From February 25th to March 2nd this year, we set off on a memorable adventure with our host agency, the KHM Travel Group. Joining forces with over 300 agents and suppliers, our six-day voyage aboard the Celebrity Reflection was far from just a leisurely cruise. The ship served as the stage at sea for KHM's annual Crystal Conference. This cornerstone event is cherished by travel advisors, old and new, for its merging of knowledge and community, alongside well-earned recognition. This was our first attendance at KHM's Crystal Conference, and we are so grateful for the experiences this trip provided us!
Now, let us spill all the details of our time on the Celebrity Reflection in this comprehensive review.
Quick Facts About Celebrity Reflection
Available To: All ages, but geared more towards adults
Rooms: 1,523 Suites & Staterooms
Capacity: 3,046 Passengers
Restaurants: 7 Included, 2 of which are reserved for select guests, 7 available at an extra charge
Bars: 7 Bars & Lounges
Location: Sails out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Preboarding
We landed in Fort Lauderdale one day prior to boarding our ship for a relaxing one-night stay at the four-star Le Meridien Dania Beach. Having recently sailed out of Miami for a Virgin Voyages cruise, we were interested in how the more laid-back luxury of Fort Lauderdale compared. Here, we found our accommodations exceeded expectations, with friendly staff at the ready, an abundance of restaurants (without that Miami price tag), and a suite that had ample room. Plus we appreciated that the hotel was easily accessible by Uber to both the airport and the cruise terminal.
Note: It is possible to stay in Miami the night before boarding as opposed to Fort Lauderdale. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to navigate to your port, even with some traffic!
Accommodations
First, let's talk accommodations because, let's be honest, where you rest your head at night can make or break a vacation. Fortunately, the Reflection is home to a wide range of rooms, so we're sure you'll find something that suits your unique preferences. Anticipating a busy schedule with little time spent in our cabin, I opted for an interior stateroom. This was certainly an affordable choice, and was cozy and modern, despite the no-window situation. Of course, this can be a terrific option for those who plan to spend most of their time elsewhere on the ship or in port (and of course, you're not claustrophobic). However, after peeking into a friend's balcony stateroom, I had a serious case of room envy! So, if your budget allows, definitely consider upgrading. We think the natural light and extra space are worth the splurge.
For travelers looking for an extravagant experience, a stay in one of the ship's suites grants you access to a host of perks. Reserved purely for suite guests, The Retreat comprises a private restaurant and an exclusive lounge available 24/7. Plus, guests are also privy to indulgences such as premium drinks and a dedicated concierge to coordinate their trip both on and off the ship.
Pro Tip: Steamers are prohibited on the ship, so opt for wrinkle-free fabrics or be prepared to use the ship's laundry services.
Amenities & Experiences
The Lawn Club
One of the ship's unique features is The Lawn Club. With activities like croquet, bocce ball, and cornhole, this spot is an awesome place for groups to hang out and engage in some friendly competition.
Casino
The casino onboard was a pretty standard cruise affair with slot machines, cards, and tournaments to participate in if you're feeling lucky.
Fitness Center
For those looking to stay active on vacation, the ship offers a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with everything you need to get your cardio in. Additionally, numerous classes are available during the sailing, from sunrise yoga on the deck to high-energy spin sessions. The jogging track, encircling the upper deck, is the perfect spot to take in some ocean views while keeping up with your fitness routine.
The Spa
The spa aboard the Reflection has a vast selection of treatments: from massages and facials to more specialized med-spa services. The Persian Garden, accessible to AquaClass and AquaSpa passengers (with day passes available to others), features heated ceramic loungers, an aroma steam room, and a distinctive scrub and salt bar.
Shows
With performances scheduled for two different times (7 and 9 pm) each evening in the theater on decks 3 and 4, it's easy to find a show that fits your schedule. The Broadway Cabaret, featuring talented singers from the ship's crew, transports you to the heart of New York City's famed theater district. My favorite show on the ship, though, was Elysium. This show melds fantasy with reality to create a fairy tale story that's not to be missed.
Ashlie Amber's Whitney Houston Tribute Show definitely stands as a highlight of the entertainment roster. Amber, an American Idol contestant known for her pop-country music, brings an infectious energy and undeniable talent to the stage, and was a personal favorite of mine. The opportunity for meet-and-greets after her performances were such a treat too!
Silent DJ Party
If you haven't tried one of these before, put it on your bucket list! At a Silent Dance party, the DJ plays music through headphones given to each guest, and everyone dances to their beat. I highly recommend giving this a go for a fun night of dancing. For those who prefer the vibe of a traditional nightclub, they also have DJ-led dances by the pool at night.
Everything Else
For music lovers, there is nightly live music on Deck 3 as well as by the main pool, which is ideal for settling down to sip on a cocktail after a long day of revelry. For those who enjoy a quieter evening, the ship hosts movie nights where you can catch blockbuster films and beloved classics alfresco, offering a cozy and communal way to end your day. If you're more into indoor activities, the card and game room is a hidden gem to partake in everything from bridge sessions to board games.
Food & Drink
Opus Restaurant
Dining at the Opus Restaurant was an absolute delight and quickly became a highlight of our days at sea. The variety of dishes meant there was always something new and exciting to try, even if you went back night after night like we did! Some of our faves include the lobster and beef Wellington, complemented with the crème brulée for dessert. We loved that Opus offered high-caliber dining without the need to venture into the ship's specialty restaurants. They are also open for lunch on sea days and serve unforgettable apple pancakes for breakfast.
Oceanview Café
The Oceanview Café on deck 14 is a buffet with a market-inspired spread. Whether it was the customizable omelets for breakfast, the fried chicken for lunch, or handmade pizzas and pasta at the live stations, we found every meal here to be enjoyable.
Le Petit Chef
Le Petit Chef's animated culinary experience is a must-do while on the Celebrity Reflection. The innovative combination of 3D table animation art and a gastronomic menu curated by a Michelin-star chef makes for a dining experience that's as entertaining as it is delicious. It's no wonder this was the talk of the ship!
Tuscan Grille
The Tuscan Grille is an Italian restaurant that exhibits an impressive collection of Italian wines and to-die-for butcher-cut steaks. Make sure to ask about their Wine Connoisseur Dinner!
Murano
Murano offers a sophisticated French dining experience with its six-course meals paired wonderfully with wine selections. Standout dishes for us include the Murano Lobster and Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack.
Sushi on Five
Sushi on Five unfortunately fell flat for us. The sushi offerings were plain and lacked the excitement and flavor complexity found in the ship's other dining venues.
Pro Tip: Make dinner reservations early through the app to secure your spot. Also, the premium drink package is well worth the investment for those who appreciate upgraded liquors and cocktails.
Martini Bar (Deck 4)
Combine the skill and tricks of the Harlem Globetrotters with some top-notch bartending, and you get the iconic Martini Bar on deck 4. An absolute gem on the ship, the Martini Bar dazzles not just with its unmatched martinis but with the entertainment value of bottle-flipping bartenders. Plus, the cool, ice-covered bar surface adds a refreshing touch to your drinking enjoyment.
World Class Bar (Deck 5)
Our top pick for a sophisticated drinking experience has to be the World Class Bar. With a wide range of cocktail choices, we found our new favorite: the American Pie, which is a bourbon cocktail.
Note: no beer is served here
Excursions
George Town, Grand Cayman | Two-Tank Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in George Town, Grand Cayman, came highly recommended, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The rich biodiversity of marine life in this location was nothing short of extraordinary. Swimming among stingrays, nurse sharks, and a vibrant parade of fish, a dive here provided a magical glimpse into the world beneath the waves. The clear waters and abundant sea life made it obvious why this destination is a top choice for divers around the world. While the underwater experience itself was remarkable, we found the dive shop selected by Celebrity Reflection did not meet our expectations. The service level was noticeably lacking, which we felt detracted from the overall satisfaction of the excursion.
For those not inclined towards diving, a stingray excursion is a wonderful alternative that still allows close encounters with marine life. This is an excellent option for guests wanting to experience the unique wildlife of the Caymans without venturing into deep waters.
Cozumel | Dune Buggy Tour
Our aspirations for a unique island excursion led us to book a private dune buggy tour through Viator in Cozumel. While we started on this adventure with high hopes, the reality didn't quite match up to our vision. The dune buggy provided was significantly aged, and the sights around the island were underwhelming. Despite these setbacks, we embraced the spirit of adventure and made the most of our day. For future visits however, opting for a leisurely beach day or a more high-stakes ATV ride might provide a more fulfilling excursion.
Bimini, Bahamas | Beach Club
Shifting gears towards a more relaxing pace, our day at Bimini Beach Club was a delightful escape. While at the beach club, we partook in refreshing ocean dips and lounged poolside, all before we got a bite to eat. For those looking for a touch of luxury in Bimini, beach cabanas with butler services are available for rent, promising an even more pampered experience.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring your towel from the ship!
If beach club vibes are not your thing, the Bimini still has plenty to offer. Explore the island's quiet corners with rented golf carts or bikes, available just a short walk from the dock. The water in the Bahamas is unbelievably clear, so scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with stingrays are all great options. And, if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, try your hand at deep-sea fishing or parasailing.
Final Thoughts
Sailing on the Celebrity Reflection offered us an invaluable opportunity to explore another cruise line and witness firsthand what Celebrity Cruises has to offer. This voyage not only broadened our industry knowledge but also fueled our passion for travel, allowing us to grow both personally and professionally as a travel agent. We are now eagerly looking forward to our next cruises this year, which include a European escape on Virgin Voyages in June and our first foray into river cruising with Avalon Waterways in November!
Looking to plan your Celebrity cruise getaway? Reach out to the expert planners at Travel Queen LLC! As experts in all-inclusive travel, we know what it takes to create the ultimate vacation for you and your loved ones. So let us help create your most memorable getaway yet!
Check Out Our Other Luxury Travel Resources:
Virgin Voyages Recap & Review | Secrets Moxche Resort Review | Portugal Luxury Trip Recap And Review | Belize: The Ultimate Girls’ Getaway Destination | Secrets Cap Cana Resort Review | Luxury Scuba Adventure in Bonaire: A Divers' Paradise | Disney World: A Complete Review and Guide to All Four Magical Parks | Antigua: The Ultimate Luxury Travel Guide |Los Cabos: Everything You Need to Know |St. Lucia: Everything You Need to Know |Aruba: Everything You Need to Know |Australia and Fiji Vacation Review | Excellence Oyster Bay Luxury Resort Review |Atelier Playa Mujeres Resort Review |Top 5 Romantic Overwater Bungalow Resorts |Top 5 Locations for Your Next Girl’s Getaway |The Best Bahamas Birthday
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