!!! SILHOUETTE !!! Western Caribbean- The Ultimate Review & Complete Pictorial Guide!

[FRMPEI]

 

 

 

That table was dinning with an officer.

 

By the way I was spotted by Kevin (FRMPEI) inside Qsine, he said my mom gave me away, lol. Very nice fellow, I wish I had more time to get aquatinted with him.

 

 

Thanks for the Shout Out. That is the President of Celebrity Cruise Table. Only reason I know is because I went to the Q&A and also noticed him on our floor(10th) quite a few times.

 

We went to the Qsine the week before and Donna tried the Cup Cakes and also said they were dry and not very good. So I convinced here to try the Silver Bullet which is very good. Must reviews say you must do Qsine with more than two people. First week we did with four but second we did it by our selves and enjoyed it more the second time. I liked Qsine and will do it again but I loved Tuscan the best.

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

[FRMPEI]

 

The previous week we went to Sin City, and the headliner who was an Emmy winner from the writing staff of Home Improvement was probably a littler better, and the Burleque Dancer was definitely better the second week, the one you saw. Cause you know I'm such an expert on Burleque dancers, being the Catholic Mom and all. It did feel a little weird to go the Sin City Comedy and then Mass the next day in the same room. Any way the Comedy was restricted to 18+, but believe me it would have been fine for 14+.

 

I do like my comedy dirty... I actually thought the second week guy was better than the first. Yes! I do think the dancer from week 2 was better than the first. Not that I was really looking;)

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

[Freo]

 

 

 

Good picture of the rat guards on the lines. :D

 

Thanks for taking the time to do your reviews of the Allure and the Silhouette. RCCL or X should hire you.

[gambee]

Update,

 

I selected all the pics for the last day yesterday and edited them. I will start writing today and posting tomorrow. I plan on fishing day 7 tomorrow and possibly moving into day 8 (short) and comparisons between X and RCCL.

 

This has been an exciting process, I am a bit sad that it is coming to and end =(.

 

Have a nice week everyone :)

 

Oh and I will answer all the questions also tomorrow or possibly tonight.

[BugsyCruiser]

Gambee reality has returned and I'm in flight back to Chicago O'hare. Thanks again for cleaning the sensor on my camera so my LIVE review wouldn't have been a disaster. I was curious, what bar did you like the most on Silhouette?

[Cruise Arizona]

I do like my comedy dirty... I actually thought the second week guy was better than the first. Yes! I do think the dancer from week 2 was better than the first. Not that I was really looking;)

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

 

Kevin, I don't remember seeing you in the lobby during turn around day, or at the complementary bistro on 5 lunch that day. Which was really good I must say.

 

 

Did you go into Ft. Lauderdale?

 

I wish they had different words on the two Liars Clubs cause I really liked that game show. Did you go to either?

[Highboy90]

Qsine

 

SNIP

 

Now for my biggest complain and the reason that I am most likely not to go back. When I pay additional for a specialty restaurant I like to be relaxed and with some distance from other tables. Qsine is too crowded and you're basically eating with the tables next to you, I am not a fan of that.

One of the biggest things I have seen and read judging from your review is seating for two as I noted the tables were VERY close together. This is something I don't care for either. Having a foot or two between tables doesn't fly with ME. No way to carry on a "private" conversation and I'm not one who cares to "mingle" with others when dining.

 

Keep up the great work Gambee!

[Mepsie]

 

 

While we were waiting outside a nice couple approached us, gosh I forgot both their name and screen name. I am so horrible with names and faces… Anyway they approached us and asked "by the way are you Gambee?" this my friends is the first time that anyone scopes gambee out. I was not wearing my signature hat that day, but I had discussed on the roll call thread that I wanted to visit the Hilton. Anyway they were super cool, we chatted for a few minutes and then the bus came to pic us up. Wait a minute wait a minute, her CC name was Mepsie :) there we go, Gambee knows how to research, at least it makes up for the crappy memory ;)

 

Nice meeting you Mepsie, by the way we found our bag. They had just put it on the wrong place.

 

Wooo Hoooo! We made the Gambee review!

 

Meeting Gambee and his mom was actually kind of funny. We met them soon after we got off the bus at the Hilton. However, at that point, we didn't realize that we were talking to the famous Cruise Critic Reviewer. We asked them where they were from and they said Ft. Lauderdale (just like us), but we didn't put two and two together.

 

We "knew" Gambee from his Allure thread. Prior to booking on the Silhouette, we were planning on booking on the Allure. So, we studied his review carefully. However, just before booking, Celebrity came out with their 1,2,3 promotion and we switched ships (ultimately, we're very happy we switched -- we REALLY enjoyed the Premium drink package).

 

On the Roll Call thread, Gambee had mentioned that he was unable to get a ticket to the Hilton because it was sold out. So, we assumed that he wasn't going to be on this excursion.

 

But, there was still a bunch of coincidences. He was a guy from Ft. Lauderdale in his 20s travelling with his mom. He had a very slight accent. Then again, he was missing some surefire tells -- he had no fedora and he didn't have his Sony NEX camera (he just had his point and click camera).

 

For the next few hours while enjoying the cocktails at the Hilton, we debated whether it was Gambee or not. Finally, we ran into them again before we boarded the bus back to the ship and asked. And, sure enough it was them.

 

I've got to say that Gambee and his mom are even more personable and friendly in person than they are on this board. You can tell that they both really enjoy life -- they're always smiling (even during disembarkation when the ship seemingly lost their luggage).

 

Gambee,

 

Thank you for this thread. We're reliving our fantastic cruise again through your posts! We liked it so much, we rebooked a Silhouette Spring Break again for 2014 (this time to the Eastern Carribean). You can't beat the 1,2,3 promotion.

[Kport2011]

Update,

 

I selected all the pics for the last day yesterday and edited them. I will start writing today and posting tomorrow. I plan on fishing day 7 tomorrow and possibly moving into day 8 (short) and comparisons between X and RCCL.

 

This has been an exciting process, I am a bit sad that it is coming to and end =(.

 

Have a nice week everyone :)

 

Oh and I will answer all the questions also tomorrow or possibly tonight.

 

Thanks Gambee, we were on this cruise and I have enjoyed the review and reliving our experience. We can't wait to get back out on the sea!

[wednesday]

Gorgeous night shots Gambee! I never take a tripod but am thinking about it for my upcoming cruise due to the fact that we overnight in Venice. I gotta start looking for a compact one that will hold my heavy 7D, I have a small gorilla pod but I assume you were using a full size one for these shots?

[FRMPEI]

Kevin, I don't remember seeing you in the lobby during turn around day, or at the complementary bistro on 5 lunch that day. Which was really good I must say.

Did you go into Ft. Lauderdale?

 

I wish they had different words on the two Liars Clubs cause I really liked that game show. Did you go to either?

 

We were down at deck 3 right by the Passport Bar waiting for the International Rep to take us off. Meet time was 10:15 but we never walked off until just after 11 and we didn't even get into the building. Waited a few minutes US customs looked at our passport and sent us back to ship. Reading is a wonderful thing because someone informed at the CC Meet & Greet the next day that there was a complimentary lunch that we missed out on. LOL!

 

Liars Club we went both weeks and Yes! they were exactly the same. We also doubled up the "Silhouette the Show" I really liked the speciality performers.. I am amazed at the strenght of those people. I also enjoyed the Comedic Juggler even though Gambee wasn't very fond of him. But, I do agree with Gambee on the "boy" group singers I hate them also, while my wife loved them.

[Cruise Arizona]

We were down at deck 3 right by the Passport Bar waiting for the International Rep to take us off. Meet time was 10:15 but we never walked off until just after 11 and we didn't even get into the building. Waited a few minutes US customs looked at our passport and sent us back to ship. Reading is a wonderful thing because someone informed at the CC Meet & Greet the next day that there was a complimentary lunch that we missed out on. LOL!

 

Liars Club we went both weeks and Yes! they were exactly the same. We also doubled up the "Silhouette the Show" I really liked the speciality performers.. I am amazed at the strenght of those people. I also enjoyed the Comedic Juggler even though Gambee wasn't very fond of him. But, I do agree with Gambee on the "boy" group singers I hate them also, while my wife loved them.

 

Well we were right their in the pass port lounge with you, but I was getting caught up on FB since we had reception in Ft. Lauderdale. I am trying to remember where the invitation was written for lunch in the bistro, but we were thrilled.

 

Well, the A'capella guys were good, just not my favorite thing, so while I didn't got to their shows in other venues, I did enjoy them in the theater. I thought they were way better than me at singing. Probably the bar is set higher for a'capella groups than for passengers at Karaoke.

 

I too loved the Cirque show. I was amazed a the skill and ballance. I've heard the Ice Shows on Royal Caribbean are equally as exciting, so I'll have to do that at some point too.

[Mepsie]

 

 

 

 

We have a story about the juggler...

 

On the Labadee day (Day 6) around 9 PM, my wife and I were sitting in the Ensemble Lounge drinking some cocktails. We started talking to the couple sitting beside us. We had quite a bit in common; they had kids close in age to our kids; both wives were stay-at-home moms; they were English and we had lived in England for a while.

 

At some point, I asked the husband what he did for a living. He said he was an entertainer. Since he was absolutely hysterical, I thought he was joking when he told me that he was a professional juggler. Eventually, we figured out that he was the headliner from the previous night. My wife and I are not show fans, so we never went to a single show -- we had no idea.

 

Pete Mathews (here's his website) and his wife Claire were an absolutely wonderful couple. Pete travels all over the world working on various cruise lines doing his act. He met his wife 10 years ago on a cruise ship. He was a headliner and she was a dancer in a show. Normally, he travels alone, but on this cruise he brought his wife and kids along for Spring Breaks (their kids were at the Slumber Party at the Fun Factory).

 

Pete introduced me to Espresso Martinis. We spent the next 4+ hours drinking eight or nine each. Needless to say, we ended up quite tipsy. What I didn't know at the time is they make each of those Espresso Martinis with a real shot of espresso. Not only was a drunk, but I was absolutely wired. We ended up closing down the Ensemble Bar.

 

That night when I finally went to bed, sleep was absolutely impossible with all that espresso in me. I gave up and went wandering the ship instead. Unfortunately, the only thing open that late was the casino. Gambling while really drunk and wired was not a good idea. It ended up being an expensive night.

 

After hanging out with them so long, we're really sorry we missed his show. I'm glad most of you enjoyed the show.

[Cruise Arizona]

Mepsie,

 

Great Story, espresso martini's must have the same affect a irish coffee!

[Lois R]

8 Xpressotinis?:eek::confused:....OMG...I love them but you would have to pick

me up from the floor:eek:.....you drank 2 every hour for 4 hours?

WOW:p

[Mepsie]

8 Xpressotinis?:eek::confused:....OMG...I love them but you would have to pick

me up from the floor:eek:.....you drank 2 every hour for 4 hours?

WOW:p

 

LOL!

 

No one needed to pick me off the floor, they needed to scrape me off the ceiling. The caffeine had more of an effect on me than the alcohol. The next morning, instead of waking up hung over, I woke up still jittery.

 

At least we got our money's worth from the premium drink package that night.

[tispwisp]

Another great review, Gambee!! Thank you so much for posting!! :)

[cruzccl]

Update,

 

I selected all the pics for the last day yesterday and edited them. I will start writing today and posting tomorrow. I plan on fishing day 7 tomorrow and possibly moving into day 8 (short) and comparisons between X and RCCL.

 

This has been an exciting process, I am a bit sad that it is coming to and end =(.

 

NO, the end is near!! It is like seeing the luggage in the hallway on the last night feeling.

 

Bill

[Xcitdcruiser]

Hi Gambee, thank you so much for your time & effort with this review, i've really enjoyed tagging along & sad to see it end. I have one question for you... what do you do with all your gorgeous pics? Photobooks? Print them out? There must be thousands of them!

[gambee]

I will answer all the comments later today, I promise. But first let me post this set.

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

[gambee]

The last day of cruise always has a special tone for us, sort of like we know that the cruise will soon be over and we have to make the most out that last day. I have also noticed that I started a new tradition for us, I like leaving the restaurant that I think will be the best for last. For our Silhouette cruise that had to be Murano, french food has always had a sweet spot in my book and I had high hopes for this restaurant.

 

That morning we were woken up by our neighbors, they were in full swing, my guess is that they had a lot of packing to do so the kids were running in the hallway doing tricks and whatnot. I have to admit that on this day they actually wore out my patience and I found myself really frustrated that morning. Eventually I made them aware of my frustration and they settled down a little, I think they send the kids upstairs or something. I really hope that this the worst I will ever experience in a cruise, they were just very inconsiderate people during the entire cruise. I thought of making calls, but I really don't think that would off fixed anything…

 

After they had lowered their volume I decided to check the weather, the word was that day was actually going to be a nice one and there were a lot of eager people waiting to get a tan in that cruise.

 

 

 

 

It was dead on, the weather just looked great, the way it should of been during the entire week. I guess at least we were fortunate enough to get that last day with a little bit of sun.

 

We decide to relax a little and enjoy so quiet time, my mom grabbed my computer and took advantage that the internet was running at a high speed. She wanted to send a few pictures to the family back home. I turned on the TV and took advantage that all the channels were available. We had plans to go the brunch buffet that morning.

 

[gambee]

We then got ready headed down to the captains Q&A. This was very informative and I actually learned much more than I have learned on past Q&As.

 

 

 

There was a fairly good crowd there, if you wanted to ask questions you had to be on the lower level. The captain did ask us people seating upstairs to come and join him on the lower level.

 

So what did he talk about, well I took a few notes, but not all. For one thing I remember him making fun of the Carnival toilets not working and asked us if our toilets were working. He was also asked about the Triumph and what his though was on it. His answer was that a lot of things have to go wrong for a ship to be left adrift like that. I failed to take detailed notes about this, but I believe he said that the S ships have 4 engines and two generators for the hotel (please don't quote me on that). Anyway, he started saying how even if 3 engines were dead he could still cruise at 4 knots per hour to get to port. And even if all 4 engines fail, the hotel will be running like normal on the generators. So for such failure to happen in an S ship, well things have to go really really wrong.

 

At one point someone asked the Costa Concordia accident and his tone of voice change incredibly. He became very sad and the started by saying that as a captain you never take joy out of other cruise accidents. I would imagine so, it is a tight industry and there should be some respect in there. He spoke so nice words and changed topic quickly, it was not something that he was particularly found of talking about and I can understand why.

 

He also made a very strong case that as a captain you always have to be proactive to avoid any problems from developing on the first place.

 

That is also when we learned that he is a captain that really hates missing ports and that is why he pushed to get us into Spots bay, I am very grateful he did. As I stated before two other ships did not call port that, they decided to move on.

 

Someone asked how long it takes to stop the ship and he said that a "crash stop" for that vessel takes 3 minutes or .9 nautical miles. But then he went on and said that this is something that has to be avoided at all cost since it is very harmful for equipment and there is extreme vibration throughout the ship.

 

He spoke a lot about how he became a captain and the steps involved in that process. His folks wanted him to become an architect, but he had other plans. I also believe he became a captain when he was very young.

 

Oh I forgot S ships can travel at 15 knots in reverse.

 

Overal he seemed like a fine captain, very determined and professional. His crew is extremely important to him, he took the last 15 minutes going over his crew and all they do to keep the running, he is very proud of them all. They try to celebrate all of the holidays for the crew and support all nationalities and their traditions.

 

Two thumbs up for the captain, I think this is the captain that I have seen the most out of my 3 cruises :D.

 

[gambee]

Mom and I left before the ending, actually I could not believe that I stayed there so long. I tend to get bored easily in events like this and staying there so long means that it had a good entertainment factor to keep in there.

 

By the time we left I was starving and so was mom, we could not wait to see the brunch buffet in the MDR. This is something that I had read from many review and I even had my iphone set to remind me that day, definitely something that I did not want to miss.

 

The way it works is that they setup the lower level of the MDR with with all the food and then you find a table to go eat. Since the lower level fills out quickly we went to the second floor to eat and were fortunate enough to get a table by the window =)

 

I will let the pictures do the talking now.