🚢 Celebrity Reflection: A Birthday Cruise Worth Celebrating
The Birthday Boy!
We just wrapped up a Celebrity Reflection sailing from Fort Lauderdale → Key West → Bimini → back to Fort Lauderdale, and it was the perfect way to celebrate my dad’s 60th birthday. Short, easy, festive, and just enough indulgence without feeling rushed — honestly a great itinerary for a milestone celebration.
🌟 What I Would 100% Do Again
The Retreat
I’d book the Retreat again without hesitation. Having access to a quieter, more elevated space made a short cruise feel genuinely luxurious. Between the private restaurant, the sundeck, and the overall calmer vibe, it was worth every penny. It also made embarkation and disembarkation smoother.
Booking in The Retreat streamlined so much of the trip — from check-in to private dining — that I now always recommend it to people looking for a relaxed, elevated experience.
Since we would have paid for the wifi and drink packages anyway, we actually saved money by booking the retreat as these are included!
Exclusive Sailaway on the Helipad
We were invited to an exclusive sailaway party… on the HELIPAD. Yes — the actual helipad. Watching Key West fade away with a cocktail in hand, ocean breeze, and a front-row seat to sailaway felt incredibly special. It was one of those special moments I am thrilled to bring together as a travel advisor.
Key West Food Tour
This was such a standout. It was relaxed, informative, and delicious — the perfect way to experience Key West beyond just wandering Duval Street with a drink in hand. Great pacing, great stories, and food we probably wouldn’t have sought out on our own. I’d absolutely book this again.
The Itinerary Itself
Key West + Bimini is an easy win. You get character and charm in Key West, then pure chill beach vibes in Bimini. No stress, just fun. For a birthday trip especially, this route really worked.
Stop by Joe’s Crab Shack
This was one of those unexpected, can’t-plan-it moments that ends up being a highlight. We met Joe, the owner, and he spent a solid half hour walking us through his conch restaurant like we were old friends. He explained how conch are caught, how they’re cleaned and prepared, and exactly how they’re prepared, all with the kind of passion that makes you immediately want to order everything on the menu.
🌟 What I’d Skip Next Time
The Casino
Listen. I tried. I really did. But after losing every single night, I think the casino and I need to see other people. Turns out my luck does not improve with free cocktails or optimism. Next time, I’ll happily redirect that money to cocktails, spa time, or literally anything with a guaranteed return — like dessert.
🥂 Final Thoughts
This cruise struck the perfect balance between celebrating and relaxing. The Retreat was a game-changer, Key West delivered big time (especially the food), Bimini was effortlessly chill, and even the casino losses will eventually be funny.
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
Would I change much? Not really — except I’ll be walking past the casino with purpose next time.
Ready to book your next getaway?
If you’re considering a short getaway cruise like this — whether for a milestone celebration or a quick escape — I’d love to help you plan it. Send me an email at annemarie.wishon@fora.travel to get started!