Page 26 - Explore Magazine Summer 2017

CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN

ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION

Lesley Johns of helloworld Hobsonville says her seven-day voyage through
the western Caribbean was an amazing experience.

Boarding Celebrity Reflection in Miami was an and groups. Families are more noticeable purchase the premium product at an extra
absolute breeze, although we did upgrade to in the school holidays. The dress code is US10 per person per day but my advice
Concierge Class, which pushed us through smart casual and sailings of seven to 11 would be not to unless you have specific
the other queues of people doing the bag nights include two formal nights. drinks you want covered every day (check
shuffle. Concierge Class also gave us our the lists onboard for these).
own on-board reception desk, an enhanced If you are booking from New Zealand,
breakfast menu for room service and tipping is included in the price but if you One nice touch on board Celebrity Reflection
afternoon tea, to name just a few. For the choose to use internet booking sites then and other Solstice-class vessels is the Lawn
small extra amount you pay it is well worth you can expect to pay for tips separately. Club, a top-deck oasis with a 0.2 hectare
area of grass (yes, real grass) and eight
I would recommend that you book via a
it. We had booked five balcony staterooms
for our group on the same side of the ship travel agent as the fares are the same alcoves – private, cabana-style enclaves
as “doing it yourself” and you will get all
for up to four people which are rentable for
and we were able to open all the balcony
screens to give us one huge deck with lots the information you need, along with visa those who want shade and privacy away
of chairs, perfect for evening catch-ups. advice and personalised service. from the pool area. Lots of people use the
Much the same applies to the on-board Lawn Club to sunbathe or just sit and relax
Launched in 2012, Celebrity Reflection with a drink. Speaking of hospitality, there
is a Solstice Class ship carrying 3046 beverages packages. We purchased the is a range of restaurants on the ship to
standard drink package, which seemed to
passengers. It is stylish and contemporary cover most people’s needs, from the usual
and the biggest of the five ships in its class. accommodate most of our group’s needs buffet and main restaurant to a Japanese
as it covered most beers, wines, spirits
The average age of the passengers is mid- restaurant (Sushi on Five), plus specialty
to late-50s and mostly well-to-do couples and cocktails. You are still encouraged to restaurants for which you pay a cover charge.
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