jrs101

Hopefully you can board, but if you can’t, remember you are in a world class city with great weather.  If you can’t board and can’t or don’t want to change return flights,  you can still have a great by-the-sea vacation and enjoy some amazing Cuban food.  And as stated, the prices that I’ve checked (I’m a Hilton groupie), Hilton Downtown, Hilton Garden Inn at Dolphin Mall, are like half their usual price so I’m sure you’ll find many great deals under all brands.  
 

Good luck and stay healthy.  
 

J

13 hours ago, Ontario Cruiser said:

So was this sent by Celebrity or the TA on behalf of the customer. What happens if the doctor won't give a note?

Ontario Cruiser

Just print the form, goto a clinic and pay the fee, ~$50-$100. and get a doctor to verify your health and to sign it.    Google “travel clinic (your city)” and at least one should pop up.  I just googled, and in their appt list, one of the things in the option list was “physical examination”.  And when I pulled up the availability schedule it was wide open for next week.  It’s at least worth the call if you don’t have a family doctor who can see you prior to trip.  But I see the memo says a qualified physician, so make sure it’s not an RPN, or get clarity from Celebrity if RPN qualifies. 

On 1/10/2020 at 8:21 AM, TheGinBoy said:

Hi Guys,

 

My partner Jimmy and I sailed aboard Celebrity Summit at the end of October / beginning of November 2019 just after her massive 'Celebrity Revolution' renovation.

 

Our sailing was the Southern Caribbean itinerary: San Juan, Basseterre, Day at sea, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Day at sea, San Juan.

 

You can read my review of the ship, and see my photos, over on my blog here: http://www.tomlovescruising.com/2020/01/03/celebrity-summit-review/

 

We were thoroughly impressed with the expedited arrival system - it took us EIGHT MINUTES from getting out the taxi to being given a welcome drink onboard.

 

The ship itself is looking absolutely stunning. The staterooms are gorgeous, the bathrooms well designed and the beds are beyond comfortable. 

 

I know she's an older lady now, but you won't be disappointed by a trip on Summit in 2020. 

 

Tom 🙂

This has to be one of the best reviews I have ever read.   Thank you for taking the time to post.  

their response and correction is excellent. 

We did the offer on our recent 4 night.  As others have stated it’s a no brainer when the cost is less then the “rewards”.  Even backing out the wine, which we left in the room, and the wine tasting we never went to, we were still ahead $14 / person as we have no problem using the $50 person credit in casino.  The wine name is listed,  if googled, it’s not well rated.  
 

I was happy to see the note in our room On embark day regarding the DAM package.  And we never once had any billing issues.  I don’t drink and my bf rarely does so all we consumed were the large Evians, Pringle’s and the diet cokes that were replenished daily.  The room steward would actually leave two Pringle’s in fridge and put two on the counter.  
 

It might have been a replenishment issue over the holidays, but our bar fridge was the only place we could actually get a large still water (Evian).  All the bars we went to only had large sparkling water (Pellagrino) and small generic bottles.  Or maybe they want people who don’t have to the DAM package to consume the large Evian from the mini bar thinking they can replace it from a bar before the steward does his daily restock, then have to pay for it.  We did ask at one of the bars and someone said the large bottles were just getting wasted.  :0
 

46 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

Nice writeup, sounds like a good time.  Do they advertise TG for $30 per person first night anywhere? 

Yes, on the app or online, in your cruise planner under dining it’ll be there.  You can either use OBC or a cc.  

1 hour ago, miched said:

We will be on the Infinity with all 4 perks.  
 

Thanks for the advice on the Drink Package Plus.   How do you purchase it when already having the Premium Pack.   I see that the price is $76.50/ day after the 10% discount.   That would amount to and extra $7.50 plus I guess gratuity.   Does it automatically change the extra amount when added to the cart or the full amount of $76.50/day and then hoping that the price will be adjusted?  

 

thanks 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

It’s a good deal if you are on a 4 or 5 night cruise as it’s both a money maker ($50 credit each at casino) and a convenience maker (access to mini bar).
 

I don’t remember exactly the booking process, but there was a banner on the cruise planner that mentioned the Drinks and More package as an upgrade option from premium.  Also mentioned something about not being bookable on ship.   Then I added it to the cart for both of us and selected to use the avail OBC.  When I booked it, it was on sale for $8 / person / day (regularly $9), then with the tax and grat added it came out to $9 / per / day.  $36 total (4 night cruise).   $72 for both of us.  So, it only ever charged the upgraded prices mentioned above.  

I forget to mention in my review that the mini bar was really the only place to get the large Evian.  Maybe it was just our cruise, but no bar we went to had a large bottle of water, only the generic small water.  We were able to get large San Pellegrino though.  
 

I found the note they left in cabin.   I remember taking a pic just in case there were any billing problems, which was never an issue. 

8 hours ago, KAE27 said:

Doing this itinerary in March, so I particularly appreciate your terrific review.  If you don't mind a question or two...how did the ship look (wear and tear-wise, etc.)?  How about your cabin?

 

Sounds like you had a great experience, which I'm happy to hear!

The cabin, concierge balcony, was good. It was cleaned well.  The little maintenance things that were noticeable, but didn’t detract from the trip, were the sink stopper wouldn’t lift anymore so sink would drain slowly.  The caulking around shower was rough and or missing.  But with the upgrades coming I can see why they’d leave this.  Externally, rust seen every so often. Our balcony light was so corroded I had to touch it to see how it’s still holding on.  But, that being said, the ship was very well cleaned and maintained and these minor things won’t at all detract from a great trip.   

4 night Celebrity Infinity

Flew into Fort Lauderdale on Christmas Day.  The reason we chose FLL, was due to the 8:35pm flight, to maximize time with family before heading the the Airport in Toronto.  The last flight from YYZ to MIA was ~5pm.   Dec 25 is great day to travel as the roads are nearly empty and the airport was also rather empty, but well staffed.  

We Ubered (for $125ish including tip for an ‘black SUV’ rate, but rates started at $69ish) to the Hilton Miami Downtown and got a great rate of $125 a night, another perk of a Dec 25th flight.  The hotel is great and well situated to the Miami cruise port.   With my Hilton Gold they upgraded me to a water/port view.  Was nice to wake up to a view of the cruise ship.    The hotel is nice and very secure with a security check point at entrance to take elevators to the lobby level.   The included breakfast, with Hilton Gold, was good.  Not sure of the posted rate for it.   Uber to port in ‘black SUV’ was ~$25 with tip.  Uber rates started at $10ish. 

Check in was super easy and even with a 12:30 arrival they were well staffed, there were minimal line ups and the lines were all flowing very quickly.  We did the in app photo upload and check in.  This did speed up the check on but we were still required to go a check in agent who then verified our info and handed us our ship cards.  

Once on board we went directly to Cafe al Bacio.  There were no other passengers.  Service was ok throughout the trip but team at the cafe were half great, half meh.  A couple times, even with no other customers I had to walk over to the counter to get service.   Two of the servers kept disappearing and reappearing from hall leading towards other parts of the shop.  I kind of wondered what was down there that they kept going to and from.  I know previous people inquired about of a 4 day was a party cruise.  This one, absolutely not.   Were there some people eager on and energetic and happy, for sure.   Nothing was crowded, Bacio was NEVER busy, and same with the shows.  You could show up whenever and get seats anywhere.   

We had oodles of OBC ($700) and the three other perks with the “all 4 perks option” and used most of it.   This is the first cruise where all of our OBC was visible on the in-room tv account view right away.  They OBCs were all clearly marked NR or R for non refundable and refundable.  We ended up getting a refund of ~$200 to our cc on file and that showed on my credit card app the next day.  We had zero billing issues and didn’t have to do anything to get the refund.  

Prior to cruise we booked the Drinks and More option for both of us for $36 (after tax each as it was on sale for $8 per day from $9 per day).  I just did it as it was fully paid back by each of us getting $50 to spend at the casino.  And there was no problem for each of us redeeming at the casino.  We just went to the casino cashier and said we signed up for the DAM 🙂 casino credit offer and she processed the $50 to the card with no confusion.   Being both of us got the DAM package we had unlimited access to the bar fridge and had zero billing issues.   I should note we did has a note in the room on day one, with the two bottles of included wine, that had both our names and it just mentioned our participation of the DAM program.  Yes, only two bottles of wine, but I don’t drink, and we had premium alcohol package.  It’s a cheap, when I googled it it is not really found for sale anywhere, but has a rating of 2.7 out of 5.  We just left them in the room.  I’m sure If you pushed it you’d get 2 bottles each, as that’s how it’s clearly listed in program.  I just wanted my $50 ea casino credit and access to the mini bar.   We ate the Pringles and the Kind bars from mini bar and there was never a billing for those either.  But seriously, for a 4 and 5 night cruise, it’s a no brainer unless you don’t go to the casino.  

We did the Tuscan grille discounted first night, which was excellent as always.  I don’t drink, and my partner rarely does, but he did order a wine called Roxanne, made at Sting’s winery Tuscana IGT.  Apparently it’s really really good.  

First port was Key West, and we were at Navy Pier.  Being Navy Pier you are put on free trolleys into town.    They ran constantly and we never had to wait either way more then 5 minutes.   At first I was concerned when I heard this, as I don’t adjust well to change, but it was super smooth and easy and actually takes you right to the core of the touristy area.   If you know where CVS is, the stop is right across the street.  Yes, one stop, no stops between.   We went to the beach at Lagerheads Beach Bar, not even a 5 minute walk up sale block as trolley drop, and turn left.  The beach bar property is super small, but we had no problem getting two loungers and an umbrella for $21.50.  The team there are super friendly and the food and prices are good. 

When we returned back to the ship they were down offering Sushi On 5 at 20% off discount and Tuscan Grille at a “discounted” rate of $55.  Remember it was a holiday cruise so TG was $70, except first night offer of $30.  We did Sushi on 5 and with the 20% discount, it was only $29 for a filling order of dumplings, one soup, 3 pieces of salmon sushi and we each had a roll (which is cut into 8 pieces).  It was really good and the gyozo dumplings were soooo good.  

Next night we did the main dining room and the lobster tail now Lobster Malange, which is half a lobster tail with some Hollandaise type sauce, a pan fried squid ring, one grilled shrimp and a couple scallops.   I guess this cuts down on the lobster.  And if you like lobster just ask for another.  

Sea day was shops and casino (using OBC).  The casino was also quite sparse, with only crowding around the table games.   Or bar when the games were on.  We stuck to the Wonder Woman/ and Some Viking type grouping of games just around corner from the cashier.   The Viking type games were paying consistently and we just kept hitting cash out for any wins to meet the min spend of the obc loaded into the machines and then put all the tickets back into the machine and hit cash out and went and cashed our the tickets.   Some games in that casino were brutal and didn’t pay even once on $20 spent.  

Next port was Nassau.  Weather was perfect, nice breeze to cut the heat.  Did the Resort For A Day at the Hilton.   For $84 per person you get a chair and a $40 food / beverage credit.  It wasn’t busy at all and they do have a wonderful beach.  The cabanas are $56 for the day.   We didn’t do it but maybe sometime as the had the perfect shade and room for loungers out front.   The service is super slow as there was only 2 servers, but be patient and they’ll come back.   Once again the beach is awesome and you can watch ships leave and pull right passed you.   And you can’t beat that it’s not even a 10 min walk from ship.  

For port days we did room service and it was always at the beginning of the delivery window and once they called ahead and once it just showed up.  We put on the card to please feel free to combine like items, so we didn’t have three covered plates of 4 pieces of sliced melon.  They met us half way and combined a couple things. ;p.   

That night we did the buffet and it was also super quiet with open seats available everywhere.   The stir fry station was really tasty.  

Debarkation came early as it always does and at 8am we went up to the concierge area in constellation lounge.   They had beverages and pastries.  Now, this might be confusing but when you leave they’re had two sets of doors open for debark.  Being we just came from the front of the ship and used the front elevators as soon as we got to the debark level (4???) and walked to the centre of the ship they had doors to deck opened and we took those.  There were maybe a dozen people.  And you face the passengers leaving the via the centre of the ship and there were so many of them.  So, if this made sense at all, try to leave via the front of the ship to bypass the crowds.    

Luggage retrieval and customs was super quick and easy.  

We were flying out of FLL in a couple days so I booked the Doubletree Sawgrass Mills Mall which was right across the street and have a shuttle constantly running.   Great mall for good deals and Cheesecake Factory and a movie theatre.   It’s quite similar to Dolphin Mall but with more stores and a Target.   The Uber was ~$115 with tip.   

To recap, it’s not a party cruise, Dec 26 to Dec 30, at least this holiday one wasn’t, but I’m sure many variables could change that.  Would I do this itin again? Absolutely I would!!! 

And the view during the day.  

Today.  Just got into Miami Hilton DT and have a great view. But being I checked in at 1am after a late flight to maximize family Christmas time I’m too wired to go to sleep.  

We just got the cheers and more package, which includes the mini bar and daily refills.  So, my mini bar will probably come empty and never be stocked.  😕

I’m on a four night and it’s letting me book $36 per person to upgrade for the entire trip.   So, with the $50 each for the casino, I’ve already won.  
 

We already have the 4 perks and oodles of OBC and don’t drink.  So we’ll give the wine away.  But I can’t pass a deal like this.  

Can anyone, see anywhere in the T&Cs where it won’t work?  
 

I’ll let you know how it goes. 
 

22 minutes ago, prudence passenger said:

Is it really possible that with 8 ships in port on January 2, 2020 that with passengers and crew there could be 40,000 people? 
should we just stay on the ship? 

Contact  Nochi Cocum (user friendly website)  Amazing beach club that only allows~100 guests.  $59.   No rows and rows of chairs, just two well spaced rows of loungers with palapas.  Never crowded when we go.   Good food, good service. 

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com

INCLUDES:All you can Drink, unlimited alcoholic and non-(Open Bar including: beer, liquors, cocktails, water, wine, sodas, juices and bottled water).
•À la carté menu for lunch includes Mexican Specialties as well as Caribbean treats.
Beach Club Amenities.

I’ve emailed about this and they did say it is a special holiday menu.   Would be interesting to see one.   Or I’ll take a pic next week. 

Yes, I would find that very frustrating.  Especially when many of us do our due diligence to make sure we are literally and figuratively clicking all the correct boxes / options.  
 

This happened recently for a March cruise I booked via a 3rd party cruise that had sent out the 4 perk option and a visa gc on select cruises.  It was very limited dates and I read it over and over as it was a stupid good deal.  But as the email stated it was only on the limited listed sailings, so I went for it.  And the booking summary didn’t come back with the perks.  Emailed them and they said no problem we’ll honour it.  No back and forth.  I was super impressed with how they dealt with it quickly and didn’t make me jump through hoops.  
 

I really do like working through a 3rd party TA as they tend to work like they are your emissary.  
 

If they have a glitch like this, then they should just comp the items instead of making the customer have to waste their time fixing this.   
 

They are the masters of marketing, presenting/creating meh artists as world renowned masters in their field.  
 

But art is subjective, and maybe some people get joy from the pieces they purchase.  
 

Just a happy story to relay.  I’ve cruised about 20 times and have never had a price drop until now.  It’s for a short holiday cruise on Infinity and the price dropped and the TA obc offer increased.  Being after final payment I wasn’t expecting a positive response, and I would have been fine with that.  
 

Instead of a refund, she was able to secure not only a cabin upgrade from a 2C balcony to a C2 concierge, but also $200 more in OBC.  I know I can’t name the travel agency, but between their booking perks (booking obc bonus and a $50 loyalty bonus), and Celebrity’s OBC, I’ll have 4 perks, an upgraded cabin (I know layout wise they’re the same cabin), and a $700 obc for a 4 night cruise.  
 

With surgery scheduled when I return, I really need this vacation, and these simple acts are very much appreciated.  
 

A big thank you to Caitlyn and Celebrity.  
 

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.  
j

3 hours ago, CHEZMARYLOU said:

When are you sailing? The menu will be on the app a week or two before the cruise.

 Very good point.  And you can load a more recent cruise if yours is too far out.   Then pull open the menus to get a good idea what to expect.  IMHO they don’t really change much from year to year.  

Le Petit Chef is showing as 10% cheaper now for our Dec Xmas cruise, but not listed as a sale.  I’ll still wait for a better price on-board. 

I’m really trying to be nice to people and just ignoring the bad and praising the good.  But you sound like a nightmare.  

5 hours ago, Mynki said:

 

Check the footstool threads. You've seen nothing yet! 

I can only imagine.   Although, did they also suggest the attorney general intervene?  ;p

9 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

 

i know how that feels.

 

there are 2 sushi restaurants near me:

1) all you can eat for $20

2) the other has a $10 cover charge but most items are $1 and the rest are $2. also comes with free miso soup and appetizer, which i would have ordered anyway.

both restaurants have similar items, quality and service.

 

i have eaten at both.

for the one with $10 cover charge, i had a $18 bill (+ tax/tip).

throughout the whole meal, i was keep count of my costs.

the $20 buffet was more enjoyable. the $2 savings wasnt worth the effort.

 

for celebrity's alcohol surcharge:

1) if you're below breakeven then dont get the package. 

2) if you're above breakeven (ie: 1+ drinks a day above breakeven), then get the package 

3) if you are at breakeven, still get the package. you're on vacation. i find keeping track of costs isnt worth the mental effort if you're around breakeven.

 

for a 7 day cruise: 7 x 3 drinks/day = 21 drinks for the week for breakeven.

i say if you estimate 21 +/- 10%, then get the package.

ie: 19-23 drinks for the week

 

Exactly.  I don’t even drink alcohol and I can consume $30+ a day from smoothies at the spa to lattes and pop and water.   This is for sure an extreme first world problem thread.  

1 minute ago, jrs101 said: