Just Off Celebrity Reflection Review- if under 30 MUST READ

[dgreenie28]

A little background: I have been on over 40 cruises and my boyfriend as well. We've sailed RCCL, Princess, Disney, Celebrity, MSC, Costa, Holland America, and more. We met on the Celebrity Equinox in 2010 and have been together since. We are both 24 years old. We figured to celebrate 6 years and go on the Reflection, the newest of the Equinox ships.

 

My boyfriend and I just got off of the Celebrity Reflection. We sailed Jan 30- Feb 6. We traveled on the 7 night Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Georgetown, Jamaica, and Nassau (because there was a storm in CocoCay).

 

Let's start with the food-

Breakfast- the ONLY meal onboard I enjoyed. In the buffet they had an omelette station. They had salmon lox were great and I was satisfied. I had the same omelette every day: fresh eggs, onion, tomatoes, and spinach.

 

Lunch- The second we got on board we went to the buffet (OceanView Cafe). I had chicken fajitas and boyfriend had roasted chicken with white rice. The chicken fajitas were warm - not hot and the guac was ok. Chips were normal. Boyfriend said the roasted chicken was ok, but he was still hungry after eating it. The white rice was dry. I had the same thing for lunch for the first 4 days of the cruise - chicken fajitas with guac and chips- because there was nothing else that I liked so as you can imagine I got sick of it REAL fast. The next couple days I had lunch at the ports and on the last day at sea lunch I had 2 pieces of vegetable sushi and gave up. At this point I was pissed because my stomach was not enjoying anything I was eating and I just couldn't get myself to eat anything else because the thought made me nauseous. I love salad but every time I went to get some lettuce and spinach the lettuce had many brown spots and the spinach did not look appetizing. Boyfriend had room service for lunch every day because everything else was gross. The room service roasted chicken sandwich was the best food we had the whole cruise.

 

Dinner- dinner. oh dinner. So for months before the cruise we wanted to book the 6pm dining. We had it in the very beginning but decided to switch it to late (8:30pm) dining and regretted it. We were on the wait list for the 6pm dining for months. We got onboard and asked the assistant manager if we can switch. He said he will send us a note for tomorrow night but for the first night we had to keep 8:30pm. We saw the first show and then went to dinner. There wasn't anything to my liking on the menu for the first night so I ordered the regular chicken breast with mash potatoes and vegetables. This was an option for every night if you wanted. The chicken was maybe 2 oz and the mashed potatoes no kidding or exaggerating was a table spoon. 1 table spoon! Ok I'm sorry but who eats that and thinks "wow I'm stuffed" NOT ME. I then ordered dessert, I got chocolate cake and it was so dry I couldn't eat it. We got a phone call the next day saying we should have a postcard saying we're in the earlier dining... We called back and they said yes and we were at the same table we were at during 8:30pm. That confused us. We went to dinner at 6pm and they told us we were at 8:30pm and were never moved. They accommodated us anyway. Boyfriend didn't want anything on the menu, I didn't want anything either but I decided to just get the chicken breast once again. Same portion size but the chocolate cake was at least more moist. Boyfriend wanted pasta- which they accommodated the night before for him. The dining manager (not sure if this is her position but she was someone above all the wait staff). She came over to us asking us why we wanted pasta and how we got it. Then brought our precious waiter over and yelled at him in front of us for getting him pasta the night before. That was the last time we went to the dining room. Every time I saw this lady in the buffet she was yelling at the staff for not doing something correctly. Side note- I worked as a manager for a long time and customer service is ALWAYS number 1. Boyfriend went to get apple juice one morning at 11:30am, when they switched back to water, he had his cup filling up and the lady stopped him and made them switch to water. Boyfriend was NOT happy. This lady did not care about customers whatsoever. Every other night for dinner we either didn't eat or just went to the buffet to get warm, hard, food.

 

Pool- we slept until about 9am every morning. Ate breakfast and went to the pool on sea days. We were at the pool at 11am the latest I would say, there was not ONE lounge chair. Forget about being in the sun, there wasn't even one in the shade! No one wants to sit in the solarium with no sun, so everyone sits by the pool which is the size of my left toe. Even on the top deck you can't get sun because it's mostly all shaded.

 

Entertainment- Alexander was our cruise director who I found hilarious. He always had a smile and seemed like he really enjoys his job. Melissa was our activities manager and she was the best. She was so funny and so fun! She didn't have a voice for the first part of the cruise but she still made us all have a great time. Charlotte (I forgot her position) was great as well!

We have one complaint- THE MUSIC- this ship had horrible music. There are no clubs on board so they would have a night dance party but they played the SAME BORING MUSIC everywhere. Madonna, Beatles, 80s music. I'm 24 years old and love to party. I did not party once. I played in the casino because there was nothing better to do!!! Our last day of the cruise we were stopped in Nassau. The ship next to us was the Norwegian Escape we begged to get on board to that ship because they were blasting amazing music from the pool and from getting on the boat. We were so depressed we weren't allowed on board. It seemed like such an amazing ship from 10 feet away...TAKE US WITH YOU NCL ESCAPE!!!

When laying out by the pool they would play EDM which we love and then they would stop the good music to have the live band play the same 10 songs they play every day and night of the cruise. Amy Winehouse, Adele, Uncle Cracker, and The Beatles- yawn.

 

Casino- AMAZING casino staff. I have never met a more friendly casino staff. Richie taught me how to play craps and made sure I was comfortable enough to play. There were 3 dealers who I adored! They encourage you to win and helped me walk away when I should!! They knew me by name and really made he casino the most enjoyable part of the cruise.

 

Shows- the first comedy show was ok, we didn't find it that funny. The stars of reflection were great. They put on 3 fabulous shows. There was an illusionist who put on a great show as well. The one show which was Audiovox, musical group who played music with only the sounds of their mouths and they were the best show above all on the ship. We really enjoyed that on the third night.

 

The boat was extremely rocky the last 4 nights of the cruise. I have never gotten sea sick in my life and I had to wear sea bands all 4 nights so I didn't actually get sick. I was woken up all 4 nights from the rocking.

 

Unfortunately, we didn't have a great time. I would've much rather been on Royal Caribbean or now NCL! We are done cruising for a long time and we think we're going to look into an all inclusive resort where we can actually relax, have a good time and meet other couples in their 20's and 30's who we could have a fun time with. Just the fact that this entire ship was a 55 and over (or even 70+) cruise just made it depressing for us. Maybe if we had picked a better week that could have changed, but even the ship itself just does not offer an exciting range of activities. It's rather small and besides the bars doesn't offer a thrilling vacation. The pool being crowded and so noisy, and just constantly feeling unhappy with the service, we feel like we need a vacation after this vacation. An all inclusive resort with outstanding food, and a place to relax with exclusive service and a night life too, would be our next pick.

 

Side note: I got very sick the last night. I got a very bad cold and it's not going away!!

 

I'll answer any questions you may have!

[FlorenceItaly]

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. I am sorry the cruise was not all you hoped for. Perhaps Celebrity is not a good fit for you after all. It does sound like there were some highlights for you. Also, being sea sick can put a damper on the cruise. Wishing you the best on your next vacation.

 

 

Marie

[irishgal1970]

My sister and I, early and mid-40s, just got off the same cruise. We had a completely different experience. I'll be posting a review in the next few days. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise. We have only sailed Celebrity, and I would like to try another line.

[Oz_Steve]

No questions your review says everything.

[az_tchr]

Cruising even on RCL is orientated toward much older passengers. I think you would enjoy the resort idea more than any cruise line. Celebrity is not a party ship and with the average age over 50 the music is set up for their regular clientele.

 

Do find it interesting that you found nothing in the MDR menu that ever interested you! Really? There are some 6 choices each night that rotate and 6 regular ones. fish, meat and vegetarian and nothing? As to portions chicken breast is a standard 4oz. portion cut and if you had asked your waiter would have brought you two, three or four portions. Similar to other food. They will bring you whatever you want and as much of it as you eat. Four desserts? Fine. Five shrimp cocktails? OK.

As to the buffet - how about cooked to order steak or chicken? Pasta or wok cooked to order? Agree the food you dish up that is precooked is - well . . . . buffet food.

[Blondie008]

We are already booked on a Celebrity cruise to Alaska - and for Alaska - we are sure it will be fantastic. But after last year's TA cruise on the Nursing Home - sorry Equinox - we wont be doing a longer cruise with Celebrity for quite some time.

They closed Quasar during our 14 night cruise - and honestly FabbaAbba 50s 60s, 60s 8os ugh

There was some of the "Miami dj" vibe we had hoped for in the main atrium some nights - but we missed a club and a buzz. Did you have a Quasar?

There was so much illness around - we also caught the worst virus we have ever endured - pretty much ruined our two week cruise...

 

Booked on NCL for our 14 night fun this year :)

Incidentally we were in Aquaclass - we did love BLU (and have booked this again for Alaska) - but the spa - is dismal - not a patch on NCL's amazing spa spaces!

The food on Celebrity I have to say was good - opposite experience of you as in we thought the Buffet was awesome for lunch - well - if we could dodge the scooters and zimmers ....

But - I can understand where you are coming from. We are not quite ready to give up our party feet just yet ;)

[BILL-WI]

Not really sure what to say...sorry you had a bad time.

 

You met six years ago on Celebrity Equinox...has the food changed that much since then, did you like the food then and now you don't?

 

Did you try any of the specialty restaurants?

 

BILL

[misha1]

Can I be a little nosey? How can you have so many cruises under your belt at your tender age? I started my cruise career at age 40 and I have 20 cruises (and in my circle...that is a lot) I suppose living in Florida helps, if it wasn't for air fare, we would probably be able to sail more often as well. We are sailing Reflection March of 2017. Hope to find something to eat when we are on board.

[ORV]

No questions your review says everything.

 

 

And you post says everything I wanted to say. Say hi when I stop by Suva here in a few weeks.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Sorry you had a bad time.

 

The food issues do sound like more a case of extreme pickiness than anything else as I have yet to be on a ship with MULTIPLE options not only in the MDR but other non-charge options as well.

 

As for the rockiness... you DO realize that the ship has little to no control over that, right? Even RCCL or NCL will hit rocky water. I always shake my head when people complain about rockiness when they are on a SHIP on the OCEAN like the captain is controlling it somehow, standing on the bridge pushing a "Big Waves NOW" button.

Edited February 7, 2016 by WrittenOnYourHeart

[Guest]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience, as a young adult, i hate to see young people being put off by the age of people onboard. I really think that the time you go on a cruise dictates the average age of the passenger.

 

I am 21, and preferred the Caribbean Cruise on the Eclipse in March/April (just after Spring Break) which had a LOT of older people onboard, to the RCI cruise in the Med in the UK summer holidays. Although there were older people on board, there were still young couples enjoying their vacation along with the elder passengers.

 

Our first (and probably only) cruise with RCI was on the Adventure last year, and was full to capacity with young people. There were kids jumping in lifts, pressing all the buttons and running out again, kids dropping money down lift shafts, teens running through the ship corridors at night and hoards roaming the ship. I understand that you probably meant there were less people your age, but with young adults usually come young children.

 

I think cruises naturally attract a older clientele, you just have to choose the right time of the year to go (and not a cheap RCI from Southhampton in the middle of the UK summer break).

 

Im sure a Spring Break cruise on celebrity would be full of younger couples!

 

I've always wanted to try NCL, but am put off by the relaxed eating arrangements and lack of dress codes (Which for me, dressing up is the best part of the cruise!!!)

[thebutlerdidit]

I always appreciate travelers who post their reviews. Everyone has a unique experience and it's really interesting to see how people react when something is not quite right. I have to admit, I'm a little puzzled by a few of your actions and comments. Your boyfriend got roasted chicken from the buffet but he was still hungry after finishing it. Am I the only one wondering why he didn't go get some more? Or something else? Or did he, and you were just posting an observation?

 

In the main dining room you ordered chicken, vegetables, mashed potatoes and chocolate cake. Entree portions were unsatisfactory and the chocolate cake wasn't edible because it was so dry. So you ordered the same thing the next night? Even the chocolate cake?

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

I always appreciate travelers who post their reviews. Everyone has a unique experience and it's really interesting to see how people react when something is not quite right. I have to admit, I'm a little puzzled by a few of your actions and comments. Your boyfriend got roasted chicken from the buffet but he was still hungry after finishing it. Am I the only one wondering why he didn't go get some more? Or something else? Or did he, and you were just posting an observation?

 

In the main dining room you ordered chicken, vegetables, mashed potatoes and chocolate cake. Entree portions were unsatisfactory and the chocolate cake wasn't edible because it was so dry. So you ordered the same thing the next night? Even the chocolate cake?

 

Excellent points. No, you're not the only one wondering at that. I personally never thought of "roasted chicken" as a particularly "filling" dish, especially on its own.

 

As for the exact same meal ordered the next night, see my comment above about apparent extreme pickiness. Seems like there was nothing else that "her stomach" felt like tasting.

[Oz_Steve]

And you post says everything I wanted to say. Say hi when I stop by Suva here in a few weeks.

 

On 16th of March?

Do you have plans on what you are going to do?

[MustBCruzn]

As for the rockiness... you DO realize that the ship has little to no control over that, right? Even RCCL or NCL will hit rocky water. I always shake my head when people complain about rockiness when they are on a SHIP on the OCEAN like the captain is controlling it somehow, standing on the bridge pushing a "Big Waves NOW" button.

 

You cracked me up with the "Big Waves NOW" button". :D Different strokes, certainly, as Celebrity is my son and daughter's (23 & 26) cruise line of choice. We've cruised as a family on Carnival and Royal several times each, but the last 5 family cruises have been on Celebrity (Infinity, Solstice x 2, Eclipse, and Equinox). They both agree that Celebrity is the line for them and have decided that all future family cruises have to be on a Celebrity S class ship. I'm ok with that! :D

Edited February 7, 2016 by MustBCruzn

[Cruise a holic]

Sorry you didn't have a great positive experience. We always do on Celebrity and usually (except the Quantum) Royal. For lunch, we really enjoy the buffet, bistro on five, and the grill. We spoke to many other passengers who enjoyed the spa cafe. For breakfast and many dinners, we now love luminae. Qsine, Murano, Tuscan and especially the lawn grill are excellent. While I will agree if you do get up late, it is difficult to find a lounger near the pool, you can however always find a seat on the upper deck above the pool. We were recently on the NCL breakaway in the Haven It was wonderful however if you aren't in the Haven the crowds are unbelievable At 11 you wlill probably not find a seat outside on any deck. Celebrity entertainment does not compare with Royal's Oasis or Freedom class. Overall Celebrity wins in most categories IMO

 

Princess and Carnival are in a lesser category IMO. As a previous poster suggested perhaps you should consider a resort, especially in Vegas , Aruba or South Beach you might not be the cruise types.

 

Enjoy your future vacations.

Edited February 7, 2016 by Cruise a holic

[Keith1010]

Sorry this one didn't work out for you but you would never know unless you took the cruise.

 

Keith

Edited February 7, 2016 by Keith1010

[Fouremco]

Interesting. In October, OP stated that she and her boyfriend had each cruised 20 - 30 times, but now, only a few months later, she has cruised over 40 times! I wish I could squeeze in ten or twenty cruises in just three months! :rolleyes:

[Flamencacha]

We are already booked on a Celebrity cruise to Alaska - and for Alaska - we are sure it will be fantastic. But after last year's TA cruise on the Nursing Home - sorry Equinox - we wont be doing a longer cruise with Celebrity for quite some time.

 

They closed Quasar during our 14 night cruise - and honestly FabbaAbba 50s 60s, 60s 8os ugh

 

There was some of the "Miami dj" vibe we had hoped for in the main atrium some nights - but we missed a club and a buzz. Did you have a Quasar?

 

There was so much illness around - we also caught the worst virus we have ever endured - pretty much ruined our two week cruise...

 

 

 

Booked on NCL for our 14 night fun this year :)

 

Incidentally we were in Aquaclass - we did love BLU (and have booked this again for Alaska) - but the spa - is dismal - not a patch on NCL's amazing spa spaces!

 

The food on Celebrity I have to say was good - opposite experience of you as in we thought the Buffet was awesome for lunch - well - if we could dodge the scooters and zimmers ....

 

But - I can understand where you are coming from. We are not quite ready to give up our party feet just yet ;)

 

 

Hey Girl

 

You did have an awful time with that cold.

 

I agree Celebrity is not necessarily a good fit with young couples or singles. I am trying them again for the Christmas New Years holidays. I ate well, buffet, MDR etc. I am close to mid Fifties and felt like a twenty something.

 

 

Good news on the Roll Call it appears to be a bit of a younger crowd than what I experienced on the Equinox.

 

Rachelle

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[thebutlerdidit]

Excellent points. No, you're not the only one wondering at that. I personally never thought of "roasted chicken" as a particularly "filling" dish, especially on its own.

 

As for the exact same meal ordered the next night, see my comment above about apparent extreme pickiness. Seems like there was nothing else that "her stomach" felt like tasting.

 

A possible pregnancy also crossed my mind when reading how nothing seemed to appeal. Been there, so I can see that causing issues. I don't want to start any rumors, but it crossed my mind.

[scorchestra]

. I have to admit, I'm a little puzzled by a few of your actions and comments. Your boyfriend got roasted chicken from the buffet but he was still hungry after finishing it. Am I the only one wondering why he didn't go get some more? Or something else?

 

LOL. I was wondering the exact same thing.

[mvaughan]

40 cruises and 24? I only book insides and get upgraded to suites all the time. If you think cruise ship food is bad have fun at a resort.

Edited February 7, 2016 by mvaughan

[dkjretired]

Surely no one here believes this a real review....its nothing more than troll that seems to have snagged quite a few fish here!:rolleyes:

 

And you have obviously not read their previous posts in which case you would find out they are not a troll....

[dkjretired]

40 cruises and 24? Ok.

 

What confuses me is that after 40 cruises, they are surprised that if you get up at 11:00 you're not going to get a seat in the sun at the pool.

 

Also, be advised there are many people who do not like to bathe in the sun. I am in the Solarium all the time since I am a melanoma patient and I know that no sunburn or suntan is good for you, melanoma or not.

[MR_T]

My sister and I, early and mid-40s, just got off the same cruise. We had a completely different experience. I'll be posting a review in the next few days. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise. We have only sailed Celebrity, and I would like to try another line.

 

 

Looking forward to reading a real review... We sail soon so will be good to hear what you say! [emoji4]