Celebrity Summit - Recent Reviews Not So Good??

[OhioDogLover]

We were on Summit in February, 2016 and it may have been our best cruise (out of about 25 or so) yet. That was just before the dry dock. It was fabulous and we would do it again in a minute. Everyone likes different things, but every single person we met on the ship was having an outrageously good time.

 

 

Ohiodoglover

[squidward]

LOL. DH did come home from the 3/26 sailing with an eye patch. He developed an infected tear duct while on the cruise. He had to wear sunglasses at night and everyone thought he was some kind of poser but his eye was so hideous it was the only option until we got the patch. He asked the butler for a sewing kit and used the needle to drain the infection. It was gross beyond belief but we still loved the cruise!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

[kpun]

LOL. DH did come home from the 3/26 sailing with an eye patch. He developed an infected tear duct while on the cruise. He had to wear sunglasses at night and everyone thought he was some kind of poser but his eye was so hideous it was the only option until we got the patch. He asked the butler for a sewing kit and used the needle to drain the infection. It was gross beyond belief but we still loved the cruise!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

 

Oh wow! Hope he's ok!

[kpun]

I hope you enjoyed them!

 

I did! Part of the reason I booked the cruise in the first place! Thanks for sharing!

[archerniak]

Please take reviews with a grain of salt. I'm so tired of people writing these horrific reviews on cruises. After we booked our cruise on the Constellation in February, I started reading the reviews.wow..I'm wondering what did I just book a cruise on a tuna barge?

This was wrong and that was wrong. Could not beleive what I was reading.

We took the cruise and it was the best cruise we've ever been on. Not one true legitimate complaint.

Granted we are easy people to please and I'm sure if I wanted to could have found something. But I truly find it hard to believe like in a recent review I read that a cruiser bullet pointed about 20 things wrong. Now come on. You want it perfect, pay $20 k and go on a high end one. But I have a feeling they would complain about that cruise too. Ok I vented..read reviews and take them for what they are..someone's opinion..enjoy your cruise..

 

I could not agree with you more. We were on the Infinity this past September and just prior (and even after) there were awful reviews. Absolutely one of the best cruises we were on and the ship and staff were wonderful. I also like the millennium class size ships and by DH and I will be on the Summit on May 8th. I can not wait.

[Ereggae]

We thoroughly enjoyed the Summit with few complaints but none that were not addressed. You just have to call Guest Relations and your issues will be taken care of. Being on Deck 11 my main problem was the darn movie screen on Deck 12 that was just installed. This is not a very large area and the volume was way too high as it should be at a level for only the folks in the area. At times my chair vibrated and it was uncomfortable to enjoy the balcony. After a few calls, however, the last few days were pleasant as the volume was reasonable.

 

The Captain and staff were top notch. There is a noticeable cut back in staff so don't expect perfection and you will not be disappointed. Blu was excellent and the staff in that restaurant were some of the best in the business.

 

The internet is the best I have experienced and we were happy to have unlimited internet. You can use multiple devices but you have to log off and log back on when you change as you can't be logged in to more than one device at a time. We also upgraded to the Premium Package and it was worth every penny.

 

We did not use the ship's transfers as the taxi system in San Juan is very efficient and we only paid $12.00 each way and were very comfortable. I hate nothing more than waiting for a bus to fill up when I could already be at the port before the bus even leaves.

 

The two ports I hated were Martinique and Dominica.

[oroszdb]

We have been on the Summit twice in the past two years. The staff is amazing! The rooms, are OK. Yes, it is well worn and does show it in some places but we love her. It is more intimate than the larger ships. And as I said the staff is wonderful and more than accomodating. The Capt is always visible and friendly as is his whole crew. We loved that about The Summit.

 

 

 

Go, enjoy a different ship. You will not be disappointed !

 

 

 

Happy Sailing.

 

 

Can't agree more, was on the 4/2 sailing after the recent dry dock - staff is awesome, ships in great shape and omg Capt K8 is the best, we had a blast, no complaints at all

Edited April 17, 2016 by oroszdb

[jean87510]

Had a great time. Just got off yesterday. It's busy with the many ports so I really didn't focus on the shows or captain (sorry I don't tend to pay attention to a captain or cruise director. Not a deal breaker ). Service was excellent. it was our 1st cruise with celebrity and we liked it. Qsine was good. Tuscan was good. Room was clean. I liked seeing officers in Oceanview and did ask questions regarding ships locations. Martinique was my least favorite place. Will not go on this island again unless with a ship tour.

[Tbog12]

I will be sailing on the Summit Jan 7, 2017! Will be my first cruise on Celebrity!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[IsanTom]

I am looking forward to your review. I love your disclaimer as I too am a "half-glass full" person. When reading some posts you would think people were serving a prison sentence! I always say the worst day on a cruise is better than working ![/Q

 

I like forward to your reviews!

[Cruise a holic]

Have been on the summit and truly enjoyed it! Will be sailing on her again in August with 5 family members. Since we have been on her five times, I guess you could say we love the ship. She might not have all of the glam and gimmicks- but since we do appreciate them, or the crowds, we find her a great option.

 

Enjoy your cruise-you are in for a real treat.

[kpun]

We thoroughly enjoyed the Summit with few complaints but none that were not addressed. You just have to call Guest Relations and your issues will be taken care of. Being on Deck 11 my main problem was the darn movie screen on Deck 12 that was just installed. This is not a very large area and the volume was way too high as it should be at a level for only the folks in the area. At times my chair vibrated and it was uncomfortable to enjoy the balcony. After a few calls, however, the last few days were pleasant as the volume was reasonable.

 

The Captain and staff were top notch. There is a noticeable cut back in staff so don't expect perfection and you will not be disappointed. Blu was excellent and the staff in that restaurant were some of the best in the business.

 

The internet is the best I have experienced and we were happy to have unlimited internet. You can use multiple devices but you have to log off and log back on when you change as you can't be logged in to more than one device at a time. We also upgraded to the Premium Package and it was worth every penny.

 

We did not use the ship's transfers as the taxi system in San Juan is very efficient and we only paid $12.00 each way and were very comfortable. I hate nothing more than waiting for a bus to fill up when I could already be at the port before the bus even leaves.

 

The two ports I hated were Martinique and Dominica.

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

What didn't you like about Martinique and Dominica?

[LA_CA_GAL]

We will be sailing June 26. Will post a review with pictures.

 

If anyone has any specifics they want checked out, just let me know.

[phoenix_dream]

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

What didn't you like about Martinique and Dominica?

 

I just got off the Summit two days ago. We also thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. We had one issue with our cabin that was taken care of quickly. Our only disappointments (complaints would be too harsh a word) was that the buffet was mediocre and there is not enough live music particularly before dinner, but that is true with all Celebrity ships these days. Overall the ship is in very good shape, Captain Kate is wonderful, and the food and service in Select Dining was excellent.

 

I can comment on Martinique and Dominica as well. Martinique is very French - and they are one of the few islands you visit where you sometimes are made to feel that they wish you would just go away. They really don't seem to welcome or want tourists very much. We did not do a tour - just walked around town (unfortunately there was quite a bit of rain that day so glad we did not tour). The town is fairly clean and seems safe, but there are virtually no stores that cater to tourists at all - just local shopping. Not that they "owe it" to us, but it is what it is.

 

Dominica is an island most people love or hate. I hate it also. It is beautiful, lush, tropical and 'unspoiled', which is another way to say they do not have nice tourist areas to visit for the most part - no nice shopping, casinos, forts, ruins, or anything like that. In previous trips we have done tours of the island - seen the waterfalls and so on. Doing that once is nice as the scenery is beautiful. But once you've done that, unless you book a tour for snorkeling or something, there is nothing else to do. I have not been to their limited beaches, but I understand they are not nice like most islands. We usually make that day our stay on the ship and enjoy the facilities day. Others love the island for exactly the reasons I hate it. It's all in what you are looking for.

[neillebo2]

I just got off of the summit just the other day. If you have ever cruised much, I cannot see how you can possibly consider this ship even possible. I will never use anything but the latest top line class of celebrity, and only if it is cheaper than the others. Celebrity used to be a definite class above Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, but it just isn’t. There were also tons of kids on this trip, which never used to happen. I love kids and have three, and when I take them I do or at least have, taking them on Celebrity. The summit is a dilapidated and tiny ship that is supposed to be renovated soon, but it will still be a ship that looks like it was built in 1970. The whole layout is outdated, the pool is saltwater, which many have, but not most of the celebrity ships. The restaurant is relatively small and the buffet is tiny and actually awful. The state rooms were lovely and the service by everyone, as usual, was amazing. I did call celebrity to voice my complaint and all that I got was an apology. I also mentioned that they should at least price the cruise cheaper accordingly since it is about to be renovated. I will not be using them again. When we docked next to the Norwegian in Bermuda, everyone on our ship had Cruise envy. That is supposed to be what others feel about celebrity. So I can’t say enough how disappointed I was and bear in mind this review is now several years past some of the others and even with the renovation, they are not doing anything but renovating some of the inside areas, which really weren’t my biggest complaint. The sports facility I’m sure will be upgraded, but is disgusting. But it was just the lack of caring. Pool lounge chairs Were Broken in many places and I’m sure that will be fixed, but on except a bowl. How much would a lounge chair cost for high paying customers until it is in drydock for renovations. They would not allow my 15-year-old son and the second outdoor pool because one has to be 16 and he was forced to be in 2 feet of water with kids with swimmy’s and diapers, even though diapers should not be allowed. All in all, I am disgusted and I only review when things are really good or really bad.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[neillebo2]

The crew is what makes the difference. Everyone with a smile from housekeeping to the captain. Easy to get around. Are their gripes? Absolutely but Cruise Critic tone has changed in recent months to pretty much lets put down the ship. Doesn't matter which ship or line.

 

 

 

I hated it and I’ve been on like 20 cruises. My review is down below. You say what made it is the staff. And well, that is what all cruise lines do or they get fired. Even though I hated the ship, and almost all about it, the staff was just ridiculously wonderful. Across the board and I will make sure that my survey gives them their do credit. I would not use that as a reason to make a boat cruise were they in a review, in my opinion

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[neillebo2]

I was on Summit March 26 (with 2 little kids!) and I had a great cruise. I believe the only real *legitimate* complaint I've seen on these boards is related to the condition of the staterooms. They really are dated and bordering on becoming shabby. But the public areas are in excellent condition, with a few exceptions, and the crew is wonderful.

 

People can be hard to please, no matter what, and everyone has different priorities. But I've been on over 20 cruises with different lines and ships, and Summit is my all time favorite.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

 

 

 

In my opinion, and my full review is below, much more than the state rooms were outdated. I was disgusted by how much in need of putting this shipped out to pasture was necessary. I would not expect this from celebrity

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[neillebo2]

I just got off of the summit just the other day. If you have ever cruised much, I cannot see how you can possibly consider this ship even possible. I will never use anything but the latest top line class of celebrity, and only if it is cheaper than the others. Celebrity used to be a definite class above Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, but it just isn’t. There were also tons of kids on this trip, which never used to happen. I love kids and have three, and when I take them I do or at least have, taking them on Celebrity. The summit is a dilapidated and tiny ship that is supposed to be renovated soon, but it will still be a ship that looks like it was built in 1970. The whole layout is outdated, the pool is saltwater, which many have, but not most of the celebrity ships. The restaurant is relatively small and the buffet is tiny and actually awful. The state rooms were lovely and the service by everyone, as usual, was amazing. I did call celebrity to voice my complaint and all that I got was an apology. I also mentioned that they should at least price the cruise cheaper accordingly since it is about to be renovated. I will not be using them again. When we docked next to the Norwegian in Bermuda, everyone on our ship had Cruise envy. That is supposed to be what others feel about celebrity. So I can’t say enough how disappointed I was and bear in mind this review is now several years past some of the others and even with the renovation, they are not doing anything but renovating some of the inside areas, which really weren’t my biggest complaint. The sports facility I’m sure will be upgraded, but is disgusting. But it was just the lack of caring. Pool lounge chairs Were Broken in many places and I’m sure that will be fixed, but on except a bowl. How much would a lounge chair cost for high paying customers until it is in drydock for renovations. They would not allow my 15-year-old son and the second outdoor pool because one has to be 16 and he was forced to be in 2 feet of water with kids with swimmy’s and diapers, even though diapers should not be allowed. All in all, I am disgusted and I only review when things are really good or really bad.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

I should add, that since they will be renovating this ship in four months that just wait. There is no reason I, or you, or anyone should be the final guinea pigs on a ship that is being almost sent oout to pasture The great reviews are already quite dated. Even if you love the reviews, just wait until it is done in 2019.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Silkroad]

You do realize you’ve appended your review segments to a thread that is two years old, don’t you?

[Cruise a holic]

I just got off of the summit just the other day. If you have ever cruised much, I cannot see how you can possibly consider this ship even possible. I will never use anything but the latest top line class of celebrity, and only if it is cheaper than the others. Celebrity used to be a definite class above Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, but it just isn’t. There were also tons of kids on this trip, which never used to happen. I love kids and have three, and when I take them I do or at least have, taking them on Celebrity. The summit is a dilapidated and tiny ship that is supposed to be renovated soon, but it will still be a ship that looks like it was built in 1970. The whole layout is outdated, the pool is saltwater, which many have, but not most of the celebrity ships. The restaurant is relatively small and the buffet is tiny and actually awful. The state rooms were lovely and the service by everyone, as usual, was amazing. I did call celebrity to voice my complaint and all that I got was an apology. I also mentioned that they should at least price the cruise cheaper accordingly since it is about to be renovated. I will not be using them again. When we docked next to the Norwegian in Bermuda, everyone on our ship had Cruise envy. That is supposed to be what others feel about celebrity. So I can’t say enough how disappointed I was and bear in mind this review is now several years past some of the others and even with the renovation, they are not doing anything but renovating some of the inside areas, which really weren’t my biggest complaint. The sports facility I’m sure will be upgraded, but is disgusting. But it was just the lack of caring. Pool lounge chairs Were Broken in many places and I’m sure that will be fixed, but on except a bowl. How much would a lounge chair cost for high paying customers until it is in drydock for renovations. They would not allow my 15-year-old son and the second outdoor pool because one has to be 16 and he was forced to be in 2 feet of water with kids with swimmy’s and diapers, even though diapers should not be allowed. All in all, I am disgusted and I only review when things are really good or really bad.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yes the summit isn’t new and doesn’t have the nuisances of the reflection or silhouette, it does have charm. If you are in a suite bothe luminae and michaels are top notch. We have sailed on the breakaway and if not in the haven a zoo. Having sailed on over 40 cruises including Celebrity royal , princess, disney, carnival, and ncl. I would put ncl on the bottom with princess close to ncl .

 

Newer and bigger aren’t always better. We enjoy the adult pool on Celebrity as the main pool is very noisy and crowded. I suggest you consider Royal oasis class ships if you want new with all the glitz. But again, all best with suite amenities. But to each his own

[Cachecara]

I had my most recent cruise on Summit less than a month ago. I had awonderful time. I did notice some wear in common room seating, but certainly nothing to ruin my time.

[dkjretired]

I just got off of the summit just the other day. If you have ever cruised much, I cannot see how you can possibly consider this ship even possible. I will never use anything but the latest top line class of celebrity, and only if it is cheaper than the others. Celebrity used to be a definite class above Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, but it just isn’t. There were also tons of kids on this trip, which never used to happen. I love kids and have three, and when I take them I do or at least have, taking them on Celebrity. The summit is a dilapidated and tiny ship that is supposed to be renovated soon, but it will still be a ship that looks like it was built in 1970. The whole layout is outdated, the pool is saltwater, which many have, but not most of the celebrity ships. The restaurant is relatively small and the buffet is tiny and actually awful. The state rooms were lovely and the service by everyone, as usual, was amazing. I did call celebrity to voice my complaint and all that I got was an apology. I also mentioned that they should at least price the cruise cheaper accordingly since it is about to be renovated. I will not be using them again. When we docked next to the Norwegian in Bermuda, everyone on our ship had Cruise envy. That is supposed to be what others feel about celebrity. So I can’t say enough how disappointed I was and bear in mind this review is now several years past some of the others and even with the renovation, they are not doing anything but renovating some of the inside areas, which really weren’t my biggest complaint. The sports facility I’m sure will be upgraded, but is disgusting. But it was just the lack of caring. Pool lounge chairs Were Broken in many places and I’m sure that will be fixed, but on except a bowl. How much would a lounge chair cost for high paying customers until it is in drydock for renovations. They would not allow my 15-year-old son and the second outdoor pool because one has to be 16 and he was forced to be in 2 feet of water with kids with swimmy’s and diapers, even though diapers should not be allowed. All in all, I am disgusted and I only review when things are really good or really bad.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Have done Summit a number of times to Bermuda and was surprised at how many people mentioned to us that they wish they were on Summit compared to Breakaway. You should have read these boards about the Summit going to Bermuda during the summer, you would have found there are loads of kids and it has been that way for years.

[Denny01]

Excuse my not understanding, but you said there were lots of kids on as if it was an issue, and its the cruise you took your kids on It? OK. You think the 2000 passenger Summit is ‘tiny’? OK. You think the buffet is tiny, which is, in my experience, larger than comparable sized ships I’ve been on. OK. You said the Summit has a saltwater pool, but most Celebrity ships don’t.....all M-Class do which Is over 1/3 the fleet.

 

You realize that the Summit was the only M-Class ship that received top 10 ratings in the latest CruiseCritic Poll, but ‘all’ the passengers had ‘cruise ship envy’ over the Norwegian? That must have taken a long time to talk to the 2000 other passengers, but OK.

 

And you called Celebrity and just got a ‘sorry’ as a response. What were you looking for? Recompense? OK.

 

I do enjoy reading reviews that point out issues and legit complaints. But this? got it.

 

Den

[MJSailors]

My DH and I were on the July 8 Summit cruise to Bermuda.

We had some hesitations about the ship before the cruise, but we were joining friends and their two children (8 and 11),so we planned on enjoying the cruise with them despite some reviews posted on CC that were not too favorable.

To our surprise, we enjoyed the Summit !

I have written a review of the cruise on the CC review page.

A little background about us. We are mid sixties and began cruising in 1988. We are platinum level on Princess ,our cruise line of choice.

We have sailed on Cunard and NCL also.

I read that one of the posters here said that passengers on the Summit had “cruise envy” over the NCL ship docked with the Summit.

Well, my DH and I were certainly not envious of the ship (I think it was the Escape) as we had taken two cruises to Bermuda on the NCL Breakaway. The first cruise was ok. It got us to Bermuda.

The second cruise was not to our liking, only that it got us to Bermuda.

We do not enjoy ropes courses, rock walls, or free style cruising concept.

The Summit reminded us of cruising in other times when the experience was elegant, refined and comfortable.

We found the public spaces to be just fine. I think the carpets and furniture in those areas were replaced in a recent drydock.

The children had access to both pools on the outside pool deck. No staff said they had to stay in the kiddie pool as the poster said happened to her 15 year old.

We had a Conceierge cabin (C2) on deck 8.

Yes, the cabins need a face lift. Our cabin was clean and tidy. The sofa showed wear and there was some rust around the bathroom door area. I am certain this will be addressed during the 2019 drydock.

Our steward was excellent. All the staff were friendly and helpful to us.

After reading the other post about the issues she/ he had of the Summit cruise, I am thinking we might have been on a different ship than that person.

But, we all have our opinions and experiences, not always the same, of course. I would suggest that poster try an NCL cruise or Carnival cruise from NYC to Bermuda or the Caribbean.

Those ships may be more to their liking.

[riclop]

It's getting old.