Silhouette 2/19 - 2/26 - quick thoughts

Just returned from an amazing week of vacation in the Caribbean! The weather was perfect, the seas were perfect, and overall everyone really enjoyed themselves. A little back ground here - we were part of one of three groups on this cruise. There was us (The Bearracuda/Heretic Group), the Pied Piper group, and the Media Research Center. The first being a gay bear/drag group, the second being a gay group, and the third being a conservative Media watchdog group.

All in all everyone got along fine - and some petty complaints were received. "My child was scared by the drag queens - can you keep them in the performance areas?" "Your group is stealing my groups bookings" etc.... but no overarching issues or problems. I was called "disgusting" by one person on the cruise - to which I simply responded "I love you too." My little soap box here is - if you give me the power to ruin your vacation - I'm going to take it. I was fun in my world, I would expect you to do the same. But that's just my style.

Now off of the soapbox and on to the review:

• The ship is beautiful, well maintained, and the artwork is amazing
  
• The crew were above and beyond friendly. I tend to keep my manners when cruising and found it odd that a lot of the crew won't allow you to hold a door open for them or give them any deference - but once I sort of processed that I am full of please, thank you, and when you have a moment. A++ for service
  
• The food in the dining room was good and the wine service was top notch. It was a little slow the first night, but thats to be expected. If you have the premium package - they will just come by with the bottle and fill your glass without having to take your card again.
  
• The food in the buffet was really really good! Especially the Indian food section! My only complaint would be the periods where it was just pasta and pizza, or later when no food was offered. Being younger - my breakfast/lunch/dinner times don't coincide with tradition. I like a nice big breakfast at 11 (where the selections were limited), lunch a bit later (again, very limited selections), and occasionally a 1am snack (no food on board with the exception of room service with a $4.95 fee).
  
• Room service breakfast was not good at all - if you aren't in a suite, skip it. Just hit the buffett - you're much better off. I will say they are prompt and give you courtesy call before coming to your room.
  
• There is a hard sell for upgrading your package to premium, but only for a few days. Also a fairly hard sell a few days in the dining room for specialty dining. If they offer you the $30 Sushi on Five meal - take them up on it. We didn't but went and enjoyed a lovely meal - which when split among the part was about $30 as well. Its really tasty! Try the Kampai cocktail!
  
• The World Class Bar is lovely - the bartenders are knowledgeable and the drinks are really great! I felt bad as they had to occasionally direct people to the other bars who wanted something not on the menu. Important note: the world class bar is not a full service bar - they serve what is on the menus, and that is all.
  

Ports:

Coco Cay: we had some issues with this stop - we got the cabanas on south beach (for which you have to pay a fee to utilize, and have your private bar and lunch delivered to your cabana). I realize that there are limited services - but the bar at the cabana area was barely stocked (no orange juice, no bloody mary mix, no tequila, no blender, limited alcohol selections), but if one is paying for the space - I would think the service level there should be as good as it is in the main section and not far worse. If you wanted a frozen beverage - you had to take the transportation all the way back to the main area and back. Otherwise - beautiful beach day, the floating bar (though again understocked) is a nice touch and everyone was friendly.

Cozumel - we spent the day at Carlos & Charlies - a great day, but it was quite windy and a fair number of excursions were cancelled because of that.

Grand Cayman - skipped due to weather, refunded port charges, no extra on board credit was offered or needed. You could see how dangerous it was from the boat (and feel it on the boat).

Falmouth - due to the anti-gay nature of Jamaica - most of our group opted to stay on board. We had a party on the solstice deck (which I did not attend because it was blazing hot). In stead we got an alcove on the lawn. It was a beautiful way to spend a day relaxing, drinking wine, and enjoying the company of friends. Oh and being shielded from the sun! Husband and I also had a couples massage - which was beautiful. At the end the joined our hands, turned our heads towards each other and rang the ball, then removed our masks so we were looking at each other. It was quite romantic and very much needed!

This is sort of rambling - but I'm happy to answer any questions. We're booked next year for the Silhouette again departing February 04!

Adding: LUGGAGE VALET IS BACK!!!

Great review - enjoyed it! One question: what % of World Class bar menu would you estimate is covered w/premium package? Are majority of choices within that range or higher priced?

Great review - enjoyed it! One question: what % of World Class bar menu would you estimate is covered w/premium package? Are majority of choices within that range or higher priced?

There are maybe three that aren't covered - but literally you pay the difference - so you pay $2.36 for whatever isn't covered.

I believe those are: the bulleit infusion, Zapaca Rum w/ applewood smoked bacon, and the Ketel one on a cloud. All three are delicious; and if you like bulleit - the infusion is a must try!!!

Mr. Ken,

We re on Silhouette starting March 12th, so thanks for posting. :)

So glad to hear about your fabulous-sounding sailing on this beautiful ship, tx!

Appreciate the feedback.

awesome review. Thanks for posting. As a gay man who travels often, I appreciate your point of view. I especially appreciate your sharing it in a very public platform

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Thank you for your review.

Great review, I love the Silhouette! As a political conservative, it hurts me to know you experienced rude fellow passengers claiming to be conservatives. I am so sorry for them!

Please know you are loved as a human being by many more people than you will ever know. It's fantastic you enjoyed a wonderful cruise and hope you cruise again soon!

Blessings and light to you....

There are maybe three that aren't covered - but literally you pay the difference - so you pay $2.36 for whatever isn't covered.

 

I believe those are: the bulleit infusion, Zapaca Rum w/ applewood smoked bacon, and the Ketel one on a cloud. All three are delicious; and if you like bulleit - the infusion is a must try!!!

Thanks! :)

Ken...thanks for a great review. Silhouette is my favorite Solstice Class ship in the fleet. She just has a great soul. A group of us were on the Transatlantic in November and we are booked again for November this year. You have a wonderful attitude when it comes to those who try to be mean. Happy sailing! Mike

Great review, I love the Silhouette! As a political conservative, it hurts me to know you experienced rude fellow passengers claiming to be conservatives. I am so sorry for them!

 

Please know you are loved as a human being by many more people than you will ever know. It's fantastic you enjoyed a wonderful cruise and hope you cruise again soon!

 

Blessings and light to you....

That's appreciated! I figure when we're on vacation we're neither conservatives nor liberals -- just people enjoying a little sun and the company of others!

My husband and I were also on this cruise and had a wonderful time. We enjoyed many conversations with some of the men we encountered at dinner at the Lawn Club Grill. They were all very friendly and polite to us. Were consider ourselves conservatives, but were appalled at some of the comments we heard from some of the guests on the ship. My goodness, just live your life and let others live their's.

Thank you your post

Thanks for your post - and the information on the World Class Bar! Will have to put that in our to do list.

I was on this cruise and largely agree with your review. We were urged to upgrade to a cabana at Coco Cay from a beach bungalow with a promise of an enhanced bar with special drinks. Ha! We loved the cabana despite the bar's shortcomings, and the upgraded buffet was good. We were lucky with the weather the entire week. My only complaint is that we missed the drag queens entirely--what fun they must be. Glad you had a good cruise.

Just returned from an amazing week of vacation in the Caribbean! The weather was perfect, the seas were perfect, and overall everyone really enjoyed themselves. A little back ground here - we were part of one of three groups on this cruise. There was us (The Bearracuda/Heretic Group), the Pied Piper group, and the Media Research Center. The first being a gay bear/drag group, the second being a gay group, and the third being a conservative Media watchdog group.

 

 

All in all everyone got along fine - and some petty complaints were received. "My child was scared by the drag queens - can you keep them in the performance areas?" "Your group is stealing my groups bookings" etc.... but no overarching issues or problems. I was called "disgusting" by one person on the cruise - to which I simply responded "I love you too." My little soap box here is - if you give me the power to ruin your vacation - I'm going to take it. I was fun in my world, I would expect you to do the same. But that's just my style.

 

Now off of the soapbox and on to the review:

• The ship is beautiful, well maintained, and the artwork is amazing
  
• The crew were above and beyond friendly. I tend to keep my manners when cruising and found it odd that a lot of the crew won't allow you to hold a door open for them or give them any deference - but once I sort of processed that I am full of please, thank you, and when you have a moment. A++ for service
  
• The food in the dining room was good and the wine service was top notch. It was a little slow the first night, but thats to be expected. If you have the premium package - they will just come by with the bottle and fill your glass without having to take your card again.
  
• The food in the buffet was really really good! Especially the Indian food section! My only complaint would be the periods where it was just pasta and pizza, or later when no food was offered. Being younger - my breakfast/lunch/dinner times don't coincide with tradition. I like a nice big breakfast at 11 (where the selections were limited), lunch a bit later (again, very limited selections), and occasionally a 1am snack (no food on board with the exception of room service with a $4.95 fee).
  
• Room service breakfast was not good at all - if you aren't in a suite, skip it. Just hit the buffett - you're much better off. I will say they are prompt and give you courtesy call before coming to your room.
  
• There is a hard sell for upgrading your package to premium, but only for a few days. Also a fairly hard sell a few days in the dining room for specialty dining. If they offer you the $30 Sushi on Five meal - take them up on it. We didn't but went and enjoyed a lovely meal - which when split among the part was about $30 as well. Its really tasty! Try the Kampai cocktail!
  
• The World Class Bar is lovely - the bartenders are knowledgeable and the drinks are really great! I felt bad as they had to occasionally direct people to the other bars who wanted something not on the menu. Important note: the world class bar is not a full service bar - they serve what is on the menus, and that is all.
  

Ports:

 

 

Coco Cay: we had some issues with this stop - we got the cabanas on south beach (for which you have to pay a fee to utilize, and have your private bar and lunch delivered to your cabana). I realize that there are limited services - but the bar at the cabana area was barely stocked (no orange juice, no bloody mary mix, no tequila, no blender, limited alcohol selections), but if one is paying for the space - I would think the service level there should be as good as it is in the main section and not far worse. If you wanted a frozen beverage - you had to take the transportation all the way back to the main area and back. Otherwise - beautiful beach day, the floating bar (though again understocked) is a nice touch and everyone was friendly.

 

 

Cozumel - we spent the day at Carlos & Charlies - a great day, but it was quite windy and a fair number of excursions were cancelled because of that.

 

 

Grand Cayman - skipped due to weather, refunded port charges, no extra on board credit was offered or needed. You could see how dangerous it was from the boat (and feel it on the boat).

 

 

Falmouth - due to the anti-gay nature of Jamaica - most of our group opted to stay on board. We had a party on the solstice deck (which I did not attend because it was blazing hot). In stead we got an alcove on the lawn. It was a beautiful way to spend a day relaxing, drinking wine, and enjoying the company of friends. Oh and being shielded from the sun! Husband and I also had a couples massage - which was beautiful. At the end the joined our hands, turned our heads towards each other and rang the ball, then removed our masks so we were looking at each other. It was quite romantic and very much needed!

 

 

This is sort of rambling - but I'm happy to answer any questions. We're booked next year for the Silhouette again departing February 04!

I was also on this cruise. Thanks for the warning for next Feb..........

To the original poster---I was as also on the cruise too. I will agree on some of your review--food late at night not so great, room service not good. Staff, beyond attentive, respectful and down and outright nice,all of the time! Great ship and will defiantly go again. Thumbs up to Celebrity.

Please allow me to tell the other side of the story. On to the group you were a part of since you have identified your self as the group with the "beards".

Your "group" and the "gay group" made it very well known from the get go that it's your vacation and nothing was going to stop you all from acting inappropriately at times on this ship.

Heterosexual couples do not engage in over the top touchy-feely,carresssing,cuddling up with sweet kisses all over ones face and neck with each other in public. I also witnessed three men at one time all intertwined ( on the lounges at the pool area) of which 3 men were caressing each other. 3????? This is not the norm in today's society for anybody.

I don't care who is gay,straight,bi or whatever but when these two groups put it in everyone's face to the point of not caring what is acceptable in today's society on how to act in public settings then there's a problem.

This is not normal behavior for ANYBODY and these groups as you have so identified really didn't care as it was your vacation too.

It's called respect, and yes family's with kids didn't need to see this.

In Blu,my husband and I witnessed a group of men leaving as they were done with their dinner.They seemed joyful and happy, giggling on out the door. All is well. All of a sudden on their way out they are giggling like teenage girls grabbing each other's asses. Not cool.

Another night, at Blu a man wearing a t.shirt with a saying in it:

"It takes balls to be a fairy."

Or another one, " parking in rear".

I can go on and on but I have made my point.

Did it ruin our cruise or did we complain about this,no.

Did we engage in conversation with some men at the Martini bar,or by the pool yes. Very nice when one is acting with respect to all. Very pleasant men.

My point is, some behavior some of the time was inappropriate and unacceptable done by some men in these groups. Enough said from " the other side".

Heterosexual couples do not engage in over the top touchy-feely,carresssing,cuddling up with sweet kisses all over ones face and neck with each other in public.

I fully respect your opinion with the one exception of this part. As a couple (whether gay or straight) I reserve the right to be affectionate with my husband in public, and saying this is a strictly gay thing is patently incorrect.

Regardless,I'm glad you had a good time, and glad you got to have some good stimulating conversations!

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To the original poster---I was as also on the cruise too. I will agree on some of your review--food late at night not so great, room service not good. Staff, beyond attentive, respectful and down and outright nice,all of the time! Great ship and will defiantly go again. Thumbs up to Celebrity.

Please allow me to tell the other side of the story. On to the group you were a part of since you have identified your self as the group with the "beards".

Your "group" and the "gay group" made it very well known from the get go that it's your vacation and nothing was going to stop you all from acting inappropriately at times on this ship.

Heterosexual couples do not engage in over the top touchy-feely,carresssing,cuddling up with sweet kisses all over ones face and neck with each other in public. I also witnessed three men at one time all intertwined ( on the lounges at the pool area) of which 3 men were caressing each other. 3????? This is not the norm in today's society for anybody.

I don't care who is gay,straight,bi or whatever but when these two groups put it in everyone's face to the point of not caring what is acceptable in today's society on how to act in public settings then there's a problem.

This is not normal behavior for ANYBODY and these groups as you have so identified really didn't care as it was your vacation too.

It's called respect, and yes family's with kids didn't need to see this.

In Blu,my husband and I witnessed a group of men leaving as they were done with their dinner.They seemed joyful and happy, giggling on out the door. All is well. All of a sudden on their way out they are giggling like teenage girls grabbing each other's asses. Not cool.

Another night, at Blu a man wearing a t.shirt with a saying in it:

"It takes balls to be a fairy."

Or another one, " parking in rear".

I can go on and on but I have made my point.

Did it ruin our cruise or did we complain about this,no.

Did we engage in conversation with some men at the Martini bar,or by the pool yes. Very nice when one is acting with respect to all. Very pleasant men.

My point is, some behavior some of the time was inappropriate and unacceptable done by some men in these groups. Enough said from " the other side".

After the first day, we didn't even go to the pool. Very uncomfortable and did not need to see the crap that went on. Put some bathing trunks on. i don't need to see your junk hanging out all over the place. Keep your freakin hands off each other. Bumping and grinding all over the ship. Actually saw 1 giving himself a "personal massage" on Deck 12. Had a chat with the captain and he said he would check the videos. Hopefully that was the person I saw being escorted off in Jamacia. Thumbs down to Celebrity for not advising that this cruise would have groups that some might not want to vacation with...especially with children. I also felt that the nightly gatherings at the Martini Bar made it so some would not go there after happy hour. And after the 3rd night, there seemed to be a crew member stationed at the men's room next to the Martini Bar...think maybe there was some action in there also. We are done with Celebrity for now

After the first day, we didn't even go to the pool. Very uncomfortable and did not need to see the crap that went on. Put some bathing trunks on. i don't need to see your junk hanging out all over the place. Keep your freakin hands off each other. Bumping and grinding all over the ship. Actually saw 1 giving himself a "personal massage" on Deck 12. Had a chat with the captain and he said he would check the videos. Hopefully that was the person I saw being escorted off in Jamacia. Thumbs down to Celebrity for not advising that this cruise would have groups that some might not want to vacation with...especially with children. I also felt that the nightly gatherings at the Martini Bar made it so some would not go there after happy hour. And after the 3rd night, there seemed to be a crew member stationed at the men's room next to the Martini Bar...think maybe there was some action in there also. We are done with Celebrity for now

A square cut suit or a speedo type suit ARE swimming suits. They are designed for the purpose in which they were used. If I was here spouting out that certain women should shouldn't be wearing bikini suits - I'd be labeled as a misogynist and shunned. I support everyone's choice to make their own fashion choices, whether I agree them or not. Also - if you've ever been to Europe or saw any of the many Europeans on board - you'd see that not everyone wears "trunks."

The security guard by the men's room had absolutely nothing to do with our group. In addition, you assume that the person on deck 12 doing very inappropriate things was part of our group, which I don't know if it was or wasn't - but it's not a fair assumption.

Just FYI - the nightly gatherings at the Martini Bar were LGBTQ meetups scheduled by the Celebrity, they were on the Celebrity Today - our events were constrained to Quasar, Celebrity Central, one in the Sky lounge, one late night in the solarium, and one on deck 16. We did not have any events or meet ups at the martini bar.

Finally - no one was told about any groups - we weren't told about the extreme conservative group, they weren't told about our group, you weren't told about any group. In the spirit of fairness - February 4, 2018 you'll want to not book on the Silhouette. But good luck finding a cruise line that doesn't at some time or another host a gay group!

Thumbs down to Celebrity for not advising that this cruise would have groups that some might not want to vacation with...especially with children.

We cancelled a Reflection cruise last year due to large groups we didn't want to have crowding us out of bars, etc. and didn't want to deal with based on descriptions of activities. Cruise lines will never tell you about the groups onboard.

I've started using this site to check for groups on cruises and it has been very helpful: http://themecruisefinder.com

Thanks for the theme cruise link...Very helpful!

Thanks for your review of the Silhouette - we'll be aboard next February for the Eastern Caribbean cruise. Sorry to hear about your bad experiences!