Classic Cruising Redefined: Aboard the Celebrity Reflection

Stepping aboard the Celebrity Reflection feels like returning to a familiar, comforting place. As someone who has enjoyed cruising for years, the Reflection encapsulates everything I love about the classic cruise experience while seamlessly integrating modern luxuries. I recently took The Perfect Day cruise aboard the Reflection for a few days. There was just something about her, and when I mentioned to the person who invited me that it had that special feel, she responded with the perfect answer for cruisers like us…” The Celebrity Reflection feels like home.” It’s true. For those like Mr. S & I who love to cruise (and have gone on dozens of sailings), the Reflection is truly a beloved escape on the high seas.

The Celebrity Reflection is the final ship in the Solstice class, launched in 2012. It boasts 16 decks, accommodating around 3,046 passengers and 1,271 crew members. The Reflection is renowned for its contemporary design, extensive dining options, luxurious accommodations, and diverse entertainment offerings. It’s a ship that combines elegance with a sense of community, making it ideal for both seasoned cruisers and newcomers alike. But, the ship is designed with secret spaces and escapes that you don’t normally find, which makes for very special experiences.

Accommodations

Staterooms and Suites

From the moment you step into your stateroom or suite, the sense of familiarity and comfort is undeniable. The Celebrity Reflection offers a variety of accommodations to suit all preferences and budgets, including Inside Staterooms, Ocean View Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms, Concierge Class, AquaClass, and a range of luxurious suites.

Inside Staterooms are a cozy and cost-effective option, featuring ample storage space and modern amenities. The Ocean View Staterooms provide a picturesque view of the sea, perfect for those who enjoy gazing at the horizon.

We stayed in one of the Veranda Staterooms which adds an extra touch of luxury with its private balconies, ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or a sunset cocktail. The size of the stateroom with its separate couch area offers plenty of room, especially with the curtains opened to the generously sized balcony. I loved that the balcony chairs were comfortable AND adjustable for switching between reading and relaxing as the world floated by. But, it was the bathroom that really caught my attention. With a 6’2″ husband who is on the larger size, along with me and my arsenal of beauty supplies, this is the area of the cabin that is never large enough. I was SURPRISED to find lots of storage, a shower, and room to move around easily (yes, even for my linebacker-sized hubby).

For a more elevated experience, the Concierge Class offers personalized service, including priority check-in, welcome champagne, and dedicated concierge service.

The AquaClass Staterooms are designed with wellness in mind, providing exclusive access to the Blu restaurant and the Persian Garden, a serene space within the ship’s spa. For ultimate luxury, the suites range from Sky Suites to the lavish Reflection Suite, featuring exclusive amenities like butler service, private restaurants, and access to The Retreat, a luxurious sundeck and lounge.

Dining

One of the highlights of the Celebrity Reflection is its diverse and delectable dining options. The ship offers an amazing mix of complimentary and specialty dining venues. As a matter of fact, there are so many that you’ll never get to all of them in one sailing (I think that this is their plan to get you to come back again and again).

Complimentary Dining

Opus Dining Room: The main dining room, Opus, is a two-level restaurant that offers a classic dining experience with a modern twist. The menu changes nightly, featuring a variety of international dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. My favorite? To go for a daytime experience (breakfast usually) when the restaurant is quiet and I feel like it’s my special place (most people seem to gravitate to the Oceanview Café for breakfast). The attentive service and elegant ambiance make every meal special and there is always something on the menu for everyone from the gourmet lover to the finicky eater.

Oceanview Café: This buffet-style restaurant is perfect for casual dining, offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a late-night snack, the Oceanview Café has something to satisfy every craving. My husband and I have VERY different likes when it comes to food, and we both loved dining here (and don’t even get me started about the dessert selections – 4 days on board/6 lbs gained).

AquaSpa Café: The SECRET spot for anyone cruising on the Reflection. I assumed that the AquaSpa Café was only for AquaClass guests – NOPE! This healthy and delicious spot located within the Solarium is available for ALL guests. It’s a great option for those looking to maintain their wellness routine while on board and the premiere spot for a smoothie-lover.

You can also grab a burger poolside at the Mast Grill. 

Specialty Dining

For those looking to indulge in a more exclusive dining experience, the Celebrity Reflection offers several specialty restaurants.

Murano: I was excited to visit this fine dining restaurant that specializes in French cuisine. You know I’m a bit of a Francophile, so getting to experience the opulent setting and impeccable service with food like Maine Lobster Bisque and Dover Sole Véronique was a real treat. We opted for the Chateaubriand for two served tableside accompanied by a béarnaise sauce so good that I could have poured it over everything. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, or better yet…just a treat for yourself (because you deserve it).

Other specialty dining options that I wasn’t able to try on this visit include:

Tuscan Grille: An Italian steakhouse that combines the best of Italian and American flavors. The rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere, along with the mouthwatering steaks and homemade pasta, makes it a favorite among guests.

Qsine: A unique dining experience that offers a playful take on global cuisine. The innovative dishes and interactive menu make dining at Qsine an unforgettable adventure.

Sushi on Five: From rolls to sashimi, udon noodles to sake, if you love sushi you don’t want to miss this restaurant. Make sure to order the wasabi made fresh right at your table!

Blu: Exclusively for AquaClass guests, Blu offers a “clean cuisine” menu that emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients. The serene ambiance and health-conscious dishes make it a haven for wellness enthusiasts.

The Lawn Club Grill: An outdoor restaurant that allows guests to grill their own meats and vegetables or have the chefs do it for them. The relaxed, alfresco setting and the fun, interactive dining experience make it a popular choice.

The Porch: I stopped by briefly to look at the menu and was taken to my roots in New England as I saw a classic lobster roll on the menu. This is a small outdoor eatery with a menu that includes seafood offerings, wraps, salads, and other lighter fare. Definitely worth checking out!

Luminae: Exclusively for guests booking in The Retreat, this intimate restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an upscale atmosphere with a menu to match.

Café al Bacio & Gelateria: This is one of the true treasures on the ship. As the name says from beautifully crafted Italian coffee drinks and teas, wine, and even decadently rich hot chocolate to snacks, pastries, and creamy scoops of authentic gelato and sorbetto, you’ll be able to enjoy the European cafe experience while sailing.

You can also order room service for a small upcharge.,

Entertainment and Activities

There’s no need to ever be bored as this ship has more entertainment options and activities to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your voyage. Because our voyage was so short, we only got to do a few of them, but we’re definitely ready to head back for more.

Theaters and Shows

Reflection Theater: The main theater hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway-style productions, comedy acts, live music, and more. The state-of-the-art production quality and talented performers ensure a captivating experience every night.

Bars and Lounges

The ship features numerous bars and lounges, each with a unique atmosphere and drink menu.

Martini Bar & Crush: A lively bar with talented bartenders and an extensive martini menu. The ice-topped bar is wicked cool with a touch of sophistication and wonder about how they keep it like that. Plus, they make the best espresso martinis at sea (my personal choice).

Michael’s Club: An exclusive lounge for suite guests, offering a quiet, elegant space to relax and enjoy premium drinks. As I was not in a suite, I poked my head in to check it out and it looks like my kind of club, but it will have to wait for when we decide to upgrade to a suite next time.

Sky Observation Lounge: A scenic lounge located at the top of the ship, offering panoramic views and live music. This is my favorite hideaway. It never felt terribly busy and I used it as my secret spot to sit and read while having a drink when I needed a little down time. The views are outstanding…so, don’t miss stealing away for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late-night meetup.

Cellar Masters: Wine lovers rejoice. I loved discovering new wines that I hadn’t tried before and found a few of my old favorites to enjoy.

These were just a few of my favorites. With eleven (11) bars on this ship and only 4 days on the ship, there are still plenty more to explore on my next visit.

Activities and Amenities

The Lawn Club: I thought that this was the most unique outdoor space on the ship. It features REAL GRASS and private seating cabanas, where guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as bocce, croquet, or simply lounging on the grass with a picnic. We met with friends over drinks and appetizers.

Pool Deck and Solarium: The main pool deck offers a lively atmosphere with music, pool games, and plenty of loungers. For a more serene experience, the adults-only Solarium provides a tranquil space with a pool, hot tubs, and comfortable seating. I loved having the option of an adults-only area as it was just the two of us but also enjoyed watching the kids and families having a great time in the main pool.

Spa and Fitness Center: Let’s face it, I’m a thermal spa girl. I’m the one who runs to the spa on day 1 to buy a pass for the entire cruise (unless it’s short, then I do a one-day pass). The Persian Garden on the Reflection offers therapies including the usual Heated Tile Loungers, Infrared Sauna, and a HERBAL Steam room, as well as a beautiful Waterfall Shower with 6 jets and a beautiful calming blue light. The Spa onboard offers a range of treatments and services, from massages to facials, and when you book a treatment, you can enjoy the Persian Garden as part of your treatment package. The fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and offers a variety of classes, from yoga to spinning.

Art – Beyond the Auction

As with almost all cruises, the Reflection offers a Park West Art Auction with pieces by popular artists from Peter Max to Romero Britto, but it’s the art VIEWING on the ship that was most impressive. For an art lover like me, it was like living in a museum for a few days. Imagine my surprise when I found not one, but three pieces of pottery by Pablo Picasso (I squealed). My other favorite was the fun installation of mirrored trees by Bert Rodriguez that sat high above the atrium. Make sure to go up to the viewing area to get a bird’s eye view of this piece!  Expect to see pieces by Albano Afonso, Dzine, and even Robert Rauschenberg and make sure to check out the room (yes, an entire room that is an art installation) by Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre.

Shore Excursions

The Celebrity Reflection’s itineraries include a wide range of destinations, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. The shore excursions are carefully curated to provide immersive and enriching experiences, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or sampling local cuisine. I traveled on The Perfect Day at Coco Cay cruise which stopped in both Nassau and Coco Cay (Celebrity’s private island).

Casino

It wouldn’t be a Champagne Living review of a ship without a visit to the casino (three visits in my case). Mr. S and I played blackjack, roulette, and slots during our trip and we were impressed not only with the amount of slots on board but the fact that it is a non-smoking casino. FYI, we left winners!

Shopping

While most don’t consider a cruise a real shopping destination (with the exception of jewelry), you may change your mind when you see JUST what the Reflection has…

 

Service and Crew

While all cruises have places to eat and drink, shows and nightclubs, the one thing that makes a cruise GREAT are the people who work on it and one of the most endearing aspects of the Celebrity Reflection is its exceptional service. The crew members are friendly, and attentive, and go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. From the housekeeping staff to the dining room servers, I found it to be a warm and welcoming experience.

The Reflection of Home

If you’ve cruised for a long time like we have, you’ll recognize a lot of what cruising used to be on the Reflection. From the size of the ship to the decor, it feels very familiar, like coming home, but what makes the Celebrity Reflection truly feel like home is the sense of community and the attention to detail. The ship is designed to cater to every type of traveler, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement no matter what it is that you love to do on a cruise. The familiar routines, the friendly faces, and the comforting ambiance create a sense of belonging that is hard to find elsewhere.

For seasoned cruisers, the Celebrity Reflection brings back fond memories of cruises from years past while offering modern amenities and luxurious touches. For newcomers, it provides an inviting and comfortable introduction to the world of cruising.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first adventure, the Celebrity Reflection offers a warm and welcoming escape on the high seas. I’ve only touched on a small portion of what you’ll find on the Celebrity Reflection.

• Book your getaway and discover these and more at CelebrityCruises.com/