snyniew

Thank you! I wasn't sure if the second person would be at a different rate if the price increased.

The main reason I was leaning towards adding her in now is so that the lifeboat station doesn't fill, making it impossible to add her later.

I will try to get a better idea from her if she thinks it is remotely possible and then decide.

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I added my niece as a 3rd person in late January for our March cruise which was pretty popular being over Easter Weekend/Spring Break and had no problems. I wouldn't anticipate any problems adding since it's the 2nd in the room unless your entire cruise is sold out. You can keep checking on that to see if categories are sold out or not.

If she is the 2nd person in the room it's still at the price that you booked it you just have to pay the deposit and all the perks remain the same. It doesn't matter if you add them later.

If you add a 3rd person again it doesn't change your price but the 3rd person is added at the rate for a 3rd at the time you add them. I did this in January when I added my niece as a 3rd and clarified that my price wouldn't change. Also booked another for December as a solo and they confirmed if I added a second later they would just be responsible for the deposit (full deposit as I got the $25 during the promo) but everything else stays the same.

Personally I would wait until she is sure then you can call up w/ her on the line and she can make the deposit.

I was on the March sailing 2 after the dry dock and that's when they made the change. The Maitre'd in the traditional dining said the change was made to accommodate all the demand for Select dining. It's what the people want so you have to go with that. I was in traditional last year on the Summit as well as this year. I didn't really see much of a difference. In fact I was very happy with where we were sat on Deck 5 and it didn't seem crowded at all.

While I agree with a lot of your observations, I have to point out a few things:

 

 

 

2. The renovation on the Summit had nothing to do with the dining room that I'm aware of - nothing has changed there.

 

Things did change in the MDR after the Drydock. They changed Select dining to deck 4 and the traditional dining to deck 5. By doing this they waitstaff and such aren't really familiar with the table numbers and layout as of yet. So yes, others that have cruised since drydock have mentioned there was more confusion while dining as they are still learning the new layout.

DH wants to watch them in our cabin.....do you know what channels were available on the New England cruise? Like will we be able to access regular networks or ESPN?

Have no idea as we never turned on the tv other than to check our seapass account.

They showed the NCAA tournament up on the new rooftop terrace this past March.

In answer to the distance question, Google Maps would have very very quickly told you that the distance is 13.7 km and takes 18 minutes without traffic.

 

Another quick search using TaxiFareFinder would have told you that the estimated taxi fare would be $33.73 not counting the $1 per suitcase and the $1 airport fee. The route that the taxi will take is 17.1 km and not 13.7 km. The estimated time by taxi will be 22 minutes.

 

Found it quickly and easily with Google. You could have done the same although the 2nd search took me a bit longer than the first one because Google Maps is totally easy to use while TaxiFareFinder is a bit less intuitive although also very easy to use.

 

DON

The taxi fare is incorrect as San Juan uses zone and set fares. As another person said it's about $20 and then $1 per bag. At the airport you tell them where you are going and they count how many bags and write the fare down on a paper that is given to you so there is no question at to the fare when you arrive.

Hello, Sonya! It's your "neighbor", Betsy. Such a small world our cabins were right next to each other.:p It was a pleasure meeting you, and your nieces. Hope we meet again on a future cruise. How about the 06/05 Summit sailing to Bermuda?? I know you want to come.....

It was a pleasure meeting you and your mom as well. I sure was happy we were chatting on the balcony when I realized I got locked out there. The girls claim it wasn't them and that it just happens sometimes. You should join me on the 12/10 Summit sailing.

Is this really true? I never knew that! Do they give you a hard time about eating there on embarkation day or just simply let you in? Does anyone know what the menu is?

Yes, it's true. I was on this cruise and in concierge and got the invite. I didn't notice until after we had eaten and gotten to our rooms. There was a little card in the sleeve they give you w/ your seapass card that let you know you were invited to dine in the MDR and meet the concierge. No clue about the menu since we didn't go.

I would also like to ask if any recent Summit Cruisers can answer if they will serve you a Martini (smaller version) and with liquor in the classic package at the Martini Bar? I have heard yes they will and no they won't. I am fine with a smaller version of a martini but still would like to be able to get them. Just saw someone asked about coffee cocktails on the Summit so thought I would ask if anyone just experienced this on the Summit.

From my experience a few weeks ago they did not do the smaller martini's at the Martini Bar. If you didn't have the Premium package or want to upgrade and ordered a martini they sent you to a different bar. You can however order other things on the classic package at the bar, just not martini's.

Is it worth it, YES IMO. Many people are very happy with the selections that they receive in the Classic drink package. It's basically a $454.30/pp (for a 7 day cruise) value for the classic package that's included. That is more than any of the other perk offered.

If the name brand waters and higher wines are of value to you, you can choose to upgrade to the Premium for the difference. I did that on all my cruises for $82.60 (7 days) and still think it's a value as if I want just 1 martini a day it pays for itself.

We had the Select dining on the Summit and found that 2-person tables were generally quite private. Often we were seated at a 2-top right along the railing open to the deck below, with the walkway between us and any other tables. So there might be someone seated directly behind you but not next to you.

They have actually changed Select and fixed seating area on the Summit. Was just on the Summit and had late seating and all fixed dining is now on the upper floor with select dining below. I think I overheard them say they changed it since there was more demand for Select dining and making the change gave them more room on the main floor.

We are booked on the Summit for May 29th sailing to Bermuda. After reading all of the recent reviews I am now wondering if we made the right choice in ships. We are a first time cruising couple, both myself and hubby have never been away except weekend getaways. I was so excited thinking that the Summit was going to be great, guess I had really high expectations. Now not so much. UGGGG

I was on the March 26th sailing and took my 2 nieces who this was their first cruise experience. I didn't have any issue w/ the ship, service or food w/ teh exception of 1 bartender at the pool who kept giving my niece a hard time when ordering a drink as she is only 22. Maybe my standards are low, IDK. My nieces were very impressed by the whole experience and are begging to go back again very soon. We had an amazing time and I can't wait to go back in December. Go in w/ an open mind and enjoy your vacation. There may be small hiccups but you are on vacation so you can let that ruin it for you or just brush it off and go on to the next experience.

I was just in OSJ and we ate at Greengos Caribbean Cantina on Calle Fortuleza. The food was very good and a good price and the portions huge. Their margaritas were very nice as well. We liked it so much we went back for happy hour a few hours later.

I was just in OSJ and we walked all over the area. Made it up to El Morro probably 5 times in one day from right about where the cruise terminal is. Ended up walking back around Midnight and it felt very safe. If it's very late in the evening I might walk on the streets vs walking along Paseo De La Princesa.

I was just on the Summit and they had sugar-free vanilla. Don't know about the other flavors as I don't like anything else than vanilla.

If activity host Justin Short is still on board, would you mind terribly asking him the dates of his vacation? I want to prepare myself for disappointment if he's not going to be there for our Memorial Day cruise.

I just got off the Summit on Saturday and Oz is now there as activity host. I spoke w/ Ken as I missed Justin and he told me he was currently on vacation and when he returned was going to the Equinox. Ken will be moving over to the Solstice soon so will be an all new activity team in place.

From Pan American Pier to OSJ w/o luggage should be around $10.

You'll be fine in Crocs, I did it last year in flip flops.

It really depends on what time you arrive and what you want to do while there. If flying in the day before and you arrive early and want to see the forts and plazas and such then Old San Juan in more where you'd want to stay. If you are arriving later in the day you may want to stay closer to the Pan American Pier if you are planning on getting on the ship earlier in the day, if later then Old San Juan is still an option for the reason above.

If you want a hotel w/ a beach and pool then you'd want to look in the Condado area. Last year I just wanted to be in the sun by the pool/beach so choose the Condado Plaza Hilton. This year my nieces are coming w/ me and have never been to San Juan so will want to explore Old San Juan so I choose to stay at Chateau Cervantes which is a boutique hotel in OSJ.

If your husband wants a large chain hotel vs the boutique hotel you aren't going to find many options in OSJ other than Sheraton. If you choose to stay in Condado or Isle Verde you can still explore OSJ it will just involve either a taxi or bus ride to get there.

I'm on the same cruise as you and haven't booked the hotel yet as I haven't gotten my flights yet so not sure what time I will be arriving. That will determine where I stay.

That is a nasty remark. Why so hostile? I know many Elite+ who travel in inside cabins only on the lowest of decks. I suggested Elite and higher because those pax have a dedicated interest in Celebrity Cruises as exhibited by past loyalty rather than a one time passenger who complains that they didn't have garlic bread at the buffet 24 hours a day.

I personally didn't think it was a nasty remark and also question the Elite and higher requirement, I personally took offense to you having that requirement so to each their own.

I would think regardless of what cabin category the Elite or higher sail in w/ all the perks they receive being at that level make their opinions slightly off as to what is nice to be included in the fare or perks given. For me I do like the inclusion of the beverage package as I don't go to Elite happy hour. Also the option of being able to pick the perks of the internet as I don't get that included just being a lowly Classic member. If they are going to do focus groups it would be better to have people from all walks and experiences to see what a wide variety comes up with as value added.

I stayed at the Condado Hilton last year. It's a very nice hotel and there are plenty of places to walk to. The Caribe Hilton is basically next door but you have to cross the bridge that connects the bay to the ocean so a little bit further of a walk but probably doable to get to everything as well. I would say either one is a great choice when staying in the Condado area. I choose the Condado area last year as I wanted to spend 2 extra days by a pool/beach rather than explore OSJ.

This year I choose to stay in Old San Juan as I'm going w/ my nieces who have never been to Puerto Rico before. Choose OSJ to stay as all the forts are within walking distance and there are plenty of restaurants around within walking distance.

I did the tour with Helen last year w/ a bunch of people on our roll call. Helen is a very nice person and does a good job of taking you to one place and another. Ours did get a bit complicated as we has so many people from the rollcall want to go we had to have 2 different vans and the 2nd one (not Helen's) wasn't as enjoyable. I think she also tried to make too many people happy and it got complicated. One van left and went back to the ship before completing the tour while Helen took the rest of us on to the final stop at Trafalgar Falls.

Her price was only $10 less than what I'm paying for Bumpiing this year. However Bumpiing tours includes the site passes for the places you are going where My Sister's does not. Also Bumpiing will provide snorkel gear at Champange Reef and you have to either take them or rent them if going w/ My Sisters tours.

If you are looking for a nice personable taxi driver to take you from spot to spot, stick w/ Helen and My Sisters Tours. If you want an actual guide who will go with you into the places and help you out then I would go w/ Bumpiing.

Again remember it's a summer cruise so there will be more families and kids on the Summit than normal. I was on the Summit in March of last year and it was Canada's March break so there were plenty of kids on board. The ones I saw seemed to be having a great time.

It does seem that way if you feel that all the perks in the Go Best are worth it for you. Not everyone feels they get the value out of the beverage package or possibly the unlimited internet so don't feel it's necessary. Or some get their gratuities paid for by their TA or have OBC from other sources so going Better or Best isn't a value for them.

If you would want or would utilize all perks in the Go Best then yes it seems to be the better deal. You also didn't include in your calculations the price of upgrading from the Classic to the Premium Beverage package which is $11.80/day (including gratuity). For me if sailing double (I usually am solo) I would probably go w/ the Go Best as I always upgrade to the Premium and would use the internet but don't think it's necessary but depending on the charge feel it would be worth it.