Ports of Call and Daily Schedule
Departure Day
Day 1 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
August 19, 2024
Board the CELEBRITY REFLECTION mid-day at your assigned boarding time. Ship departure from Ft. Lauderdale is at 4pm.
After boarding, enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Oceanview Cafe followed by a relaxing afternoon exploring the ship or by the pool. Why not wear your brightest rainbow cruise-wear as a beacon to your fellow Rainbow adventurers! Welcome, introductions and social time with your fellow readers and creators begins late afternoon with cocktail hour. Then it’s on to the evening show or the casino, followed by dinner as a group at either the buffet or your reserved time at the main restaurant, Opus. Afterwards, we’ll get our groove on at the fun Celebrity opening-night themed party.
Day 2 - Key West, FL
Free time in the morning and early afternoon to explore Key West on your own or with one of Celebrity’s guided excursions.*
The perfect destination for Rainbow Readers, Key West is internationally known as a gay mecca, attracting more than 250,000 visitors to this top LGBTQ vacation spot that celebrates openness and pride — the entire destination is renowned for its welcoming and accepting attitude. “One Human Family” became Key West’s official philosophy in 2000.
We will have awesome author-hosted explorations including tours like a visit to the legendary Hemingway House - populated by a plethora of the author’s famous six-toed cats, or the Tennessee Williams Museum - which memorializes the iconic playwright who lived in Key West as an openly gay man with his partner Frank Merlo and had a pivotal influence on the island’s literary culture.
You can also choose to relax and soak in the sun on board the Reflection. Breakfast and lunch buffets are available onboard during port days as well as ship bars and various shipboard activities.
Later in the afternoon join us back onboard for games, author panels, and narrator readings followed by cocktails, shows, and dinner. It’s the first of our themed dress-up nights! We’ll wow the whole ship with our fabulous literary looks (theme to be announced). Then dance the evening away with your fellow readers and authors in the Sky Lounge Nightclub.
*Shore excursions have extra charges
Day 3 - Perfect Day at Coco Cay!
Choose your own ultimate beach day at Perfect Day at CocoCay!
Zen out with a good book by your favorite attending author at your choice of unforgettable places to unwind. Catch some rays along five stretches of powdery beach. Luxe the day away with an Overwater Cabana at Coco Beach Club*. Refuel at the swim-up bar in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas.
This isn’t vacation days spent - this is bragging rights earned — at the island voted Best Private Destination by Travel Weekly readers for three years running.
Later in the afternoon join us back more onboard for games, author panels, and readings followed by cocktails, shows, and dinner. Each reserved seating we have a whole area of the dining room reserved, so you can sit with new friends or stick with your favorite peeps as you enjoy the incredible menu. After dinner, you can meet up with the group in the casino or for a drink at the martini bar.
*Shore excursions have extra charges
Day 4 - At Sea
Our day at sea is full of author/creator panels, and then in the afternoon, our Author Signing at Sea. Bring an extra suitcase, because you’ll want room for your precious haul of new discoveries, swag, and signed copies of your all-time favorite stories! In the evening, it’s our second dress-up night. It’s formal night aboard the boat and we’re hoping to make the cruise glamor and glitter-tastic! Sparkle and shimmer the night away as we raise tropical cocktails to the new friends and memories we’ve all made.
Day 5 - Ft. Lauderdale
August 23, 2024
The Celebrity Reflection arrives back in Ft. Lauderdale at 7am and begins debarkation once cleared by customs. Breakfast is available onboard prior to leaving the ship. Hugs and selfies abound!
Time to go home and dive into your new books and explore the stories of your new favorite authors!
*Ports of Call subject to change should Celebrity deem unavoidable.