Celebrity Reflection Review
Another great cruise but cutbacks evident
Rating by category
Additional details
Fell in love with cruising in 2015 on the Celebrity Reflection in the Eastern Med with our two teenage girls, so we stuck with what we knew this time.
We chose to start in Rome again because we loved it last time and wanted a full day to explore or use for travel delays. We stayed in the Hotel Anglo Americano, very close to the Trevi Fountain which meant all the sights apart from the Vatican were within easy walking distance. Although it is supposed to be 4* it has basic amenities, especially its breakfast only offerings which were not great quality this time round. Our transport (about 1 hour from 11am on a Monday) was with Holiday Taxis arranged by our agent Trailfinders and they were prompt and courteous like last time.
Embarkation would have been seamless, had I not thought I'd lost my passport. The Celebrity staff were as worried as we were and helpful as far as they could be, but essentially knew we couldn't board without it. Once found, we were quickly helped through. I had put in a request for assistance in advance due to being unable to stand for long periods (took an hour last time, even with the Suites channel) in heat due to medication, but was not able to find anyone who knew about it. In the event it wasn't needed but that's not the point.
Cabin Review
Sky Suite 1
We really like the aft corner S1 cabin. Enough space for four if you don't mind sharing at close quarters. The mattress on the sofa bed nowhere near as comfortable as the main bed but the girls have had worse. Enough hanging space in the wardrobe for four with two garments per hanger, one deep drawer and shelf each. All our suitcases fitted under the bed. Plenty of storage in the bathroom. Shower very good.
We had the window washing gear to one side which we got so used to we didn't notice it. Could not see it through the door view from inside. Good sized balcony.
Being aft on deck 11 we could hear furniture being moved in the Oceanview but it really wasn't intrusive. Could not hear engines lying in bed like we could in same cabin on deck 8.
Port Reviews
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We booked two nights in Rome to do this amazing place justice. So glad we didn't have to see it via a shore excursion.
La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
My husband and girls took the Celebrity tour to Florence with the boat trip while I stayed on board. They said they could have done with three hours instead of two and a bit doing own thing. Boat trip was enjoyable and seeing the place from a different perspective. The obligatory tour of a leather factory/shop was endured. Prices of goods were insane. They came back with smiles and photos, specs they ask for more.
Villefranche
We decided to not beat a trail to Nice and tootle round Villefranche instead. Tender boat gets you right next to town which is on a very steep incline. A picturesque town with narrow streets. Went to the Citadel, a stone's throw from the harbour, which has gardens and works of art.
Barcelona
Barcelona has always been on my bucket list. The ship moored away from the best view of the city and a long way from the port entrance. It cost €20 to take the bus out of the port. Was a bit disappointed. La Rambla was not the quiet and quaint line of shops and cafes i had imagined. Instead it was hot, noisy with heavy traffic down both sides and largely shops and stalls selling tatt. Incompetence on our part meant that the prebooked timed tickets we got online for Sagrada Familia and the inner part of Park Guell were wasted. Why? We turned up at the wrong one on day 1 and the early ticket for the day 2 was useless because the shuttle bus and taxis didn't come to the boat early enough. So we walked round the free bit of Park Guell and got fabulous photos of the city and ship from the hill top. Taxis varied in price from €25 to €40 to Park Guell.