The Celebrity Reflection is the 5th and last of the Solstice Class. The first ship of this class, the Solstice, was launched in 2008. Then every year, for the next five years, Celebrity launched a new ship of the same class: The Equinox in 2009, the Eclipse in 2010, the Silhouette in 2011 and finally the Reflection in 2012. All of these ships were built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, with the same deck plan in cookie cutter fashion. Since we sailed twice on the Solstice in 2010 and once on the Eclipse in 2011, we are very familiar with the Reflection deck plan, but we also noticed the similarities and differences of the interior decorations among these vessels.

Having sailed on the Solstice gave us a reference point from which to see the evolution of the interiors of this class of ships. Where the Solstice was ethereal with her multitude of diaphanous draperies, this newest ship is more stark in her clean cut lines and homage to her name. Look for the portrait of the girl kneeling down to see her reflection in a pool of water. Also check out the standing girl with an apple in her hand observing her reflection in an ornate mirror; strewn at her feet are several apple cores! This whimsical picture on Deck 14 is "Apples" by Stoinska. Then in the Grand Foyer there is a seven foot tall rose! No reflection to see here, but rather an incongruous aluminum flower on which to ponder. The Reflection is a stunning ship with a nod to modern luxury. The choice of white, silver, platinum and crystal gives a clear sharp edge to her decorations.

EMBARKATION Read more