Celebrity Summit - Tell me about her

[kafraser78]

Hi everybody, my husband and I have decided to do this ship next November for our 16th wedding anniversary. The itinerary is the southern caribbean, starting in Puerto Rico. We have previously done (all with our children) 3 Disney ships, an older Royal ship, the Allure of the seas, Carnival Breeze twice and the Carnival Sunshine. We are scheduled to be on the Carnival Vista in March 2017.

 

Now I am aware that she is smaller than these ships. But can you tell me a bit more about her since she has had the upgrades. We will obviously be new to the Celebrity family. What are the dining rooms like, the verandah rooms, the pool, entertainment etc. We will not be bringing our children on this cruise. I have been on the celebrity website extensively but I would like to know all your thoughts as well.

 

Thank you

[Cruisingwithoutthekids]

Summit is a great ship. In our experience it has a relaxed vibe. Sailing out of Puerto Rico is really nice. We will be on the 11/4/17 sailing to celebrate our 15th anniversary. To us Summit is big enough. We use the gym on a daily basis, hang out at the pool, dining is great everywhere we ate. Plenty of bars. Casino is usually not very crowded. If you have specific questions ask away. Lot of people on here have experience with the Summit. I don't think we would take our kids on this ship, but for us as a couple it is great.

 

 

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[MarKay525]

We've sailed the Summit twice and have enjoyed both cruises. We particularly like the adult-only solarium area. The aft bar is a wonderful place to have a late evening snack and it's fun to watch a movie at the new Rooftop Terrace. The ship has never felt small to us.

 

Captain Kate is absolutely fantastic if you are lucky enough to sail with her. The captain sets the tone for the ship and she is one of the best. Officers were very visible and accessible.

 

Verandah rooms were nicely freshened during the dry dock. We appreciate that every stateroom has a sofa, unlike the balcony staterooms on many other cruise lines.

 

Here on Cruise Critic if you click on Celebrity Summit in the box with the Celebrity Cruises heading, all the threads that mention the Summit are gathered together - a great way to learn about the ship. The Cruise Critic reviews section also has a lot of good info.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

Edited September 12, 2016 by MarKay525

[kafraser78]

Thank you for your responses.

I am not a fan of small ships, I don't like to feel the motion in the ocean on smaller ships, but still love to cruise and will take a smaller ship if the itinerary is right. I have been dying to go to Barbados for a number of years, so this itinerary is right up our alley. Do you feel the ship rocking a lot as oppose to a bit bigger ship?

thank you

[Cruisingwithoutthekids]

One of the advantages of sailing from Puerto Rico is you miss some of the rougher waters that are there when departing from Ft Lauderdale or Miami. My wife gets seasick and took Dramamine II and had no issues. We did not feel like it was a small ship at all

 

 

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[Champagne Cruiser]

We have sailed on the Summit six times. Both Captain Kate and Captain Alex are fabulous, so personable with a great sense of humor. We love the thalassotherapy pool in the Solarium. At least one night we dine from the buffet and take it out to the Sunset Bar for al fresco dining. The ship has a relaxed but sophisticated vibe (definitely go to the Martini Bar even if you don't drink martinis. We also like Cafe al Bacio any time of day or evening. The sail away at night is beautiful. Be sure to up on deck as you pass the fort to see it lit up. The Aqua Spa Cafe in the Solarium has very good light food for breakfast and lunch. There are bowls of grilled vegetables at the Pizza Bar that are good on top of the pizza or even by themselves.

 

If you like champagne and have the beverage package definitely upgrade to the Premium Package because the Chandon is way better than the Celebrity champagne.

 

I have two reviews on the Summit in my signature you can click on.

[Bruinboy]

Have never been on the Summit but are booked on her for a New England cruise in 2017. We have, however, been on her sister ships, the Millie and the Constellation, both cruises fourteen days in length. We took the Millie on a Transatlantic and never felt the roughness of the seas. We love it. I trust you will as well.

[Motorman23]

Thank you for your responses.

I am not a fan of small ships, I don't like to feel the motion in the ocean on smaller ships, but still love to cruise and will take a smaller ship if the itinerary is right. I have been dying to go to Barbados for a number of years, so this itinerary is right up our alley. Do you feel the ship rocking a lot as oppose to a bit bigger ship?

thank you

 

Just got off the summit (aug28-sept4) trip to Bermuda. It was our first celebrity cruise although we have been on 28 Royal Caribbean and 2 carnival cruises prior to that. It was a great ship even though it is old (2001). We felt the crew was great and the ride was excellent. We had a great discounted deal with an inside room and were treated like gold (elite). I would recommend this ship without any doubt. Nice ship, nice crew, nice atmosphere.

 

Mike

 

 

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[alcpa1]

We've been on the Summit three times as well as her sisters numerous times. We also sailed the cruise you are anticipating. Barbados is one of our favorites too.

The Summit is not that small, we've been on smaller ships. She can easily handle the waters with stabilizers if needed. The waters in the deep Caribbean are smoother throughout the passage than those sailing from Florida.

There are several different balcony cabin classifications and each have their fans. Since you have sailed before you probably have a good idea of deck and cabin placement. If you check out the previously mentioned Celebrity site you can get a good feel for the pros and cons. There are also a few "better" cabins in each category. If you can't find the specifics just post back and we will lead you to the jewels.

Don't forget to contact the Captain's Club and have your RCI Crown and Anchor status recognized by Celebrity. As you mentioned you have 28 sailing and that should convert to Elite with the enhanced perks.

I'd imagine when you join the Roll Call there will be many who have either sailed on the Summit and your itinerary. ENJOY!!!!

[carolslc]

Our first cruise was on the Summit. Our most recent one was on the Carnival Magic, and we're booked on the Summit again this November for the Barbados itinerary and can't wait.

 

I've never had a bad cruise, but I'm really looking forward to getting back to the Summit. I love the smaller size - you can get anywhere on the ship more easily. I have a tendency towards motion sickness, but never had a problem on an itinerary out of San Juan. I was more motion sick sailing out of Galveston on the Magic, in the Gulf.

 

The Summit will have a classier, older crowd, and gets quiet more quickly in the evenings. But on a port-intensive itinerary, that is fine.

 

Overall, the ship feels less crowded to me than others we've been on. We always sail while kids are in school. We saw very few kids.

 

My favorite areas are the adults only Solarium, the Aqua Spa Cafe, and Cafe Al Bacio (treats are always free). Also the Sunset Bar area at the back of the ship.

 

I don't think the ship will "wow" you with anything flashy or fancy. The entertainment was good, not fantastic. For us, it feels like coming home - perfect size, great food, wonderful itinerary, friendly staff.

[kenevenpar]

A few items:

 

I don't think the Summit is old, in fact I have shoes that are older :D

 

I don't think she is small, and I have never found the motion to be any different than on some of the larger ships.

 

The "refurb" earlier this year was not a complete redo; rather, it upgraded the Penthouse suites, changed Normandie to Tuscan (a slight downgrade in my opinion), and some cosmetics around the ship.

 

We have sailed Summit numerous times, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience every time. A couple of pics from May of this year:

 

 

 

[hancock]

First time we were on the Summit, we thought she was huge! We had sailed the Zenith and Horizon. Now we think she is just the right size.

[Redtravel]

I travel often on land and sea. I like ocean cruises. I am elite plus on Celebrity. I have sailed on most of their ships. I have been on 6 cruises on the Summit. They always refer to the Summit as the beautiful Summit. And it is beautiful. Older than some of the ships, it has been renovated a few times recently and is well maintained. The cabins are roomy and well thought out. Cabins have lots of storage space with an easy access closet and many drawers. The in cabin lighting is good. Cabins have a sofa/chair, a desk, and a small table. The configuration is good. If you have a balcony, you will get 2 recliners and a small table. Ocean view cabins and veranda cabins are 170 sq. ft. Concierge cabins are 190 sq. ft. and have a longer sofa. For activities, you can select from lots of stuff. Spa, fitness, pools, hot tubs, art classes, auctions, trivia,etc. Kids enjoy the Fun Factory. My grand kids love spending time there. Entertainment is good. Main dining room is located at the rear of the ship with beautiful large windows. Tables vary in size. You can select traditional dining at a set time and table or do select dining at anytime you like. Food is very good. Lots of choices. Buffet has a good assortment. I like the staff on the Summit...friendly and helpful.

[Ereggae]

Absolutely love the Summit. They have the best staff ever. They are very attentive and you will be very happy. The ship is not that small and you feel no motion whatsoever. Last time on the Summit we had the Go Best package and was so happy we had it. Left the ship with a bill for $0.96. The internet was very fast and we drink a lot of water so had my fill of bottled water, martinis, specialty coffee, etc.

 

My one and only issue was the new movie area up on Deck 12, which was not there on our previous cruises. Our cabin was Aqua Class on Deck 11 and they had the sound turned up so loud it made our room and balcony vibrate. We had to call several times to ask them to tone it down and it was never done so I ended up calling the main office from one of the ports as it was so bad. In my opinion, that area is for the viewing pleasure of only the people in attendance so it should not be blaring. I felt so bad for the staff working up there as after six months they will be tone deaf. Hopefully this will not be an issue for you.

 

Have fun.

[kafraser78]

Thank you everybody for your responses and help. We are truly appreciative.

We will be booking the Summit in the near future. We are glad to hear there is an adult are. Not taking the kids this time around, we will definitely be in there most times.

I was not aware that the waters out of Puerto Rico are smoother than out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. That makes me very happy and less anxious about the water.

 

Take care everybody.

:)

[hypercafe]

We have sailed the Summit and her sisters many times, last this May. Ship is nice, great size and in nice shape. However IMHO they ruined this class when they installed those extra cabins on deck 11 and deck 3. Lots more people with same public spaces.

 

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[sound_guy0918]

We sailed the Summit in 2013 and are booked again this December on the alternate itinerary. We absolutely loved the Summit. Some thoughts...

 

Unless you don't plan to drink anything except water or ice tea, try and score the drink package. It really makes for a relaxing vacation when you don't have to keep track of how expensive the drinks are. (They are pricey when you pay a la carte, think downtown hotel prices.)

 

If you can spare the time and money, fly down a night early so you can spend a night in San Juan.

 

The adults area is terrific and will be nice for you since you are leaving the kiddos at home, but our favorite part about Celebrity was how QUIET it was in ALL areas, especially compared to the other big cruise lines. No in-cabin announcements, no blaring music in the hallways and around the pool deck. If you want some live pre-dinner music, you can find it...but you won't feel like it's overwhelming you!

 

We thought the food in the MDR was excellent, borderline outstanding. When we sailed last time the premium dining room was still the Normandie and it was probably the most fantastic dining experience we have ever had. Hopefully the revamped Tuscan Grille will hold serve.

 

The Sunset Bar (aft) is a wonderful place to have a cocktail during sail away.

 

The casual grill near the pool area had quite good burgers and dogs if you are looking for a quite bite, say, between meals.

 

Motion - in my experience it all depends on the ship's speed and the weather. On the short jaunts between close islands, we couldn't feel a thing. On the longer legs, you can feel movement. One night we had foul weather and it was startling to wake up to the ship rocking and rolling. We suggest Bomine if you get motion sick at all.

 

Don't stress about the weather or the movement. Bring meds and it will be the most relaxing cruise you've ever been on.

[drychi]

My wife and I were on the Summit this June for a wonderful seven day cruise to Bermuda with Captain Kate and her great crew. The ship is in great condition. If you have been on the Celebrity board extensively you know about the ship amenities and public areas by now, so I will simply say that this ship, after its recent refurbishment, is at the top of its game. Happy Cruising! Bob and LInda

[Champagne Cruiser]

Instead of Bonine get the psi bands. You can find them at Target or online. They work great and you avoid the sleepiness you can get with medication. They also sell them onboard but the plastic ones at Target are good because they are waterproof.

[cocobakerchica]

I've sailed the Summit several times, mostly out of the Bayonne port(most recently this past May to Bermuda), and I have done the transition cruise from San Juan. Small is relative, the ship is smaller than most, but with a capacity of over 3100 passengers, it really isn't that small. The ride is very smooth(and this is coming from someone who regularly sails for cruises out of northern ports where the seas can get mighty rough)thanks to the stabilizers, and even when the ship is sailing at full passenger capacity, it rarely feels crowded, there is always somewhere to go and be in a quieter, relatively uncrowded place on the ship. The refreshing was to renovate the much missed Normandie to Tuscan Grille, the creation of Luminae(the restaurant for suite guests which looks beautiful)(which was pretty good)create the Rooftop Terrace(which is lovely)and to renovate the Penthouse suites(I didn't see them, sorry), and while yes the ship is older and there is some wear, it still looks great and the more extensive refreshing done not too long ago still holds up. Captain Kate is terrific, a great fit for the ship, and very personable with a terrific sense of humor, and every crew I have ever sailed with has been nothing but wonderful. I can't wait to be back on board almost this time next year.

[Tomato53]

Small is relative, the ship is smaller than most, but with a capacity of over 3100 passengers, it really isn't that small.

 

The capacity is listed as 2158 passengers.

[existentialtraveler]

Hi everybody, my husband and I have decided to do this ship next November for our 16th wedding anniversary. The itinerary is the southern caribbean, starting in Puerto Rico. We have previously done (all with our children) 3 Disney ships, an older Royal ship, the Allure of the seas, Carnival Breeze twice and the Carnival Sunshine. We are scheduled to be on the Carnival Vista in March 2017.

 

Now I am aware that she is smaller than these ships. But can you tell me a bit more about her since she has had the upgrades. We will obviously be new to the Celebrity family. What are the dining rooms like, the verandah rooms, the pool, entertainment etc. We will not be bringing our children on this cruise. I have been on the celebrity website extensively but I would like to know all your thoughts as well.

 

Thank you

 

We love the Summit and are her again this November. Check out my youtube videos. ots of photos of the dining rooms, the cabins, some entertainment photos, the ports, etc.

[arch5807]

The wife and I will also be on the 11/4/2017 cruise on the Summit.This will be our third cruise on her and we really like the size and atmosphere on her.I do think she's all that small [we have been on bigger ships] and we have never noticed any movement when under way.

[vedettes1]

I recently did the week out of San Juan -- Barbados, St. Lucia, etc. This was our fourth on X but first on Summit. We loved it. A stateroom tip: we were on port side and would have had better scenery if we had been on starboard. A food tip: Fish and duck entrees always seem to be excellent on X and this cruise was no exception.

[cheeseheads4ever]

We are sailing on Summit in January. Just got off a 10 nighter on Equinox Monday. It was a fabulous cruise and am looking forward to Summit.

Does anyone know if Captain Kate will be our captain on the January 16th cruise?

Any other tips as far as the bartenders in Martini bar who are the senior flair bartenders and really put on a show?

On Equinox it was Ricardo and Catalin.. Rockstars to ay the least. also do they do Silent Disco in martini bar? If you never experienced this its crazy.

Any help would be appreciated..