PART-2 Foodsponge Fullpant's REFLECTION REVIEW Dec-12 E-Carib

In Part 1 of this review, I recommended adopting a signature rally cry to acknowledge Cruise Critic – lead with the outcry “Cruise Critic, Cruise Critic”, answered with “WINE, WHINE, WINE!”. I proposed this ‘w(h)ine’ response after first considering the alternative “dress code, dress code, dress code” reply.

This raises the issue of a signature theme song for Cruise Critic. I propose Nirvana’s “Teen Spirit” anthem which features the lyric “Here we are now, entertain us”. And if Cruise Critic has a signature rally cry and theme song, then a Cruise Critic motto is also in order. As candidate, I offer my own personal motto: “Clean mind, clean body – choose one”. Many may find such a motto disconcerting but sometimes alternatives like “cursing the darkness” seem warranted.

It’s rumored, justifiably, that Celebrity did not adopt the “casual chic” attire policy primarily to accommodate modern passenger travel trends. Truth be told, even Celebrity had lost patience constantly reading ‘dress code’ posts on Cruise Critic – the squeaky wheel does get the grease!

With regard to “teens”, it’s worth noting that the fervent wish of the Victorian era has finally been achieved. Victorian adults prescribed “Children should be seen but not heard.” Now, parents lament that their kids never communicate any more – ears plugged with sound buds, eyes transfixed on smartphone, iPad screens.

On the other hand, modern adults, males at least, have their own idiosyncrasies. The CDC, in an attempt to gain males attention to their recommendation to get flu inoculations, cleverly labeled the “N1H1 flu” virus. The CDC expects that males may pay attention to radio or TV health adverts if they hear “N 1, H 1”, thinking it’s a sports score.

STATEROOM

Had cabin on Deck 6, Cat 2-C #6294, above Qsine restaurant. Had nearby 6302 a year ago. Minor noise around 6-6:30am a couple mornings, probably cleaning. On a positive note, these last 8 2-C cabins on either side above Qsine’s blue roof extension had balcony almost 2 ft deeper for easy lounger lay out. I have seen notices in the DB if there were going to be maintenance crew out on the roof extension.

These are less expensive veranda cabins because they are identified as partially obstructed. The view directly downward is blocked by the roof extension from Deck 5. This “view downward” phrase reminded me of the joke about how to distinguish an extroverted accountant from an introverted one. Answer: while talking to you an extroverted accountant looks at your shoes instead of his own.

Cruise cabins function as living room, bath and bedroom. Moreover, cruisers have noted lately that more passengers are traveling with their dog. This triggered the memory of Rodney “get no respect” D’s lament about his dog coming into his bedroom at night in order to pick up tips on begging.

Rumor has it that the large mirrors on the cabin wall were originally intended to be mounted on the ceiling above the beds. However, this proved impractical after many males complained that the mirror should display the admonition: “Objects are larger than they appear in the mirror”

As the newest build, Reflection features an improved shower stall which extends from a bathroom corner but is roomier than average with hemispherical plastic sliding outer doors. It has a raised lower track that overcomes the oft-reported complaint about water splashing out under the enclosures on other ships.

FOOD – additional comments

The Lawn club Grill dessert ‘warm chocolate cookie’ is excellenl, their most popular choice. (NOTE the description ‘excellenl’ is not a typo but instead a sort of ‘wardrobe malfunction’ – inexplicably the ‘t’s top came down.) Ghost of Janet Jackson?

Al Bacio coffee bar was also excellent and popular. – as Elite+ Captain’s club status we were eligible for free specialty coffees. Double-shot cappuccinos were our morning ritual. The liquor-added specialty coffees selection were included with beverage package.

ENTERTAINMENT

We attended only two theater performances in the evening – daily specialty dining and the beverage package takes its toll, but we soldiered on. Comedian Printz did 50 mins of genial family life comedy and Ty Barnett did somewhat edgier comedy. We skipped a second Ty Barnett ‘adult’ late show that was offered. This reminds me of the question “Are all Limericks dirty?” Answer: “No, just the good ones.”

On Sunday Reflection offered two live NFL games in-room on Ch-21, 22 and on TVs in casino and another lounge.

On a previous cruise a comedian commented on the ‘mature-leaning’ ages of Celebrity passengers. But he said that it wasn’t as bad as the even older passenger demographic on his recent Cunard gig. He said that on Cunard, in the theater when the show started and bright stage lights came on, many stood up and started walking towards the light.

SERVICE

While on board the Captain announced that Travel Weekly had awarded Celebrity as ‘best entertainment’ line and Reflection itself as “best premium ship” (I assume ‘premium’ refers to mass market lines.)

Service I experienced on Reflection was very good, commensurate with its ‘best ship’ award. Reflections’s officers appeared often and everywhere – Captain Peppas even stopped by tables in Murano when we were there. I wonder if Celebrity has adopted the ‘managing by walking around’ policy under its new CEO.

This reminded me of the quip about Lady Astor traveling on an ocean liner. She was informed that the Captain had invited her to dine with him. Reportedly, she answered “Why would I care to dine with the staff?”

The ambiance and ‘vibe’ on Reflection was much better than our Summit experience to Bermuda from Bayonne last summer. There the presence of over 400 children, too many unsupervised, was problematic for those looking for calm and relaxation. Please realize I do not resent kids in general – but also never forget that they are here to replace us.

END OF PART 2 OF THE REVIEW link to part-1 below

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2294802

Your ongoing review of the Reflection cruise is ,indeed, a breath of fresh air!

Here we are now, and totally entertained!

Thanks!

Very good tongue in cheek review...thanks for the post

So what did you think of the cabin on Deck 6? Did maintenance crews frequently work in this area? Did you like the cabin?:confused:

So what did you think of the cabin on Deck 6? Did maintenance crews frequently work in this area? Did you like the cabin?:confused:

My first choice location on S-class ships considering the low veranda price.

PIC BELOW - note lounger+ space vs only sit-chairs on balconies above.

Maintenance infrequent and ONLY on a port day when probably not in cabin much anyhow. I think there are signs facing the service crewmen: "DO NOT FEED THE PASSENGERS" :D

My first choice location on S-class ships considering the low veranda price.

PIC BELOW - note lounger+ space vs only sit-chairs on balconies above.

 

Maintenance infrequent and ONLY on a port day when probably not in cabin much anyhow. I think there are signs facing the service crewmen: "DO NOT FEED THE PASSENGERS" :D

Ah yes. Good to point that out. I really like these cabins. As though we would need more food!!! LOL