Silhouette LIVE (1/12) w/ Side by Side: A Royal Week on Celebrity and MSC

[GenerationX]

Good evening friends!  

 

I’ve pulled myself together after a long afternoon nap and am having a glass of decoy listening to acoustic guitar before dinner with Red in Tuscan Grille.

 

I haven’t done much today other than lie around on the retreat deck, eat lunch at Sushi on 5 (report to come) and nap.  But hey, sometimes sea day life be like that.

 

I did contemplate spending some time on the main pool deck after lunch, but when I made a lap, the blaring party music, crowds and not small groups of passengers who were already at the party point I was at at 1am last night was giving me flashbacks to the Carnivalesque pool deck on Equinox this past summer.  But hey, 4 night cruises be like that sometimes.  I was happy to stick with the much more relaxing vibe on the Retreat deck.

 

The guitarist just went for her break so while I’m sipping, a back in time report on last night:

 

When I walked into Murano I once again got that look of recognition from the restaurant manager and all of the staff who smiled warmly and greeted me by name.  I wonder if in addition to our pictures, the crew have some info on the royal suite guests’ past cruise history, because multiple people also said “welcome back to the Silhouette” and one made a joke about hoping they beat Le Voyage on Beyond.

 

For dinner I went with my go to dishes and had the lobster bisque and mushroom risotto to start, followed by Murano lobster, with the gran marnier soufflé for dessert.  The bisque wasn’t as good as it’s been before. The sherry was really strong to the point of being a little overpowering.  When my risotto came, my server Anastasiia (who was fantastic by the way, if you go ask for her!) suggesting topping it with some freshly grated Parmesan and it really took it to the next level!  I think this was the best Murano lobster I’ve had since the restart and the soufflé was heaven as always.  I was offered a cheese course as well but I was so stuffed I couldn’t possibly (probably the only bit of restraint I managed to show last night).

 

I paired everything with a bottle of Penner Ash and asked the sommelier Merry to send the rest up to my room and it was waiting for me when I got back in the wee hours.

 

After dinner I went to World Class bar for a Celebrity Number 10 before the sound of the house band starting their grand foyer set pulled me to the packed dance floor.  The band was so good when they wrapped up their set the crowd started chanting for an encore and they obliged us with 2 more songs.  After the band wrapped up I followed several of my dance partners to the sky lounge.

 

Once again it seemed like I was recognized and when I’d go to the bar to order a cocktail, I was almost always prioritized for quick service (which is probably how I got in trouble now that I’m thinking about it).

 

We also have a great DJ this cruise who played a good mix of modern hits and throw back classics (I will never not shake it to Brick House).

 

Once security brought up the house lights and shut us down about 1:30, the bartenders made me a T&T to take to bed (like I didn’t have that in my room) and I finished it on my deck doing a little star gazing before crashing. 

 

I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better first night! 

 

More to come once I’m full of pasta and steak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Linda W.]

13 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

 

 

I paired everything with a bottle of Penner Ash and asked the sommelier Merry to send the rest up to my room and it was waiting for me when I got back in the wee hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So how good is Penner Ash Pinot Noir?  Never had it.  Was it on the premium Bev package or did you buy the whole bottle?  Difficult to find a GREAT Pinot!

 

 

 

 

 

[boxkite]

Following along on another great cruise report Carla!

 

Love all the pictures including the food and drink pics.

 

DW leaves tomorrow for a cruise Sunday with her sister on Celebrity Reflection.

[kelly94942]

3 hours ago, GenerationX said:

I paired everything with a bottle of Penner Ash

Making my mouth water thinking of an excellent Oregon Pinot!  I miss living in the Willamette Valley!

[Cruising Is Bliss]

Thank you for taking all of us along!

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Thank you again for the food pictures. Enjoy!

[GenerationX]

 

Good morning from Cozumel!

 

A cold front is settling over the northern Caribbean.  As we docked it was about 65 degrees Fahrenheit and breezy on my veranda.  I saw on FB that friends of mine who manage a resort in the Bahamas (and who I hope to see on my stop in port on MSC) were out doing their morning rounds in thick sweatshirts and ski caps!

 

Boy am I glad I decided against booking a snorkeling excursion today.  On our bedtime chat last night Jeremy also informed me he’d rather have some rum from the Bahamas than tequila from Cozumel this trip, so I may not bother with going into port at all.

 

Last night Red and I had such a fun girlfriends dinner at Tuscan Grille.  Clayton (butler) made the reservation for me but I forgot to mention to him that Red would be joining.  Nevertheless when we got to the restaurant Sanjay the maitre d said “ah yes, we thought you might have Ms. [Red] with you!  I have a nice table for you ladies ready.”

 

It was a nice table. Right by the window overlooking the wake.  We were a little sad to see the lights on the wake weren’t on so we could see the water better. But I’d heard those lights aren’t great for the ocean life anyway, and I guess I’m all for more eco friendly cruising.

 

I once again treated myself to a good bottle of wine, this time a super Tuscan blend.  When the somm came to take my order the decision process was made easier by the fact that out of the full page of about 10 different super Tuscans on the wine list, almost half of them were out of stock.  I don’t know what’s going on with alcohol supply chain but I’ve had similar issues on land at my local wine shop.  Some days all normal.  Others half the slots on the shelves are empty.

 

Red and I both napped up an appetite so we indulged in a multi course Italian feast of meatball appetizer, salads, a pasta sampler course of quarter portions of the lobster rigatoni, lasagna and short rib pappardelle and then each got a ribeye with mashed potatoes and spinach. 

 

Our server Lloyd also encouraged us to indulge in a dessert sampler so we shared the fig gelato, limoncello cheesecake and donuts.

 

Stars of the meal were the meatballs, lasagna, pappardelle and that melt in your mouth tender and flavorful ribeye.

 

The only letdowns were the lobster rigatoni which was ok but not as good as previous (it seemed there was less lobster and the sauce needed a little more seasoning) and the donuts which were so tough and chewy they were borderline inedible.

 

Fortunately the fig gelato and cheesecake were as good as ever so we didn’t want for decent dessert. 

 

Service in the restaurant was excellent.  Our dinner took almost 2 hours, but considering we had different 5 courses I think the pacing was appropriate.

 

After dinner I decided to give my body a break from the party and went back to my stateroom to read on the veranda.  When I got back I saw that Clayton left me my RS gift of Retreat pajamas (unmonogrammed).

 

They seem very soft and of good quality but I haven’t had a chance to try them on yet.  I think I may wait till AFTER my post-cruise detox to do battle with the pajama pants.  Or any pants for that matter.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GenerationX]

 

Funny story from Luminae breakfast this morning:

 

When I got to the restaurant there was a youngish looking woman at the host stand rather than the usual maitre d. She asked for my cabin number and then said “oh I see you are assigned to the main dining room, the entrance is just out and to the left on the other side of the stairs”.  

 

I said “I’m sorry I don’t think so, I’m actually in a royal suite.”  

 

Her: Are you sure, ma’am?

 

Me: Well this is my first time on a fully refurbished S class ship,  but if that palace I’m in is considered a regular veranda now, I definitely wanna see the new suites!

 

We both stood there with confused furrowed brows for a second as she rechecked her computer then the regular maitre d appeared, caught on to the situation and said “OH Ms. Charla, I’m so sorry!!!! She’s new and reading the computer wrong!”

 

The poor young woman turned beet red. I don’t think I’ve heard so many apologies since Jeremy broke one of the Tiffany champagne flutes that I got from my late grandmother for my 21st birthday.

 

I guess not every crew member has my picture hidden somewhere! 😂

 

Other than that hiccup food and service were very good.  I spent a little time after breakfast in the hot tub and reading on a day bed on the retreat deck.  Then I realized this port morning may be my one chance to get some quiet time in at the main pool this cruise. 

 

I noticed that on both the retreat deck and the main pool deck the bars opened later than what was posted in the app and no drink servers are to be found anywhere. I know there was a crew safety drill this morning so perhaps staffing is just running behind.

 

Sharing some pics from the morning and of the Retreat Sundeck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mufflogan]

So this review is so great... just the right blend of humor and photos!  I also love the way you roll with the minor hiccups EVERY cruise has!  I don't want to take away from your time at all so don't feel any pressure to do this... but could you take a photo of the bartenders at the Retreat Sundeck Bar??  We're going to be on Silhouette soon and wondered who we might be hanging out with everyday?!?

[ecslady]

So what book did you bring along this time to read??

[mchell810]

Every time I read "fig gelato" I think i have to book a Celebrity cruise! 😋

[countess5]

2 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Me: Well this is my first time on a fully refurbished S class ship,  but if that palace I’m in is considered a regular veranda now, I definitely wanna see the new suites!

This response is priceless!!!! 😂

 

Cheers! 

[GenerationX]

2 hours ago, mufflogan said:

So this review is so great... just the right blend of humor and photos!  I also love the way you roll with the minor hiccups EVERY cruise has!  I don't want to take away from your time at all so don't feel any pressure to do this... but could you take a photo of the bartenders at the Retreat Sundeck Bar??  We're going to be on Silhouette soon and wondered who we might be hanging out with everyday?!?

Thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the review and hope you’re finding it helpful for planning. I get so much good info from others’ live reviews and like to pay it forward if I can.  

You’re right, there’s no such thing as a 100% perfect cruise and if there was, I probably couldn’t afford it. My husband and I love watching Below Deck (the reality show about 5 star private yacht charters) and he always says “SEE!!! Those people are paying 50 times what we pay for our cruises and there’s STILL service mistakes!” 😂
 

I’d be happy to get a pic with the retreat bar staff. I’ll put that on my sea day to do list for tomorrow!

Edited January 14, 2023 by GenerationX

[lola2013]

1 minute ago, GenerationX said:

Thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the review and hope you’re finding it helpful for planning. I get so much good info from others’ live reviews and like to pay it forward if I can.  

You’re right, there’s no such thing as a 100% perfect cruise and if there was, I probably couldn’t afford it. My husband and I love watching Below Deck (the reality show about 5 star private yacht charters) and he always says “SEE!!! Those people are paying 5 times what we pay for our cruises and there’s STILL service mistakes!” 😂
 

I’d be happy to get a pic with the retreat bar staff. I’ll put that on my sea day to do list for tomorrow!

Big Below Deck fan here.  Helps me get from one cruise to the next ⚓️.

[GenerationX]

19 hours ago, thatguy865 said:

Thank you so much! Loving your review. I’ll be on Silhouette in a few short weeks.

 

If you get a moment to check out the duty free liquor, I’d love to know if Hennessy Pure White is stocked currently. And also if there are any fun traveler exclusive scotches. Thank you so much if you’re able to help!

 

enjoy your cruise and your suite!

 
 

oh twist my arm to go shopping! Lol

 

So glad you’re enjoying the review!  I’ll make a stop by duty free tomorrow when it’s open for our sea day.

[GenerationX]

3 hours ago, ecslady said:

So what book did you bring along this time to read??

I’m doing a little Agatha Christie this time!  Hoping to inspire myself to save for a Nile River cruise. 😁

 

[islabahia]

We have two more X cruises this year and in 2024 we will move on the the YC on MSC or Oceania.  We can cruise in a YC suite for a week for less than what it would cost us to   Be in the Retreat for 5 days on X.  

[Stem to Stern]

5 hours ago, mchell810 said:

Every time I read "fig gelato" I think i have to book a Celebrity cruise! 😋

I could not agree more.  

@GenerationXknows all of Celebrity's culinary secrets.

What will she eat next?  😄

 

[OtherFigment]

Husband and I will be in a royal on silhouette in March and I'm loving reading your review! I had to read your breakfast experience out loud to DH and we both giggled. Sounds like something that we'd experience.  Great story! Glad you're enjoying yourselves, thanks for bringing us with you!

[GenerationX]

I feel so bad guys. I over slept my afternoon nap and missed the captains club party 🤦🏾‍♀️
 

Oh well I’m all dressed in a breezy weather friendly outfit, with cardigan stuffed in purse, for my sunset dinner at Lawn Club.

 

At 20 minutes past all aboard the captain hadn’t pulled up the gangway and I heard a couple paged to call guest services immediately.

 

Sure enough…Pier Runners off the port bow!  
 

The best  part was as they finished their sprint, it looked like the man argued bery briefly with a waiting officer about not being able to bring his take home box of Mexican leftovers onto the ship. 😂

 

Now that all are accounted for, looks like we’ll set sail soon! 
 

 

[asnaleah]

Love this dress Charla! Your breakfast looks delicious. We may have to skip room service some morning and go. 

[Laurab23]

5 hours ago, lola2013 said:

Big Below Deck fan here.  Helps me get from one cruise to the next ⚓️.

Me too.

 

Laura

[h20cruzer]

I really needed this, I’m so down on all the negative things people are saying about Celebrity, even if only a quarter of them are true, still makes me shutter. Between you and Jim it’s the only thing keeping me from giving up on cruising. Love all your pics and commentary. 
I gave up on Embassy Suites in Ft Lauderdale a long time ago, between the price and shabby Accommodations there are much nicer hotels in the Fort Lauderdale area one of my favorites is called the Riverside. It’s right on Las Olas with lots of restaurants around they have an older building and a newer building I would always pick the new building to stay in.

I hope the rest of your cruise is fabulous!!!
Norma

[GenerationX]

1 hour ago, asnaleah said:

Love this dress Charla! Your breakfast looks delicious. We may have to skip room service some morning and go. 

Thank you! The huevos rancheros is my favorite Luminae breakfast and this one was done really well.  The avocado was at perfect ripeness and the scrambled eggs were perfectly soft without getting to runny. I thought they had great flavor too and we have our own laying hens at home so I’m an egg snob.

[cruzzzinma]

6 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

The huevos rancheros is my favorite Luminae breakfast and this one was done really well.

My favorite as well. When I order, I have them add cheese to the eggs.