Just Off Celebrity Reflection Review- if under 30 MUST READ

[dkjretired]

I got a good laugh also at the comment about Reflection being a small ship. It is one of the larger cruise ships in the world and if she had been on so many previous cruises over the years, I'm sure she was on ships much, much smaller.

[MR_T]

She was using hyperbole throughout her review. :)

 

 

 

I am curious to know what she eats every day when she's at home, work, etc.

 

 

Happy meals [emoji23]

[K.T.B.]

This is why I had to counter many of the complaints--any seasoned cruiser (and we have measly 10 under our belt) knows about poolside loungers, ordering more/different food, etc.

 

I understand picky--but all her other cruises were great, but this one suddenly didn't work?

 

I respect negative reviews that make sense.

BUT this just doesn't add up.

 

I totally agree. Something is definitely off.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Over 40 cruises and you're still calling it a "boat"? :confused:

 

The all-inclusive resorts are totally different. Yes, they're relaxing but they aren't exciting at all. You seemed to want excitement and younger people. I really think NCL would be a better choice for you. At the all-inclusives, the food gets very monotonous after about 3 days. Other resort-go-ers aren't as friendly as people on ships either. People tend to stick together in groups of 2. Just some things to consider.

[Lastdance]

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!

 

Too bad you didn't do your homework; this would not have happened. I would also suggest cruising to Europe and enjoying the culture and life experience it has to offer rather than just beach activities. Ships are known for crowds...I am glad that you have learned from this experience and are sharing it with others...

[wwcruisers]

I totally agree. Something is definitely off.

 

Looks like the OP has moved on. I've notice that tends to happen, when stories start to unravel. :rolleyes:

[CruisinNJ]

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

 

10 years ago, before the solstice class expansion, the service was more professional, the food was higher quality and served correctly, and there were more choices - it is so poor now, we avoid this line as my wife is tired of eating rubber chicken every night.

 

For those of you that have not tried other lines, you may really be surprised what is out there and how good it really is - blind loyalty only encourages Celebrity to cut, trim and further pull back from the truly great line it once was.

[4774Papa]

10 years ago, before the solstice class expansion, the service was more professional, the food was higher quality and served correctly, and there were more choices - it is so poor now, we avoid this line as my wife is tired of eating rubber chicken every night.

 

For those of you that have not tried other lines, you may really be surprised what is out there and how good it really is - blind loyalty only encourages Celebrity to cut, trim and further pull back from the truly great line it once was.

 

If Celebrity is so bad, why does it keep winning awards for its food?

 

Sorry, never had rubber chicken on X.

[celebritydave]

10 years ago, before the solstice class expansion, the service was more professional, the food was higher quality and served correctly, and there were more choices - it is so poor now, we avoid this line as my wife is tired of eating rubber chicken every night.

 

For those of you that have not tried other lines, you may really be surprised what is out there and how good it really is - blind loyalty only encourages Celebrity to cut, trim and further pull back from the truly great line it once was.

 

Last year we did a New Years' cruise on Royal. The food was not very good at all. On a 7 day cruise, there was one meal that was good, and that was in a specialty restaurant.

 

After sailing over 100 days on Celebrity, I have never had rubber chicken. There have been a few meals that were not very good, but after sailing Royal, NCL, Princess and Holland America, Celebrity is still our favorite.

 

Our next Celebrity sailing is in 2017, it will be interesting to see if I feel the same way

 

Dave

[PSCruiser]

For those of you that have not tried other lines, you may really be surprised what is out there and how good it really is - blind loyalty only encourages Celebrity to cut, trim and further pull back from the truly great line it once was.

 

Not disagreeing with your opinion on Celebrity food, but looking at your cruise list, many of your recent cruises have moved from mainstream into the luxury segment. Might be getting much better food, but you are also paying a lot more for it.

 

Possibly if you booked some of the many cruises catered by the OP's father, you would be happier with the food!

[Shire12]

I didn't realize there were so many Celebrity Cruise Line Detectives out there. I completely understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don't understand why some of you are so harsh with your opinions regarding this review.

 

 

I'm not sure if this still happens, but years ago, some of the baked good items were brought onto the ship via outside vendors. Perhaps she is referring to this.

 

As far as the number of cruises she been on. Good for her for her lifestyle. There are a good number of families who cruise twice each year and bring their children along. Not to mention grandparents who like to treat the grand kids to a cruise.

 

I have seen many changes over the years and the one that stands out the most is the quality of the food. In my opinion Celebrity has the best food in the same price range as the other cruise lines we have tried. Their food is good but not as good as it was.

 

I'm not surprised if she doesn't come back to this thread. She has tried to answer most of the questions and there are still folks out there questioning her responses.

[4774Papa]

I didn't realize there were so many Celebrity Cruise Line Detectives out there. I completely understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don't understand why some of you are so harsh with your opinions regarding this review.

 

 

I'm not sure if this still happens, but years ago, some of the baked good items were brought onto the ship via outside vendors. Perhaps she is referring to this.

 

As far as the number of cruises she been on. Good for her for her lifestyle. There are a good number of families who cruise twice each year and bring their children along. Not to mention grandparents who like to treat the grand kids to a cruise.

 

I have seen many changes over the years and the one that stands out the most is the quality of the food. In my opinion Celebrity has the best food in the same price range as the other cruise lines we have tried. Their food is good but not as good as it was.

 

I'm not surprised if she doesn't come back to this thread. She has tried to answer most of the questions and there are still folks out there questioning her responses.

 

We have been cruising Celebrity for five years and have not noticed a decline in food quality. Yes, we miss the end of cruise brunch, but that is another issue.

 

I know that restaurants in my area, where we dine frequently, that food quality can decline. This has happened to a couple of restaurants that we frequent, not all.

In fact, in both the restaurants that I refer to, within months of noticing a decline in food quality, the restaurants went out of business. That is usually what happens when food quality declines significantly.

 

I can't say what X's food quality was like 10 years ago, so I cannot comments on that, but I suspect that the larger the ship, the more inconsistent food quality can become. That is not based on science, just a guess.

 

We have cruised some on NCL and find their food and service can be, at times as good as X, but 90% of the time it is not. NCL's food and service is inconsistent, although its specialty restaurants are fairly consistently good.

 

It is interesting what some people think is wonderful, others disagree. My Son lives in Atlanta and we dined on his birthday a few months ago. The restaurant was suppose to be one of the top restaurants in the city. The bill ran over $150 a person and I would have been happier at a restaurant across the street from his condo where a meal runs about $15 per person.

 

The key to cruising and life in general is to select the best vacation option that suits your preferences. Some people like vacations that involve 10 hikes, others driving across country in an RV, others going to the beach.

 

We have very much enjoyed Celebrity in the past five years, but always consider other cruise lines and follow reviews on cc. Celebrity's bump in prices concerns me and may affect our picking X in the future. After all, the best value decision for cruises depends on price and the whole cruise experience as well.

[El Crucero]

For those of you that have not tried other lines, you may really be surprised what is out there and how good it really is - blind loyalty only encourages Celebrity to cut, trim and further pull back from the truly great line it once was.

 

We have tried Carnival (suite class), NCL, Princess, and Celebrity. In our experience, the food and service aboard Celebrity is much better than those lines. I guess I was lucky, but I never had rubber chicken on Celebrity. I am looking forward to trying Oceania and Azamara when I can snag a good deal.

[CruisinNJ]

If Celebrity is so bad, why does it keep winning awards for its food?

 

Sorry, never had rubber chicken on X.

 

I can only guess it is a few shills for the cruise line that can not see past their blind faith to the truth that are doing the voting - or the taste buds of the average cruiser prefer TGI Fridays quality over fine dining (BTW - Fridays at least has large enough portion sizes).

 

Look - I have been on a few cruises over the last 10+ years, and I have to say that I have noticed changes and cutbacks in all of them over time (and plenty more "for charge" locations) - the strategy makes sense - cut back on the free stuff and drive fees on better quality. If that was not the business plan then why do they have some many pay-for locations - remember the day when there was only one (or maybe none!).

[PSCruiser]

I didn't realize there were so many Celebrity Cruise Line Detectives out there. I completely understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don't understand why some of you are so harsh with your opinions regarding this review.

 

 

 

Oh, c'mon. Initial review was just so far over the top that it's an open invitation for criticism.

She's a big girl now, and time to find out how to write a thoughtful, accurate review like a big girl.

[SheriffJoe]

Over 40 cruises and you're still calling it a "boat"? :confused:

 

The all-inclusive resorts are totally different. Yes, they're relaxing but they aren't exciting at all. You seemed to want excitement and younger people. I really think NCL would be a better choice for you. At the all-inclusives, the food gets very monotonous after about 3 days. Other resort-go-ers aren't as friendly as people on ships either. People tend to stick together in groups of 2. Just some things to consider.

 

There are MANY things in her review to question but calling it a "boat" isn't one of them.....Being retired from the Navy I can assure you I have MANY more days at sea than 98% of people here and like MANY people I call them boats at times....:rolleyes:

[dkjretired]

I didn't realize there were so many Celebrity Cruise Line Detectives out there. I completely understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don't understand why some of you are so harsh with your opinions regarding this review.

 

 

I'm not sure if this still happens, but years ago, some of the baked good items were brought onto the ship via outside vendors. Perhaps she is referring to this.

 

As far as the number of cruises she been on. Good for her for her lifestyle. There are a good number of families who cruise twice each year and bring their children along. Not to mention grandparents who like to treat the grand kids to a cruise.

 

I have seen many changes over the years and the one that stands out the most is the quality of the food. In my opinion Celebrity has the best food in the same price range as the other cruise lines we have tried. Their food is good but not as good as it was.

 

I'm not surprised if she doesn't come back to this thread. She has tried to answer most of the questions and there are still folks out there questioning her responses.

 

You are missing the whole point, there are so many inconsistencies in her report and that is why people were questioning so much of it. Remember, I am the one who said she is not a troll.

 

Just a few...

 

Good for her that she has been on 40 cruises but what is it 40, 30 or 20 from previous posts.

 

Could not find anything to eat at the buffet. Sorry but that is just not believable. Also, could not find anything on the menu over an entire week to eat. Think about it.

 

Come to the pool at 11 and can't find a prime seat. Another poster said he knew after his first cruise that this was not going to happen.

 

Reflection is a small ship, sorry, one of the biggest ships in the world.

 

I'm sure there's plenty more but you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to know something is wrong with this review. This does just not seem to be a review written by someone with so much cruise experience.

 

I still enjoy Celebrity's food but I have been traveling with them for almost 25 years and there is a large drop in the quality of food and service in the MDR mostly since Michel Roux left the line. The food and service in the Specialty restaurants now are comparable to what we got years ago in the MDR every night and I didn't have to pay $50 pp for it.

Edited February 12, 2016 by dkjretired

[Shire12]

At the end of the day, we are ALL entitled to our opinions. As I stated earlier, I was surprised on how harsh (my interpretation) some of the comments were. That was and is my main reason for posting on this thread.

 

Sorry If I offended anyone but referring to you as Celebrity Cruise Lines detectives. This was not my intention what so ever.

[wwcruisers]

there are so many inconsistencies in her report and that is why people were questioning so much of it.

 

Just a few...

 

Good for her that she has been on 40 cruises but what is it 40, 30 or 20 from previous posts.

 

Could not find anything to eat at the buffet. Sorry but that is just not believable. Also, could not find anything on the menu over an entire week to eat. Think about it.

 

Come to the pool at 11 and can't find a prime seat. Another poster said he knew after his first cruise that this was not going to happen.

 

Reflection is a small ship, sorry, one of the biggest ships in the world.

 

I'm sure there's plenty more but you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to know something is wrong with this review. This does just not seem to be a review written by someone with so much cruise experience.

 

Oh, and don't forget the shock, horror, and disappointment to learn (after 40 cruises) that there are actually OLD people on board! :rolleyes:

 

Sorry If I offended anyone but referring to you as Celebrity Cruise Lines detectives. This was not my intention what so ever.

 

That's OK -- been called worse. :p

[Cruisennerable]

Well, my husband and I have thought about trying Celebrity, but to be honest, this Review has me rethinking that. As for the number of cruises that OP has taken, that is plausible as my teenager has gone on 12 with two more scheduled for this year. However, my concern is with the lack of "things to do" and the "poor quality of food..." has anyone else been on this ship lately and enjoyed it?

 

 

Just got off the Reflection January 30 and must say I found absolutely nothing about this post plausible! I travel extensively and have high standards often being called a Princess and only eat at restaurants with chefs and avoid chain restaurants at all cost and found the Buffet crazy good. Daily they had roast chicken, Entire turkeys, 3 different types of pork roast two types of fish and at least 1 beef roast available and you had it cut to order. What else could you need and why not get 2 pieces of chicken!! This paired with steaks, Mexican food nachos taco wraps, Stir Fry, area, Curry Area Pasta and Pizza too many kinds to describe leaves me baffled at this review. You'd be wise to get feedback elsewhere

Edited February 12, 2016 by Cruisennerable

[florence11]

We went on the Reflection in Sept 2014 and had an absolutely fab time, I could not complain about anything. We partied most nights until late and never had problems getting sunbeds and there was so much choice of food and never had a bad meal, is she talking about the right ship!!!

[Marelaine]

10 years ago, before the solstice class expansion, the service was more professional, the food was higher quality and served correctly, and there were more choices - it is so poor now, we avoid this line as my wife is tired of eating rubber chicken every night.

 

For those of you that have not tried other lines, you may really be surprised what is out there and how good it really is - blind loyalty only encourages Celebrity to cut, trim and further pull back from the truly great line it once was.

 

I'm genuinely curious. Why did your wife order chicken every night, especially if it was 'rubber?'

[MR_T]

I'm genuinely curious. Why did your wife order chicken every night, especially if it was 'rubber?'

 

 

Exactly... This is one of the reasons I find it hard to believe these posts in the slightest!! It just doesn't make any sense whatsoever!! [emoji57]

[dgreenie28]

Look, I'm not trying to run away or anything. You all don't like my review so there's no point in fighting my opinion. It is what it is, this is how my boyfriend and I felt. We love cruises in general and wanted to be apart of this forum on cruise critic so we decided to post a review of how we felt. I'm sorry that this may have made some people upset but again this was just our opinion and I'm sure many more people will continue to sail on the Reflection and love it. We hope to be able to contribute to this forum in a positive way in the future.

[hcat]

Individual opinions vary..so I do not question the review...I do see a certain amount of cruise naivete in some of the OP's posts, here and elsewhere...but many of us on CC often know alot more than the average cruiser.....

 

However, I do not think the thread title fits b/c OP and bf have some very unique likes and dislikes in food , etc that do not seem they would be universal for this age group......music probably would be more fun on another line for younger cruisers...

 

So hope OP and bf enjoy cruises that are a better fit for them...