Imagine sipping a refreshing cocktail on the balcony of a luxurious cruise ship while the sun sets over the horizon. Welcome aboard the Celebrity Reflection, where dreams of an elegant sea voyage become reality. If you're a cruise enthusiast, traveler, or luxury traveler, this post is tailor-made for you. Let's explore the history, features, and experiences of the Celebrity Reflection, and I'll share my personal review of this extraordinary cruise.
The Glamorous History of Celebrity Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises has a storied history dating back to 1988. Founded by the Chandris Group, this luxury cruise line aimed to offer premium experiences. Over the years, Celebrity Cruises has established itself as a leader in the industry, known for its modern design, exceptional service, and world-class amenities. It's no wonder that they have a loyal following among travelers seeking sophistication at sea.
Meet the Celebrity Reflection
The Celebrity Reflection is a crown jewel in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Launched in 2012, this Celebrity Solstice class ship embodies luxury and innovation. With a passenger capacity of 3,046, the Reflection offers ample space for relaxation and adventure. This is the 5th ship created in this class and the largest. The ship boasts breathtaking architectural details, including a stunning atrium and an array of chic lounges and bars. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a sumptuous meal, the ship exudes elegance at every turn.
What’s the Cost of a Celebrity Reflection Cruise?
Price is always a crucial factor when planning a cruise. The Celebrity Reflection offers a range of pricing options to suit different budgets. Typically, prices for a seven-night cruise start at around $1,000 per person for an inside cabin. However, for those seeking a more lavish experience, suite accommodations can cost upwards of $5,000. Keep an eye out for promotions and early booking deals to get the best cruise deals. A travel agent can help you find deals that are a good value for what you are looking for.
The cost after taxes and fees for my cruise was $689 per person for the cruise, remember this is a 4-day cruise. We split the total cost between 2 rooms, 3 people in one room and 2 people in the other room. These rooms were balcony rooms and the concierge class. After adding in the costs of the hotel the night before the cruise and flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, the total was pushed to just over $1,000 per person.
Insights from Fellow Celebrity Reflection Travelers
Travelers from around the world have shared their thoughts and reviews about the Celebrity Reflection. Many praise the ship's impeccable service, noting that the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. The culinary offerings also receive high marks, with several specialty restaurants providing a diverse range of gourmet delights. Entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows and live music, add to the ship's vibrant atmosphere. Most people feel you will have a great time on this cruise ship.
My Personal Cruise Reviews of the Celebrity Reflection. Embarkation and Debarkation.
Now, let's get to my personal experience on the Celebrity Reflection. From the moment I stepped on board, I was struck by the ship's beauty and attention to detail. The staterooms were spacious and well-appointed, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.
If this is your first cruise or a seasoned cruiser but with different cruise lines, you will notice some differences, but for the most part it is the same. First time cruisers will not be disappointed, if they know what to expect when taking a cruise. Cruising is not for everyone, and especially not for people who don't like crowds. Of course you can find places that are not crowded, but if you like the pool deck, hot tubs, or the solarium, or even the buffet especially in the late mornings it will be crowded. That is similar to all cruise ships.
The home port for the Reflection on my cruise was Fort Lauderdale, located the Celebrity Terminal 25 in Port Everglades. The airport Shuttle dropped us just outside the terminal where we met the Porter who took our luggage just before we entered. The escalator inside the terminal took us to the second floor where we then went through a security screening very similar to TSA, with a scanning machine for our carry-on pieces of luggage that we did not leave with the porter. You should always carry at least a little carry-on bag with you for the cruise to contain your travel documents like passport or birth certificate and driver's license. Just know that Passports are preferred and if visiting certain countries while on board the ship a passport may be required, so check that out in advance.
After Security you get in one of many lines to scan the paperwork or barcode on your cell phone, which is your actual cruise documentation. It takes just a few minutes to pass through then you are on your way to the ship. One thing I noticed that was different from other cruises I have been on; they did not give the key cards to your cabin at the terminal. The key cards are at your room.
The walk to board the cruise ship is not too far once you are at the back of the terminal building, just a long ramp up. The ramp is up, first to the left, then a turn to the right, then another turn to the left before you board on the 5th floor of the cruise ship. So be prepared if you have trouble walking a distance or if you have a fear of enclosed spaces or bridges. A family member of mine felt very uncomfortable walking up the ramp because of it being like a bridge high off the ground.
Before getting settled in your room you must visit your muster station. A muster station is where you would go if there was an emergency onboard. When you were using your cell phone to do your early check in, you watch videos and learn all about the muster station and what to expect. You must check in at muster station with the cruise ship employees, to get you off their list. One thing I noticed when waiting in line at muster station was it took longer than other cruise lines I have been on. There were about 20 people in line and only 2 people working, so there was a little bit of a wait. Every cruise line is different with their drills. Some you just scan your keycard; others are like this because you have not gone to your room to get your keycards. There are even cruise lines out there that still do the drill the old school way, I am so glad that Celebrity doesn't do it that way.
Leaving the cruise ship at the end of cruise is easy also, you wait till your time is called and then you leave. Be sure to sit you heavy luggage outside your cabin door the night before you get off the ship, that way it will be easier for you to leave instead of lugging that suitcase around with you before and while you leave the ship. It will be waiting for you downstairs in the terminal building before you show your passport or birth certificate.
When exiting the ship if you walk to the left that is where the Uber pick up section is, and it is packed. Still, I believe I only waited 10 minutes on an Uber in Ft. Lauderdale. Taxi service is to the right, along with shuttle pickup.
Luxurious Accommodations
One of the highlights of the Celebrity Reflection is its luxurious accommodations. The ship offers a range of staterooms and suites, each designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The AquaClass staterooms, in particular, stand out for their exclusive access to the Blu restaurant and the Persian Garden spa area. These rooms are perfect for travelers looking to indulge in wellness and relaxation during their cruise.
All Celebrity Ships are a little different, for example the Edge class is just a few ships like the Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent. This is very similar to all cruise lines that have different classes of ships. The Solstice Class ships, which the Reflection is a part of, are known to have several types of cabins. The Penthouse, Royal Suite, Celebrity Suite, Aquaclass, Concierge, and Verandah are all different types you can stay in.
One thing I loved was how the room steward came twice a day, and at the end of day left a chocolate on the pillows. I remember back many years ago when I first started cruising, how I would get a piece of chocolate at night. Other popular cruise lines have quit doing this over the years. Also, those of you who think cruises are all about the towel animals left in your room, Celebrity does not do this, but I am sure if you ask you room steward, they might make you one.
Also, if you like, check out room service, there is a fee at times during the day, but some basic breakfast items are free for a morning breakfast delivery.
Onboard Activities and Amenities
The Celebrity Reflection is a playground of activities and amenities. Fitness enthusiasts can stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center, participate in yoga classes, or take a dip in the pool. For those interested in enrichment, the ship offers educational programs, art auctions, and wine tastings. Families are well-catered to with dedicated kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment options.
Spend your evenings after a port day or enjoy the sea days to explore and enjoy the ship. There is an activities list left in your room every night for what is going on the next day, and of course you can use their app for your cell phone to find out all the happenings on the ship. From Trivia, to learning how to Macrame, ABBA singalong dance parties to Bingo, Deal or no Deal game, or just swimming and relaxing in the Solarium, the Reflection has plenty of things to do.
The top decks (14, 15, and 16) have pool areas, walking track, and even sports like basketball, but one of the highlights is the Lawn area where actual grass is grown. It's neat to see grass on a cruise ship. Spend time there and relax watching the large screen TV, visit the bar, or visit the 2 restaurants called the Porch and Lawn Club Grill (these are not complimentary restaurants). Above the lawn area was another deck with chairs to sit in, perfect for an escape from people, it was never very crowded up there. For me it was nice to see but I did not hang out here, I was in the Solarium on Deck 14. It is considered more of an adult only area, 16 years and up are allowed in the indoor pool, and family time is just for 2 hours in the evening. With hot tubs and a nice size pool, plus a little breakfast and lunch snack area. This area is enclosed with glass doors and temperature controlled which felt great compared to the sweltering summer heat of summer, this was my go-to place.
Dining Delights
Foodies will be in heaven on the Celebrity Reflection. The ship boasts a variety of dining venues, each offering a unique culinary experience. The main dining room called Opus serves a small menu of gourmet dishes, while specialty dining restaurant Qsine provides an innovative dining experience. Don't miss the chance to indulge in the Chef's Table experience for an exclusive, multi-course meal paired with fine wines. Sushi on Five looked great, but so did the Tuscan Grille and Murano. The Gelateria and Cafe al Bacio were perfect places to visit for your sweet tooth, coffee or tea.
Dining on the Celebrity Reflection was a culinary adventure. The Opus dining room offered exquisite dishes. I had a great Caesar salad, a Salmon entree with chocolate cake that was divine. Some of my family members ate pasta, chicken breast, or braised beef and were satisfied, but they did not like the apple pie dessert. While leaving the dining room I glanced at a couple tables, they left their apple pies also, so my family was not the only ones disappointed in the apple pie.
The specialty restaurants like Murano and Tuscan Grille provided unforgettable dining experiences. The service was consistently top-notch, making each meal a true delight.
One thing that surprised me the most was the buffet. The Oceanview Cafe is the buffet, and the food was wonderful, by far the best buffet food I have had on any cruise ship I have ever been on. I loved the set up with many different buffet stations, it helped to keep the lines moving too, unlike the long buffet line I have seen on other cruise ships. There was good food at every station, and I loved the international selections. A great place to eat buffet food is at the rear of the ship, just outside at the back of the deck, in an outdoor area. It was perfect for breakfast when the weather was not too hot yet.
World-Class Entertainment
Entertainment on the Celebrity Reflection is nothing short of spectacular. The ship's theater hosts Broadway-style productions, comedy shows, and musical performances that are sure to dazzle. The Ensemble Lounge and Sky Observation Lounge offer live music and a chic atmosphere to unwind with a cocktail. For a touch of glamor, the Reflection Theater showcases world-class performances that will leave you in awe. There are shows of magic or comedy onboard the ship, so always check your schedule to see what is happening for the day.
My favorite bar was the Martini Bar, it was a very popular place and close to those neat glass elevators where you can look out and observe the whole atrium area on your travels and a large tree. The top of the Martini Bar was ice, so it was neat to see. There were several bars throughout the ship. On the inside of the ship and on the outdoor decks too. The casino bar was my second favorite bar, because it was located near the casino which is a favorite stopping spot for me on a cruise. If you like alcoholic drinks look into the classic drink package. If you only drink 2 or 3 a day or less, the drink package is not worth it.
Entertainment options were diverse and engaging. I found myself captivated by the high-energy performances at the theater and enjoyed the variety of live music scattered throughout the ship. For those seeking relaxation, visit the Spa, which offered a serene escape with a range of treatments to rejuvenate mind and body.
Entertainment is not complete without talking about Cruise Director Luigi, and Captain Kirk. Luigi was everywhere, always smiling and happy. From the pool deck during the crew pool volleyball game, which was a blast to watch, to every dance party Luigi was there. He is one of the best cruise directors I have ever had. Now everyone who has cruised before knows, cruise directors are all over the ship all the time, something you will not see anywhere else is Captain Kirk. Have you seen the captain of the ship do his own performance in the theater? Well Captain Kirk does. I have never seen a captain on any ship be so involved with the entertainment and visible to the fellow cruisers. It was really neat to see. Plus, he is not shabby at all on the stage.
Destinations and Itineraries
The Celebrity Reflection sails to some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, eastern, southern and western Carribean to be exact. The ship's itineraries offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or savoring local cuisine, each port of call promises new adventures and discoveries.
My cruise was a short 4 days, visiting Key West Florida and CocoCay Bahamas. I highly recommend this cruise for anyone who has never cruised before and wants to try this style of vacation. It's long enough to give you an idea of what it's like, but not so long that you totally regret if you are not a fan of cruising. Being that this was my first Celebrity Cruise I enjoyed the 4-day cruise, but longed for more, as I am an experienced cruiser who tends to spend more than 7 days on a cruise ship.
Key West is wonderful with so much to see and do, rent a golf cart like my group did, take the conch train, or take any number of excursions, or just start walking. You are only a couple blocks away from President Truman's summer house, Mel Fisher Museum, or the famous Duval Street, known for the” Duval Crawl”. Several streets away to the right of the ship are the entrance to the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park where you can tour the fort area or visit the beach.
Key West also has a favorite place of many people, the Hemingway House with its garden being full of cats with extra toes. They are so cute, so if you visit, say hi to Marilyn Monroe the kitty. Just beyond the Hemingway house is the famous marker, The Southernmost Point. If you visit these 2 spots, be prepared for a line to see the Hemingway House or a line to take your picture with the Southernmost Point marker.
Coco Cay is a private island for Royal Caribbean, but since Celebrity is affiliated with Royal, they use the island as well. There are a few beaches, including an adult only area on the island, pools, waterpark and zipline area. In my opinion it is the best private island of any I have ever been to. The only thing with 2 ships in dock, and of course the Royal Caribbean ship was much larger than Celebrity, it can be more crowded on the island.
Sustainable Cruising
Celebrity Cruises is committed to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact. The Celebrity Reflection incorporates eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction initiatives. Travelers can enjoy their cruise with the knowledge that Celebrity Cruises is dedicated to preserving the oceans and destinations they explore.
Service
I figured this is where I would mention the crew, everyone I came into contact with was great. Service was slowed in busy areas, but that can't be helped, when by the pool, or in the casino looking for a drink. My cabin steward Putu was amazing, always saying hi to me in the hallway and asking how everyone was doing in our group of 5, which were broken up into 2 rooms. The great staff throughout this ship will make you have a memorable experience.
Join the Celebrity Reflection Community
Cruisers often form lasting friendships with fellow travelers, sharing their love for exploration and adventure. The ship's social events, themed parties, and group activities create opportunities for passengers to connect and make memories together.
There are also plenty of Facebook Groups to join. You can even find one specific for your cruise. I am old school and have used Cruise Critic Forum in the past to find the roll call for a specific cruise, so that might be an option. These groups let you start talking about the cruise months in advance and you might find friends along the way.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Ready to set sail on the Celebrity Reflection? Planning your next adventure is easy with the help of Celebrity Cruises' website and travel agents. From choosing the perfect itinerary to selecting your stateroom, the booking process is seamless and hassle-free. Don't miss the chance to experience the luxury and excitement of the Celebrity Reflection.
My main flaw with this cruise.
This was not the cruise line's fault really, but I noticed more complaining than on any cruise I have ever been on. Sure, elevators will be slow if you take them at busy times. (I somewhat agree on, they were slow) but people were just so fussy. Women being fussy at people during trivia because 2 large groups were working together to guess the correct answers. Someone fussed at my sister because she was looking around, thinking she was about to skip the line at the muster drill.
People were nit-picky on so many things and spoke up about it. I don't know maybe it is just the times that we live in, but I think more people need to be humble and grateful for being able to take a vacation, instead of being fussing about being in line at the shop to get the free charm. I thought it was wonderful that the ship was giving away free charms every day for a necklace that was left in the room. It's the little extras like this that I thought make a cruise line special.
I had always been told that Celebrity cruise line is for old people. But there were many families with kids. young couples, and singles. For me and my feelings I would take a celebrity cruise again. For me it is all about the destination and price.
Conclusion
In summary, the Celebrity Reflection offers a luxurious and unforgettable cruise experience. With its elegant design, exceptional service, and diverse range of activities, it's no wonder that travelers rave about their journeys on this magnificent ship. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, the Celebrity Reflection promises to deliver an experience like no other. I highly recommend cruise vacations and would recommend the Celebrity Reflection to anyone who enjoys a cruise.
This blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
I have never been on a cruise, but I would like to experience one after reading your experience.
We have not yet cruised on Celebrity. So it was interesting to learn more about the Celebrity Reflection. It is a bit bigger than most ships we have cruised on. But it sure has a lot to offer! Linda (LD Holland)
I recently took my first cruise and loved it. I am keen now to do another. The Key West Florida and CocoCay Bahamas cruise for 4 days sounds lovely. Tania M
I have never been on a cruise before and never really wanted to. Bus this one seemed like s greta introduction. Both Key West and the Bahamas have always been on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing 😊
Ever since my last cruise, I've been itching to go on another one. And since I've never cruised with Celebrity before, I'd love to try them soon. Celebrity Reflection looks like a beautiful ship and I love the idea of grass growing on it.