We are prepared to flip! For years, our family has loyally cruised with another line, but we've sampled other brands over the years as well. This January we booked a week on the Reflection as research into the brand; we sailed on Century in the 90s. Our concerns were the 3000 fellow passengers, the large ship, no wraparound deck for walking, and the smaller suite accommodations for a roughly comparable price, and of course, food and entertainment offerings. Ports don't matter to us since the Caribbean is the only spring break and holiday destination- been there, done that attitude. For us, the ship is a resort destination. To sum it up, we loved this cruise!

We drove to the ship from the gulf coast. We parked at the terminal in Miami (strange garage has no space numbers, so don't dash off without a good look at where you've parked!) for $20 a day. A little anxiety is always with me wondering if we'll get a spot in high season, but so far, so good. Porters took the big bags. We parked, and lined up at terminal. ( About 3 couples ahead of us at 11-11:30) Pleasant embarkation- smooth, speedy, a minor glitch with sea passes, but amazing considering all those passengers! Got a photo- and we were on!

Once onboard, as suite passengers, we were directed to Luminae for lunch. Scallops and shrimp en brochette in the elegant setting was a perfect welcome. Service impeccable and hospitable. On the way, we stopped at a "dining station" on 5 and signed on for dinner at Murano; had pre booked at Qsine for first night. We ate at Luminae almost exclusively then for dinner. Excellent service, wine and bar service, and food thruout our week! The Opus menu is also available here. We had a breakfast at Blu too- wonderful little smoothies there and a muesli cart at table. Lavazza coffee on board. Read more