We selected a Celebrity Reflection cruise base upon a nearly flawless cruise on a previous Celebrity cruise. Solstice class is the largest of the fleet, but not where some of the competition is. Older but updated ship was well maintained, comfortable, and clean. Port of Miami is a well oiled cruise hub which allowed for efficient embarkation and debarkation at the end. Over the years, personal observation is Celebrity has evolved a cruising class system that somewhat mirrors the days of old cruising with 1st class and below. First class on the Reflection equates to Suite Class. With lower levels of amenities available for Aqua Spa, and Concierge classes and other lower categorizations. Higher end suites carry additional amenities such as separate dining and clubs. Consequently, food and beverage service will vary based upon the selected level. The basic dining opportunities offered at the Ocean View Cafe (buffet) is about what you see on a Carnival. The Opus dining room perhaps a step up. If you want to bump up - select one of the several premium restaurants and you get a 5-star experience. We sampled the Murano and Tuscan - both with superior menus, quality and service. So the basic dining gets a satisfactory to very good, while the specialty venues get an excellent. There were some nits that made us think the food/beverage service team was green. For the first 3 days, cocktails we're dispensed without any garnishing. We spoke to the beverage director and the next day pina coladas had pineapples, martinis had olives, gin n tonic had lime, etc. Opus dining room wait staff could never keep the tables stocked with butter and cream for tea/coffee. Dining room coffee had an odd taste (weak) so we opted for the fresh ground version in the coffee shop (extra but covered under the Classic drink plan we had) , Entertainment program is strong with evening stage performances and musical entertainment offered throughout the ship through the evening. Visiting entertainers are also cycled through the stage throughout the week. The cruise director and team are agile and will adjust for missed ports (due to weather) quickly with strong work arounds. They will keep guests occupied (if that's what you want). Only weak area was movies. The ship has a gem of a space called Celebrity Central which doubles as a presentation/activity area and movie theater. Its underutilized for movies and lacks a visible program for adults who may not want to hang out at the numerous bars. Speaking of bars, the first couple of days have heavy push for drink plans or upgrades to premium. BUT - you won't see waiters running around the decks pushing umbrella drinks. More restrained in that department.

In all a value cruise and I would recommend. If you want a 5-star experience, you'll need to upgrade to suite level and pick up a few of the higher end dining experiences. The basic cruise will get you the good-very good category. Entertainment value is excellent for all.