Quick Review-Celebrity Summit 5/25/14

[melsdt]

Just thought I would write a brief review while everything is still fresh in my head!

 

Background: We are a married couple in our early 30's from NJ, traveling with our one year old son. Also, on this trip were two sets of grandparents, and sister/BIL. One set of parents had the penthouse, we had adjoining sky suite, and other set of parents had the concierge class room next to us (6147, 6145, and 6143). Sister was down the hall. Although this was our first Celebrity Cruise, we were Elite from having Diamond status on Royal Carib. This was my 12th cruise, but first with a child.

 

After reading these boards over the last couple months, I was starting to get concerned about this trip especially regarding drink package problems and declining service, recent changes to perks and so on. Additionally, based on some of the comments on here regarding children, I was expecting that my little toddler would not be well received on this ship by other passengers. I am pleased to report that none of my concerns came true. Bartenders and sommeliers always provided great drinks and wine within our classic package. I did not find the selection to be overly restrictive. There were no lines or lack of bar service as occasionally reported. The passengers and staff were extremely friendly to my son, and he had a blast. Contrary to what so many post on here, he did not need any "kid services" to be content and entertained. He loved the food, piano player, congo player, and all the attention he got. The staff was so wonderful to him, singing to him, dancing with him, making him animals with napkins, and playing peekaboo.

 

Food: We ate in the MDR a few nights, once in the Penthouse, once with the Captain, and once in Normandie. Out of seven nights, there were only two dishes that I didn't care for (jerk chicken and lamb leg). Everything else was excellent. Normandie provided delicious food and outstanding service. Dining at the Captain's table on the first formal night was a real treat! Captain Dimitrios and Chief Safety Officer Angelos are delightful. I have never seen a Captain so interactive, humorous, and accessible. I didn't eat in the buffet, but some other family members did. They reported that although the selection was not as good as what they have seen on other cruises, they prefer the little pre-made dishes.

 

Entertainment: We didn't go to as much as we normally do, since we had baby in tow. However, there seemed to be a nice selection and range of activities to suit all interests. There was trivia, build a ship, pool games, lots of live and DJ music, a couple lectures, Sin City comedy, 54 Below, etc. Sin City Comedy was pretty good. Some people loved it, some hated it. I thought it was much funnier than most comedy shows I have seen on cruise ships. I will admit the "stripping" burlesque dancing seemed out of place, but I wasn't offended by it. My parents and husband really enjoyed the Captain's lecture on sailing. We also had the opportunity to do a Bridge tour, which was short but nicely done. I didn't care for the casino layout and options as much as other Royal Caribbean ships I have been on.

 

There were nice offerings for Elite members, although I barely participated in any of them! I did not go to the Elite Breakfast at all, as I've read on CC the little boy wouldn't be welcome there. Plus being connected to the Penthouse, we just ate breakfast at the dining table most days. We did eat in Blu for breakfast one morning. It was okay, but nothing crazy.

 

Suite perks: My parents staying in the Penthouse were invited to many special events. Some weren't really their cup of tea (like VIP seating at liquid), but it was nice to see that they provide a lot of extras for passengers in suites. Additionally, we were provided Brunch in Normandie on the first day which was quite nice.

 

Sorry, for rambling and please forgive any typos--I'm trying to type fast while the little one naps! Overall, wonderful trip. I wouldn't hesitate to travel again on Celebrity, especially with a small child. In fact, we booked the 11-day Panama/Belize/Costa Rica/Colombia/Grand Caymon onboard and got some great discounts.

 

I am happy to answer any questions you guys have :-)

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Sounds like a great time! Thank you for posting.:)

[antsnanny]

Great review.

I would have loved to have dinner with that captain, he was the best ever!

Welcome home!

[dodger1964]

Thanks for review. I wish people wouldn't take what "experts" write on cc to mean they are always right. Your baby would have been fine at the breakfast.

 

Glad u enjoyed ship. She's my favorite ship in the fleet. I'm in the minority of cc members in that ranking. But to each his own.

[melsdt]

Yeah, I realized the first day I was being overly critical and looking for some of the problems reported by others on CC. Then, I snapped out of it and over the course of a week became quite impressed! I really encountered some lovely staff members.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Forums mobile app

[Champagne Cruiser]

The Summit is our favorite ship. The officers, crew, and waitstaff are all outstanding and go out of their way to ensure we have a great cruise.

[jcpc]

Suite perks: My parents staying in the Penthouse were invited to many special events. Some weren't really their cup of tea (like VIP seating at liquid), but it was nice to see that they provide a lot of extras for passengers in suites. Additionally, we were provided Brunch in Normandie on the first day which was quite nice.

 

 

melsdt,

 

Thanks for the review. It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation.

 

One quick question. You indicate "we" were provided Brunch in the Normandie on the first day. My question is: Was it just your parents who were eligible to attend this brunch or were you included in the brunch invitation also?

 

The reason I'm asking is because we are in the Penthouse on the August 31 sailing and my parents are in a Balcony cabin further down on Deck 6 (the adjoining Sky Suite was not available, although we've had it waitlisted for quite some time!). I'm just wondering if the reason you were included in the brunch (if you were) is because you had the adjoining Sky Suite?

 

Thanks!

 

jcpc

Edited June 2, 2014 by jcpc

[Texed]

Mels,

 

Thanks for posting. :)

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Glad you had a great cruise!

 

If everybody took as gospel all the complaints posted on these threads, nobody would ever cruise. Glad you were able to keep an open mind.

 

My experience has been that staff members love kids--many of them are missing their own.

 

[bjinouno]

you forgot to mention, We had the BEST weather! let's not count Saturday and the WIND and rocking and rolling... this was our first Celebrity cruise, and EVERYONE crew and passengers were the best, You should have had Jerk Chicken at Horseshoe bay,,, on the beach, now that is to die for! And I have never experienced a Captain like Dimitrios, simply wonderful and he Loves what he does! He Captains his ship and lets his crew do the steering!