Trading the Circus for Celebrity Status
By: Greg and Beverly Wise
Boarding a new cruise line for the first time brings a mix of anticipation and uncertainty: Will the ship live up to expectations? As the Celebrity Reflection pulled away from Port Everglades on a new itinerary, the air carried salt, sunscreen, and the unmistakable energy of departure day. The ship’s engines hummed beneath our feet as we entered the bright atrium, greeted by cool air and gleaming glass and steel. Our goal was simple: discover what it means to put Golf on Cruise Control by exploring unfamiliar waters and island fairways we had never played.
Seeing the Voyage Through New Eyes
Traveling with Steve and Tina Stuber, first-time cruisers, added a new sense of anticipation to the journey. We viewed the voyage from two distinct perspectives: while we assessed whether the ship’s polished design and seamless luxury could support a true golfer’s getaway, our friends marveled at the scale of the floating resort and the endless horizon from the pool deck. They quickly discovered that a week at sea could offer an exceptional way to explore world-class golf.
After two days at sea, Steve and Tina found arriving in Key West especially exciting. They had just grown accustomed to the ship’s size, luxury, and surprisingly steady motion when stepping ashore brought a new sensation: a faint phantom sway beneath their feet, quickly replaced by the city’s grounding tropical heat. Watching their expressions shift from wonder on the pier to eager anticipation as we hurried toward a taxi was priceless. For them, Key West was more than a port stop—it was the reward of their first cruise, pairing the novelty of waking in a new destination with the thrill of exploring an island paradise.
Southernmost Swings and Duval Streets
Before the ship had fully docked, Key West’s morning heat drifted onto our balconies, carrying the scent of saltwater and blooming hibiscus. Steve and I slipped past the crowded terminal and took a short, sunlit taxi ride to the palm-lined Key West Golf Course. On the first tee of the nation’s Southern Most golf course, we launched the trip’s real adventure with our opening swings on the Caribbean-style course.
While we tackled the fairways and the legendary, Par 3, “Mangrove Hole,” Tina and Beverly explored Duval Street, browsing its colorful shops to escape the midday heat. They spent the afternoon choosing travel mementos—including custom jewelry, local art, and small keepsakes—to commemorate their first cruise together.
After our round, we returned to Old Town to meet the others. We headed to Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where lively music and a relaxed, historic atmosphere set the stage for our reunion. Over cold drinks, the girls recounted their downtown discoveries while we shared highlights from the course. Our final stop was at the “Original” Key Lime Pie bakery. Amazing slice of authentic key lime pie, its tart filling and whip cream top provided a perfect finish to our first day ashore.
Putting a Playful Spin on Golf
Although other Royal Caribbean Group ships feature full golf simulators, the Celebrity Reflection offered its own playful take on the game. Instead of full swings and booming drives, guests competed in a putting contest inspired by beer pong. The activity drew passengers in, sparked plenty of laughter, and made it easy to meet new friends.
Island Freedom and a Taste of Bimini
The next morning began a new chapter as the ship entered the vivid blue waters of Bimini, Bahamas, a destination none of us had visited. Eager to explore at our own pace, we stepped ashore and rented a sturdy golf cart from Miss Phillie’s Golf Cart Rentals, the ideal way to navigate the island. Warm wind swept across our faces as we followed narrow coastal roads past white-sand views and rustic scenery. Before long, the crystal-clear turquoise water drew us to the shoreline, where we parked, kicked off our shoes, and took a refreshing dip—making Bimini an unforgettable highlight of the voyage.
Back on board that evening, the mood shifted from tropical adventure to nostalgia as the theater welcomed Rebel, a dynamic trio of seasoned performers. Their energetic set featured major hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, quickly turning the show into a lively “Sing-along with Mitch” style for the ship’s largely mature audience. Rather than sit quietly, guests joined in on every familiar lyric and harmony. For Steve and Tina, the performance highlighted the variety of life at sea, showing that onboard entertainment could be as engaging as a championship fairway or a pristine Bahamian beach.
Dining and Amazing Staff That Exceeded Expectations
Cruise dining is often described as extravagant, but Celebrity Reflection raised the bar beyond our expectations. The selection and presentation were exceptional, from the spacious main buffet to the refined sit-down dining rooms. Every meal left us fully satisfied.
The staff inspired just one response: wow. With 1,269 crew members serving 3,046 passengers, attentive care was expected; what stood out most, however, were their genuine smiles. They did more than meet our needs—they welcomed us with the warmth of hosts delighted to share their celebration. Their enthusiasm surpassed anything we had experienced before and proved truly infectious.
A New Cruising Family
All too soon, the tropical horizon gave way to South Florida’s familiar skyline as the Celebrity Reflection returned to Port Everglades. Watching the ship’s lines secure to the pier, we realized we had outgrown the noisy travel circus and its endless side show distractions. This voyage gave us more than a premium ship—it introduced us to a NEW cruising family with Celebrity Cruises. With our bags packed and scorecards tucked away, we shared one final toast and agreed to set sail again soon for another “Golf… on Cruise Control” adventure.
When a journey makes you feel like a celebrity,
you know you have found what you were looking for.
Golf on Cruise Control, published in Golf Central Magazine.
You can take a look at the 3-page layout in that current issue.
Beverly and Greg Wise
“The ‘Wisest’ Couple in Golf have been writing golf and travel stories for nearly 20-years. Members of the Golf Writers Association of America, Golf Travel Writers of America, International Network of Golf, and staff writers for Golf Central Magazine. They find themselves juggling – maintaining 4-acres of property in Anthony, Florida and “Where Next.” Can’t tell you how many times with have heard from others… “I just want to go carry your golf bag.”
