Review of Western Mediterranean Cruise on Celebrity Reflection
Port of Civitavecchia
The itinerary of this particular cruise included port stops in La Spezia ( from where we visited Florence) Nice, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Malaga & Ibiza and it was in the month of August.
It's fair to say on a personal note this cruise was for us all about enjoying time on the ship as in terms of the port stops we had in fact visited them all before and in some cases a few times. That said we did get off the ship at each stop so I will cover what we did at each port.
In terms of the ship well Celebrity Cruises are our preferred option when it comes to cruiseing and we are familiar with most of what they have to offer and this was in fact not the first time we had sailed on the Reflection.
However if you have yet to experience her she is one of Celebrities Solstice class ships of which there are 5 with Solstice, Equnox, Eclipse & Silhouette being her sisters in this class.
She has a tonnage of 126 000 she can carry 3046 passengers and 1271 crew and made her inaugural voyage on October 12th 2012.
Celebrity Reflection ships Atrium
Pre cruise and fabulous Rome
Rome is one if not our favourite European city to visit so the fact this cruise was leaving from there was one of the attractions of booking it as it gave us the excuse, not that we needed one, to return to the city for a few days before boarding the Reflection.
So 3 days before the start of our cruise we flew to Rome from Base Camp in Edinburgh.
Having visited the city before we do have a favourite area and hotel to stay in so once more we had booked the Hotel San Anselmo in the Aventine area of the city. This is a quiet mainly residential area with a few Boutique Hotels it is also within easy walking distance of the city center and the main tourist attractions. The hotel is excellent and really relaxing it comes highly recommended and you can check it out here: Hotel San Anselmo
Hotel San Anselmo
Having visited the city previously over the next few days we retraced some of our steps from the past and visted some of our favourite tourist spots such as the Trevi Fountain and my Logistics Managers favourite the Pantheon, we also spent a couple of nights in the Trastevere area of the city which is a bohemian part of the city with some great local restaurants and bars to enjoy again I would recommend it to anyone who has not previously been there. Basically we just enjoyed a relaxing time in the city and hotel. The weather was brilliant so that all added to a great start to our holiday. If you want to find out more about Rome I have a blog about it with recommendations you can access it here; Rome
Trevi Fountain
Poseing at the Fountain
The stunning Pantheon
Enjoying a night out in Trastevere
Selfie in Rome
Colosseum
Embarkation Day
So after 3 days in wonderful Rome the day came when it was time to join the ship. I have said it before and anyone who enjoys cruiseing will know what I mean but there is a special smile on your face and spring in your step when the day comes to join the ship at the start of a cruise holiday. So it was with both of these in place we got picked up at our hotel by our pre booked transfer to the ship in Civitavecchia. The port is in fact approximately 70 km from the city center and takes just over a hour to drive there, we always use the same transfer company and that is Bob's Limos they have always been excellent so I am happy to recommend them, you can check them out here Bob's Limos
If you have not done this transfer before these is also the option of getting the train from Rome to Civitavecchia but once there you then have to transfer from the town to the port.
Drop off point at cruise terminal Civitavecchia
For this cruise we were booked into a Aqua Class stateroom, a class of stateroom we had done before and gave us access to Blu restaurant and the Persian Gardens in the Spa as well as some other small additional perks like a bottle of bubbles ( Champagne) for the room.
So once we had our Sea Passes in hand we were excitedly heading along the gangway towards the ship.
I do love the next bit .... PING !!!
That first time your sea pass goes through security and your on the ship, that first glass of bubbles in hand ( OK I know its not the best stuff but I don't care ) it all means we are back in our happy place onboard.
Now being a bit old hands at this now and knowing the layout of the ship we headed along Deck 5 to the Speciality restaurant Murano, its not open at this time but there is always a Maitre d there and since we had pre booked a Speciality Restaurant package we spoke to him so as to secure the restaurants we wanted on certain nights and times. Once that important task was completed we headed to another favourite spot on the ship the Martini Bar ( Confession time it is my favourite bar at Sea) It was here we also met again a old friend from the crew Ari J Saputra or as he is known AJ. It is always great to meet crew members who have worked so hard previously so you enjoy your holiday. After a couple of drinks at the Martini Bar we headed up top to enjoy the Italian sun before around 1 pm the rooms ready announcement was made, as we arrived at our room we were pleased to find the luggage already there and at that point my Logistics Manager despatched me to our balcony and she unpacked. Apparently I just get in the way if I try and help 😊
Reflection in Civitavecchia
Blu Restaurant exclusive to Aqua class guests
First drinks at the Martini Bar
Once we were unpacked and refreshed we headed to our Muster station which was in fact the Celebrity Central Theater on this occasion, ok I know it is a bit of a nuisance but its just one of these things you have to do. After that it was up on deck at the Sunset Bar from where just after 5 pm we pulled up anchor and moved slowly away from the Quay and out into the Mediterranean Sea on a stunning and hot night.
Once we were underway on a very calm sea we made our way back to the Martini Bar for pre dinner drinks before enjoying a excellent first meal in Blu. Later we took in the show then a few more nightcaps at the Martini Bar and then it was bedtime content to be back onboard and at sea.
First night drinks at our favourite spot
Day 2 La Spezia
La Spezia is a major port town in the North of Italy situated midway between Pisa and Genoa as well as its commercial activity it is also a important base for the Italian navy and of course it has a Cruise Terminal.
So after what had been a very peaceful nights sailing we arrived around 9 am in La Spezia.
We had decided before this cruise that we would use this stop to visit Florence which is in fact approximately 150 km from the port but can be reached by road in around 2 hours.
Now we do normally arrange our own excursions but when the destination is a bit further away from the port we do consider the extra security of a ships excursion thereby removing the dreaded left behind scenario.
So on this occasion we did use Celebrity and had pre booked the trip they called "Florence Highlights."
La Spezia
Anyway as it was we were quickly heading for Deck 3 and then our bus on the Quay right in front of the Terminal.
After the normal introduction from our guide we headed off, the actual journey to Florence was nothing special as it was mainly on Italian expressways with little to see but one thing it was, was hot.. Yes the temperature was in the high 80 F all the time we spent in Florence.
So after a 2 hour journey with one short toilet stop, we arrived in Florence, our first stop was in fact the bank of the River Arno that flows through the city.
Here we left our transport and boarded a river boat to journey along the river giving us a unique view of the surrounding buildings and area from the water.
It was a interesting sail along the river and it was here we got our first sight of one of the cities most famous sites the Ponte Vecchio as we sailed up to and under it.
The Ponte Vecchio is in fact a acient bridge across the river noted for the number of shops built into the structure with many of them now being Jewelers, the bridge has in fact played a prominent part in the cities long history.
Getting comfortable on the River trip
Another similar excursion
First glimpse of the Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
Closer up view of the Ponte Vecchio and the shops built into it.
Some of the buildings along the river bank of the River Arno
This was a very busy area but it was stunning to see with some of the buildings truely unique. Our guide did give us a informative walk around the area during which he gave us a interesting talk on there history and use. After this we were in fact given free time of 2 hours to explore the city on our own.
We decided to simply wander around this area before finding a small local cafe where we grabbed something to eat and a cooling drink.
Florence
Logistics Manager in Florence
Carousel in the Piazza
Part of the stunning cathedral
Giotto's Campanile
Baptistery of St John with the Cathedral behind it.
Yours truly in Piazza del Duomo
Cathedral
Once back onboard after what had been a hot day in the city we simply chilled for a bit on our room balcony, got to be honest it is one of the things if it was evey to be included in the Olympic Games I could very well get a Gold Medal for 🥇
One of my signature ... chilling on my balcony moves in La Spezia harbour .
That night after dinner in Blu we decided to skip the theater show as its not something that is a great love of ours we much prefer music in a bar setting, such as the Atrium or Sky Lounge on the Celebrity ships. That night we returned to our favourite bar where the guys there gave us there normal warm welcome, we had also started to get to know two other couples onboard so spent some time chatting with them and this again is a example of why I love cruiseing, meeting new, interesting and fun people many whom we are still in contact with to this day.
Day 3 Nice
After what was another calm sail we arrived in the Cote d'Azur South of France, now they say this port stop is Nice but in fact on a ship the size of Reflection you dock in the bay at Villerfranche which is a 15 minute bus journey from Nice. It is also worth noting this is a tender port stop.
Now this is a area we have visited a few times but if it was your first visit its worth noting you can easily visit not only Nice from here but also Monte Carlo or Cannes to mention just two.
If you want some recommendations for a day in Nice check my blog here; Nice
But we decided to have a quiet morning onboard and to wait till the tender ship rush cleared before we simply headed onshore and walked along the front at Villerfranche before climbing up the cobbled streets which can be steep if you have not been before. The destination of all this effort was a small cafe in the town the we had in fact been to before on another visit, its called La Cave Nature and is found in the heart of the Old Town part of Villerfranche. Here we simply spent a relaxing couple of hours enjoying lunch alongside few glasses of local wine in the French sun.
La Cave Nature 17 Rue du Poilu Villerfranche
After that we simply wandered back to the front and sat there on a seat for another hour enjoying the sun before heading back to catch the return tender to the ship.
Logistics Manager on the sea walk at Villerfranche
This Italian Grill style venue is at the aft of the ship with floor to ceiling windows that do give you are fantastic view of the wake and we were lucky enough to get a window seat.
Its fair to say we have enjoyed this restaurant in the past but on the last couple of visits there I felt the standard had slipped a bit BUT on that night we did have another excellent meal.
After the meal we stopped of at the Ensemble Bar for a drink as it is, this is not a bar I frequent often on a cruise its a bit to dark and quiet in there for me but it is another option and the thing about this type of holiday is you always have choice.
So after one there we walked back to our favourite spot and spent the rest of the night there where the guys behind the bar including AJ were beginning to up there game with some novelty pours and tricks.
Yours truly at Tuscan Grill
Logistics Manager about to order
The view aft from the Tuscan Grill restaurant
The Martini Bar team
Day 4 Sea Day
A sea day, I do enjoy the fact that you get the chance to visit a variety of places on any cruise BUT I also love a sea day and especially one spent under the Mediterranean sun. Yes I do like the sunny days. So Day 4 of this trip was one of those special days.
We decided that we would in fact give ourselves a treat on this first sea day. The Reflection like her sister ship the Silhouette has Cabanas on the Lawn Club. These are available for hire and we decided to book one. So after breakfast we headed up top to Deck 15 where the Lawn Club is situated and made ourselves comfortable in our own Cabana. The weather was perfect and the sea was calm so it was a very relaxing experience topping up our tans. As part of this you get waiter service from the bar and a fruit and cheese buffet served in your Cabana.
Our Cabana on the Lawn
Logistics Manager chilling in the sun
Fruit and cheese buffet we got as part of the Cabana booking
So after a relaxing day at sea that night was the first Chic Night where you get the chance to dress up a bit, now got to be honest its something we enjoy and support, plus I do think there is much more compliance and support got these nights on a European based cruise than you get on some Caribbean itineraries. Anyway we put on our glad rags and after a excellent meal in Blu we met up with our new cruise friends and carried on with the fun at our favourite bar which was a great end to a perfect day at sea.
Sample menu from Blu Restaurant
Glad rags on for Chic night
Dinner in Blu
Enjoying the fun
Day 5 Barcelona
So after a great night we woke to find the ship docked in Barcelona a city we knew well but one that is always full of surprises and has so much to offer the visitor even on a day excursion from a cruise ship.
I have some suggestions and recommendations for a visit to Barcelona and you can see them here: Barcelona
For this visit what we decided to do was simply walk off the ship which was docked at Adossat Quay and then walk from there to La Rambla for a stroll along it and after that we then walked to the area known as Barceloneta witch was the old fishermans port area of the city and is now the home to an array of Seafood bars and Tapas Bars, all with a great vibe. Once we reached here we enjoyed a late Tapas lunch accompanied by a jug of Sangria, well after all we were in Spain, so rude not to.
Adossat Quay Barcelona
La Rambla
Barcelona Old Port building at bottom of La Rambla
Logistics Manager in Barcelona
That jug of Sangria went down a treat..
We decided that night to skip our meal in Blu and instead to carry on the them from Barcelona by heading to Deck 5 for a meal in Sushi on 5.
This is a venue we really enjoy and have done so many times on all Celebrities ships.
It is as it says in the name a Sushi restaurant and we again had a excellent meal here with some very attentive and friendly staff making it a excellent experience.
Sushi on 5
Excellent meal in Sushi on 5
We were now heading south down the Mediterranean coast of Spain towards our next port stop which was to be Gibraltar. But today we were at sea, it was the first day on this trip where the sea conditions had a bit movement to them, nothing that you could detect on the ship but the waves were larger and there was a breeze, that said the temperature was still in the high 70 F so still very pleasant.
After breakfast I went for a hour in the Gym, now I am no Gym fanatic but on a cruise when I can I like to do a hour on the cross trainer to help balance some of the calories.
Then we simply enjoyed relaxing on deck on the Solstice Deck witch I always found was a perfect spot on the ship all be it a bit further from the pool.
Gym
Pool
Pool deck
Heading south
Logistics Managef checking the menu in the Lawn Club Grill
Lawn Club Grill
Ships pool at night
Day 7 Gibraltar
I had in fact been in Gibraltar before but it was for a friend's wedding so we had really only seen the town center area, therefore we had on this visit booked a private tour of the rock.
The ship docked around 9 am and there was a real surprise waiting on us that morning, we pulled the curtains back to cloud and rain !!!! Now this was the Mediterranean in August you don't often see rain at that time to say I was a bit dissapointed, remember I am from Scotland I go on holiday to escape the wet stuff so disappointed is a understatement.
Once the ship cleared and the announcement was made we walked off the wet ship to find our pre booked guide at the port gates. I was praying the sun would break through.
We found our guide and as we got into his car he explained this was unusual weather but the forecast was for it to blow through later thankfully.
So the tour was to take in the important points of the rock and of course included a trip up the rock not to mention a meeting with its most famous inhabitants, yes the apes.
We set off to enjoy the sites and true to our guides prediction as the day progressed thankfully the weather did improve.
If you want to learn more of how to enjoy a trip to the Rock check out my recommendations here: Gibraltar
Cloudy Gibraltar harbour from the top of the rock
Stunning caves inside the rock of Gibraltar
Logistics Manager in the caves
The rocks famous inhabitants meet Christine
King of the rock
View from up the rock
The Rock of Gibraltar
Logistics Manager meets British bobbies in the Med.
Yours truly on Main Street Gibraltar
So after a informative and interesting tour of Gibraltar we grabbed a bite of lunch in the square at the bottom of Main Street before rejoining the ship.
By now the sun was starting to break through so back onboard we found a seat up at the Sunset Bar which gave us a great view of Gibraltar's unique airport that between flights doubles up as a access road for the rock.
Sunset Bar on Celebrity Reflection
Gibraltar Airport from the ship
So we pulled away from Gibraltar and started to head back north with our destination being Cartagena in Spain the weather in fact turned again and as we sailed along the Spanish coast it rained for most of the night.
However we were inside and enjoyed another great night of fun as we did attend the Theater show that night which was a Bee Gees tribute show followed up with the house band continuing that theme in the ships Atrium so with our cruise friends enjoyed a great night onboard.
Yours truly outside the theater
Logistics Manager trying to win our next cruise
Fun night on the ship
Day 8 Cartagena
We arrived in Cartagena early in the morning and a bit like at Gibraltar it was dull and overcast however still reasonably hot. Cartagena port is in fact right next to the town center so it really is easy to walk off the ship and 5 minutes later you will be in the middle of the main shopping area, also it is a site of some impressive ancient Roman ruins and these are also just a short walk from where the ship docks.
So thats exactly what we did walk off the ship and went to see the Roman ruins before spending the afternoon in the town center. Weather wise we did see a few spots of rain as we explored the ruins but later in the town the sun returned once again.
Cartagena cruise port
Reflection docked in Cartagena
Roman theatre at Cartagena
Roman ruins Cartagena
As the ship sailed away from Cartagena we headed to Blu for dinner and later rather than our normal night venue we instead decided to spend some time at the World Class Bar. Now this is a venue where the mixologists who work there produce some brilliant cocktails. The drinks simply can't be faulted however it has a issue and that is....location..! Its right next to the shops and Art Gallery on Deck 5 and I personally feel that means it always lacks atmosphere. Shame really because as I said the drinks are very good so we do visit it once on a cruise but never stay that long because of the issues I mentioned above.
Logistics Manager at the World Class Bar
Excellent cocktails
Day 9 Malaga
As we sailed into another port and city we were familiar with normal service had resumed the sun was out and the sky was blue.
Malaga is a popular city for British tourists with its airport one of the busiest for summer holiday flights from back home it was also a city we have enjoyed a few times.
If you were a first time visitor there is much to see such as visit the Cathedral or busseling Mercat market or nearby historical Moors fortifications or simply enjoy a day at some of the many excellent beaches nearby.
We had previously did most of these things so again we took our time and left the ship on our own once the rush had gone, we made our way into the city where the Logistics Manager visited some shops , we then did have a wander around the Mercat that I mentioned before a spot of lunch in the historical square next to the cathedral.
Logistics Manager in Malaga
Malaga Cathedral
Historical square in Malaga
After lunch and before we returned to the ship I did have one other destination to visit and its one I have enjoyed on previous trips to the city a quiet excellent little bar that just happens to be 5 minutes walk from the port.
My favourite tipple happens to be Gin and Tonic and this bar has a brilliant selection of Gin's from all around the world.
Gin is enjoying a explosion of intrest all across the UK and Europe as well as further afield, a new small batch premium brand seems to appear ever week. Funny enough the only place that seems to be behind in this trend is the US but I am sure they will catch up at some point.
So we headed to the bar which is known as would you believe it Gin Tonic Bar
We then enjoyed a couple of excellent G&T's there and to relate this to the ship I did have a Premium Drinks Package so can enjoy any Gin's they have but to be honest there choice is limited and yet they have a decent selection of Vodka which is so yesterday's drink.. they are behind the trend... wake up Celebrity Cruises.
Anyway if you visit Malaga check out Gin Tonic Bar and there website is here: Gin Tonic Bar
Enjoying a G&T in the Gin Tonic Bar Malaga
On returning to the ship that night also tuned into a good one as along with our friends we decided to attend the Silent Disco which was part of thats nights entertainment program. If you haven't tried it give it a go if you have the right crowd and we did that night it becomes a excellent fun night.
Heading to the Silent Disco
Silent Disco fun
Logistics Manager dancing to her own tune
Silent Disco
Day 10 Ibiza
Ibiza Town is where the ship docks on Ibiza island which is famous clubbing venue in Europe and a favourite destination of many UK teenagers but in fact it is also a very beautiful Mediterranean island and Ibiza Town has a historical Old Town that sits above the modern town and port, this area is picturesque and really worth a visit, again its a easy walk from the cruise port. So thats where we headed and simply enjoyed a fun day wandering around this Old Town and Fort.
Ibiza Old Town Fort
Logistics Manager in the Old Town
Looking into Ibiza Town from the Old Town
Ibiza Old Town
We then walked back to the ship and simply enjoyed enjoyed the weather that was once again hot.
In Ibiza walking back to the ship with the Reflection in the background
Topping up the tan at the Sunset Bar docked in Ibiza
View from the ship whilst docked in Ibiza
The ship sailed from Ibiza at 6 pm but we had dinner booked for 7 pm in our favourite Celebrity Speciality restaurant bar none Murano.
So thats where we headed to at 7 pm for a another truly excellent meal.
Murano is Celebrities take on French Cuisine and has never let us down I have a few favourites on its menu but I decided on the venison that night with Christine going for the steak. All in a wonderful night was had.
Logistics Manager enjoying Murano
Dish prepared at the table
The sweets are brilliant
Day 11 Sea Day
So Ibiza had been our last port stop and we now had 2 sea days to enjoy as we sailed back to Civitavecchia. Today we again had a lazy day in the sun and simply enjoyed all the ship has to offer.
Shops on Deck 4
Cafe el Bacio the ships coffee lounge
The library
Crush Vodka Bar
Enjoying a small refreshment at the Mast Bar
That night was the second of our Chic nights on this cruise it was also the night the entertainment was themed around Abba and it is another night that will live long in the memory it was centered in the Aitrum and at the Martini Bar where the AJ and the guys pulled out all the tricks to entertain us so along with the music it was a brilliant fun night that lasted into the small hours.
Fun at the Martini Bar
AJ gets ready to pour the drinks
AJ
Bubbles for the Logistics Manager
Abba night in full flow
Brilliant night
Making some moves
You always meet great company on a cruise
Day 12 Last Day blues..
So after a great night we were not the first up that next day .... but this was our last day and that is always a shame, it was another sea day and one when again the weather turned cloudy and the sea got up a bit. We used it to pack and get ready to leave the ship early the next day. In the afternoon I did venture to the gym but it was a quiet day at sea.
At night we had our last dinner in Blu before taking in the show at the theater and then we were back at the Martini Bar for a last drink and to say goodbye to the staff and the lovely people we met onboard. There was also a last night balloon drop in the aitrum so all in a good end to a very enjoyable trip on the wonderful Celebrity Reflection in the Western Mediterranean.
Sunset at sea on our last night I never tire of these
Dancing in the aitrum
Saying goodbye to AJ till the next time
The ship actually docked back in Civitavecchia early hours of the morning so around 7 am sharp they cleared the ship for departure we had a early flight back so left just after 8 am and it really was a simple process of walking off. We quickly collected our luggage on the quayside and our prebooked transfer with Bob's Limos was there waiting for us.
So a very efficient and easy end to what was a enjoyable cruise.
Conclusion
The Celebrity Reflection is a great ship and I would recommend you try her if you see one of her itineraries that you like.
So this cruise was well before the word Pandemic had been spoken off and I for one remain positive that we will again be back sailing in 2021 so I will finish by simply saying stay positive and safe.
I hope you enjoyed this blog and if you did please share on social media or please like and follow my page on Facebook at Travel the world and Smile Happy travelling with Davie
