Reflection LIVE 6/21-7/1/24: A Perfect Day for a Suite Girlfriends Getaway

[Stem to Stern]

Howdy Charla!  Your gal pals are in good hands with you as their on board navigator.  And if Rock-em-Sock-em Captain Kirk is at the helm all the better.🤩

Beware of the above mentioned short-cruise shenanigans to possibly include but may not be limited to three on-board weddings with up to 100 guests each, nightly-themed attire, outside voices indoors, and maybe even a random conga line or two.  YMMV.  Oh, also don’t be surprised if you witness the glass atrium elevators turn into pop-up gogo-dancer cages.  Heck, you might even bump into President Laura like we did.  She will be in the sea-borhood since the President’s Cruise is this month and she has been known to jump from ship to ship.  I hope you will indulge me and my photographic evidence below.  

 

After the Oops-We-Are-Booked-on-the-Tampa-Bay-Bucs-Fan-Cruise, we are sticking with 7+ night sailings.  But who knows?!?  Maybe with only one sea day during your B3B you can stay on board on a few port days and take advantage of a potentially abandoned ship.  Excited to learn how you plan to spend your time on board as well as at Mile Marker Zero and Bimini.  We went local to the south end of Bimini via a haphazard rented golf cart.  We had a fun morning exploring the tiny island.  No doubt “hydration” will be one of your top priorities.  It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot!!🥵 

 

Bon Voyage!!🛳️😎

 

 

 

Edited June 18 by Stem to Stern

[zitsky]

1 minute ago, Stem to Stern said:

Beware of the above mentioned short-cruise shenanigans to possibly include but may not be limited to three on-board weddings with up to 100 guests each, nightly-themed attire, outside voices indoors, and maybe even a random conga line or two.  YMMV.  Oh, also don’t be surprised if you witness the glass atrium elevators turn into pop-up gogo-dancer cages.  Heck, you might even bump into President Laura like we did.  She will be in the sea-borhood since the President’s Cruise is this month and she has been known to jump from ship to ship.  I hope you will indulge me and my photographic evidence below.  

 

Bon Voyage!!

🛳️😎

 

I didn’t realize this was the Virgin forum.

[lola2013]

12 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Howdy Charla!  Your gal pals are in good hands with you as their on board navigator.  And if Rock-em-Sock-em Captain Kirk is at the helm all the better.🤩

Beware of the above mentioned short-cruise shenanigans to possibly include but may not be limited to three on-board weddings with up to 100 guests each, nightly-themed attire, outside voices indoors, and maybe even a random conga line or two.  YMMV.  Oh, also don’t be surprised if you witness the glass atrium elevators turn into pop-up gogo-dancer cages.  Heck, you might even bump into President Laura like we did.  She will be in the sea-borhood since the President’s Cruise is this month and she has been known to jump from ship to ship.  I hope you will indulge me and my photographic evidence below.  

 

After the Oops-We-Are-Booked-on-the-Tampa-Bay-Bucs-Fan-Cruise, we are sticking with 7+ night sailings.  But who knows?!?  Maybe with only one sea day during your B3B you can stay on board on a few port days and take advantage of a potentially abandoned ship.  Excited to learn how you plan to spend your time on board as well as at Mile Marker Zero and Bimini.  We went local to the south end of Bimini via a haphazard rented golf cart.  We had a fun morning exploring the tiny island.  No doubt “hydration” will be one of your top priorities.  It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot!!🥵 

 

Bon Voyage!!🛳️😎

 

 

 

How did I miss the flamingo dancers???

[Stem to Stern]

8 minutes ago, lola2013 said:

How did I miss the flamingo dancers???

Martini bar - Day 2 6:00pm

Yes, Day 2 suggested attire was flamingo-themed.  Day 1 was “Naughty Nautical” but why do I know these things?🤣

 

 

[GenerationX]

9 hours ago, Mrs_Tiki said:

What a great surprise to see you starting another review! I am very intrigued with your impressions of the shorter cruise format on X. I recently took my first solo cruise on a Silhouette 4-nighter and did find the crowd more “rambunctious” as you say! (But it was also a partial charter of Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans, so that was a whole other wrinkle!)

 

Meeting @lola2013 and her friends while waiting to board was a fun way to start that cruise! I agree with her that Captain Kirk’s musical performance was a highlight, as well.

 

I have no doubt that you and your friends will have a great time and look forward to hearing about your sampler platter of Retreat suites!

Ok, now I’m jealous.  You got to meet @lola2013! That’s been on my cruising goals list for YEARS!  
 

Wow, a Buccaneer theme cruise, as my mother would say, that must have been “quite the cultural experience”. 😂

 

I hope you’re doing well! I still have such fond memories of our Retreat sailaway happy hour on Beyond.

[GenerationX]

9 hours ago, harrywpb said:

Hi. So great to see you cruising again. We love the Reflection.   And love your input on cruising.  I was wondering if you would be so kind as to point me to one of your previous threads where you were in MSC yacht club one week and a suite in Celebrity the next.  Not looking to abandon Celebrity at all-just want to see what else may be available. Thanks. Safe travels. 

Thank you!  Is this the review you were looking for?

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/topic/2905162-silhouette-live-112-w-side-by-side-a-royal-week-on-celebrity-and-msc/

[GenerationX]

48 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Howdy Charla!  Your gal pals are in good hands with you as their on board navigator.  And if Rock-em-Sock-em Captain Kirk is at the helm all the better.🤩

Beware of the above mentioned short-cruise shenanigans to possibly include but may not be limited to three on-board weddings with up to 100 guests each, nightly-themed attire, outside voices indoors, and maybe even a random conga line or two.  YMMV.  Oh, also don’t be surprised if you witness the glass atrium elevators turn into pop-up gogo-dancer cages.  Heck, you might even bump into President Laura like we did.  She will be in the sea-borhood since the President’s Cruise is this month and she has been known to jump from ship to ship.  I hope you will indulge me and my photographic evidence below.  

 

After the Oops-We-Are-Booked-on-the-Tampa-Bay-Bucs-Fan-Cruise, we are sticking with 7+ night sailings.  But who knows?!?  Maybe with only one sea day during your B3B you can stay on board on a few port days and take advantage of a potentially abandoned ship.  Excited to learn how you plan to spend your time on board as well as at Mile Marker Zero and Bimini.  We went local to the south end of Bimini via a haphazard rented golf cart.  We had a fun morning exploring the tiny island.  No doubt “hydration” will be one of your top priorities.  It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot!!🥵 

 

Bon Voyage!!🛳️😎

 

 

 

O…M…G…I have no words.  This may be a VERY interesting 10 days indeed.

 

On the plus side, this makes me hopeful that at least the pool deck pride party during cruise #2 will be LIT.

I definitely plan to take advantage of a couple of port days onboard.

 

I’m not going to show Jeremy that pic of Captain Kirk until I get home, lest he hop a ferry to Bimini to sneak onboard and keep me honest.  😂

[Mark.Jules]

I have been away from the boards for about a year...long story...I am happy to be back and follow along on your adventures.

[GenerationX]

4 hours ago, miched said:

Did you give up on MSC?  🤷‍♂️.   I thought that was your new favorite cruise line from your previous cruises and threads 

 

 

 Based on your comment about loving  horses do you have one of these?   Every farmer should have one of those breeds. 
 

 

 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

Nope I’ve not given up on MSC at all!  It’s just been the case that the past few cruises the dates and rates ended up working out better on Celebrity. Yacht club prices have jumped quite a bit in the past year too.  
 

I’m looking at Seascape vs. Ascent for booking my winter 2025 solo cruise and will probably be making a decision in the next few weeks.

 

Funny you mention that horse. Are you familiar with the Clydesdale breed? I’ve wanted one ever since I was a kid.  They’re massive and very expensive around here to get and keep up and they really aren’t bred for any of the riding disciplines that I do.
 

But I don’t care. When I retire I shall be the crazy grey haired lady showing in the hunter/jumper ring on a big ole tank of a Clydesdale! 

[TPCRUISER2]

Whoo hoo! Another Charla review! Have been watching the board for you. Been wanting to do a short cruise on the Reflection myself, your perspective will be inviting. 

Also as a Royal Caribbean cruiser as you are a Celebrity cruiser, I really enjoy The Perfect day!

May I ask what you and your friends have planned at the Island?

[cruisetonowhere10]

7 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Howdy Charla!  Your gal pals are in good hands with you as their on board navigator.  And if Rock-em-Sock-em Captain Kirk is at the helm all the better.🤩

Beware of the above mentioned short-cruise shenanigans to possibly include but may not be limited to three on-board weddings with up to 100 guests each, nightly-themed attire, outside voices indoors, and maybe even a random conga line or two.  YMMV.  Oh, also don’t be surprised if you witness the glass atrium elevators turn into pop-up gogo-dancer cages.  Heck, you might even bump into President Laura like we did.  She will be in the sea-borhood since the President’s Cruise is this month and she has been known to jump from ship to ship.  I hope you will indulge me and my photographic evidence below.  

 

After the Oops-We-Are-Booked-on-the-Tampa-Bay-Bucs-Fan-Cruise, we are sticking with 7+ night sailings.  But who knows?!?  Maybe with only one sea day during your B3B you can stay on board on a few port days and take advantage of a potentially abandoned ship.  Excited to learn how you plan to spend your time on board as well as at Mile Marker Zero and Bimini.  We went local to the south end of Bimini via a haphazard rented golf cart.  We had a fun morning exploring the tiny island.  No doubt “hydration” will be one of your top priorities.  It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot!!🥵 

 

Bon Voyage!!🛳️😎

 

 

 

I guess you weren’t joking @Stem to Sternlol.  We have a silhouette 4 nighter next April.  It starts on a Monday so maybe no weddings?

[LouChamp]

Aloha. So excited to learn about your upcoming voyage and wish you an excellent time!  As I have posted before we are blessed to divide our time between NY and Hawaii but are in NY now as we are going to be grandparents in August!  I also care for my 90 year old mom who is in assisted living with dementia so I visit every day. While cruising is on pause for this year we have reserved suites on Celebrity and two other lines where we are also top tier. Enough of us... looking forward to reading your journals and wish you and your friends a wonderful time and also the best to your family!!!

[Mrs_Tiki]

10 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Howdy Charla!  Your gal pals are in good hands with you as their on board navigator.  And if Rock-em-Sock-em Captain Kirk is at the helm all the better.🤩

Beware of the above mentioned short-cruise shenanigans to possibly include but may not be limited to three on-board weddings with up to 100 guests each, nightly-themed attire, outside voices indoors, and maybe even a random conga line or two.  YMMV.  Oh, also don’t be surprised if you witness the glass atrium elevators turn into pop-up gogo-dancer cages.  Heck, you might even bump into President Laura like we did.  She will be in the sea-borhood since the President’s Cruise is this month and she has been known to jump from ship to ship.  I hope you will indulge me and my photographic evidence below.  

 

After the Oops-We-Are-Booked-on-the-Tampa-Bay-Bucs-Fan-Cruise, we are sticking with 7+ night sailings.  But who knows?!?  Maybe with only one sea day during your B3B you can stay on board on a few port days and take advantage of a potentially abandoned ship.  Excited to learn how you plan to spend your time on board as well as at Mile Marker Zero and Bimini.  We went local to the south end of Bimini via a haphazard rented golf cart.  We had a fun morning exploring the tiny island.  No doubt “hydration” will be one of your top priorities.  It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot!!🥵 

 

Bon Voyage!!🛳️😎

 

 

 

@Stem to Stern you sums up our cruise very well with these photos! One of my highlights was meeting you!

Edited June 18 by Mrs_Tiki

[harrywpb]

10 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Thank you!  Is this the review you were looking for?

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/topic/2905162-silhouette-live-112-w-side-by-side-a-royal-week-on-celebrity-and-msc/

Thanks for this.  Safe travels

[hcat]

11 hours ago, zitsky said:

I didn’t realize this was the Virgin forum.

OMG really..lets hope this is not the future of X.. 

Charla is a classy cruiser with a stunning chic wardrobe and even on a girfruends cruise ai am sure it will classy fun all the way!  ( Like our Gatsby Party on BEYOND)

[Ciaranaman]

Yay - Another Charla live!  And what a live it looks like it's gonna be!   So glad I found this before it was 100 posts long!  Safe travels!

~Bernadette

[hcat]

We have a 4 night cruise booked on Silhoutte in Dec..hoping for a sane and sober clientele!

[DingoMom]

Oh, Boy!! Another Charla live! Excited to follow along. We just got off the Beyond on Saturday, and I am so excited that we will be on your birthday cruise with you in a couple of weeks!!

One thing: I was Not looking forward to Coco Cay, especially as the Icon OTS was there the same day. I wanted to stay on the ship that day, but got out-voted). Since we were traveling with friends, the 4 of us got the ShoreEx to Hideaway beach. It was GREAT! Adults only, ample opportunity to use the beverage package, nice little beach (not too crowded) and a very nice swim-up bar (although the music there had a strong bass beat 🤣). 
Enjoy!! 
 

[Lena11033]

11 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Wow, a Buccaneer theme cruise, as my mother would say, that must have been “quite the cultural experience”. 😂

 

I unfortunately had Tampa bay partial charter last year, as a British person living in Canada the behaviour was quite well 😬

Needless to say I will be making sure it doesn't happen again.

 

10 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Funny you mention that horse. Are you familiar with the Clydesdale breed? I’ve wanted one ever since I was a kid.  They’re massive and very expensive around here to get and keep up and they really aren’t bred for any of the riding disciplines that I do.

 

I love Clydesdales there used to be some not far from me on a farm before I moved 2 years ago. When I was a kid we used to go to the country and stay in caravans on holiday (too poor to leave England) and have pictures with me and a horse I think it was about the same time I visited a gypsy museum because there are also pictures of the traditional Roma caravan.

[raudacruise]

Will be interested in what you think of Bimini.  I’ll be there this fall—for now will be staying on the ship.

 

I tacked a 3-day and 4-day onto my TA just to spend more time on my favorite ship, Silhouette.  (Previously tacked a 4-day onto a longer cruise.  Seemed louder but not bad.  Observed a young “lady” sleeping on a couch by the Passport Bar.)

 

If it gets too crazy I have a very nice balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Texed]

Thanks for posting.  😊

[JDPCruisers]

11 minutes ago, raudacruise said:

Will be interested in what you think of Bimini.  I’ll be there this fall—for now will be staying on the ship.

 

I tacked a 3-day and 4-day onto my TA just to spend more time on my favorite ship, Silhouette.  (Previously tacked a 4-day onto a longer cruise.  Seemed louder but not bad.  Observed a young “lady” sleeping on a couch by the Passport Bar.)

 

If it gets too crazy I have a very nice balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMHO, might keep a lower expectation of Bimini unless one snorkels or other watersports as there is not much there (at least when we were there last year) other than a Marriott (I think) resort, so we rented a golf cart and did a little self-tour hitting up the ramshackle conch shacks which we did enjoy as we like conch and cold beverages (we typically always find things to enjoy no matter where we are). There is a public beach, but we didn't stop there. Again, just IMHO! 

[Aunt P]

Hi Charla,

 

Long time CC lurker here, haven't posted much before. But I had to chime in because I will be on your first leg! Girls cruise for me too, but with my mom, sister, and 12yo niece (her first cruise!). We in are Aqua, so can add even a third perspective. Interested to see your plans and follow along!

[raudacruise]

3 hours ago, JDPCruisers said:

IMHO, might keep a lower expectation of Bimini unless one snorkels or other watersports as there is not much there (at least when we were there last year) other than a Marriott (I think) resort, so we rented a golf cart and did a little self-tour hitting up the ramshackle conch shacks which we did enjoy as we like conch and cold beverages (we typically always find things to enjoy no matter where we are). There is a public beach, but we didn't stop there. Again, just IMHO! 

Well, my expectations are already low.  Hopefully improvements have been made to Bimini since the review I came across awhile back:

 

Read a dreadful review of the beach resort: broken, crowded chairs (no space between), only a few umbrellas, a swimming pool with green and black algae/mold.  Drinks are $20.  No thanks.

 

Oh, there’s a free beach near the port.  Two chairs and an umbrella cost $60-$70.  It’s in front of a sewage plant.  And yes, you can sometimes smell it.

 

Will be nice if since then they’ve gotten their act together and Charla enjoys her visit.

[Harrisonkid]

Love the story already...thanks