always amazingly friendly, the interaction between them and the passengers makes a big difference. We have been on the Silly, Connie and others many times, and we are always surprised that the crew recognize us when we board.

Hope to meet you one day, somewhere, sometime - your outlook on life is something for which we should all strive.

With very good wishes - Melanie

[chicagopaul]

After lunch we took a nap and then went to hotel Eden for drinks near the Spanish steps. It is a gorgeous view of Rome and the perfect place for a sunset. I highly recommend it. This is definitely not a budget place. This is one of the best and most expensive hotels in Rome but the great thing is you do not need to stay there to enjoy the rooftop bar but you will pay for it. We each had a martini and a very nice glass of Chardonnay. The bill was 110euro. However the view was incredible and the atmosphere was perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

After drinks we went to al 34, a restaurant near the Spanish steps (which is where Hotel Eden is located) that was recommended by a friend. It wasn’t my favorite meal we’ve had in Rome but it was very good and the service was fantastic. The place was crowded and the small street which had a couple hotels on it made for good people watching. The house wine was some of the cheapest we had and was actually very good for the money.

 

 

Veal shank pictured above.

 

After dinner we walked to the Trevi Fountain. I’ve seen it many times but each time it is still special and brings back the feelings I felt when I was in Rome for the first time in high school.

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Today really flew by. But as the old saying goes, time does fly when you’re having fun...or drinking...or napping.

 

Tomorrow we plan to head towards the Vatican and Trestevere. Again, been there and done that but I’m looking forward to seeing St. Peter’s Square again.

 

If you’re following my Instagram you’ll see some videos posted tonight / tomorrow. Otherwise just keep an eye out on Monday and Tuesday and I’ll have videos compiled together on YouTube.

 

 

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[GACrusin]

Paul, I have so enjoyed following your journey after just coming across it on the board! It's been my go to read in the evening. Thank you so much for sharing all of the details of your trip. We've never considered a TA before, but it may be on our list after following along! We've been on the Reflection previously in the Med and loved the ship. The sea days on her sounded wonderful! Thanks for sharing!!

[Beachlover1989]

Today really flew by. But as the old saying goes, time does fly when you’re having fun...or drinking...or napping.

 

Tomorrow we plan to head towards the Vatican and Trestevere. Again, been there and done that but I’m looking forward to seeing St. Peter’s Square again.

 

If you’re following my Instagram you’ll see some videos posted tonight / tomorrow. Otherwise just keep an eye out on Monday and Tuesday and I’ll have videos compiled together on YouTube.

 

 

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Hi Paul! I love following you on cruise critic and Instagram! How do I find you on YouTube? Thank you so much for your wonderful blog on your TA-I enjoyed it very much!

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Hi Paul! I love following you on cruise critic and Instagram! How do I find you on YouTube? Thank you so much for your wonderful blog on your TA-I enjoyed it very much!

 

 

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I’ll post a link for everyone so you can see all the videos. Thank you so much for commenting and following along!

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

Today we toured around the Vatican and then a nice lunch near our hotel. We walked much more than we probably should have but still more walking to do as we will venture out for pre dinner drinks and dinner shortly.

 

 

 

 

While St. Peter’s Square May not look crowded the line to get into the basilica was staggering. I have no idea how long the wait was but it wrapped around the entire square. This is my 5th time in Rome but it was always in the off season, either just before Easter or in October. I’ve noticed now that high season brings high crowds to the tourist spots.

 

 

 

 

Above was our lunch less than a block from our hotel near Piazza Republica. We’ve eaten here before and have always found it reasonable. The above two items plus a bottle of wine was 37euro and all were good.

 

 

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[Sammy1]

Hi Paul,

 

That pizza and pasta looks so good!

Do you happen to remember the name of the restaurant? There are quite a few in the area around the Piazza Republica.

Thanks!

Sam

[Sammy1]

Woops, just noticed your earlier photo....La Cucina.

We will have to mark that one on our map of eateries to check out when we're there in June.

[chicagopaul]

Woops, just noticed your earlier photo....La Cucina.

We will have to mark that one on our map of eateries to check out when we're there in June.

 

 

 

Yep that’s it! Great simple wine list too. Pretty quick service. Great prices esievislly given the area.

 

 

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[johhnnyt]

Here is my mini car recap of the cruise before I start posting Rome items.

 

In general every cruise is great. We always enjoy it. We always make the best of any situation even if it’s not the most desirable. I realize in cruising, as in anything in life, there are simply things you cannot control. You can only control how you react to them. So even if there are some negative aspects we will take them in stride.

 

This cruise, however, there was no need for me to worry about taking anything in stride. This cruise, in my opinion, was one of the best we’ve experienced. The crew on this ship I thought was probably some of the best as a whole we’ve ever encountered. Everyone worked extremely well together and we found any small hiccups that came up was dealt with very quickly and professionally.

 

I was especially impressed by all the crew you’d run into in cabin corridors, on stairways, or in random common areas. They always took time to say hello and always had a smile. I’ve always found the crew on celebrity to be well polished in this area but this crew seemed to be much more so than ever before. I found myself feeling like I was on my first cruise again where I was impressed at every turn.

 

The cleanliness of the ship was as impeccable as ever. There was only one or two small areas that I noticed a little bit of residue from salt or dirt. The bathrooms were always spotless.

 

We definitely enjoyed our Captain. He was a lot of fun. I didn’t do a lot of shows so my experience with Rich was limited but what I did see if him I really liked and I’m glad I finally got to meet him. He’s a great CD. Valentina the activities director was fantastic. She was very lively, extremely social. She really seems to enjoy her job and always had lots of energy. And I’m not just saying that because her father is following this blog!

 

 

 

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I don't think anyone writes a better play by play of a cruise voyage than you do Paul. You just have a wonderful 360 degree field of vision of what's going on around you rather than 90 degrees that most people see. That bigger picture perception really adds a grand element to your mixture. I agree about Rich Spacey, as only sad that I met him late on the cruise, great energy and talent. Captain extraordinary, he played a great joke on the the Hotel Director one day, and he was so proud of it.

 

 

Today really flew by. But as the old saying goes, time does fly when you’re having fun...or drinking...or napping.

 

Tomorrow we plan to head towards the Vatican and Trestevere. Again, been there and done that but I’m looking forward to seeing St. Peter’s Square again.

 

If you’re following my Instagram you’ll see some videos posted tonight / tomorrow. Otherwise just keep an eye out on Monday and Tuesday and I’ll have videos compiled together on YouTube.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Seeing all those pictures today gave me additional reasons not to cook today, Italian pizza may be good, but NOTHING tops a New York Pizza, so I'll have one in yours and Edwards honor tonight