The Brand New Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Cruises just introduced their newest ship, the Reflection, and our co-owner Susan Reder was onboard. After the ship was christened, they set sail from Miami on a "cruise to nowhere" for 3 days. The purpose of this type of sailing is to introduce those that sell Celebrity Cruises to their clients an opportunity to experience the brand new ship. When our Experts come back, they are familiar with the ship and can pass along valuable information to their clients and the rest of us in the office. Susan has sailed on the other Solstice class ships, and she says this one follows in their footsteps. There are some new things onboard included with everything she already loved about Celebrity Cruises. It is pure Modern Luxury and has so many things to do and experience. The Reflection can carry up to 3,046 passengers. It is 1,047 feet long, weighs 126,000 tons and has a cruising speed of 24 knots. "It's a great ship", says Susan. This coming from someone who has been on over 100 cruises means something. It is a big ship, but after a few days you figure out where everything is and the best way to get there. The staff is gracious and very eager to help with directions and whatever else passengers need. Susan stayed in a SkySuite, which is larger than the average stateroom. It is pretty much equivalent to a mini suite in a hotel. These suites are 300 square feet, with a 79 square foot verandah. All suites include European Butler service (think unpacking and packing), priority check in/debarkation, reserved theatre seating on formal nights, priority tender service, main & specialty restaurant seating preference, complimentary in-suite espresso & cappuccino and much more. All staterooms include personalized service with a 2 to 1 guest to staff ratio, mini bar, flat screen television, 24-hour room service and a host of other amenities. There are also special AquaClass suites developed for those that want a spa type experience. Celebrity has introduced the fleet's first 2 bedroom suite, the Reflection Suite. These suites are located in a private area accessible only to guests carrying a special SeaPass card. Guests sleep on a premium Reverie Dream Sleep System mattress that is customizable. Experience the luxury of European-style Butler service and shower in a spectacular sea view bathroom with cantilever, all-glass shower. The AquaSpa is enhanced and offers peace and tranquility to help restore your balance and serenity. The unique circuit of sensory experiences includes an Aromatic Steam Room, Infrared Sauna, Sensory Showers, Cold Room and a modern take on a traditional Hammam. They also offer wonderful spa treatments and salon services. They also have a medispa onboard where guests can get injectible cosmetic fillers. When asked if she had a favorite dining experience, Susan had to think long and hard. All of the specialty restaurants are amazing. The main dining room is wonderful and the menu choices are fabulous. She raved about the Lawn Club Grill. This is a restaurant where you can fire up your culinary passion. The outside, bright and modern Lawn Club Grill celebrates the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling and allows guests the choice to prepare and grill their own meat choices. Your table can select a "Grill Master" to work with Celebrity's own chefs to create an original culinary masterpiece that is fun to prepare and tasty to eat. Qsine is a fun little spot for lunch where the menu is as innovative as the ordering process itself. You put through your food orders on an iPad and the "fun" food is brought to you in eclectic serving pieces. A very innovative approach to dining! She also enjoyed Tuscan Grill, which is the Italian style specialty restaurant. Morano was another favorite and is more of your traditional style restaurant. These specialty restaurants are available for guests at a nominal additional fee. Reservations are strongly advised as all of them are very popular. The fitness center is spacious and includes the most modern cardio equipment including treadmills, bicycles, Precor machines and more. Resistance training can be done on machines or with free weights. Guests can also enjoy yoga and spin classes for a minimal fee. Susan enjoyed the fitness center and said it is the perfect balance to eating a little more than normal while on vacation. The entertainment onboard is fresh and modern. They have nightly Cirque de Soleil type acrobatic shows. Guests are amazed at the stunts especially because they are being performed on a moving ship. There are lounges onboard with music playing and drinks being served. One of the favorite spots is Michael's Club, where you can order traditional bar drinks in a nice and comfortable area. It's dark and inviting, noisy and exciting all at the same time. Looking for your favorite sports game? This is where you will most likely find it. For the young ones, there are Children's Clubs. Special activities are planned with age and safety in mind. Another favorite spot for Susan is The Alcoves. This is a cool cabana-style private retreat on The Lawn Club for up to 4 guests. By day, filtered sunlight and breathtaking ocean views. By night, ambient lighting for drama and star status. A la carte foods and beverages are brought to you in picnic baskets. A small rental fee applies. The Reflection will be sailing the Caribbean, Europe and Transatlantic. Wonderful for people of all ages, this one is not to be missed. Pack your bags and get ready for a wonderful experience at sea surrounded by Modern Luxury.

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