Saturngrl

It was the week before last when we sailed her. 

We sailed out of Port Everglades two Saturdays ago.  We arrived really early for an 11:00 check in and no one asked for our assigned arrival time.  Arrive when you can and you will proceed accordingly.  Safe travels! 

I rented a cabana by the Oasis Lagoon in early 2020.  It fits up to 8 people and we loved having a wonderful attendant who brought us all sorts of great food and drinks from the Snack Shack.  They assign you the night before docking there and the process goes quite smoothly once you check in at the station near your bank of cabanas.  

We are sailing Reflection out of Ft. Lauderdale this Sunday.  This, being Florida, will probably mean sporadic showers during boarding and sailing.  The rest of our cruise looks great weather-wise.  Thank you for posting! 

Agreed, Celebrity enforces their dress code for the MDR.  Resort casual is okay on all nights and in all restaurants.  Elegant Chic is whatever you define as such.  

Viator or Shore Excursions websites are both great! 

The drive from MCO to the port is a good 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.  No bus lines run between the two points.  You may want to Uber or look into a shuttle service.  Many are described on this Forum.  

Enjoy your cruise! 

We will be on the Reflection this Sunday.  The week of the 12th is a charter for Vacaya group and we have friends sailing on that charter.  They LOVE Vacaya for its consistent, great service to their target customers.  

Dry dock was completed two weeks in October 2021.  Hope this helps. 

I agree with all of the above posts!  I've sailed Carnival twice and it's just not for me.  Their ship layouts are very confusing and it's too much of a party atmosphere for me.  

Royal is okay.  They have all the bells and whistles and are family-oriented. 

Celebrity is my fave!  Little touches, like cloth towels in the public restrooms, a better dress code,  English bacon, bocce on the lawn club, even better songs in the Silent Disco....just a great time every time!  

Following....

It's just one free bottle of wine, but it's nice to enjoy on your balcony! 

13 minutes ago, looking4info said:

Thanks for all the responses. After looking at deck plans and the info here decided on Concierge Class GTY. No buffet crowds on embarkation day a big plus.  Also, it mentions sparkling wine upon request. How do you request it? Again, thanks for all your responses.

Just ask your stateroom steward for the wine.  You may request the bubbly or a bottle of white or red wine if you don't like bubbly.  

In addition to the Embarkation Day lunch in the MDR, my other two favorite benefits are the occasional invitation to sail away from the helipad and the pre-disembarkation lounge with pastries and coffee.   It's a nice way for you to wait for your number group to leave the ship on the final day! 
 

I plan to use my free scoop of gelato to make an affogato this next cruise!  I'm sure Cafe Al Bacio will provide the appropriate dish for it.   Another reason I love Celebrity! 

I wonder about the size and quality of the lobster tails on Carnival, versus Celebrity.  I have sailed two Carnival ships and the food is good, but it's not enough for me to want to sail that line again.  Their CHEERS beverage package is especially grating to me--I dislike having to sign for EVERY drink, even if it's a Diet Coke.   They also try to get you to buy shots at dinner and the shot glasses they come in.  

It's a different way of nickel and diming you.   One lobster tail on Celebrity is fine with me! 

52 minutes ago, jelayne said:

Did you mean the Ensemble Bar on Deck 5?

Yep, Ensemble Bar on Deck 5.  Thanks for catching my goof! 

The Encore lounge has some great music in the evenings.   There is no dedicated piano bar on Solstice class ships, but lots of music opportunities.  Enjoy your cruise! 

The Concierge luncheon in the Main Dining Room is usually from 11:30 to 1:00.  It's worth the price of Concierge status to enjoy that!  

Just received my 5 points...now Elite for our February Reflection cruise! 

I leave just the car key with ParknGo or any valet service.  I take the rest of my keys with me to prevent duplication and to get into my house should anything happen to my car.  

I always sail Concierge!   Perks: 

• Embarkation Day lunch in the MDR.   It's nice to be served the meal with a good glass of wine upon embarkation, instead of fighting the Oceanview Cafe crowds or paying extra for embarkation lunch at Sushi on Five. 
• Welcome bottle of bubbly (or wine) upon request.  We like to enjoy our bubbly the first morning at sea. 
• Daily canapes are so-so.  We request cheese and crackers instead. 
• You may receive an invitation to sail away on the helipad at one of the ports.  
• Dedicated Disembarkation Lounge with continental breakfast on the last day.   This is a nice way to wait for your disembarkation group number to be called.  

Enjoy Concierge! 

The Embarkation Day lunch is in the Main Dining Room.   It is a limited menu as I recall: 

Appetizers:   Butternut Squash Soup or Caesar Salad

Main:  Braised short rib with couscous,  grilled salmon with spinach and ? ,  or whole wheat penne pasta primavera

Dessert:   Apple Pie ala mode or ____?  

You may ask your cabin steward to replace the daily canapes with cheese and crackers.   You also need to request your welcome bottle of bubbly (or replace with a bottle of white or red wine).  

Also note you may receive an invitation for a port sail away from the helipad one day.   There is also a dedicated Disembarkation waiting area with pastries and beverages for Concierge class.  

Enjoy the Concierge perks!

I love the Reflection!  She is a great ship!  There are so many things to enjoy about her. Off the top of my head: 

• The treats in Cafe Al Bacio are free, but there is a charge for specialty coffees and teas offered there.
• The show at the Martini Bar is a must!  I recommend upgrading your beverage package to Premium to enjoy the martinis there. 
• The hallway leading to the Encore Lounge has bells that sound with your movement through there. 
• The Sunset Bar has live music most afternoons and is a great place to hang out. 
• Bocce tournaments are fun and competitive!
• The Lawn Club Grill is not to be missed!  Well worth the upcharge. 
• Le Petit Chef is fun to do once only.
• No smoking in the casino! 
• The Hideaway offers free coffee and tea and is a good place to chill with a good book. 
• The Spa Cafe offers light, healthier breakfast and lunch options.
• The Mast Grill offers great burgers and dogs and is open on Embarkation Day. 

I'm sure there will be lots of other great tips coming...this is just the tip of the iceberg! 

On our Reflection cruise in November 2021, one of the ladies in my group did not know about the Celebrity dress code.  It was her first-ever cruise and her sister failed to let her know about dress codes and other details of cruising on Celebrity.  She didn't pack any pants or a skirt.  After speaking with the Matre' D, she was allowed to wear shorts in the MDR.  No one complained, but I can guarantee she will not make the same mistake again.  

Personally, I love to dress for Chic Evenings and casual smart for all of the restaurants!  BTW, if you don't want to dress for Chic Evenings, the dress code in all Specialty Restaurants is Smart Casual.  

14 hours ago, thinfool said:

I'll add my voice to using Park n Go.  Easy, shuttle included both ways, secure site.  We only use PnG when sailing out of PE.

https://www.bookparkngo.com/ftlauderdale.php

Same here!  I tried parking at the port at PE once and never again! 

Personally, I avoid the long lines and last-minute rush to be on board in the 30 minute window.  Thus, I aim to board the ship at least 90-120 minutes early to avoid long lines, clean up and enjoy watching the pier runners who rush at the last minute.   Their stress is not my stress, lol!