Celebrity Summit Live report 4/4/15 - First Luminae and new suite benefits sailing

[Gracie115]

Just a quick note but not my last.

 

Again, sorry for the typos. Most of this was posted from my phone, with fat fingers, and in dim light of Luminae, so proofreading, while done is tough.

 

A few more interesting points to note, including some comments about dinner and another new piece of information not about Luminae but about suite benefits.

 

We had dinner with friends we met earlier in the cruise but no pics as it was a social affair ;) (Hello Heather, hope you had a safe trip home, you know where to find me and Maryanne) who said they ordered a cheese course the night before, but it seemed more like the MDR version and less like the Murano version. Incidentally, dinner was excellent. While everyone else seemed to like the Mango and Chestnut cream bite, i though the cream had the consistency of paste, even if it tasted ok, I couldn't eat it. I really hope I'm not spoiling some of these bites for everyone by creating pre-conceived ideas. The soup was good, though Heather's was not as hot as she would like. Three people ordered a wedge which was no where on the menu. It was served slightly deconstructed but in a more traditional way than the one the previous night that was on the menu. I still like the fried rice as a light meal. The fish was a winner with not one person out of the three who ordered it leaving any morsels on their plates. I think Bojan our waiter might have lost a finger when he went to take a plate with a bit left on it (not by me of course).

 

The room was PACKED at 8:00p tonight, barely a seat open. One party was VERY loud and even though they were in the back corner they clearly disturbed many diners including us. One couple left before ordering. It bordered on me saying something, but once they received their first course and had something in their mouths the level did come down a bit.

 

No guarantees on truise. Everyone onboard was given OBC immediately and later we were givhe accuracy of the following information, how long it will last or if posting it here is such a smart idea, but if I post it, no one will tell, right? Back in November we did a back to back on Millennium in Asia. The second cruise was a bit of a problem child as 4 ports were cancelled the night before the cen additional future cruise credit. We already had quite a bit of OBC so when I went to get some out in cash at the casino, I wrote off the fact I was not being charged the 5% to the fact that the cruise had its fair share of problems and it was waived for everyone or maybe the fact they I smiled and looked cute that night :rolleyes: Tonight I was taking out some cash for tips, and maybe a little bit more fun at the casino ;) (it was a good night :D ) and wasn't charged the 5% either. I asked and was told the percentage was waived for "Michael's Club Members". An interesting tidbit, not a huge deal, but good to know.

 

Dee doesn't want to go to Old San Juan in the morning so we're going to stay onboard as long as we can (which I think will be about 9:45) and then go to the airport for our 2pm flights, but of course we're going to head to Luminae at 7:45. Hours are 6:30a-8:00a. I'm going to try and write my summary from the airport while we wait and everything is fresh in my mind. I actually made some notes for our post cruise survey which will help me remember my thoughts.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Thanks for all the time you've taken to keep us informed on Luminaire! We board Eclipse in 3 days and we don't yet know if the new restaurant is ready ...we were content with the thought of dining at Blu...but after reading your thread are hoping very much to have the it open as you have made it sound wonderful!!! :)

[chamima]

Thanks for all the time you've taken to keep us informed on Luminaire! We board Eclipse in 3 days and we don't yet know if the new restaurant is ready ...we were content with the thought of dining at Blu...but after reading your thread are hoping very much to have the it open as you have made it sound wonderful!!! :)

 

Gracie

Our very favorite hostess ever (in fact I wish we could adopt her!) is going to be your Maitre D' in Luminae - Anita.

You are very lucky. I'm sure everything will run very smoothly. She's a manager extraordinaire! There aren't enough good words to describe her - you'll see.

[JFontaine]

We were charged the casino fee last week on Reflection and in February on Silhouette (royal suite on both) . Not a big deal but as I previously posted the suite experience should be consistent. Thanks for your posts and safe travels.

[uktog]

Gracie

Our very favorite hostess ever (in fact I wish we could adopt her!) is going to be your Maitre D' in Luminae - Anita.

You are very lucky. I'm sure everything will run very smoothly. She's a manager extraordinaire! There aren't enough good words to describe her - you'll see.

 

Such a well deserved selection she is wonderful

[need2bespoiled]

A few more tidbits of information as we wait in Michael's Club. Ships Internet is off but international data still available so we mix work and withdrawal. ;)

 

They'll be frosting the glass in Michael's Club on Summit next week. Work has started but completion is apparently delayed due to a missing shipment.

 

 

Breakfast in Michael's seems to be an improved spread:

 

Lunch will be served in Michael's Club today and not Luminae. Jole is not sure how it will work, maybe three meals was too much last week and they want to give staff some time off. This is not something that's "for the best as the searing and tables are not an ideal set-up in Michael's Club.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[need2bespoiled]

First, a big thank you to everyone for following along and reading my summaries. I really appreciate the thanks :)

 

This is a summary of what I included in my survey to Celebrity. I am editing it some and removing some other names.

 

A few staff to mention: Prince in Luminae as the sommilier was great. Bojan our server for 11 of the 14 nights was friendly and attentive. Ashley the captain's club host is always so friendly and helpful with a big smile. We really appreciate the Michael's Club concierge and have come to appreciate Jole and all she does.

 

These are mostly areas for change and improvement:

 

1. Staying until 6pm in many destinations on both southern Caribbean itineraries (we were back to back) would allow MANY more opportunities on the islands. For example, on St. Kitts, there were ferries back from Nevis at 1pm and 4pm in the afternoon. Since you couldn't make a morning ferry until the 9:30am ferry and get there at 10:15a and the 4pm doesn't get back until 4:45 when you're requited aboard, the only option to return is the 1pm ferry. If the ship departed at 6pm we could take the 4pm ferry back. There are similar challenges with too limited time in many ports.

 

2. Maybe some here will feel we're nitpicking, but our experience on other ships has been better. Security is understaffed from approximately 3:30p until just before departure every day. Lines were ALWAYS 10-15 minutes just to get through security. Staying later even by just 1 hour would also help solve this problem. If one person set off the metal detector, the line stopped while a personal search was done as there wasn't another staff member available to do this which was really the main cause of the problem. One more person in each lien would have been helpful. Since officers were rarely seen on the pier during these time, they probably don't even realize this can be improved so easily.

 

3. While it improved as the cruise went on, we feel officers weren't as visible on most of our Celebrity Cruises. We don't expect them to be our friends, though it is nice to have a chat when we meet them at private function and get "inside information". We expected them to be out and about so they can see where challenges are. Many of the problems, like those at security or cleanliness of the pool deck, the baby in the hot tub (more on that below) would or could have been prevented or improved by officers being more visible.

 

4. Each time we ate at Bistro on 5 we were charge and had to have the concierge reverse the charge. Not a big deal but should be corrected and clear to the staff there.

 

5. As you all know, we saw the same menu both weeks in Luminae, and with such a limited number of choices on the menu, the menus should really alternate between 7 of the full 14 menus for 7 day cruises. For example Seabourn has 7 rotating 7 day menus. I know this isn't Seabourn but it certainly costs as much.

 

6. Luminae really needs to be available for lunch and breakfast everyday as advertised and promised. If other lines can do this, whether luxury lines like Seabourn, or similar products like the Haven on NCL and the Yacht Club on MSC, Celebrity can figure out how to make this work, so can Celebrity. Finding out that lunch was in Michael's Club today would have made me frown if it was the start of my cruise.

 

7. Food generally in Luminae is too salty, the chef has a heavy hand salting meats and accompaniments. We were told our meals were marked with no salt on every order yet we continued to feel some items in nearly every dish were a bit salty.

 

8. A quality cheese course with accompaniments should really be offered nightly in Luminae.

 

9. Celebrity needs a better way to get room service to guests HOT. Heated plates, hot plates under plates, etc. It IS possible to get eggs to rooms hot. Room service menus need to be expanded to match more of the level of offering in Luminae, at least for those pastries!

 

10. Service in Luminae can still be refined. We feel as though servers are still rushing around us. Conversations are interrupted more than they should. Service should be efficient and friendly, but also "invisible". The best service should not really not be noticed.

 

11. We understand Luminae is new and it will evolve. A green salad should be offered daily as should some kind of of main course menu special.

 

12. We understand you are working on specialty dining menus but they really need to be updated and then updated more often.

 

13. Celebrity needs to make suite benefits coupon-less. They should be attached to our account / seapass card.

 

14. We left the ship escorted to ship's security to scan our seapass cards by Jole. We did this as late as we were allowed as we had mid afternoon flights. As we entered the terminal we witnessed a line that snaked on and on for customs. We knew we could expedite the process by hiring a porter (thanks Curt), but we shouldn't have had to as we were more than capable to roll our bags. The concierge service should extend through customs. Because of using a porter, we were in a cab very quickly.

 

15. One major safety and sanitary issue we witnessed that really needs to be addressed: I approached an officer (name provided to Celebrity, redacted here) at the pool butler stand about a family who were clearly prepping their baby (less than a year old) to go in the hot tub. He told me he told them they couldn't go into the solarium but that the baby was trained and could go in the pool. This of course is nonsense, but true. A bit later Miguel (thanks, you were great!) a pool butler asked the family to leave but this was after the baby was in the hot tub for more than 15 minutes. They proceeded to change the baby's diaper on a chase right at the pool. Seriously? I have some pictures (all totally G) for proof if anyone really doubts me. The hot tub really should have been emptied immediately but more importantly this could have easily been prevented by Lyndon.

 

We look forward to the evolution of Luminae and our upcoming sailings on Celebrity. Please feel free to ask additional questions if you have them, and most importantly,

 

HAPPY SAILING!

Jenna

[FoxyD2003]

The room was PACKED at 8:00p tonight, barely a seat open. One party was VERY loud and even though they were in the back corner they clearly disturbed many diners including us. One couple left before ordering. It bordered on me saying something, but once they received their first course and had something in their mouths the level did come down a bit.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

I'm not sure if we are the couple that you are referring to, but we got up and left around 8:15. For us, though, it was a timing issue. We had been seated since 7:00 and still did not have our entrees by the time we left at 8:15.

 

Dana

[need2bespoiled]

Dana,

 

Obviously that's not OK. You weren't the couple, at least I don't think so, this couple was seated at the table we left to sit with friends. They were in the furthest table from the door in the back corner and don't believe they ever ordered.

 

What was their response?

 

Hope you have a safe trip home or a great cruise this week if you're staying onboard.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chamima]

Jenna,

'I'm already missing your great updates and beautiful photos.

I think you should take another cruise very soon.;)

[ghstudio]

2. Maybe some here will feel we're nitpicking, but our experience on other ships has been better. Security is understaffed from approximately 3:30p until just before departure every day. Lines were ALWAYS 10-15 minutes just to get through security. Staying later even by just 1 hour would also help solve this problem. If one person set off the metal detector, the line stopped while a personal search was done as there wasn't another staff member available to do this which was really the main cause of the problem. One more person in each lien would have been helpful. Since officers were rarely seen on the pier during these time, they probably don't even realize this can be improved so easily.

 

3. While it improved as the cruise went on, we feel officers weren't as visible on most of our Celebrity Cruises. We don't expect them to be our friends, though it is nice to have a chat when we meet them at private function and get "inside information". We expected them to be out and about so they can see where challenges are. Many of the problems, like those at security or cleanliness of the pool deck, the baby in the hot tub (more on that below) would or could have been prevented or improved by officers being more visible.

 

15. One major safety and sanitary issue we witnessed that really needs to be addressed: I approached an officer (name provided to Celebrity, redacted here) at the pool butler stand about a family who were clearly prepping their baby (less than a year old) to go in the hot tub. He told me he told them they couldn't go into the solarium but that the baby was trained and could go in the pool. This of course is nonsense, but true. A bit later Miguel (thanks, you were great!) a pool butler asked the family to leave but this was after the baby was in the hot tub for more than 15 minutes. They proceeded to change the baby's diaper on a chase right at the pool. Seriously? I have some pictures (all totally G) for proof if anyone really doubts me. The hot tub really should have been emptied immediately but more importantly this could have easily been prevented by Lyndon.

 

We look forward to the evolution of Luminae and our upcoming sailings on Celebrity. Please feel free to ask additional questions if you have them, and most importantly,

 

HAPPY SAILING!

Jenna

 

Irrespective of suites or Luminae, the above three items should be addressed by Celebrity HQ immediately. We've seen all three on past cruises.

 

Item 15 is an egregious violation of both celebrity and health department rules....and hopefully the officer named should have already been counseled by someone in HQ before someone on some cruise sends pictures to the public health department.

[upwarduk]

Item 15 is an egregious violation of both celebrity and health department rules....and hopefully the officer named should have already been counseled by someone in HQ before someone on some cruise sends pictures to the public health department.

 

IMO: very selfish parents who were putting themselves and their'needs' first.

Don't they realise the danger they put their child under?

We were recently on holiday where a hot tub was available. The info that was given was that children under 6 yrs old should not be put in a hot tub, as they cannot control their body temperature.

 

I've never heard of a baby under 12 months being toilet trained ( lucky if it is around 18 months)

Edited April 18, 2015 by upwarduk

[JFontaine]

Celebrity's head of restaurant operations told us last week on the Reflection that the chefs learned 35 entrees. I don't expect a second week's menu any time soon.

[need2bespoiled]

Celebrity's head of restaurant operations told us last week on the Reflection that the chefs learned 35 entrees. I don't expect a second week's menu any time soon.

 

I am not surprised at all by this. We were told they have 14 menus on Summit, but it certainly does't mean they're prepared to cook all 14 days of menus. On the flip side, a true chef should be able to improvise and add dishes / menus more spontaneously. Time will tell as they train, add menus and fully implement the restaurant. I'll give them a chance to walk before they run. We have plenty of upcoming cruises to test their legs in the future ;)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[cruise kitty]

Gracie

Our very favorite hostess ever (in fact I wish we could adopt her!) is going to be your Maitre D' in Luminae - Anita.

You are very lucky. I'm sure everything will run very smoothly. She's a manager extraordinaire! There aren't enough good words to describe her - you'll see.

 

I completely agree with this, I'm definitely not the type to notice who works where, or who's on board, but Anita was just outstanding & above & beyond, I'm happy she's been given what must be a promotion, but I'm sorry we won't see her in Blu again. :)

[junetraveler2014]

Jenna,

Again, Thank you for all that you have mentioned. Will definitely let you know how all works out when we are on the Summit. Will miss your dailies. Have a wonderful next cruise.

Gary & Victoria

[benjoon]

Jenna,

 

What a wonderful review you have given us. I feel its a very well balanced review. Not just focusing on the bad but also great aspects of Luminea.

 

Hopefully I can thank you personally while on the Infinity. We have done a CS and this will be our first RS. So excited.

 

So when is the Jenna and Dee cruise guide book being published?

 

Anita

[melsdt]

Jenna-can you comment a little more on how voices carry in Luminae. Although we are traveling on Solstice, can you elaborate on whether the background music drowns others out or can you hear a pin drop? Your mentioning that another table was disruptive is a little concerning to me, because I don't want to be that other table!

 

We are traveling in a group of 13 people with a child. Although we will likely only be eating in groups of 4-7 each night depending on people's plans. I had planned to ask to sit as far away as possible from others but it sounds like based on your comment that didn't help? We will also eat as soon as they open, because as mentioned we have our kid so I figured there would be less people in there giving us looks! Was it generally busy at that time?

 

We just upgraded from a Celebrity Suite to Royal yesterday, so are even more excited! Celebrity called us with an offer to upgrade that was much less than the advertised rate, so we took it. I had a feeling they would as there were 3 RS left for our sailing which is in just a few weeks.

 

I am so glad you took a pic of the caviar because now I am interested in getting it. I have never seen anyone order it. We have a substantial amount of OBC and because of the upgrade now a premium drink package. Our previous rate didn't include any drink package. So, I am looking for ways to spend it!!

 

Again, thanks for your great review.

 

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

[maggie.1008]

I just arrived home after our April 11th cruise that Jenna was on. Such a delight to dine with Jenna and Dee. I can add very little to the wonderful review that Jenna has done. Agree soups were warm not hot. Food was salty. They need to have a always available side of the menu with a salad. Also a few of the tables for 2 are too close together. I did see jeans with a jacket on formal night. Also saw a young couple and the young lady had short, short cut off jeans and the man wearing his ball cap. ( not on formal night ) So I would not worry about dress code in Luminae. I still think I like the menu choices in Blu better. I`m sure Luminae menu will improve in time. On the last night we did not make a reservation and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Ended up dining with Jenna and Dee at a 4 top.

We had a wonderful dinner in Normandy and I would say it was our best meal of the cruise. Service was also great.

CC Host Ashley was a doll.

A little back ground on us. I was traveling with my TA and good friend Mary Anne. She travels the world and between the 2 of us we have about 120 cruises on most of the cruise lines. Celebrity is still our first choice and we both booked several more cruises while on board. I enjoy the sky suites and have not been a suite above that. Did go to visit friends in Penthouse a few times and it was awesome. I would book the Penthouse on M class ships over S class if I ever upgrade. We did have a wonderful cruise and the crew is why I always come back to X. Happy to answer any questions. Cheers, Heather

[upwarduk]

Do you think the dress code in MDR will be relaxed?

I really can't see how they can impose it when those who dine in Suites & Blu don't have to adhere to it!!!

[Christine Frances]

Sure hope not and we definitely don't feel we are being "imposed" upon:)

[need2bespoiled]

Jenna-can you comment a little more on how voices carry in Luminae. Although we are traveling on Solstice, can you elaborate on whether the background music drowns others out or can you hear a pin drop? Your mentioning that another table was disruptive is a little concerning to me, because I don't want to be that other table!

 

We are traveling in a group of 13 people with a child. Although we will likely only be eating in groups of 4-7 each night depending on people's plans. I had planned to ask to sit as far away as possible from others but it sounds like based on your comment that didn't help? We will also eat as soon as they open, because as mentioned we have our kid so I figured there would be less people in there giving us looks! Was it generally busy at that time?

 

We just upgraded from a Celebrity Suite to Royal yesterday, so are even more excited! Celebrity called us with an offer to upgrade that was much less than the advertised rate, so we took it. I had a feeling they would as there were 3 RS left for our sailing which is in just a few weeks.

 

I am so glad you took a pic of the caviar because now I am interested in getting it. I have never seen anyone order it. We have a substantial amount of OBC and because of the upgrade now a premium drink package. Our previous rate didn't include any drink package. So, I am looking for ways to spend it!!

 

Again, thanks for your great review.

 

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

 

First, Thanks Heather and Mary Anne, was a pleasure to cruise (dine really) with you both, and look forward to it in the future.

 

Melsdt,

The room doesn't have a ton of soft material so it does carry noise a bit, but not nearly as loud as the main dining room. They also need to do better so if you're near one of the service areas, you don't hear silverware clanking and such. They really should have doors on these entrances both for noise and light.

 

I feel the nature of the cruise environment is such that people get together and have a good time. This particular table (a 6 top with 3 couples) was having a great time, but at the same time they were a bit boisterous and I felt a bit intrusive on other diners. Once their meal started they were more quiet and it was fine.

 

There is music playing in the background, and they even seemed to turn it up a bit when the room got louder, but the music is pretty mellow. Unfortunately it is the same music every night even though I liked it, Id like some more variety. How many times can you hear Enya ;)

 

I think just the fact your concerned about other diners, you'll be fine, go and have a good time :)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[need2bespoiled]

I will not speculate on what Celebrity will do with the dress code in the future. There is a great thread for that, up above.

 

This being said, I was provided some information which may, years in the future lead to the end of formal dress in the MDR. I have posted it here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=46312290#post46312290

 

Please provide additional comments there or in the dress code thread.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

We were charged the casino fee last week on Reflection and in February on Silhouette (royal suite on both) . Not a big deal but as I previously posted the suite experience should be consistent. Thanks for your posts and safe travels.

 

I don't understand why Celebrity can't get its act together and have the upper suite experience be the same on all ships. Certainly it will vary by who is the concierge in Michael's, but there's no reason the casino shouldn't get the message. We did not get a letter in the PH last fall offering free withdrawals in the casino.

 

[need2bespoiled]

I don't understand why Celebrity can't get its act together and have the upper suite experience be the same on all ships. Certainly it will vary by who is the concierge in Michael's, but there's no reason the casino shouldn't get the message. We did not get a letter in the PH last fall offering free withdrawals in the casino.

 

 

Agreed. We've never gotten the letter, but know I know, if I withdraw, money I'll make sure we're not charged.

 

I will say I spend 1-2 hours in the casino most nights so they do know me, not sure if that matters :rolleyes: definitely shouldn't.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Project_gal]

I have to say that the two cruises on which we received the fee-free withdrawal letters were before Michael's Club was set up in its current incarnation. Thus, had nothing to do with the Michael's Club Concierges.