3-nt Reflection sailing (5/3/24) - via Brightline

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Just got back yesterday from this quickie. It was equally about the cruise, and the opportunity to give Brightline a try getting down there. We awoke at 4 am in order to finish packing and make the trip to Orlando to catch the 6:50 train. The whole train experience was very positive (Amtrak in my past, so pleasantly surprised on all fronts). I will say, however, that the signage leaves a lot to be desired with regard to the parking garage, at least for first timers trying to navigate the place in the dark.

 

 

 

We had pre-arranged a Lyft ride to the port - thanks to our good friend @DGP1111 🙂 It was seamless - and we arrived at the port shortly before boarding began. We were in a suite, so were directed to the appropriate waiting area, and were among the first onboard. The waiting area is comfortable, with a nice assortment of snacks/refreshments.

 

An odd thing occurred when the butlers began approaching groups of people to escort them onto the ship. The fellow who introduced himself to us was not dressed in the typical butler fashion, but rather in all black attire. I didn't question that initially, though I was curious. Before taking us to our suite, he escorted us the the Reflection Theatre for our muster station check-in. On the way there we were making some small talk and I mentioned that part of the reason for the trip was to try Brightline. Well, he lit up and started talking about high end watches, and that they have many onboard that he could show me. It wasn't too long before I realized that he thought I was talking about Breitling watches (instead of BRIGHTLINE - TRAIN)! So, at that point I thought "what in the heck is happening with Celebrity, now their butlers are facilitators for sales?"! 

 

We arrived at the Reflection theatre perhaps 10 or 15 past 11, and upon entering the theatre, they were in full rehearsal mode, and nobody was there to check people in either. Somewhat confused with this (both him, and us) he indicated that he'd go ahead and take us to our suite to drop off our carry-ons. He started to head mid-ship, and I stopped him and asked "isn't our cabin right up on these (forward) elevators"? He paused and said, yes, it was. We had booked a Signature Suite (#4111) which I knew to be right up there near the Sky Observation Lounge. Once up there, he could not open the door to access the hall leading to the 5 Signature Suites and the Reflection Suite. So, he asked us to wait there as he went around the back/crew way to retrieve our ship cards. 

 

 

So - he was not a butler, but rather a salesperson that would be found at subsequent times hanging out outside of the watch shop. Interesting that they delegate others to carry out escorting of guests to their cabins. I think I lost even more hair on my head due to the repeated scratching !!

 

Prior to the cruise I was concerned that, with no sea days The Porch and Lawn Club Grill would not be open for lunch. Shortly before sailing I heard back from both the shoreside concierge and the concierge in Michael's that The Porch would be open on both sea days (but not the Lawn Club Grill). They were not able to make reservations prior to the sailing, but suggested I go by Michael's after boarding. So, I went to Michael's to make reservations for both (port) days. I then learned that... NOPE, The Porch was only going to be open when were in Nassau, but closed in CocoCay.

 

So, I locked in a 12 pm spot - and we had a terrific meal there, enjoying it with Don.

 

Other dining pleasures this short cruise included Le Petit Chef (night 1), Sushi on Five (lunch, day 2), Tuscan Grille (night 2), the aforementioned Porch lunch on day 3, and dinner on the last night at the Lawn Club Grill.

 

Le Petit Chef was a fun and tasty meal (a menu we have not previously encountered). The video/show which went along with it was different too - different in that they were not creating the meal you were about to have placed in front of you, but enjoyable nonetheless. We also gave the wine paring a try this time. While a bit overpriced for what you were getting (especially since we had the premium beverage package to begin with), they didn't miss a beat - and told you a little about each wine they poured. 

 

 

 

I tried something new at the sushi place - something "dynamite..." (can't recall - but I'm sure some of you know of it). I'll be sure to have that again - creamy goodness, two thumbs up !

 

In our three weeks onboard in '22, I had fond memories of stopping by to check out the sweets that were being offered at Café al Bacio. About every three days or so, they had the MOST AMAZING brownies (I'd get at least 4-5/day). Unfortunately, they never showed up on our 3-nt sailing this go around. I really feel I missed out on something, strange as that may seem! Prior image:

 

 

 

Back to embarkation day - It was well before 1pm (posted "cabin ready" time) so we just dropped our things off, took a few photos, and headed out. The sign on the bar indicated the room was almost ready - but, frankly, it appeared to be completely ready. We had requested Grey Goose for our liquor choice, but noticed only 1 bottle in the cabin, rather than the two we've received on prior sailings. I was not sure if they were only placing 1 bottle in the upper suites for shorter sailings. I asked the butler about that later in the afternoon, and was told that "No, it's two. But I only had the request for Grey Goose". Well, I never had to stipulate the (pre-cruise concierge) before - but he said he'd grab a second bottle for us. I also asked if the monogramed PJ's were still forthcoming, and was told he'd get those too. BTW, both of those things appeared late in the afternoon of the last day. It's not like I was going to use the PJ's onboard anyway, nor get into that second bottle of Grey Goose, LOL!

 

 

 

 

 

While I had contemplated enjoying an outdoor shower, that was not going to be the case in this particular cabin, owing to the less than private nature of the balcony with regard to deck 15 above:

 

 

 

 

We left right on time, and had beautiful weather the entire trip --- very nice !

 

 

 

Beautiful day in CocoCay (stayed onboard - in Nassau as well). We were there along with the Freedom OTS, and spent a little time at the Sunset Bar:

 

 

 

The cart which the cabin steward utilizes, at least in our small hallway, was a lot easier on the eyes than the traditional Motel 6 ones that are pretty much standard on other lines. Nice touch !

 

 

Debarkation -- we waited in Michael's Club for the word that we could leave, which came close to 7 am. On this trip, Cheryl picked up a nice "pre-loved" purse and I speculated that we might get THE BUZZER when we went to ding off the ship. We were among the first people to leave, and I think the first to get THE BUZZER. From that point on, all the way down to customs (with your personal escort) I can't help but get the perp walk feeling when this happens (a couple times prior as well) !! Once there, it was just a matter of showing the receipt to the agent, to confirm it was "pre-loved". Easy peasy (assuming you can produce the receipt - you guys make a note of that!!)

 

 

 

We had an excellent cruise - great staff, meals, friend, weather, cabin, drinks... everything !!  (even took home some $ from the casino - icing on the cake)

 

Tom

[Texed]

Thanks for posting.  😊

[hcat]

great review for your short cruise.

.Did you take the Bright line both ways?  Read today that fares were going way up!

 

You posted one of the best sailaway photos ever! Clear skies, smooth seas..love the colors!

[FlyingCruiser2]

We had a similar embarkation experience a couple of weeks earlier on Reflection - we were escorted by a Nail Technician. Had no idea where the cabin was.  

[Arzeena]

I am very interested in learning about your Brightline experience from Orlando  to Fort Lauderdale.

Do you think that you could have made a later train and be in good time for embarkation?

Did you do the train both ways?

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

17 minutes ago, hcat said:

great review for your short cruise.

.Did you take the Bright line both ways?  Read today that fares were going way up!

 

You posted one of the best sailaway photos ever! Clear skies, smooth seas..love the colors!

 

Yes, we took it both ways. I did hear someone else mention today something about the fares .... sad, if true - but I suppose inevetible 😞

 

Tom

[PTC DAWG]

Sounds like a nice getaway…

[twins_to_alaska]

I've never seen those brownies! Will keep an eye out in future.

[hrhdhd]

3 hours ago, Arzeena said:

I am very interested in learning about your Brightline experience from Orlando  to Fort Lauderdale.

Do you think that you could have made a later train and be in good time for embarkation?

Did you do the train both ways?

I've taken the 7:50 am train from MCO three times now and have made three cruises, so yes, a later train is okay. I might even feel comfortable with the next time.

 

I've received e-mails from Celebrity with a discount code for Brightline, so you might keep a lookout for those.

[hcat]

4 minutes ago, hrhdhd said:

I've taken the 7:50 am train from MCO three times now and have made three cruises, so yes, a later train is okay. I might even feel comfortable with the next time.

 

I've received e-mails from Celebrity with a discount code for Brightline, so you might keep a lookout for those.

a discount code would be great

 

link to gen news abt commuter fares

https://wflaorlando.iheart.com/featured/florida-news/content/2024-05-06-brightline-raising-prices/

[hcat]

1 hour ago, FlyingCruiser2 said:

We had a similar embarkation experience a couple of weeks earlier on Reflection - we were escorted by a Nail Technician. Had no idea where the cabin was.  

wierd escort.. Do you  that it's due to shortage of Butlers or Retreat staff?

[Arzeena]

1 hour ago, hrhdhd said:

I've taken the 7:50 am train from MCO three times now and have made three cruises, so yes, a later train is okay. I might even feel comfortable with the next time.

 

I've received e-mails from Celebrity with a discount code for Brightline, so you might keep a lookout for those.

Thank you.

I got a  15% discount code from Celebrity in an email.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

2 hours ago, twins_to_alaska said:

I've never seen those brownies! Will keep an eye out in future.

 

Yes - once you've tried them, you'll be on the lookout for more. Similar to my associating any visit to Key West with a trip to Mattheessen’s (to grab a couple of cookies)... 🙂 

 

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

2 hours ago, hrhdhd said:

I've taken the 7:50 am train from MCO three times now and have made three cruises, so yes, a later train is okay. I might even feel comfortable with the next time.

 

I've received e-mails from Celebrity with a discount code for Brightline, so you might keep a lookout for those.

 

We were also looking at the possibility of a departure on the second or third of the day. In cases where you don't need to be on extra early - we might as well arrive at 1pm+ (and have full room access). The real advantage to catching the early train is to not feel at all rushed - in case of some unforeseen delay. 

 

Tom

[cbfb]

We will be onboard the end of May. So happy to hear The Porch is open for lunch one day!