LUX Autumn 2018

58 A Stunning Reflection of True Luxury The trip of a lifetime with Celebrity Cruises – extraordinary culinary experiences, breathtaking vistas and shore excursions that promise to impress and delight in equal measure Since 2012, Celebrity Reflection has been a bastion of the sea, guiding its occupants on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It is considered by many to be a cornerstone of true luxury in a world that has almost lost the meaning of the word. Within its vast façade, guests are guaranteed to be treated to an Elysia defined by sophistication, elegance and convenience. Late last year I was invited to cruise across the Caribbean on Reflection - the jewel in Celebrity Cruises’ crown, with a cult-status among cruise aficionados. On the itinerary, a veritable adventure from Fort Lauderdale to Antigua, St Lucia, and Barbados, before docking for the night to explore the nightlife of St Maarten. As you can imagine, I certainly didn’t say no to the offer. On other ships, spending four days at sea would almost inspire claustrophobia, or worse, cabin fever, but, images of cramped corridors, and lifeless walls are a far cry away from the reality that Reflection offers. Capable of carrying over three thousand passengers, its sheer scale seems more appropriate to a miniature city than a sea-worthy vessel, with all of the amenities and activities you would expect out of a metropolis. Over its fourteen floors, the ship has a theatre, bistros, lawn bowling, an internet café, martini Explore Exclusive bars, and casino, to name but a few. During my time onboard, I was lucky to be offered a taste of most of what Celebrity Reflection has to offer, including the cruise’s speciality dining options – fit for even the most discerning of gourmets among our readers. This is truly evocative of Reflection’s core sensibilities, a feeling that nothing is too much work, and everything is on offer. It would be a disservice to not go into more detail about the fine dining options, which include (among many) Murano, offering delicious Parisian-inspired cuisine and Qsine, which celebrates unusual taste combinations and innovates on the traditional - a truly unique experience. By all regards, Reflection’s dining venues were a surprise, offering some of the finest food there is to be had at sea and on land. The fine dining options were certainly a surprise, exceeding my expectations in every way imaginable. It is also one of the unique selling points of Celebrity Cruises, which delights in pushing the boundaries in sea-faring cuisine – here, you will find taste combinations that would be at home in Michelin-starred establishments. For me, the fine dining options are one of the unique selling points of Celebrity Cruises.