David our
Cruise Manager was on Cruise to the Western Caribbean with Celebrity last
December. He came back all smiles and with a beautiful tan. Obviously all of us
back at the office were eager to hear more details about the trip.
The man of the
hour started from the top:
“Checked in for my flight to
Newark in Dublin with United Airlines, after I went to the Club Lounge to kill some
time before I boarded. On board, the entertainment systems had a huge variety
of new release movies, tv shows & music. Before me and the other cruise agents
could realize we arrived in Newark, New Jersey. The 4 hour layover gave me
plenty of time to shop at Jersey Gardens which was only 10 minutes’ drive from
the airport. Shopped out, I then flew on to Miami where and transferred to the
4 Star Turnberry Isle Golf Resort & Spa. As a side note I highly recommend
this hotel for a 1 to 3 night stay. Its build in a low rise design and has the
most amazing tranquil atmosphere- perfect when arriving from a long flight. The
rooms are exceptionally large and the bar & restaurant are stunning.
As we arrived at Miami Port the
spectacular Celebrity Reflection revealed herself. Only 4 years old, 126,000
tons and accommodating 3000 guests, Reflection looked magnificent, sparkling in
the Florida sunshine. Embarkation was ultra-efficient and the staffs were
helpful and friendly. The interior design of the ship is luxurious, yet cool
and contemporary. There is a great sense of space with plenty of deck space for
everyone. Starting near the top, the Lawn Club is an amazing grassed area (yes
real grass!) where you can throw down a blanket for a picnic or chill out with
a drink at the sunset bar. Or even rent your own cabana for the day.
Decks 3 to 5 are the main
entertainment hub of the ship. The resident band played in the Grand Foyer some
nights and other nights there was a special guest artist. The Martini bar on
deck 4 was a popular spot before and after dinner. The Reflection Theatre had early
& late shows (to suit our dining time) with traditional variety style
performances. Highlights were The Beatles tribute & The Tenors of Rock. We
dined in the main restaurant Opus for breakfast and dinner. The food and
service were excellent. We also had an amazing culinary experience in the
speciality restaurant “Qsine”. It’s a must do, just leave your preconceived
ideas at the door & tuck in! Celebrity Cruises have abandoned their
"Formal Dress" nights in favour of "Chic" nights so no need
for tuxes & gowns! As always the Ocean Cafe buffet is there for
self-service dining. For late night revellers the Sky Lounge came alive from
11pm and a particular highlight was the Silent Disco night (you are given a
headset playing 3 different styles of music).
First port of call was Cozumel,
Mexico. If souvenir shopping is what you want then no need to wander past the
purpose built port complex. 3kms down the road is the original port and the centre.
Further afield, organised shore excursions will bring you to view Mayan Ruins,
beach & snorkel trips.Me and the
other agents spent the day unwinding on Grand Cayman’s legendary 7 Mile Beach.
For $4 each way, hawkers will drive you to one of the bar & pool complexes
along this stunning beach. Entry was $2 for the pool area and $35 for the beach
with 2 loungers & an umbrella. A very popular excursion is Stingray Sandbar
where you can feed, swim & snorkel with these beautiful creatures. Some
guests made their way inland to a place called Hell. Just consisting of a post
office, you can post card to you self or friends from Hell and say you have
been to Hell and back! From Falmouth, Jamaica we did the excursion to climb the
Dunns River falls. An hour and a half away but well worth it and afterwards a
couple of hours at a beach club. Lunch included $99. Very popular too was the
Bob Marley Experience excursion which will take you to the childhood home of
the Reggae King.
Finally,
Labadee, Hispaniola. It’s been 10 years since I have visited and was very
impressed with how Royal Caribbean have developed it. Maintaining its natural
look, but nestled away are beautiful beaches, the Dragons Breath Zip Line,
Dragons Tail Coaster Ride and waterslides. We had the privilege of using
Barefoot Beach – yet another benefit for the Suite Only guest on Celebrity
Cruises.
Our last day
of the cruise was completely at sea, where we enjoyed all the facilities the
amazing Celebrity Reflection had to offer.”
Well he surely
made all of us jealous.
If you are
interested in exploring what etravel can offer you on a Celebrity Cruise please
call (01)4081999 or email cruises@etravel.ie
