Cruise vacations are one of my favorite ways to travel. Other than a few incidentals here and there, you typically pay one price upfront and put your wallet away for the rest of the trip. After cruising with Carnival and Disney Cruise Lines in the last few years, I was excited for the opportunity to try Celebrity Cruises for the first time. While Celebrity Cruises paid for my travel expenses on this trip, all honest opinions are my own. Thank you to Celebrity for covering our expenses!
Is Celebrity Reflection a good ship to cruise on?

Celebrity Reflection is a highly acclaimed ship known for its luxurious amenities, top-notch service, and exceptional dining options. With spacious staterooms, diverse entertainment, and stunning design, it consistently receives rave reviews from passengers who appreciate a premium cruising experience.
Celebrity Reflection Reviews—What You Need to Know
I find it difficult to give an overall review of a cruise line based on my experiences on one ship. That said, I believe it will only take one Celebrity Cruise vacation to cement your feelings about the cruise line.
We knew this was no ordinary cruise vacation from the moment of embarkation. We were privileged to sail on Celebrity’s newest ship as of 2017, Celebrity Reflection, and our experience was nothing short of incredible. Find out more about it as you read my Celebrity Reflection reviews.
One Company, Several Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line brand that began in the late 1980s. In 1997, it merged with Royal Caribbean International to become Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates Celebrity, Royal Caribbean International, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, and CDF Croisières de France. If you’re familiar with any of those other brands, you will know exactly what to expect on a Celebrity cruise.
Celebrity’s newest ship, Reflection, launched in 2012. It was the largest Celebrity Cruise ship in operation in 2017, with a sleek and modern silhouette. Celebrity feels like the top tier of the Royal Caribbean company (with Royal Caribbean International as a close second). I have not sailed with the other cruise lines represented, so I will reserve my judgment for them for another time.
If high-class accommodations and experiences are necessary, Celebrity Cruises will fit the bill just right, especially during the month of April, when the weather is perfect for a Caribbean cruise. The staterooms on Celebrity Reflection are particularly impressive, with spacious rooms and balconies that offer a luxurious and private outdoor space for guests to enjoy.
Luxury on the High Seas—Staterooms Included
Our first interaction upon embarkation was being greeted with a glass of champagne. Such a greeting really set the tone for the rest of our vacation.
Celebrity Reflection is one of five “Solstice Class” ships. The Reflection is different because it’s the largest ship in the Solstice Class. It contains one more deck than other Solstice class ships and can accommodate 3,069 passengers.
Our veranda stateroom was spacious, and the view alone made the upgrade worth it. Staterooms are significantly larger than in previous classes, and 80% of them have a veranda.
Pro Tip: You won’t go back once you go veranda. Upgrade your stateroom. Trust me. It’s worth it.
Entertainment Options Onboard
Shopping, dining, and relaxation were high on my list of “must-do” activities. Thankfully, there were plenty of options to choose from, including a variety of shopping experiences. From designer shops like Kate Spade, Tag Heuer, and Michael Kors, to unique onboard boutiques, there was something for everyone. And with flexible boarding times, we were able to make the most of our day before setting sail.
Pro Tip: On your final cruise night, several stores, including high-end brands, will have a sale. Score that Kate Spade bag you’ve been eyeing at close to 60% off!
Celebrity Reflection offers nightly shows and a full casino with slot machines and table games. Broadway Cabaret was our favorite show. I’m sure it’s because I am biased and love all things Broadway musicals, but I wouldn’t miss this show. The songs, performances, and live music are very well done.
Dining Options on the Ship
Next on the must-do list was dining. The cruise fare price includes Opus, the main dining room, and Oceanview Cafe, the self-serve buffet. However, Celebrity Reflection really shines in the specialty restaurant category, offering a variety of options for good food. Tuscan Grille (Italian fare) was our favorite dinner spot, and Sushi on Five was our favorite lunch spot. Both venues offer a unique and delicious dining experience compared to other venues on the ship.
Guests can also opt for the all-included pricing structure, which includes a classic drink package. This makes it even more convenient to enjoy a variety of dining options on the ship.
Our four-day cruise wasn’t nearly enough time to try them all! Specialty restaurants charge a cover fee, but once paid, order anything and everything from the menu (save alcohol, which is an additional fee without a beverage package)!
Adults Only Areas
Another unique feature of Solstice Class ships is The Lawn Club. I thought it was just a fancy name for another area of the ship, but lo and behold, there is actually a real, live lawn on deck 15!
The Lawn Club has plenty of free areas to stretch out and relax, but private alcoves can also be reserved. My favorite area of the ship was the Solarium, an adults-only pool deck designed as a quiet space for ages 16 and older. Resting on a cushioned deck chair, I was easily lulled into a nap.
For those looking for a more intimate and romantic setting, the ship also offers the Sunset Bar, a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean with a drink in hand. Additionally, the Reflection offers a spacious and luxurious adults-only pool area, providing plenty of outdoor shade for guests to relax and unwind. For those looking for a world class bar experience, the Reflection offers several bars onboard where guests can enjoy carefully crafted cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Of course, if sleeping isn’t on the itinerary, there is also a cool pool and two warm, jetted jacuzzis on either side of the Solarium! Other adult-only areas include the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, Persian Garden, Sky Lounge (in the evenings), Fitness Center, and Fortunes Casino.
Pro Tip: Make your first stop on board at the spa to purchase a pass to the Persian Garden. The pass provides access to the spa and sauna areas for the length of your cruise!
Children’s Areas
If children are in your traveling party, there are places for them to go if mom and dad need a break. For youth ages 13 to 17, the X Club is the perfect mix of hip and cool. Teens will love the areas for Xbox gaming, karaoke, ping pong tournaments, and more.
Fun Factory is divided into three smaller areas for children ages 3 to 12 to fit each grouping (ages 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12). These areas for kids 17 and under provide great activities and fun experiences while parents enjoy some time away.
Celebrity Reflection is a Gem of the Solstice Series
Celebrity Cruises gives the traveler a distinct impression of luxury at sea. From the expansive staterooms to the classy bars and restaurants to the peaceful overall atmosphere, Celebrity knows exactly who its clientele is.
This cruise line is a perfect getaway for young couples, honeymooners, or empty nesters. The vibe throughout the ship is one of mature elegance that really caters to an adult crowd. Our first Celebrity Cruise left a lasting impression. We can’t wait to sail with them again!