Celebrity Honeymoon: Summit or Reflection?

[daxter13]

Hi there!

 

I'm currently planning my honeymoon for January 2016, and we're looking to do a Celebrity cruise! I've cruised Celebrity twice before (Constellation to Alaska and Eclipse to Western Caribbean) and really enjoyed them both.

 

After comparing itineraries, timing, and whatnot, we've narrowed it down to a 7-day Eastern Caribbean interinary, either on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan, or the Celebrity Reflection out of Ft. Lauderdale, but I'm a little torn on which direction we should go.

 

It basically comes down to the fact that I like the idea of sailing out of San Juan bc we could tack on a couple days at a resort there, and there are almost twice as many ports of call. But the Summit is a much, much older ship, as well as being smaller.

 

Do you think it's worth it to be on a smaller, less "exciting" ship with more ports of call, or would it be better to go for the newer ship with more amenities and spend more time on the boat? This is our honeymoon, so I want it to be amazing!

 

Looking forward to hearing your input, fellow cruisers!

[ladylemondrop]

Sounds like you are leaning towards Reflection, just by the nature of expressing you feel Summit is older, and you want your hioneymoon to be amazing! If it were me, I would go with Reflection, and find another way to make it longer - couple of days in orlando maybe, (bit of disney magic) and some fantastic speciality dining experiences onboard. Either way, enjoy your special day and honeymoon! Congratulations...:)

[C-Dragons]

First off, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! :)

Honeymoon? Amazing? Personally, Reflection would win hands down! We've sailed on her 3 times. She's the best ship in the fleet, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Edited June 24, 2015 by C-Dragons

[emandjoe]

I would say it depends whether you would like more time to relax on the ship/sea days (Reflection) or more islands/a busier itinerary (Summit). Both boats have their pluses and minuses, but we are personally fans of the smaller size of the Summit. And I do not think it seems worn or old.

 

You will love either one - I would just pick based on how much you want to do or not do!

[searoses]

No contest for me....the southern route has very interesting ports,so much to do in San juan and the beaches will be warmer....the summit is older but elegant and well-maintained....our eastern trip this past jan found the water too cold .....wished we had waited til later in feb....we are booked on rci for this coming feb from San juan and can't wait....booked a trip with tours by ellis to go to the rain forest,beach and trip in the evening to see the bio bay where the sparkling micro-organisms can be found....so much to see and do there....have a wonderful time,whatever you choose...

[Iamcruzin]

You have to decided which destination is more important, the itinerary or the ship. For us itinerary always wins out which explains why I sailed on the Caribbean Princess 4 out of my 5 times on Princess and why I booked another Summit sailing. The Summit and the Caribbean Princess are probably the worst two ships in both fleets according to reviews but they always have the best itineraries. I love the Southern Caribbean and the fact that the Summit sales from San Juan so you I could extend my vacation. I wouldn't spend more time in Ft Lauderdale as a mater of fact I would fly in the same day if departing from there. I can see sailing a few more times on the Summit unless Princess has an itinerary that I like.

Edited June 24, 2015 by Iamcruzin

[New Hampshire]

Reflection without question. Beautiful ship, numerous specialty restaurants and time to relax and enjoy the ship between ports. We did the Summit sailing out of San Juan last year , had lots of fun, but very hectic with just one sea day. Stay a day or two in Ft. Lauderdale at one of the lovely beach hotels. There are some very nice ones.

[Champagne Cruiser]

We have sailed the Summit 4 times and have cruise 5 and 6 booked. We love the M class ships. Yes, they are older, but they are also more elegant. The thalassotherapy pool on the M Class more than makes up for the "bling" on S Class. The Summit consistently wins the best ship by passengers for service. The Martini Bar on both ships is fun, upbeat and tends younger. I have been on the Summit when there have been a lot of honeymooners and also on a cruise where there were practically none. It is the luck if the draw. However,

I also like the S class. To me the tiebreaker is the itinerary. I cruise the Summit because it takes me to a different Caribbean Beach almost every day, and that is what cruising the Caribbean is all about.

[BunnyLebowski]

I love honeymoons!

 

Honestly cruise ships are more alike than different. If you are super picky then the ship makes a difference.

 

We are very particular (we cruise in the PH when it's available, including next month) but the most important element of a vacation is being together with your significant other. It's your honeymoon so maybe you'll be spending a large portion of time in the cabin? If so, maybe choose the itinerary where you can stay in a suite. Then you can maximize time alone together as well as enjoy any special perks that come with your choice of cabin (lounge, suite dining room, etc.).

 

Whatever you decide, please come back here and let us know what a great time you had.

[chemmo]

You have not mentioned anything about room choice and cost.

 

We found the Summit cruise really good value for money. So much so we did book the PH.

 

The PH on M class really is stunning, significantly better than the S class. You have an enormous balcony with tables, chairs, loungers, jacuzzi...we loved dining outside both at breakfast and occasionally in the evening. Inside you have so much room....and a great big circular jacuzzi bath with a view. Add on your suite perks and I can not imagine a better honeymoon location. The itinerary from San Juan is also really good.

[kenevenpar]

You have to decided which destination is more important, the itinerary or the ship. For us itinerary always wins out which explains why I sailed on the Caribbean Princess 4 out of my 5 times on Princess and why I booked another Summit sailing. The Summit and the Caribbean Princess are probably the worst two ships in both fleets according to reviews but they always have the best itineraries. I love the Southern Caribbean and the fact that the Summit sales from San Juan so you I could extend my vacation. I wouldn't spend more time in Ft Lauderdale as a mater of fact I would fly in the same day if departing from there. I can see sailing a few more times on the Summit unless Princess has an itinerary that I like.

 

I believe Reflection sails from Miami. I also think she is the best ship I have been on. Having said that, II also like Summit very much and have enjoyed several wonderful cruises. The two alternating itineraries are both great.

 

The poster above hit it on the head, Reflection has more sea days, more restaurants and a bit more wow. Summit has, to my thinking, better itineraries and is a classy middle aged lady.

[travellerin1984]

I would definitely choose Summit! Nice pre-cruise experience in Puerto Rico and great ports!

[ILgirl]

You have been on both an "M" class ship (Constellation) and an "S" class ship (Eclipse) before so you should know which you prefer, vessel wise. The Summit is almost identical to the Constellation and the Reflection, with a few minor differences, is almost identical to the Eclipse. Do you prefer a port every day on a smaller ship or more days at sea on a larger ship? I think only you can answer that question. Happy Honeymoon!

[Iamcruzin]

I believe Reflection sails from Miami. I also think she is the best ship I have been on. Having said that, II also like Summit very much and have enjoyed several wonderful cruises. The two alternating itineraries are both great.

 

The poster above hit it on the head, Reflection has more sea days, more restaurants and a bit more wow. Summit has, to my thinking, better itineraries and is a classy middle aged lady.

 

Miami is even worse than Ft Lauderdale in my eyes. My in laws live in Florida so I go there often. Maybe if and when they sell off the Summit they will sail an S class ship out of San Juan. By then they will be the old ships being replaced by mega ships. I actually like the size of the Summit but I know it's just a matter of time before the M class ships become extinct.

[lovemylab]

If sailing for the ship, choose the Reflection. If sailing for the itinerary, choose the Summit.

[Pa8born]

Since your memories will not be of decor, choose the best itinerary. Best decision was to book Aqua instead if a std balcony for port intense S. carribean cruise.

So many beaches to enjoy.

Also did pre-cruise in St John flying from San Juan to St Thomas. No place to compare, absolutely the best place. enjoy yourselves, and post a picture of Trunk Bay.:)

[We're The Groupnors]

Love both ships and both itineraries, but for a Honeymoon I would choose Reflection. It's a newer ship with more dining options, and the itinerary is less busy, which would give you more time to relax after the stress of a wedding. Reflection sails out of Miami, so you could do a few days post-cruise either in Miami proper, or my favourite place in the area, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. It's a truly special resort and the area is quiet, but with lots of great local dining a walk or short taxi ride away. Their champagne brunch is out of this world!

[Redtravel]

I like both ships. I was on the Summit 2 weeks ago to Bermuda. Loved it. It was my 3rd cruise on the Summit. Although it is older, it is well maintained. There are some signs of wear.....nothing that would prevent you from enjoying your cruise. I prefer the Summit to the larger ships. Summit has a fabulous staff. Food is better on the Summit. The time of year may also be a factor in your choice. After several January cruises out of Florida on the Eclipse and Reflection, I have a pair of b2b cruises booked on the Summit for January 2016 with 3 extra nights in San Juan. Florida cruises are often cool in the winter. Also, embarking in Miami is terrible. Winter cruise on the Summit gets you into warmer weather during the whole cruise. Staying in San Juan is nice..great beaches, casinos, Old San Juan historic venues. Reflection is a beautiful ship. Sailing on either ship will be nice.

[Lois R]

Wishing you a congratulations:)......as you can see, everyone has their own opinions. I have sailed Summit 6 times and Reflection twice....

and going back on Summit for #7 in November:D

 

Have you made a decision? I am sure all of us would love to know what

you decided!:)

[existentialtraveler]

Hi there!

 

I'm currently planning my honeymoon for January 2016, and we're looking to do a Celebrity cruise! I've cruised Celebrity twice before (Constellation to Alaska and Eclipse to Western Caribbean) and really enjoyed them both.

 

After comparing itineraries, timing, and whatnot, we've narrowed it down to a 7-day Eastern Caribbean interinary, either on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan, or the Celebrity Reflection out of Ft. Lauderdale, but I'm a little torn on which direction we should go.

 

It basically comes down to the fact that I like the idea of sailing out of San Juan bc we could tack on a couple days at a resort there, and there are almost twice as many ports of call. But the Summit is a much, much older ship, as well as being smaller.

 

Do you think it's worth it to be on a smaller, less "exciting" ship with more ports of call, or would it be better to go for the newer ship with more amenities and spend more time on the boat? This is our honeymoon, so I want it to be amazing!

 

Looking forward to hearing your input, fellow cruisers!

 

What a wonderful problem!!!!...you have to choose between a GREAT cruise on the SUMMIT, which we love....and a GREAT cruise on the Reflection, which we love...Personally, I would go for the Summit, smaller but more intimate and,really, no less exciting, and a much better itinerary. We are booked on her for B2B in October. But then again, we are on the Reflection in December...Solstice class ship...just beautiful... Here is a link to our youtube video from last years SUMMIT repositioning cruise:

If you go to my youtube page, you can also find a video of the Solstice, sister ship to the Reflection. Maybe these videos will help you decide.

[daxter13]

Thank you all SO much for your input! We haven't made a decision just yet, but you are definitely helping me decide what things to discuss with my fiance (who has only ever cruised with me one -- on RC 3-day out of Port Canaveral to Bahamas on the Enchantment of the Seas, which is kind of a different experience than a 7-day cruise, heh.)

 

Alas, with all the money we're spending on the wedding (I proooobably shouldn't have fallen in love with a designer wedding dress, oops.) cost is a factor, and since it's our Honeymoon I know that I reeeeally want a veranda room (and would love to upgrade to Concierge or AquaClass if we can afford it.) And while interior rooms on Summit are crazy cheap ($599/pp!), the price that balcony rooms on Summit are almost double that of the Reflection -- we could do a suite on Reflection for cheaper than a veranda on Summit, hah.

 

I will definitely update you guys when we decide! You're 100% right, it'll just come down to whether we want more ship time or more ports/beaches. It's a good dilemma to have, I'll grant you that!

 

And yes, you're right! The Reflection sails out of Miami, I was confusing it with the Silhouette out of Ft. Lauderdale... which we might also be considering :D

[daxter13]

Also, let me ask you this (which hopefully doesn't sound too crass, heh): what method do you recommend for booking the actual cruise? Direct with Celebrity, through a travel agent, or through a third-party site?

 

Is there one way over others that seems to get better additional perks like on-board credit or whatever? Celebrity is offering their 123Go special right now for some freebies, but would love your expert input!

Edited June 27, 2015 by daxter13

[Lois R]

Also, let me ask you this (which hopefully doesn't sound too crass, heh): what method do you recommend for booking the actual cruise? Direct with Celebrity, through a travel agent, or through a third-party site?

 

Is there one way over others that seems to get better additional perks like on-board credit or whatever? Celebrity is offering their 123Go special right now for some freebies, but would love your expert input!

 

Hi, many Travel Agents give their clients on board credit. But it is against CC policy to name TA's....I would suggest finding one that specializies

in cruises though:).....

Oh, everyone is different....some folks book direct with the cruiseline

so they can have full control of their booking at all times. Once you

book with a TA, Celebrity will only deal them (if that matters to you).

[hcat]

Thank you all SO much for your input! We haven't made a decision just yet, but you are definitely helping me decide what things to discuss with my fiance (who has only ever cruised with me one -- on RC 3-day out of Port Canaveral to Bahamas on the Enchantment of the Seas, which is kind of a different experience than a 7-day cruise, heh.)

 

Alas, with all the money we're spending on the wedding (I proooobably shouldn't have fallen in love with a designer wedding dress, oops.) cost is a factor, and since it's our Honeymoon I know that I reeeeally want a veranda room (and would love to upgrade to Concierge or AquaClass if we can afford it.) And while interior rooms on Summit are crazy cheap ($599/pp!), the price that balcony rooms on Summit are almost double that of the Reflection -- we could do a suite on Reflection for cheaper than a veranda on Summit, hah.

 

I will definitely update you guys when we decide! You're 100% right, it'll just come down to whether we want more ship time or more ports/beaches. It's a good dilemma to have, I'll grant you that!

 

And yes, you're right! The Reflection sails out of Miami, I was confusing it with the Silhouette out of Ft. Lauderdale... which we might also be considering :D

 

We've sailed on both ships....Reflection seems like a better value...better cabin for the price. Ship has a younger vibe, and the sea days sound like a good time to relax and enjoy your honeymoon...Sailing out of Miami worked fine for us,.,,..

Congratulations....enjoy your wedding and designer dress!

[Iamcruzin]

If you decide to book through a travel agent be sure to book through one that doesn't charge to make changes to the reservation. Sometimes prices drop and that CC class or Aqua class room that you couldn't afford at the time of booking now suddenly becomes affordable. You don't want to have to pay a service charge to change the reservation. Keep checking prices after you book. Don't trust a travel agent to be on top of this. Most importantly never ever book with a travel agent who requires you to make the payment directly to the agency. Be sure that your payment is made directly to the cruise line. Over the years of following CC I have read threads where the Travel Agency went belly up and since the agency collected the deposit and not the cruise line any payment made was lost. Also if you make and deposits, payments or changes be sure the TA sends you a confirmation.

 

Good Luck and Best Wishes

Mike