Just back from Bermuda on the Summit

I posted a review but also wanted to post here - we missed the Cruise Connection party due to spa appt! Hope everyone enjoyed their time on board, and for those of you with upcoming cruises - you'll have a blast!:)

Overall enjoyed the cruise -mainly sunny skies and came back home to rain!

First off about us - married couple, late 40's, traveled with my brother/wife (their first cruise). We travel a lot - "reasonably priced" upscale :) - and this was our 6th cruise. First time on Celebrity, my expectation was that it would be a notch above the other cruise lines we have experience with (Royal Caribbean - I think best for kids programs, Carnival - surprisingly enjoyable - FABULOUS Chefs Dinner, and Norwegian - still our overall favorite and best for dining).

There was no difference whatsoever, so I think their tagline of Modern Luxury is a bit misleading. That being said, we enjoyed the cruise overall and the main reason for the overall 3 rating is the food - particularly the main dining room, which is kind of important. Otherwise, it would be a 4.

Pros - easy embarkation/debarkation, attractive, clean ship with plenty of quiet spaces and super easy to get around, friendly staff, had an enjoyable spa experience (seaweed/massage special booked the first day), GREAT martini bar (we got the classic package when we booked and then after a ridiculous amount of research (Norwegian just has a drink package- much preferred to this 2 level nonsense) we upgraded to Premium...it was well-used from Vitamin water to martinis to specialty beers and coffees...

I liked the balcony chairs/table (we had a regular balcony 7099), the room was average

Shows were decent, enjoyed our dinner/service/ambiance at both Tuscan Grill and Qusine, the gym was clean and had plenty of equipment for the ship

LOVED Café Baccio - fresh flowers, nice music, enjoyable morning coffee - best part of the day for me,

Barely any kids on board (time of year and no waterslides!) - mainly retired people??? - which showed in the music/food selections I think...

Solarium was nice

Cons - bed not particularly comfortable, don't like shower curtains (in general, the bathroom seemed poorly designed compared to other ships), the food in the main dining room was subpar - 2 nights I barely ate my main course - also we made reservations for 4 and each time were seated at a big round table for six...even after requested a later time (the dining room was not as full) and a table closer to a window and out of the main corridor. I really hated the main dining room experience (although it was beautiful with not too bright lighting) - but I'm finding that on most cruises now - the specialty restaurants are much preferred with better food quality, ambiance and service and I'm willing to pay for that - but not necessarily the price of a suite just to get a nice included dining room (note, most people I spoke to on the ship said the main dining room was ok/fine) - Aquaspa café? Was looking forward to a morning smoothie - but they didn't seem to know what they were doing and it was awful - didn't seem like many people were going there - only tried it once and never went back

Buffet - ate here most days for breakfast (enjoyed the eggs benedict options and the fruits, waffles - all toward the back deck) and lunch was ok - but the salads were in tiny bowls - never enough plates - and always felt crowded and overwhelming no matter whether we went early or later. We did eat there one night for early dinner before an excursion and really enjoyed the stir fry (you pick what you want in it)

but I'm finding that on most cruises now - the specialty restaurants are much preferred with better food quality, ambiance and service and I'm willing to pay for that

Thank you for taking the time to write your review. I am sorry that the food was subpar in the MDR, especially since we are sailing in 5 days.

I hope you filed out your guest survey and told them about your MDR experience. Cruisers should not have to pay more in order to have good food. Maybe you are willing to pay extra for specialty restaurants, but one should not have to in order to get great food and service.

Thank you for your review. I always like reading opinions from people who don't usually cruise X.

I'm with you on the Aqua Spa Cafe. I used to love it on the Century and M class ships (we're talking 7+ years ago). But it has changed for the worst. I won't even bother now checking the menu. It takes forever for them to make sub par food.:eek:

(Norwegian just has a drink package- much preferred to this 2 level nonsense)

We were on the week before you.

While we are not retired, we are closing in on it, the average age was certainly in the retirement range. I was surprised by the amount of music that was not targeted at that age group. Think rap (poolside, and not all the time). For the most part, I thought the music was a good mix, and not nearly as loud as it has been on some other recent cruises.

We ate 4 meals in the MDR, and while not gourmet, they were quite good. I think that what is ordered makes a big difference. By the way, meals in the MDR are NOT changed depending on the demographic of the cruiser, rather they are set well in advance.

Thanks for your review, and glad that you had (mostly) a good cruise.

Thank you for your review. I always like reading opinions from people who don't usually cruise X.

 

I'm with you on the Aqua Spa Cafe. I used to love it on the Century and M class ships (we're talking 7+ years ago). But it has changed for the worst. I won't even bother now checking the menu. It takes forever for them to make sub par food.:eek:

 

We are contemplating a NCL cruise. It has the drinks package included (but we have to pay the grats which to me, is lame). I keep reading that they have only 1 choice of each type of wines (chardonnay is apparently terrible) and from what I gather, there is no premium (like you said) and to get a better wine is next to impossible, even when paying the difference. Does this sound accurate?

Tried NCL last year for a change from the Summit- the Breakaway is a beautiful ship. However, it is perhaps the most crowded of any ship we have ever sailed on We were in the Haven, which was wonderful albiet very expensive. However, if you must go on that ship it is the only way to go. I did enjoy most of the speciality restaurants as well as the Haven restaurant. If you cannot afford the Haven, you should try to book the VIBE for a week. Otherwise beware of the chair hogs- Entertainment was ok- we did like the Jazz club. The bars do not compare to Celebrity.

Overall, I still prefer the summit without a doubt.

Interesting how people can experience the same thing and have opinions that are much different. I was on the Summit to Bermuda in early May and I thought the food in the main dining room and the Oceanview was very good. One dinner in the MDR, the herb encrusted haddock, was one of the best fish dishes I ever had. I also thought our inside cabin was very comfortable and I had absolutely no problems with the bathroom.

Each to his own, as they say.

Live two doors down from someone and don't know we're going on the same cruise, different dates.. and don't know we're fellow CC members!!!

Thanks for the review, and let's get together for a drink soon and for my personal review!! :) I want to hear more about what you did in Bermuda :D

Tried NCL last year for a change from the Summit- the Breakaway is a beautiful ship. However, it is perhaps the most crowded of any ship we have ever sailed on We were in the Haven, which was wonderful albiet very expensive. However, if you must go on that ship it is the only way to go. I did enjoy most of the speciality restaurants as well as the Haven restaurant. If you cannot afford the Haven, you should try to book the VIBE for a week. Otherwise beware of the chair hogs- Entertainment was ok- we did like the Jazz club. The bars do not compare to Celebrity.

 

Overall, I still prefer the summit without a doubt.

The BA is very nice -- not gaudy or overplayed. The Vibe is sold out within minutes of boarding -- at least it was when I went 3 years ago and I boarded at 10:30. The adult area isn't bad as long as you get there to claim a chair -- but no pool, just hot tubs. I had absolutely no interest in the main pool area as it just seemed too cramped/disjointed for me. I did think that the BA had good casual food outside the MDR; the MDR was ok. What I loved about the BA was the outside dining in the Italian specialty restaurant (though the food was equally as atrocious as it was on the Sea 10 years prior) and the outside areas of the Jazz club and Martini bar should be on every ship (IMO). I was actually surprised that the ship didn't feel more crowded and it was at capacity--it seemed that with the exception of the pool areas (par for the course) people seemed to disperse evenly

I haven't been on Celebrity in 10 years; but will be sailing the Summit on 6/12 so it will be interesting to be back :)

Thanks for your review.

Thank you for your review. I always like reading opinions from people who don't usually cruise X.

 

I'm with you on the Aqua Spa Cafe. I used to love it on the Century and M class ships (we're talking 7+ years ago). But it has changed for the worst. I won't even bother now checking the menu. It takes forever for them to make sub par food.:eek:

 

We are contemplating a NCL cruise. It has the drinks package included (but we have to pay the grats which to me, is lame). I keep reading that they have only 1 choice of each type of wines (chardonnay is apparently terrible) and from what I gather, there is no premium (like you said) and to get a better wine is next to impossible, even when paying the difference. Does this sound accurate?

We were on Norwegian in Greece and I don't recall the wine (sorry) - but don't remember paying gratuities on the drink package...

Tried NCL last year for a change from the Summit- the Breakaway is a beautiful ship. However, it is perhaps the most crowded of any ship we have ever sailed on We were in the Haven, which was wonderful albiet very expensive. However, if you must go on that ship it is the only way to go. I did enjoy most of the speciality restaurants as well as the Haven restaurant. If you cannot afford the Haven, you should try to book the VIBE for a week. Otherwise beware of the chair hogs- Entertainment was ok- we did like the Jazz club. The bars do not compare to Celebrity.

 

Overall, I still prefer the summit without a doubt.

We're contemplating going on a cruise on the most butt-ugly ship on the seas.

Norwegian Epic.

We don't sit around the pool no matter how crowded, so the chair hogs never bother us.:D

Interesting how people can experience the same thing and have opinions that are much different. I was on the Summit to Bermuda in early May and I thought the food in the main dining room and the Oceanview was very good. One dinner in the MDR, the herb encrusted haddock, was one of the best fish dishes I ever had. I also thought our inside cabin was very comfortable and I had absolutely no problems with the bathroom.

 

Each to his own, as they say.

Like I mentioned in my review - most people I spoke to on the ship said the MDR food was fine...so it's quite possible it was what I was ordering - although I tried to stick with the waiters suggestions each evening...my husband sat in on a "how to cook a steak" seminar in the Tuscan Grill (which he found quite interesting) and the executive chef there said they alter the MDR menu based on ship demographics in addition to what they can source in mass quantities...

Like I mentioned in my review - most people I spoke to on the ship said the MDR food was fine...so it's quite possible it was what I was ordering - although I tried to stick with the waiters suggestions each evening...my husband sat in on a "how to cook a steak" seminar in the Tuscan Grill (which he found quite interesting) and the executive chef there said they alter the MDR menu based on ship demographics in addition to what they can source in mass quantities...

I went to that seminar also, and it was very good, and I kept running into the Exec. Chef the rest of the week. A Welshman if I recall, with a great sense of humor. I got the impression that the locally sourced was more in the fruit and vegetable area, and items for his chef's dinner. The meats, fish and poultry arrive frozen, and the Summit has four butchers, who on a daily basis trim/cut the meat/fish.

Many people said the MDR food was fine - all depends on what you order and where you are seated and yes, I did comment on my review directly to Celebrity. I think my expectations were higher because it was our first time on Celebrity. You will have a wonderful time - overall the ship/cruise was awesome! I hope you have great weather!

The BA is very nice -- not gaudy or overplayed. The Vibe is sold out within minutes of boarding -- at least it was when I went 3 years ago and I boarded at 10:30. The adult area isn't bad as long as you get there to claim a chair -- but no pool, just hot tubs. I had absolutely no interest in the main pool area as it just seemed too cramped/disjointed for me. I did think that the BA had good casual food outside the MDR; the MDR was ok. What I loved about the BA was the outside dining in the Italian specialty restaurant (though the food was equally as atrocious as it was on the Sea 10 years prior) and the outside areas of the Jazz club and Martini bar should be on every ship (IMO). I was actually surprised that the ship didn't feel more crowded and it was at capacity--it seemed that with the exception of the pool areas (par for the course) people seemed to disperse evenly

 

I haven't been on Celebrity in 10 years; but will be sailing the Summit on 6/12 so it will be interesting to be back :)

Breakaway was the most crowded ship I ever cruised on. I didn't care for it. The worst issue was the second hand smoke from the casino which opens to the main public areas and those areas get the smoke. Summit has no inside second hand smoking areas. Even the casino is non smoking.

I posted a review but also wanted to post here - ...

First off about us - married couple, late 40's, traveled with my brother/wife (their first cruise). We travel a lot - "reasonably priced" upscale :) - and this was our 6th cruise. First time on Celebrity, my expectation was that it would be a notch above the other cruise lines we have experience with (Royal Caribbean - I think best for kids programs, Carnival - surprisingly enjoyable - FABULOUS Chefs Dinner, and Norwegian - still our overall favorite and best for dining).

There was no difference whatsoever...

I wasn't able to locate your review, which I'd like to read. Could you post a link? I'm particularly interested in your compare/contrast viewpoints--especially your experience on the Carnival Pride. We live near Baltimore and have wanted to try it. We like "reasonably priced upscale" as well and have been led to believe that it would be, you know, downscale...That wasn't your experience, I take it? And can you say why Norwegian is your favorite? We're still shopping around for the line that fits us best!

Thanks for your thoughts. My husband and I leave this Sunday on our first Celebrity ship. We cruised Carnival and Royal Caribbean several times. Our honeymoon cruise to Bermuda 35 years ago was on the Doric from NYC. My, how ships have changed since then!!! We were only 21 & 23 in 1981 lol. Can't wait to see how built up Bermuda has become over the past 35 years :)

My husband and I leave this Sunday on our first Celebrity ship.

We will be right with you this Sunday on Celebrity Summit. But this is our 22nd Celebrity cruise and our 5th time to Bermuda. I wish someone had told me to go on a cruise when I was 23 which was also back in 1981. Too busy going to Yankee Stadium and chasing after Dave Righetti. Oh well.....

Breakaway was the most crowded ship I ever cruised on. I didn't care for it. The worst issue was the second hand smoke from the casino which opens to the main public areas and those areas get the smoke. Summit has no inside second hand smoking areas. Even the casino is non smoking.

I forgot about the horrible smoke- but fighting over crowds of people to get anywhere was horrible enough for us. I would "assume" that it is a real fire hazard-but I guess that rules regarding cruise ships aren't the same as our fire codes.

I did as previously stated really like the Haven. In fact, we wanted to try the new Escape this winter, in the Haven, but the cost is much too high. We will do a two week cruise on the Eclipse instead and enjoy the ABC islands which are our favorite.

Tried NCL last year for a change from the Summit- the Breakaway is a beautiful ship. However, it is perhaps the most crowded of any ship we have ever sailed on We were in the Haven, which was wonderful albiet very expensive. However, if you must go on that ship it is the only way to go. I did enjoy most of the speciality restaurants as well as the Haven restaurant. If you cannot afford the Haven, you should try to book the VIBE for a week. Otherwise beware of the chair hogs- Entertainment was ok- we did like the Jazz club. The bars do not compare to Celebrity.

 

Overall, I still prefer the summit without a doubt.

Happened upon this thread because we're considering Bermuda for next spring and will NOT sail the BA again unless we're in the Haven (which we cannot afford, esp now that we splurged on our recent Hawaiian cruise). Do you think a couple in their early/mid 30's would enjoy the Summit?

Happened upon this thread because we're considering Bermuda for next spring and will NOT sail the BA again unless we're in the Haven (which we cannot afford, esp now that we splurged on our recent Hawaiian cruise). Do you think a couple in their early/mid 30's would enjoy the Summit?

Hard to say. You can't always go by age. If you want a party all night atmosphere than no the Summit is not for you.

Here's a link to the Bermuda dailies that someone just posted:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=50001947&postcount=1

Maybe that can help you decide.

Hard to say. You can't always go by age. If you want a party all night atmosphere than no the Summit is not for you.

 

Here's a link to the Bermuda dailies that someone just posted:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=50001947&postcount=1

 

Maybe that can help you decide.

Thanks, I'll check them out. DH and I are definitely not the late night party/clubbing type, so that's fine with me! :)

Happened upon this thread because we're considering Bermuda for next spring and will NOT sail the BA again unless we're in the Haven (which we cannot afford, esp now that we splurged on our recent Hawaiian cruise). Do you think a couple in their early/mid 30's would enjoy the Summit?

If you like non-stop activities, water slides etc, The summit isn't for you. I would suggest that you consider, as a first timer, either Aqua class or if you can a sky suite. Celebrity has enhanced the perks for those sailing in Sky suites and above and the price is half (or less) then you would pay for the Haven on the Breakaway. The crowd is mixed, kids the most at vacation times, people in 20's and above. One especially nice feature of the Summit, and all celebrity ships is that they have a really nice adult pool which is covered and air conditioned, so if the weather isn't perfect a nice quiet place to relax. You will have nightly entertainment and music. The Summit has great bars. AQ is better then a regular cabin as the cabins are newer and you have a private restaurant to dine in. The suites have a new great restaurant called Luminae- which we prefer to Blu the AQ restaurant. Since you are new to the summit, I think each would work for you. The ship is easy to navigate and you never feel extremely crowded. No smoking in the Casino which is great (for many). If you do smoke, you will have designated smoking areas. Also, we like the fact that Celebrity has a one announcement a day policy, so they aren't constantly annoying you with messages.

Thanks for your thoughts. My husband and I leave this Sunday on our first Celebrity ship. We cruised Carnival and Royal Caribbean several times. Our honeymoon cruise to Bermuda 35 years ago was on the Doric from NYC. My, how ships have changed since then!!! We were only 21 & 23 in 1981 lol. Can't wait to see how built up Bermuda has become over the past 35 years :)

You will be pleasantly surprised! It hasn't built up that much, and in fact, some of the big hotels are no more ie. Castle Harbour and Sonesta.

Ken

I wasn't able to locate your review, which I'd like to read. Could you post a link? I'm particularly interested in your compare/contrast viewpoints--especially your experience on the Carnival Pride. We live near Baltimore and have wanted to try it. We like "reasonably priced upscale" as well and have been led to believe that it would be, you know, downscale...That wasn't your experience, I take it? And can you say why Norwegian is your favorite? We're still shopping around for the line that fits us best!

I don't think they've approved it for posting yet - but basically I just copied/pasted on here. We live in Annapolis area and traveling out of Baltimore was great - so was Bayonne. hmmm...I liked the Pride because they had a separate back deck area for adults 21 & over - so it was away from the summer kids (I like kids but mine are teens now and I like peace and quiet too :) - It was definitely not "downscale" - it was right in line with Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity...we also really enjoyed the comedy club - and the cruise director (who has since moved on to another ship) was fabulous.

Norwegian is my favorite because I prefer smaller dining rooms and dining when I want to dine - which can vary from day to day.