Celebrity Reflection Review

[Saukkey1]

I just returned from Italy after our cruise on Reflection. I was worried because so many people said it was looking worn. I was also very worried about food. My husband and I like basic food- we are very picky. I also read, that a lot of people were  disappointed with the entertainment. 

This review is just my opinion of what I experienced. 

Loved:

* I found the crew on the Reflection to be the friendliest and  happiest crews  I’ve ever seen.
*Captain Matt- The entire ship seems  to love Captain Matt and he loves and support them all. It truly felt like a family and that they were welcoming the passengers.
The Captain was everywhere. He went from one location welcoming a group to introducing himself to another group to playing in a game on stage.  I have never had a Captain that, again, was so welcoming.
*The cruise director, Giuseppe, was amazing! He is a little over the top, but he seems sincere and that’s his job to hype the entertainment.
*I thought the entertainment was really good. Maybe not excellent, but I was happy with it! Each night was a different type of entertainment. (Magician, Singers and Dancers, Acrobat act, Liar’s Club ( the Captain the Cruise Director and another mate) present an adult humor show. The ship’s Band, etc. I thought the singing was especially entertainment  Ct
*Yes, the ship isn’t brand new, but it’s  in excellent condition and has more of a relaxed feel.
*Food- we ate in the dining room a few nights for the service and then we often went to the buffet.  We ate in  a specialty restaurant 2 nights and the buffet for most meals.
My husband and I are really picky eaters (we don’t like mushrooms, a lot of sauces, he doesn’t like cheese at all, etc).
However, we didn’t go hungry! We would  just order any part of the menu we did like.  I was very impressed with the buffet. It always had a salad bar, a Caesar’s salad bar, a grill, breads, pastries, veggies and potatos a dessert bar, etc. 

*Although the desserts looked beautiful, they were pretty tasteless. I do recommend the bread pudding with vanilla sauce and the crepe bar.  
*The fish and chips day was my favorite. It was the best I’ve ever had. Lightly battered and crispy. Don’t forget the malt vinegar. Excellent breakfast choices. 

*We took 4 ship excursions and they were all excellent. I understand that ship’s excursions are always more expensive than you could do on your own. However, we had a lot of OBC and we are willing to pay more to have all the transportation and directions planned for us. 
Every time we returned from port there was always a welcoming table with water and cold washcloth. 

Disappointments:
I really don’t have many. 
*I was disappointed that there wasn’t more live music around the ship: small group, instrumental, guitar, acoustic, etc.
*The ship pretty much shuts down early. 
*We often had to wait a while for an elevator. We didn’t mind taking the steps, but it depended on what floor we were on  currently because our room was on floor 12.
*photos were not really advertised well. It seems on other cruise lines I’ve experienced,  ship Photographers were everywhere on the ship in your face. That was too much, but I really didn’t think they push the photos enough. Plus 2 nights I couldn’t get a photo because my dress was mostly  green and  it wouldn’t show up on the green screen.
*there was one presentation by the Cruise Director about his home,  Sicily.
 I would have enjoyed some more informational presentations.

Biggest Disappointments
* Room service. I was in a suite so it was free, but the menu wasn’t tempting. You can’t order on the tv or on the app, you have to call and order. This may not matter to most people, but I prefer doing it digitally. Just like I would prefer not to have to take the card out every time to enter your room. Not a deal breaker though.

In room entertainment- yes, I know people will say, “You’re on a cruise, who cares about what’s on t.v.?” However, I like to watch something in bed to relax. I thought there could be a lot more options. I’d even be willing to pay for more recent movies. Besides the main news channels and some sports channels, there were 3 channels showing some old movie, an old drama series, a sitcom. You could never see what was on the schedule. You just had to keep scrolling through.

We were in a suite, so we had a butler. He was always checking on us and trying to take care of us. He was amazing. Also Michael’s Club was a disappointment. I liked the wall of beverages you could help yourself to. But the place itself was boring. A tv screen would have helped. 

Final- I’ve cruised Princess, NCL and Carnival; this was my first Celebrity cruise…and we loved it! What the ship may lack in shiny bells and whistles, it far make up for it with charm and grace. I’ve never seen anyplace where everyone working there seems to be so happy and welcoming. 

I hope this helps. I learned a lot from this group and I wanted to give back.

[Crumbled]

I agree about the TV choices! I like to have a bit of noise in the background when I'm getting ready for dinner and again in the evening before bed but as you say the options were poor. Luckily I'd downloaded a few shows onto my tablet before I went and that did the trick.

 

Glad you had an enjoyable time and thanks for the review.

[Esprit]

Thank you for your balanced review. I've gleaned more from it than the current live thread someone is posting!

This will be our third time aboard Reflection later this month and your review was very reassuring.

Thank you.

[bikerunner]

Thank you for the review.  I always wonder where people get the ship is looking worn and tired.  I almost think we are  on 2 different ships at times.  Does it have all modern bells and whistles like edge class, no but it is a beautifully laid out ship that is immaculately maintained.  Food is always subjective and like you said plenty to eat, also I always end up talking to matre de about specific dietary restrictions me and my travel mate have and never any problems.  Glad you have a great cruise 

[gold1953]

Great review. Glad you enjoyed yourself. We all have different likes and dislikes and I doubt any of us will every find a product that is perfect for us un every way and if it was then it would not suit others.

 on one po t I don't think Michaels Club is a place for a TV as it is a place to relax and talk 

[billc23]

There are several TVs in Michaels Club on the Reflection. They are mirrors when turned off!

[MISTER 67]

We sailed on the Reflection in April and agree that it was in excellent condition, food was pretty good in the MDR. Food in the OVC was also pretty good with amazing variety. Service as usual was excellent and the entertainment was good but we had better on our 4 cruises on the Equinox. Agree also on Captain Matt, he and the other officers were seen all around the ship on a daily basis and very friendly, we sailed with Captain Matt once before on the Equinox and along with Captain Kate are wonderful representatives of Celebrity Cruises.

Edited July 6, 2023 by MISTER 67

[horseymike]

Was there any noticeable vibrations ( engine related ) when the ship was under way ?

 

Thanks for your review.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

they have a crepe bar???? Yay! Is it breakfast, lunch or dinner? In the buffet? Was there nutella?

[Jubileelady]

On 7/6/2023 at 1:38 PM, horseymike said:

Was there any noticeable vibrations ( engine related ) when the ship was under way ?

 

Thanks for your review.

Yes we found the vibrations really bad on our recent cruise(19-29 June) we had to move rooms because of it. We were told it is because they are changing to eco fuel? Not sure this is the reason, however it is definitely a known issue on Reflection 

[txtechmk]

We love the Reflection also.  Only sailed on her one time but it was enjoyable........it was late during  Covid, as I remember having to get Covid tests, and we wore our masks all the time!  But we had a very good time, very relaxing.  We love Giuseppe!  He was on an Apex cruise we took last year.  I thought he was great!  Thanks for the review!

[39august]

Re: crepes  I have seen a crepe "bar" a few times on different ships once a cruise in the buffet for lunch.  Not usually tho'. 

[horseymike]

49 minutes ago, Jubileelady said:

Yes we found the vibrations really bad on our recent cruise(19-29 June) we had to move rooms because of it. We were told it is because they are changing to eco fuel? Not sure this is the reason, however it is definitely a known issue on Reflection 

Thanks for the confirmation.

[mnocket]

On 7/5/2023 at 10:10 PM, Saukkey1 said:

Although the desserts looked beautiful, they were pretty tasteless

Yep.  I've found this to be true on many mass market cruise lines.  Always such a letdown. 

[D. B.]

2 hours ago, Jubileelady said:

Yes we found the vibrations really bad on our recent cruise(19-29 June) we had to move rooms because of it. We were told it is because they are changing to eco fuel? Not sure this is the reason, however it is definitely a known issue on Reflection 

What Cabin number /deck/forward? Mid or Aft? were you in that had vibrations so bad that you had to move and what cabin number did you end up in?

 Were the vibrations less there?

 Thank you.

 I'm asking because I sail on Reflection in a few months.

 It seems the reasons given for the vibrations are a smoke screen? Eco Fuel? Maybe they are  burning the old grease from the french friers? Algie? Left over Hand Sanitizer?

 D. B.

Edited July 8, 2023 by D. B.
added content.

[Jubileelady]

Hi we moved from 9314  to deck 11 1645, yes it was better. However it could be felt at various times around all the ship and restaurants. I was told no one had complained before about our room??? 

[Esprit]

Would you remember please if there was a “white night” and did most people attempt to wear mostly white things?

Thanks

[mahdnc]

I know that we were able to order room service through our stateroom television during our Reflection cruise in 2019. Is this feature disabled for the suites because of the butler service?

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

4 hours ago, Esprit said:

Would you remember please if there was a “white night” and did most people attempt to wear mostly white things?

 

Given that they don't notify people in advance, I don't think there is ever a huge percentage that have all white. At least there weren't many when they had one on Edge in Feb 2020. It's not that hard to put in the calendar on the website and the app when there will be something like that - at least I don't think it is.

 

I'm too used to Disney which lets you know in your planner in advance that there is a Pirate Night (or Marvel night or Pixar night, etc.) so you can plan ahead.

 

Insidery things like "white nights" rub me the same way "secret menus" do - just tell people what is going to happen or what is on the menu. It just makes newbies and people who aren't used to it look dumb for not being able to plan ahead.

[MarkusToe]

On 7/8/2023 at 5:39 PM, Jubileelady said:

Yes we found the vibrations really bad on our recent cruise(19-29 June) we had to move rooms because of it. We were told it is because they are changing to eco fuel? Not sure this is the reason, however it is definitely a known issue on Reflection 

On the same cruise.

Vibrations are very very bad on the first 2 days. Ive asked tech head, he said reason is a recovery machine, not fuel change.  Ive asked specific about fuel....

[rowval]

On 7/6/2023 at 12:10 AM, Saukkey1 said:

I just returned from Italy after our cruise on Reflection. I was worried because so many people said it was looking worn. I was also very worried about food. My husband and I like basic food- we are very picky. I also read, that a lot of people were  disappointed with the entertainment. 

This review is just my opinion of what I experienced. 

Loved:

* I found the crew on the Reflection to be the friendliest and  happiest crews  I’ve ever seen.
*Captain Matt- The entire ship seems  to love Captain Matt and he loves and support them all. It truly felt like a family and that they were welcoming the passengers.
The Captain was everywhere. He went from one location welcoming a group to introducing himself to another group to playing in a game on stage.  I have never had a Captain that, again, was so welcoming.
*The cruise director, Giuseppe, was amazing! He is a little over the top, but he seems sincere and that’s his job to hype the entertainment.
*I thought the entertainment was really good. Maybe not excellent, but I was happy with it! Each night was a different type of entertainment. (Magician, Singers and Dancers, Acrobat act, Liar’s Club ( the Captain the Cruise Director and another mate) present an adult humor show. The ship’s Band, etc. I thought the singing was especially entertainment  Ct
*Yes, the ship isn’t brand new, but it’s  in excellent condition and has more of a relaxed feel.
*Food- we ate in the dining room a few nights for the service and then we often went to the buffet.  We ate in  a specialty restaurant 2 nights and the buffet for most meals.
My husband and I are really picky eaters (we don’t like mushrooms, a lot of sauces, he doesn’t like cheese at all, etc).
However, we didn’t go hungry! We would  just order any part of the menu we did like.  I was very impressed with the buffet. It always had a salad bar, a Caesar’s salad bar, a grill, breads, pastries, veggies and potatos a dessert bar, etc. 

*Although the desserts looked beautiful, they were pretty tasteless. I do recommend the bread pudding with vanilla sauce and the crepe bar.  
*The fish and chips day was my favorite. It was the best I’ve ever had. Lightly battered and crispy. Don’t forget the malt vinegar. Excellent breakfast choices. 

*We took 4 ship excursions and they were all excellent. I understand that ship’s excursions are always more expensive than you could do on your own. However, we had a lot of OBC and we are willing to pay more to have all the transportation and directions planned for us. 
Every time we returned from port there was always a welcoming table with water and cold washcloth. 

Disappointments:
I really don’t have many. 
*I was disappointed that there wasn’t more live music around the ship: small group, instrumental, guitar, acoustic, etc.
*The ship pretty much shuts down early. 
*We often had to wait a while for an elevator. We didn’t mind taking the steps, but it depended on what floor we were on  currently because our room was on floor 12.
*photos were not really advertised well. It seems on other cruise lines I’ve experienced,  ship Photographers were everywhere on the ship in your face. That was too much, but I really didn’t think they push the photos enough. Plus 2 nights I couldn’t get a photo because my dress was mostly  green and  it wouldn’t show up on the green screen.
*there was one presentation by the Cruise Director about his home,  Sicily.
 I would have enjoyed some more informational presentations.

Biggest Disappointments
* Room service. I was in a suite so it was free, but the menu wasn’t tempting. You can’t order on the tv or on the app, you have to call and order. This may not matter to most people, but I prefer doing it digitally. Just like I would prefer not to have to take the card out every time to enter your room. Not a deal breaker though.

In room entertainment- yes, I know people will say, “You’re on a cruise, who cares about what’s on t.v.?” However, I like to watch something in bed to relax. I thought there could be a lot more options. I’d even be willing to pay for more recent movies. Besides the main news channels and some sports channels, there were 3 channels showing some old movie, an old drama series, a sitcom. You could never see what was on the schedule. You just had to keep scrolling through.

We were in a suite, so we had a butler. He was always checking on us and trying to take care of us. He was amazing. Also Michael’s Club was a disappointment. I liked the wall of beverages you could help yourself to. But the place itself was boring. A tv screen would have helped. 

Final- I’ve cruised Princess, NCL and Carnival; this was my first Celebrity cruise…and we loved it! What the ship may lack in shiny bells and whistles, it far make up for it with charm and grace. I’ve never seen anyplace where everyone working there seems to be so happy and welcoming. 

I hope this helps. I learned a lot from this group and I wanted to give back.

 

[rowval]

Just now, rowval said:

 

We just booked for Jan , I love crepes! Where were they? And where was the fish and chips.? Thanks

[webecruzin2]

On 7/6/2023 at 12:10 AM, Saukkey1 said:

Also Michael’s Club was a disappointment. I liked the wall of beverages you could help yourself to. But the place itself was boring. A tv screen would have helped. 

Oh that's too bad.  We'll be on the Reflection T/A in October and we've only been in a suite twice on X, the last time they had a piano player on the Eclipse which was nice but it was still kind of boring.  Years ago Michael's had the best entertainer on the high seas Perry Grant. It was standing room only every night he was there.   What a shame they don't have more light entertainment around the ship in the evening.  
 

[the penguins]

2 hours ago, webecruzin2 said:

Oh that's too bad.  We'll be on the Reflection T/A in October and we've only been in a suite twice on X, the last time they had a piano player on the Eclipse which was nice but it was still kind of boring.  Years ago Michael's had the best entertainer on the high seas Perry Grant. It was standing room only every night he was there.   What a shame they don't have more light entertainment around the ship in the evening.  
 

Perry is still going strong - not to everyone's taste (don't dare walk out while he is performing unless you are right at the back) great sense of humour. We love him.

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for you really well written review.