Not so spectacular on Summit to Bermuda May 24 - 31, 2015

[LabGuy64]

Pretty messed up when you can't stand your spouse's company anloe so much that you would rather stop cruising than just be together .....alone

[LabGuy64]

Carnival???

 

because the price is good?

can't think of another reason why it would be a first choice

 

 

My first pick is either Carnival (especially for longer getaways) or Disney (when I don't want to gamble).

 

I don't book with Carnival as often as I like due to their wheelchair accessible cabins. RCCL, Celebrity and Disney, all have their accessible cabins separated out and I can search online for availability and price. I like that and since I can go onto the website it's easy to find something I like and book it.

[tarheelmjm]

Pretty messed up when you can't stand your spouse's company anloe so much that you would rather stop cruising than just be together .....alone

 

Well, we don't have to be presumptive. On the other side of the coin, she might be so proud of her mate that she relishes in the chance to share his company with others.

 

My post probably sounded backward, regarding my disinterest in cruising if I had to sit at 'family table' each night. The truth is that new hubs and I are really homebodies, but we have so many close friends and family that we end up being quite active just to spend a little time with the folks we love. Pair that with full time work on his part, and moving two homes into one, and we just downright don't get to spend enough time together or give each other enough straight on attention during our everyday life.

 

For us, vacation is that chance to get away from all those things that distract us, so that we might relax, and pay attention to each other. That, and I'm a previous food/bev employee and intense foodie. I'm pretty set in my convictions about temperatures, service tempo, and dining room decorum. I know that everyone's mileage varies, but even the most balanced reading of reviews indicates that large tables in the MDR might just not be for us. At least not every night. While some compare MDR experience to true fine-dining a la carte service, others' has conjured images similar to a K&W Cafeteria (a southern brand, not sure how widespread) or a massive dimsum house with fast-moving servers, stacks of plates and multiples of diner's favorites.

 

We really wouldn't consider eating in the same 2 or even 3 restaurants every night of a land-based vacation unless it were some intense foodie tour. We even eat from a different kitchen most every night when we take our camper over to this little deserted island at the coast. And we wouldn't generally meet dining companions at the table of a restaurant that isn't a biergarten. We are totally open to meeting new friends on the ship, and having them join us at a table for a meal, but we would be reluctant to commit to being with brand new folks for the duration of a cruise. What if we were somehow unknowingly offensive to them or them to us? I wouldn't want either party to have to dread dinnertime.

Edited June 3, 2015 by tarheelmjm
clarity, forgotten words

[schlimazel_traveler]

Did you notice if they had a "white night"?

 

Britney, the only "Theme" party I remember where you'd think, "well, if I'd known about that, I would have packed my..." was a 70's night.

[meatloafsfan]

Carnival???

 

because the price is good?

can't think of another reason why it would be a first choice

 

Because the activities don't roll up at 10pm.

Because it has a decent selection of slot machines and hasn't crammed in the machines into a small hallway.

Because Carnival rewards its slot players.

Because Carnival has excellent made to order food stations for lunch (Mexican, pizza, deli, guys burgers, tandoori, Wok)

Because Carnival has great servers in the dining room and great room stewards.

 

And lastly, because Carnival is FUN.

[Fredric22]

I think the reality is that peoples' preferences are changing, and more and more people now prefer to dine when they want to, and with who they want to. That is no fault of Celebrity. I am sure in the coming years they will increase the portion of the dining room dedicated to any time dining. Fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on your perspective) the traditional dining experience is dying. For us, it has been a positive change. We are able to sit together and still talk to other couples who are seated close by. Once we make friends and want to dine together, we can easily do so. It really is a win win.

Edited June 3, 2015 by Fredric22

[BLAMBKY]

Britney, the only "Theme" party I remember where you'd think, "well, if I'd known about that, I would have packed my..." was a 70's night.

 

 

Thank you! :)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[CruisingChick]

Pretty messed up when you can't stand your spouse's company anloe so much that you would rather stop cruising than just be together .....alone

 

We are empty nesters and our son lives 3,000 miles away. We have dinner alone together every other night of the year, so on cruises we love to sit with a variety of other people and make new friends. Which in the past has worked very well on Celebrity, but not so much now as the cruising experience and clientele have greatly changed over the past 13 years.

 

Now I remember why I don't post on these boards as much as I use to as someone always has to post negative or nasty comments in a thread. These boards just like Celebrity has gone downhill.

Edited June 3, 2015 by CruisingChick

[CruisingChick]

Well, we don't have to be presumptive. On the other side of the coin, she might be so proud of her mate that she relishes in the chance to share his company with others.

 

Thanks.

Edited June 3, 2015 by CruisingChick

[Iamcruzin]

We are empty nesters and our son lives 3,000 miles away. We have dinner alone together every other night of the year, so on cruises we love to sit with a variety of other people and make new friends. Which in the past has worked very well on Celebrity, but not so much now as the cruising experience and clientele have greatly changed over the past 13 years.

 

 

 

Now I remember why I don't post on these boards as much as I use to as someone always has to post negative or nasty comments in a thread. These boards just like Celebrity has gone downhill.

 

 

We are almost empty nesters. Our college age kids live with us but the only evidence of their presents are the dishes in the sink, towels on the bathroom floor,or the occasional empty milk container in the refrigerator. DW works long hours and has a 2 hr commute to Manhattan and I work a rotating shift. We like anytime because we can either dine by ourselves or are guaranteed a full table if we choose to eat with others. We are not locked down to the same time same place and don't have to worry about abandoning table mates.

[Lois R]

We are empty nesters and our son lives 3,000 miles away. We have dinner alone together every other night of the year, so on cruises we love to sit with a variety of other people and make new friends. Which in the past has worked very well on Celebrity, but not so much now as the cruising experience and clientele have greatly changed over the past 13 years.

 

Now I remember why I don't post on these boards as much as I use to as someone always has to post negative or nasty comments in a thread. These boards just like Celebrity has gone downhill.

 

Hi Anne Maria:)....that post was pretty rude:(......just wanted to say

hope you are doing a bit better today:)

[CruisingChick]

Hi Anne Maria:)....that post was pretty rude:(......just wanted to say

hope you are doing a bit better today:)

 

Hi Lois, thanks so much. Yes a bit better today!!

 

Just a bit sad that Celebrity seems to be shifting away from the cruise line we have enjoyed in the past.

[Charles4515]

Hi Lois, thanks so much. Yes a bit better today!!

 

Just a bit sad that Celebrity seems to be shifting away from the cruise line we have enjoyed in the past.

 

All the cruise lines I have been on the past few years have been shifting from the cruise line I enjoyed in the past. The beancounters have taken over and scooping up every last bit of possiible revenue takes precedence over delighting the passengers with the cruise experience.

 

On Oasis of the Seas a few weeks ago they were selling small bags of popcorn for $2 at some bars. I recall when bar snacks were free.......You would think after they have raised drink prices on Oasis to $14 or so after the new 18% gratuity they could give the popcorn for free.

[Junebug1]

We were on the Summit 5/3 sailing to Bermunda. I thought I might add a slightly different observation.

 

We had requested and were given a table for 2 during the late seating. Everyone knows how close together the tables for 2 are & we lucked out b/c the couple seated at the table for 2 next to us were friendly. The tables surrounding us were full almost every night. We went to the buffet after a full day in port once & the couple next to us ate at the Captain's table one night. We have had mixed experiences with Select dining. We prefer walking directly to "our" table, greeting our waiter & having a nice relaxing dinner. However, we did notice some totally empty tables when walking thru the dining room. They were empty all week.

 

We enjoyed this cruise very much, but staying in one port for 2 1/2 days isn't for us. We like being some where new every day. Everyone is different. There are alot of choices out there, just do some investigating.

[sarahc78]

Pretty messed up when you can't stand your spouse's company anloe so much that you would rather stop cruising than just be together .....alone

 

 

Good lord what a rude thing to say.

[CruisingChick]

Good lord what a rude thing to say.

 

Right?!

 

Plus I never said I couldn't stand my spouse's company, but maybe the way I phrased it was a bit misleading,

 

If I really couldn't stand my husband's company I don't think I'd be stuck in an inside cabin with him for up to 2 weeks at a time.

[villauk]

Right?!

 

Plus I never said I couldn't stand my spouse's company, but maybe the way I phrased it was a bit misleading,

 

If I really couldn't stand my husband's company I don't think I'd be stuck in an inside cabin with him for up to 2 weeks at a time.

 

I took it as tongue-in-cheek - something we all may joke about concerning our other half ;). It's obvious that you enjoy meeting new people and take pleasure from spending time in their company: a gregarious, social individual - nothing wrong with that :).

[sarahc78]

Right?!

 

 

 

Plus I never said I couldn't stand my spouse's company, but maybe the way I phrased it was a bit misleading,

 

 

 

If I really couldn't stand my husband's company I don't think I'd be stuck in an inside cabin with him for up to 2 weeks at a time.

 

 

Honestly at first when I really your review I thought hmmm well that's an odd thing to be disappointed in because I personally find it uncomfortable to make small talk w/ people I don't know when dining on a cruise. I prefer dine alone w/ just DH...however I've got a house full of kids and it's a rare moment to enjoy a meal together. Once I remembered that your kids were off in college/out of the house I thought you know what I'm sure I'd be in the same situation looking forward to conversation and meeting new people.

 

I never once thought oh they can't even stand to share a meal together. Geez so rude! I swear it's people like that who make others not want to share about their cruise experience!

Edited June 4, 2015 by sarahc78

[Jetswdo]

First of all, in regards to dining, people have different wants and needs. Many people prefer to have the company of others when dining in cruise ships. My dh and I generally prefer just to eat alone, as we don't want to be "held up" by others or vice versa-- but that is just us. I'm just sorry that the way you wanted your dining experience didn't work out the way you thought, on this sailing. Sure that was annoying, it least we would have felt the same way as you and dh.

 

We will be sailing on June 21--- keeping our fingers crossed for better weather.

All dh wants to do is his usually snorkeling from a beach- but I have warned him that if the weather is bad, then just make the most of relaxing on the ship and just walking around the shops in the dockyard. We also have Hidden Gems Eco tour booked-- hope it is still doable, if the weather is bad.

 

re shows: We will definately see the comedian-- and normally we don't care for magic acts- but supposedly IMAGIC is supposed to be fairly entertaining so we will give that a try. I am trying to find a current review of IHOLLYWOOD, to see what exactly is in the show, regarding, movies chosen, songs done etc. So far all I have read is that it really isn't very good, very amateurish.

So any info you can share will be appreciated by us.

[CruisingChick]

Anita,

 

Out of the 3 productions shows iHollywood is going to be the best - at least in our opinion. Sirens is too weird and we have walked out of it at least twice.

 

iHollywood does start out a little slow - kind of boring - put pick up at the end and if you have the same singers and dancers as we do - they were pretty good this time around.

 

We did not make it to Stars in Their Eyes so I can't comment, because I really can't remember it from past cruises. Although my DH seems to think we liked it.

 

We had 2 comedians. They were funny. Second one funnier than first and then the Acapella Group - ReVoiced who were entertaining. iMagic was okay. I've seen better.

 

Hope this helps.

[altiva]

The most obnoxious drunk I saw onboard was an older gentleman who was in his late 60s. He was at a roulette table and started harassing the dealer because he was Croatian. He was incessant in his questions about Russia and Putin and would not accept the fact that Croatia is quite a distance from Crimea.

 

I must admit, I prefer seeing a younger crowd, but I'm also in my 30s. I was however quite pleased with the lack of children aboard. It is, after all one of the reasons why I prefer X.

They adore Russia and Putin in Croatia, the staunchest supporters of Russia and Putin ever.

[altiva]

That was our experience-right down to the taxi.

 

However, it disheartens me to see how many people "dislike" seeing people in their 20s and 30s. We are a professional couple in our early to mid 30s, and we behave ourselves quite well. We dress up for formal night, we tip, we eat and drink both in the buffet, specialty and MDR. There may be a few bad apples in the bunch, but I've also seen a few people in their later life behave badly. So, please, embrace the differences and you just never know who you're going to meet [emoji3]

Have you ever wanted or were you ever tempted to do something interesting, different and challenging?

[doublemm16]

I was on the Summit for the May 31st cruise. It was the first week for CD Ken Mills. I liked him. He was very visible and entertaining. As were the activity manager and the Hotel Director to name a few.

 

We lucked out with the weather. It was a gorgeous 2 1/2 days in Bermuda. The crew said it was a 180 from the week before.

 

I was in my first suite on this cruise, so I was able to try Luminae. It was wonderful. However the menu is limited, and at times too gourmet for my tastes. My friend that I was travelling with did not like the fact that Luminae was so small. And her idea of dining on a cruise was a grand dining room with a large table of about 12 people. That said, we switched our dining assignment to the Main Dining Room, early seating. We went to dinner that first night, and found our tablemates pleasant, but nothing in common with the two of us. We then switched to late dining. Two of the people did not show up to dinner that night and the other 3 were young girls travelling together. We never went back to the dining room. Instead we ate in Normandie, Qsine and Bistro on Five, and had our last formal night in Luminae (they had lobster, which is all my friend cared about).

 

I can see your point about the traditional dining, and why you would be upset when tablemates did not show up. My friend was very disappointed as this type of dining is an important part of her cruise. We enjoyed dining together, but we also both like to meet new people. We were fortunate to meet several nice couples while dining in Luminae. The tables are close enough together to strike up a conversation.

 

I am not a regular suite traveler by any means, and who knows when I may have this experience again. My last few cruises have been with family, so dining was not an issue.

 

I found the food in the buffet to be quite good. We missed the magic show, Sirens and I think iHollywood. We saw the comedian, the acapella group (VoicePlay) and the Welcome Aboard Show, and the 2 other production shows. We enjoyed them all. We were told that this was the first week that the singers and dancers performed in all of the shows. So, I believe there was some turnover on the May 24th cruise.

 

My last comment is that I agree, there have been so many cutbacks over the years. In 2013, I participated in a Flash Mob (now gone), and the activities staff has been trimmed to practically none. I truly believe that impacts the scheduling of activities, because there is not enough staff to man them. Food quality has dropped, and I have noticed the increased upselling. However, I still enjoy my cruises, eventhough they may not be perfect. I love Celebrity, but I also like Princess and would be open to trying other lines that offer interesting itineraries.

 

I hope that the lack of participation in traditional dining is not a trend. I love having the same waiter every night....and having my iced tea sitting there waiting for me. :D

[texasgirl29]

I've been following this thread with interest as we sail on the Eclipse in just over one month. This will be our first time on Celebrity, having sailed with Princess and Disney.

 

We will be doing traditional dining, with perhaps one specialty restaurant (Qsine sounds fun and different). We are a party of 8, three generations of family, so there isn't the problem of missing diners at our table -- we'll all be there.

 

On the Island Princess we had the best waiters ever. We had anytime dining, and had gone to a show, then come back to dessert. The waiter overheard us at the table next to his station. He struck up a conversation with our daughters who were preteens and asked us to request him the following night. We then made a reservation to always be in his section and he was terrific. Dining was a pleasure and the girls really became attached to him.

 

Disney, as you may know, has a rotating dining room schedule with three dining rooms. Your waiters move along with you. We loved them so much we didn't eat at Palo's for dinner, instead we had brunch. A year later, my inlaws were on the Disney Magic and our assistant waiter saw them on deck and asked about the girls.

 

All this to say, I'm saddened by what I'm reading about the overworked waiters and empty tables in MDR, but crowded in Select. Getting together for dinner, ordering something I would never make at home, comparing our food with others at the table, chatting with the waiters and maitre'd -- I'll just have to see how it goes.

[CruisingChick]

I've been following this thread with interest as we sail on the Eclipse in just over one month. This will be our first time on Celebrity, having sailed with Princess and Disney.

 

Thinking of trying Princess. I hear the drink prices on Princess are much more reasonable than that on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

 

It's hard to tell from one cruise but hope you come back and let us know how you liked your Eclipse sailing. I'm sure you will have a great time.