Reflection LIVE 2/3/24-2/11/24: 8 Crazy Nights of ABC Islands

[vickykay]

Hi Charla,

 

Thought of you yesterday when shopping at outlets.  Saw a three-quarter sleeve map top.  Really cute.  Said to self, “Perfect for Charla!”.  
 

I hope you enjoy your trip even though you won’t have Jeremy with you.  So looking forward to following along.
 

 By the way, for those who like Dutch pancakes, there’s a very good restaurant in Aruba across the small bridge from the main part of town. Walking distance from the ship.

[countess5]

Wakie Wakie!!!  Is embarkation day!!!!

 

Fried Rice to get the day going??? 🤔

 

Anyway have a an outstanding day!  What time do you pull out? Need to warm the web cam up! 

 

If you happen to run into a cabin steward by the name of Ransel please let me know. He worked at the pool two years ago while we did a B2B and then was promoted to cabin steward. A great guy from DR.

 

Cheers! 

[twins_to_alaska]

Sorry the animal care plans fell through and you're on your own but hoping you have a wonderful cruise and I'm following along. I'll be on Reflection first time April and interested to see how it compares to Solstice and Equniox... looks like the deck layout especially for the Oceanview aft outside seating with Sunset Bar on deck above is a great improvement.

[countess5]

We sailed Reflection when she first set sail and then a few times since. Really like the Sunset Bar area with the center bar. Winter 2022 we had an outstanding bar team! 

 

 

Cheers! 

[cbfb]

17 minutes ago, countess5 said:

We sailed Reflection when she first set sail and then a few times since. Really like the Sunset Bar area with the center bar. Winter 2022 we had an outstanding bar team! 

 

 

Cheers! 

Same here. First time in 2013 and then 4 more times. It’s been awhile for us. Looking forward to getting back on her in May!  I totally agree about the sunset bar area. 

[bnurick]

10 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Reporting in from the deep depths of my bed, which by the way is incredibly comfortable, after my dinner at Takato (the Japanese restaurant at the Conrad).  

 

First of all, as far as ambience, if you’re sensory/neurodivergent, or just someone looking for a peaceful, relaxed  dinner atmosphere this may not be your spot.  

 

The restaurant is gorgeous, but LOUD.  Bumping club music, echoing walls and floors, and a team of about a half dozen sushi chefs working who all shout the traditional Japanese sushi house greeting at the top of their lungs when a table gets seated.

 

Also if you plan to go, reservations are probably a good idea.  When I arrived, the hostess was telling people without reservations it would be a 90 minute wait for a table.  I was actually about 20 minutes early for my reservation but the hostess told me if I didn’t mind sitting inside (I didn’t), she could seat me right away.

 

I started out with a pretty good miso soup and a beautiful seaweed salad.  But main course is where ship got real.

 

I decided to spoil myself and order something that I’ve always wanted to try but have never had: A5 wagyu beef.  

 

At this restaurant it’s served raw with a hot stone for self searing and a plate of seasonings.  My sever was asked me if I’d like her to prep it for me the way that she likes to eat it (response: yes please). She asked me about my preferred serving temp (anything other than rare for this meat masterpiece should be a federal offense) and then rubbed the carmelized onion over the hot stone for a few seconds to sweat out some of its flavor on to the stone, then quickly seared each piece of meat and then had me sprinkle it with just a dash of sea salt.   

 

Those like 3 ounces of meat cost as much as a 20oz bone in ribeye at a good steakhouse in STL l, but to me it was Worth. Every. Dime.  

 

I am officially ruined for beef. If I’m ever framed for murder and have to pick a last meal before capital punishment, I’m ordering a plate full of A5 and a glass of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and the taxpayers better pony up.

 

I feel so bad for Tuscan Grille steak on this cruise.  They have not been dealt a fair hand having to follow this beef.  Fortunately that reservation isn’t until like night 6, so perhaps by then my palate’s memory of this bovine manna from heaven will have faded some. At least I hope so.

 

The fried rice was also delicious but a huge amount. It’s definitely enough for splitting if you’re getting it as a side.  I took the rest of mine back with me in a box and I think I’ll do as the Indonesians do and have fried rice for breakfast tomorrow.

 

Continuing the massive portion theme was dessert:  a strawberry cheesecake bingu shaved ice which was just meh until I took my server’s recommendation and let her bring some warm chocolate sauce to drizzle over it.   Then it was like having a chocolate covered strawberry slushie.  

 

I think the only other critique I’d have about the meal would be service pace. I was seated a little after 8pm and didn’t finish until 10:30. During our time in Italy Jeremy and I came to enjoy a more leisurely dining pace together, but when it was just me sitting there solo with no one to talk to, those 2+ hours really dragged.

 

On my way back to my room I noticed a condo development ad in the hotel elevator.  Jeremy and I have occasionally talked about retiring to a condo in Fort Lauderdale one day because there’s no sub zero temps, less taxes, none of the chores and maintenance that fill hours of our day and we’d be cruise adjacent.  But then I see this and considering we paid under $200K for our 3 bedroom 2 bath house with finished basement on 12 acres, a studio condo starting at half a million is a tough pill to swallow, even considering it’s 

 beachfront property prices.

 

Well, I think it’s time to doze off to a true crime documentary.  

 

Sweet dreams from the Conrad and I’ll talk to everyone on embarkation day!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is our goto hotel too. We try and do Takado before 700PM for the reasons you mentioned. With the kitchens in the hotel rooms we also get a fried rice to go for breakfast. Our new favorite room is the residence inter coastal as the sun shines on the right side facing the ocean in the mornings. There are a couple nice wine stores if you want to bring onboard a bottle. Ocean Wine & Spirits. Enjoy your cruise, our last Reflection sailing was around 8 years ago.

[Mrs_Tiki]

Oh my gosh, another @GenerationX live review! It is taking all of my self-discipline to make myself finish my comparison of the Ascent and MSC Seashore before I dive into this delightful escape.

[Dr. Pam]

On 2/1/2024 at 12:42 AM, GenerationX said:

Hi Charla 🙂

Pam from Canada!  I have loved and laughed with your postings on CC.  I just wanted to commend you on your excellant wine choice (Yummo) and will follow your voyage. We did the ABC on the Navigator several years ago, and the private snorkeling trip on Bonaire was simply amazing.  Enjoy!
 

 

[GenerationX]

It is a GORGEOUS day to sail away here in Fort Lauderdale!

 

I started the morning with coffee and a few more work projects listening to the ocean waves by the pool.

 

I’ve just checked out but my car won’t be here for another half hour so the bell team is holding my bags while I Chandon rose’ away at the pool bar enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze.

 

This morning as I was heating up my fried rice breakfast and realizing I forgot to ask for a plastic fork or chopsticks, I went through the drawers of the kitchenette in my suite and found not only silverware but pretty much everything else you could want including dishes, glassware and electric kettle for tea and a toaster.

 

For those who don’t already know the story of the map dress, I found and bought this dress for a cruise that never happened. It was a sailing on Infinity scheduled for April…of 2020…I thought about cancelling the dress order when the cruising industry, and the world, turned upside down.  But then I decided no, I’d still get the dress and I’d wear it to start the first day of every international trip I’d get to go on once the world was a better place again. Putting it on always reminds me just how lucky I am, even when things are down in life, to have the health, means and ability to travel and collect new memories of the world beyond my hometown.

 

Luggage tags are applied, I’ve completed my health questionnaire and safety video in the app and I’m ready to sail.  

 

Next time you hear from me I’ll be on Reflection!
 

 

 

 

 

[GenerationX]

Apparently I’m not the only one in the GenX family having a best life morning…Jeremy just texted me this pic from his trout fishing season opening day exploits, then I was perusing my Facebook feed and saw this post on my mom’s account of Gen Z…eating a donut ice cream sundae for breakfast…out in public wearing pajamas and a set of unicorn ears…where was this super fun, anything goes, parenting approach when I WAS BEING RAISED????

 

 

[cw2go]

4 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

But then I decided no, I’d still get the dress and I’d wear it to start the first day of every international trip I’d get to go on once the world was a better place again. Putting it on always reminds me just how lucky I am, even when things are down in life, to have the health, means and ability to travel and collect new memories of the world beyond my hometown.

 

@GenerationX This is just one of a million reasons why I love to follow your travel adventures

 

 

Smiles, 😊

Patty 

[LouChamp]

Aloha.  Regarding Florida living, we sold our condo near Ft Lauderdale some time ago and decided retirement would be between NY and Honolulu.  While I respect those who have decided to retire to Florida I personally find the airfare between NY and Florida repulsive.  So many people I know are in Florida and I run into them all the time. The water and weather is better in Hawaii as is the airfare lol.  Additionally ai enjoy the food and the people. There is a different vibe and I find NY and Florida too similar. Just my opinion so when you and Jeff are serious about a retirement plan, do consider becoming part of the Hawaii’Ohana!

[Lena11033]

2 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

where was this super fun, anything goes, parenting approach when I WAS BEING RAISED????

 

Its reserved for when you are a grandparent. My uncle was extremely strict on my cousins growing up, I remember they weren't even allowed cola. Now as a grandfather he just feeds the kids full of sugar and gives them back to the parents 😆

[Jim_Iain]

4 minutes ago, Lena11033 said:

 

Its reserved for when you are a grandparent. My uncle was extremely strict on my cousins growing up, I remember they weren't even allowed cola. Now as a grandfather he just feeds the kids full of sugar and gives them back to the parents 😆

 

Oh.. yes... Now wonder our Grand Kids love us so much.  Spoil them rotten and fill them with sugar before sending them home. 

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

The Reflection was my second X cruise and DH’s first.   I’m looking forward to reading this, although I’ll probably get behind, as I leave in 24 hours for 5 days in Alabama and then 10 in the Beyond. 

[mac_tlc]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

Apparently I’m not the only one in the GenX family having a best life morning…Jeremy just texted me this pic from his trout fishing season opening day exploits, then I was perusing my Facebook feed and saw this post on my mom’s account of Gen Z…eating a donut ice cream sundae for breakfast…out in public wearing pajamas and a set of unicorn ears…where was this super fun, anything goes, parenting approach when I WAS BEING RAISED????

 

 

When the cat's away .........

 

 

 

[Stem to Stern]

Another Charla life hack learned:

Rosé until the moment you sashay!

Bon voyage!!⚓️

[GenerationX]

Hello from onboard Reflection!  It’s a very busy day at Port Everglades today. I think I saw at least 6 ships in port and traffic getting in was nasty.  It looked like the lines to get into the parking garages were even worse. 

 

Reflection is docked at Terminal 29 today since her younger sister Apex is at fancy T25.

 

I was a little nervous about embarkation both with Jeremy being a no show and not being in retreat, but I worried needlessly.  I arrived a little before my 12:30 check in time and was waved right into the terminal entrance without a pass or passport check.  Security, xpress pass scan and boom, on the ship within 10 minutes.  No hardcore questioning about Jeremy (I simply explained we had an emergency and he couldn’t sail and the lady checking me in typed something on her iPad then waved me on) and no sitting in a waiting room to board.

 

Pro tip: before you get to port, be sure to either have a printout of your xpress pass or take a screenshot of it on your phone.  When I got to the terminal the Celebrity app picked that moment to freeze up on me, but it didn’t slow me down because I never trust technology and had both a printout and screenshot for scanning.

 

I’ve sailed on Reflection once before but it was a LONG time ago. In fact, I think she was Jeremy and I’s first S class ship.  She hasn’t been through her full refurb like her sisters and it’s bringing back great memories.  Recently back in the game wine lover that I am, I was so excited to see that Cellar masters is still here 🙌🏾

 

After boarding I stopped by the room to drop off my rolling suitcase and get my seapass card then went to guest services to put some cash on my onboard account.  I was shocked that at half past noon on a sold out cruise, there was ZERO line at guest services.  After that was taken care of I went to the specialty dining desk by the elevator on deck 3 to make a lunch reservation for The Porch (for some reason Celebrity doesn’t let you book this restaurant in advance in the cruise planner, but it’s small and fills up quickly).

 

That was about as long as I could resist the siren song of shakers rattling a deck above at the martini bar and went to grab my absolute favorite: the French 75 martini (also not a thing at martini bar on E class, boo).

 

Since there’s no Luminae lunch for me, I enjoyed my first meal onboard at Sushi on 5.  Looking at the menu I was relived to see that on this ship at least Celebrity has seen reason and put Decoy back in the premium beverage package.  Though there are a few dishes I enjoy, on the whole I like the food at Sushi on 5 on S class more than Raw on 5 on E class and it was a very happy reunion.  I greeted the shrimp tempura udon as an old friend and consumed it gladly. 

 

When I got my check (Sushi on 5 is a la carte pricing) I was pleased to see that my elite plus speciality dining discount had automatically been applied.

 

I’m off to check in at my muster station and then hang out at the sunset bar until sailaway.

 

So far, this unexpectedly solo cruise is off to a great start even though I didn’t spend over 10K retreat prices for it.

 

Cheers from Reflection! 🥂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 3 by GenerationX

[countess5]

30 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Pro tip: before you get to port, be sure to either have a printout of your xpress pass or take a screenshot of it on your phone.  When I got to the terminal the Celebrity app picked that moment to freeze up on me, but it didn’t slow me down because I never trust technology and had both a printout and screenshot for scanning.

Sooooooo Much agree with this, I see it when boarding planes too, someone's phone is frozen can't pull up documents...... Really! I am so old school on paper documents. Never fails me! 😂

 

Cheers! 

[bluwes]

Great to jump on board another of your live follows. Sorry to hear you’re having to travel solo. We’re on this itinerary this time next year on the Reflection. It was the first sailing we had cancelled at the beginning  of the pandemic 3 weeks before sailing. Sailed on the Reflection twice before and love that ship, who doesn’t ?.

if you see AA Katou in the casino bar tell Mr Wesley says hi.

[GenerationX]

For my first few hours onboard I was thinking “wow, this really doesn’t feel like a sold out ship”.  Then I got to the sunset bar.  Holy crowds, Batman! The bartenders are really hustling to put out drinks though and it seems like most passengers have packed their patience.

 

For the first time in all my cruises I’m also beginning to wonder if I’ll still come out ahead having booked the beverage package.  I completely underestimated how much of a dive my lawyer caliber alcohol tolerance would take after over a month of temperance.  After a martini and 2 glasses of champagne at lunch, I needed to take a break lest I become THAT passenger.  Fortunately I discovered this yummy non-alcoholic peach mule mocktail on the sunset bar menu.

 

I’ll stick to these till sail away and then I should be back in fighting shape by unpacking and dinner time.

 

I’ll be sure to report on other good mocktail options as I find them around the ship. 

 

Edited February 3 by GenerationX

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

2 hours ago, countess5 said:

Sooooooo Much agree with this, I see it when boarding planes too, someone's phone is frozen can't pull up documents...... Really! I am so old school on paper documents. Never fails me! 😂

 

Cheers! 

 

That happened to me once at the airport.  Fortunately, the curbside check dude had given me a printed boarding pass when I checked my luggage.  Now I never leave home without one.

[raudacruise]

3 hours ago, GenerationX said:

No hardcore questioning about Jeremy (I simply explained we had an emergency and he couldn’t sail and the lady checking me in typed something on her iPad then waved me on) and no sitting in a waiting room to board.

When I boarded Reflection in November as a solo cruiser the person checking me in fussed at me because my husband wasn’t with me.  He passed away 10 years ago.

[GenerationX]

I’ve just finished unpacking in my basic veranda stateroom.  

 

This was the last veranda left on the ship when we booked so we didn’t really have any choice on where we are.  But 9215 is well located near the aft elevators. It may be my mind playing tricks but it also seems to me to have a larger veranda than usual.  It is sort of on a hump so maybe it’s a little deeper? I honestly feel like I have more veranda space here than we did in our suite on Beyond.

 

Knowing I’d be losing some of my suite luxuries, I preemptively prepared a few things to BYO modern luxury. 

 

I knew without butler service getting a 24 hour turn on complimentary pressing (elite plus perk) of my chic night gown for tomorrow would be tough, so my gown for first chic night is one that doesn’t show wrinkles as much and I can steam out easily on a hanger next to the hot running shower.

 

I can’t even with the thin, itchy robes in basic verandas, so l sacrificed some luggage space and packed my comfy plush cotton Ugg one from home. 

 

I live on starting and ending the day with plenty of ice cold water and knew I’d be sans both ice bucket and butler to refill it regularly, so I packed some of my big tumblers so I can fill them myself with ice water each morning and then stick them in the mini fridge and have ice water always available in the room.

 

I also bought a $2 pack of extra hangers and brought them along for my extensive wardrobe since there was no retreat preference form to request them in advance (and in non-suites it’s been a coin toss as to how soon I’d be able to meet my stateroom attendant and request them).

 

Well, I think it’s about time to get ready for dinner.

 

Usually my S class first night tradition is Murano, but the MDR menu tonight actually looks pretty good and I decided to sign up for a night of Chef’s Table (something Jeremy’s not really into), so I think I’ll dine more simply to start and save a little onboard spending budget.  

 

Talk to you all in a few!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dock]

Love the gown. Now if only I could convince my DH to let me bring my own pillows!