Any cruiser can tell you that 80% of ships are the same. It is the other 20% that makes the difference and Celebrity Cruises has always excelled at little things that turn a good cruise into a great cruise. All Celebrity cruises include food, coffee, tea and juices. They also have a great kids program and an attentive staff.
Solstice Class
The Solstice class has been very popular for Celebrity Cruises. This class offers many amenities unheard of on cruise ships, including the lawn on the top deck. As part of the lawn, the Solstice introduced the Hot Glass Show. It was also one of the first class of cruise ships that had food stations in the buffet, rather than the traditional lines, offering cruisers a variety of food without lines. In the Solstice class you will find the Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Silhouette and new for 2012, the Celebrity Reflection.
Celebrity Reflection
The Celebrity Reflection cruise ship will offer more innovations, and promises to be another great addition to the Solstice class. The Reflection will improve on many favorite features and introduce new ones. The inaugural sailing is scheduled for November 1, 2012 in Europe. You can experience the ship on a one time only 3 night cruise out of Miami on December 5th, 2012.
Upper Decks
The most innovative feature of the Solstice class is the Lawn Club; a lawn of live grass growing on the top deck. The Reflection will continue this tradition with new features. Celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling in the new Lawn Club Grill where you can cook for yourself, or have a chef prepare your selection, or enjoy breakfast or lunch at The Porch, a casual dining venue with a Hampton’s feel and terrific ocean views. There will also be covered cabanas around the lawn called the Alcoves, available for rental for shade and privacy. Also new, the Art Studio that allows intimate, hands-on instruction from resident experts in drawing, painting, beading, drink mixology, culinary lessons, taste tests and chef-prepared dinners.
Cabins
The Celebrity Reflection continues the current trend of few inside cabins and mostly balconies and ocean view cabins. This means budget conscience cruiser need to book early to get an inside or ocean view cabin. Another option you may not be aware of is that there are balcony cabins with a partial obstruction that can save you money. In particular, the category 2C cabins have a life boat below you, so you can see out to the ocean with no problem looking forward, just not looking down. Why not enjoy a balcony at a reduced cost? In addition, the Reflection is adding three more categories of suites, including a two-bedroom suite, AquaClass suites and a Signature suite.
Dining
Celebrity has always been best in class in terms of food and anyone on the Reflection will have no problem finding that next meal. Reflection will have the typical two-story dining room in the back offering reserved and flexible dining. Specialty dining will continue to be offered in Murano, Bistro on Five, Tuscan Grill and more. The buffet offering of Solstice ships continues on the Reflection for those wanting a casual meal without sacrificing quality or variety.
The Extras
Celebrity in general and Solstice ships in particular have a few niceties that set them apart. One is the solarium pool near the Aquaspa. This adult’s only area is partially covered so that you can enjoy sun or shade in a quieter setting. Another is the Sky Lounge. This room becomes a thriving disco by night, but by day it is a quiet place to watch sail aways or sit and read. There are also lovely mini cabanas by the pool at no charge. You have to get up early to grab one, but it’s worth it. The Sunset Bar located in the back of the ship at the end of the Lawn Club is a great place to watch the sunset. Sit back on the comfortable patio seating, and enjoy an award-winning Eureka cocktail in created by Celebrity’s own Bacardi Bartender of the Year. If there is a chill in the air, not to worry there are plenty of blankets available. The Martini Bar is an ice-topped bar where you can watch talented bartenders put on a high energy show preparing an intriguing menu of cocktails.
If you have enjoyed previous Solstice class ships or are a first timer, the Celebrity Reflection has something for everyone.
