Live Aboard the Summit

[doggfan7]

I am on board the beautiful Summit in the iLounge overlooking marvelous King's Wharf and thought I would pop on here to see if there was anybody that had any questions that I could answer for them while on board until Sunday. I got a lot of help from many of you and wanted to take a few seconds to do the same.

 

I will post a long review afterwards (not wasting cruise time now :D). But some quick highlights:

 

- The reviews I have read going into this cruise about the Summit 'showing her age' is GREATLY exaggerated. Prior to this cruise, I have sailed only on ships that were 3 years or younger (see my signature), and this ship does not seem any different. She's wonderful, and I actually love the layout and design more than any ship I've sailed previously (with the exception possibly of the Nieuw Amsterdam).

 

- The food has been very good with the exception of our dinner last night in the MDR. We have select dining and despite making reservations each night have been with a different wait staff. The waiter/asst. waiter we had last night were rude, slow, and lacked service skills entirely. The food was not good either. Not sure what happened but every other meal we have had has been stellar, including the Normandie on Tuesday night (wonderful!). Tonight we try Qsine and will let you know how it goes.

 

- My wife and I do not really drink alcohol (1 or 2 here and there but nothing crazy). For those of you that are like us, the Premium Non-Alcoholic package is the single best deal at sea. $18 per day plus 15% gratuities and we have doubled, some days tripled our savings. We only got it for one of us because the waiter that sold it to us told us that they care much less about sharing for non-alcoholic packages and to only get one. What a tip! We have gotten Pelligrino, Aqua Panna at every meal. Several bottles of Evian each day as we head out to Bermuda and before bed and at each meal. My wife has her specialty coffee every morning and after dinner and has had more virgin daiquiris/miami vices/etc than she would probably admit. Overall, great investment for those that are not big drinkers.

 

Let me know if anybody has any questions!

[WestLakeGirl]

That advice about sharing is not generally valid and others should beware of trying this. It could be an embarrassing mistake

[stellarose]

Sushi selection?

 

Good place to get us away from the noise?

 

Where to eat, honestly, the first day on?

 

Persian gardens worth it?

 

 

I'm sure I have more, but that's good for now.

 

Have fun!!!!

[A Sixth?]

That advice about sharing is not generally valid and others should beware of trying this. It could be an embarrassing mistake

 

If I was the waiter who "recommended" they only buy one and share it I sure be hoping that there are a bunch of passengers from Branchburg, New Jersey who have bought just one package, because Celebrity does read these boards and that is not company policy. :mad:

[drarill]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise!!:):)

[danfiveoh]

Don't miss the Saturday afternoon brunch in the MDR. Amazing!

[cruisenanny]

Thanks so much for all of the info. Have been on Summit before but not since she was Solsistized!! I am definitely planning on getting the premium non alcohol package, I cant drink much but I LOVE Evian, Vitamin water and specialty coffees, etc.

Any info on the place that serves the crepes? I think it is a $5 upcharge per person but that is really all I know. Qsine looks amazing, enjoy!

Any thoughts on the overall temperature of the ship and consistency of AC throughout the cabins and public areas? I have seen some reviews where people are saying there are AC issues, hoping you report otherwise!!

[petesfamily]

Say hello to my son Jordan Peterson the piano player on the ship!! We just got off the Summit on June 23. LOVED IT!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Lois R]

Hope you are having a great time:D:):D:)

 

I sail her in a month and can't wait:D:)

[landrusiek]

I'd like to know about the sushi as well.

 

Is it just rolls? Is there nigiri? Is there sashimi?

 

Is it good/bad/otherwise?

 

Will they customize rolls for you?

 

Is there a cost?

 

Thanks so much!

[Lois R]

I'd like to know about the sushi as well.

 

Is it just rolls? Is there nigiri? Is there sashimi?

 

Is it good/bad/otherwise?

 

Will they customize rolls for you?

 

Is there a cost?

 

Thanks so much!

 

There is no charge for Sushi. It is served up at the buffet, normally

between 5-9 (or there abouts).

[landrusiek]

There is no charge for Sushi. It is served up at the buffet, normally

between 5-9 (or there abouts).

 

Fantastic! I was expecting to have to pay extra for it.

 

Do you know if nigiri or sashimi is offered?

[cbfb]

How did you feel about being in the same port for 3 days? We are considering this cruise next summer but haven't done one like this. How is the weather in Bermuda this time of year?

[Lois R]

Fantastic! I was expecting to have to pay extra for it.

 

Do you know if nigiri or sashimi is offered?

 

To be honest, I can't remember everything they serve:eek:

I am sailing her next month and will try to make the effort to

have a snack and see what is there:)..tough job, but someone

has to do it;):D

[doggfan7]

I'd like to know about the sushi as well.

 

Is it just rolls? Is there nigiri? Is there sashimi?

 

Is it good/bad/otherwise?

 

Will they customize rolls for you?

 

Is there a cost?

 

Thanks so much!

 

Honestly, we've never made it to the buffet between 5:30 - 9:30 which is the only time they serve it. We are huge sushi fans though and have seen people carrying "before-dinner sushi" (as one lady put it) back to their rooms. We have not seen any nigiri or sashimi but that does not mean it doesn't exist. Although I haven't tried it of course, the sushi looks like it is heavy on the rice, which I do not like.

 

Tonight we had the sushi lollipops in Qsine and they were WONDERFUL!

 

How did you feel about being in the same port for 3 days? We are considering this cruise next summer but haven't done one like this. How is the weather in Bermuda this time of year?

 

I love it. I would almost prefer staying in the same port for multiple days. It enables us to slow down and really see everything we want. Yesterday we took the ferrys to St. George's and Hamilton and sightseed. Today we day the Bermuda Triangle Shipwreck Snorkeling excursion which was marvelous. We got very lucky with the water visibility and great guides. Tomorrow we plan to do Warwick Long Bay and hike to Horseshoe Bay beach.

 

The weather has been HOT. No rain, no overcast. Just sunny and scorching.

[doggfan7]

Say hello to my son Jordan Peterson the piano player on the ship!! We just got off the Summit on June 23. LOVED IT!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Your review was actually the last one we read before our cruise! Jordan is wonderful, have seen him a few places.

 

Thanks so much for all of the info. Have been on Summit before but not since she was Solsistized!! I am definitely planning on getting the premium non alcohol package, I cant drink much but I LOVE Evian, Vitamin water and specialty coffees, etc.

Any info on the place that serves the crepes? I think it is a $5 upcharge per person but that is really all I know. Qsine looks amazing, enjoy!

Any thoughts on the overall temperature of the ship and consistency of AC throughout the cabins and public areas? I have seen some reviews where people are saying there are AC issues, hoping you report otherwise!!

 

The a/c is very tough on the first day in Bayonne. Brutally tough. After we set sail it has been better, but the room does not get colder than I'd say around 75 degrees, which is hot for the way we like to sleep.

 

We had Bistro crepes a few days ago and they were wonderful, but I don't get the upcharge. If it's to keep the crowds down then it is doing it's job because I have not seen anymore than 3 or 4 tables with guests at any point this week.

 

QSine was our favorite meal of the week. Too amazing to type. However, what I am about to say may offend some on this board. Be forewarned! I think QSine suffers from being on a ship which outside of the summer is frequented by an older population set in their ways, afraid to try different things, and intimidated by an iPad. This restaurant would KILL on land. Put QSine in NYC and you could charge $75pp easily and it would be packed every night. I can't really understand why it is not on land, perhaps an exclusivity agreement with Celebrity?

[doggfan7]

A few other quick random observations:

 

- Cruise Director Steve is very good. The illusionist was one of the best acts I have ever seen at see. The production singers and dancers (to me) were only ok, but I have heard others say that they enjoyed them.

 

- I'm sure you will read about it in future reviews from my fellow travelers, but the broadway star for 54 Below, Alice Ripley, was atrocious. I love Broadway and enjoy every sort of music, from show tunes to rap to country to hard rock. She was bad. And it wasn't just me, everybody on the ship was talking about it. It reminded me of something Jimmy Iovine said once on American Idol. He said that there is a reason every Tony-award winning star doesn't sell millions of records. While they have a good voice for the stage, they oversing the crap out of non-theatre songs. Well, Alice Ripley did just that. I am not exaggerating when I say that half the audience left by show's end.

 

- To those questioning the legality of sharing the bev package. I am on vacation and was instructed by an employee what to do. To date I have been met with nothing but support from any bartender/waiter we've used it with. Of course, we cannot get more than one drink at a time, but we know that. I think sometimes it's best to remember that we do not work for RCI and try to police others who are simply doing what they were told was OK. I'm certainly not losing sleep over money RCI is losing. (especially after the beating they put on me in Fortunes Casino :) )

[cruiseacecat]

Your review was actually the last one we read before our cruise! Jordan is wonderful, have seen him a few places.

 

 

 

The a/c is very tough on the first day in Bayonne. Brutally tough. After we set sail it has been better, but the room does not get colder than I'd say around 75 degrees, which is hot for the way we like to sleep.

 

We had Bistro crepes a few days ago and they were wonderful, but I don't get the upcharge. If it's to keep the crowds down then it is doing it's job because I have not seen anymore than 3 or 4 tables with guests at any point this week.

 

QSine was our favorite meal of the week. Too amazing to type. However, what I am about to say may offend some on this board. Be forewarned! I think QSine suffers from being on a ship which outside of the summer is frequented by an older population set in their ways, afraid to try different things, and intimidated by an iPad. This restaurant would KILL on land. Put QSine in NYC and you could charge $75pp easily and it would be packed every night. I can't really understand why it is not on land, perhaps an exclusivity agreement with Celebrity?

No offense taken, but as a very late sixties person I love Q'sine. I really thought it was something I would try once and be done with. Instead, I dine there at least once on every cruise. Fantastic food and fun. You don't need to be young, just have a sense of adventure and a love of food.

Anne

[ricethief]

Hi Doggfan

 

If you get a chance and happen to pass the gym I would be grateful if you could see if they have a place where you can do chin ups and dips, thank you.

[doggfan7]

No offense taken, but as a very late sixties person I love Q'sine. I really thought it was something I would try once and be done with. Instead, I dine there at least once on every cruise. Fantastic food and fun. You don't need to be young, just have a sense of adventure and a love of food.

Anne

 

There are exceptions to every rule! haha My observation was simply based on a few things we have noticed. Our waiter told us that this summer, their pre-cruise reservations are very solid, while the three Canada and New England cruises following are almost non-existent due to the older population on those cruises. Also, while waiting in the terminal during embarkation, we stood in line at the specialty restaurant table to make our reservations. They were really pushing Qsine that day and the three "seasoned" couples before all loudly gaffed at the thought of eating there. The comments ranged from "so a waiter doesn't take our order?!?" to "can I get a steak and potatoes if I don't like anything else on the menu?". They did not make a reservation.

[barbaragrace]

How did you feel about being in the same port for 3 days? We are considering this cruise next summer but haven't done one like this. How is the weather in Bermuda this time of year?

 

 

Make sure you wave to us as we get on this Sunday!! :)

 

 

CBFB- we've taken this trip a few times on RC. We LOVE staying on an island for 2 nights! We get off the ship after dinner (buffet) and go right back out to enjoy island night life. Bermuda meals are very $$$.

[bessinfl]

I haven't yet been on the Summit, and I've seen Alice Ripley only on Broadway. (She was phenomenal in Sideshow and in Next to Normal , for which she won a Tony Award.) But I would hardly take Jimmy Iovine's word as gospel about Broadway singers or about cabaret; that's not remotely his expertise. I have no desire to listen to his kind of music, and I love Broadway and cabaret. Clearly different people have different tastes. Some don't like cabaret. Some of us love it -- and I'm hoping the Broadway stars are still on the Summit when I sail on the ship next spring.

[cruiseacecat]

There are exceptions to every rule! haha My observation was simply based on a few things we have noticed. Our waiter told us that this summer, their pre-cruise reservations are very solid, while the three Canada and New England cruises following are almost non-existent due to the older population on those cruises. Also, while waiting in the terminal during embarkation, we stood in line at the specialty restaurant table to make our reservations. They were really pushing Qsine that day and the three "seasoned" couples before all loudly gaffed at the thought of eating there. The comments ranged from "so a waiter doesn't take our order?!?" to "can I get a steak and potatoes if I don't like anything else on the menu?". They did not make a reservation.

I actually feel a little sorry for people with that kind of attitude. They have no idea what they are missing. Hope you continue to have a great cruise.

Anne

[Spf12]

I am on board the beautiful Summit in the iLounge overlooking marvelous King's Wharf and thought I would pop on here to see if there was anybody that had any questions that I could answer for them while on board until Sunday. I got a lot of help from many of you and wanted to take a few seconds to do the same.

 

I will post a long review afterwards (not wasting cruise time now :D). But some quick highlights:

 

- The reviews I have read going into this cruise about the Summit 'showing her age' is GREATLY exaggerated. Prior to this cruise, I have sailed only on ships that were 3 years or younger (see my signature), and this ship does not seem any different. She's wonderful, and I actually love the layout and design more than any ship I've sailed previously (with the exception possibly of the Nieuw Amsterdam).

 

- The food has been very good with the exception of our dinner last night in the MDR. We have select dining and despite making reservations each night have been with a different wait staff. The waiter/asst. waiter we had last night were rude, slow, and lacked service skills entirely. The food was not good either. Not sure what happened but every other meal we have had has been stellar, including the Normandie on Tuesday night (wonderful!). Tonight we try Qsine and will let you know how it goes.

 

- My wife and I do not really drink alcohol (1 or 2 here and there but nothing crazy). For those of you that are like us, the Premium Non-Alcoholic package is the single best deal at sea. $18 per day plus 15% gratuities and we have doubled, some days tripled our savings. We only got it for one of us because the waiter that sold it to us told us that they care much less about sharing for non-alcoholic packages and to only get one. What a tip! We have gotten Pelligrino, Aqua Panna at every meal. Several bottles of Evian each day as we head out to Bermuda and before bed and at each meal. My wife has her specialty coffee every morning and after dinner and has had more virgin daiquiris/miami vices/etc than she would probably admit. Overall, great investment for those that are not big drinkers.

 

Let me know if anybody has any questions!

My wife and I are booked on the 8/18 sailing and have Select dining.In your opinion would you recommend Select dining after the problem you just mentioned.

[landrusiek]

Lois R - Thanks for the information and for volunteering to sacrifice yourself by checking out the sushi offerings next month. :) I truly appreciate your selflessness!!! :) :) :)

 

dogfan7 - Thanks so much for this thread the info on the sushi and all the other great info. I am not a fan of maki that is primarily rice either. All my favourite sushi haunts will roll with rice paper on request or sometimes cucumber slices. I will definitely check out the sushi lollipops in Qsine as per your recommendation.

 

Cheers to you for doing this and enjoy the rest of your cruise.