Finally Thinking About My Summit Sailing

[JamieLogical]

I am sailing solo in the Retreat on the Summit in only 23 days. I just came off of my 9/26 B2B on the NCL Breakaway to Bermuda and that trip really took up all of my attention with the extreme testing protocols and stress over getting the Bermuda Travel Authorization for myself, my husband and my parents. So I really haven't been focusing much on this sailing.

 

This will be my second time sailing Celebrity, first time on the Summit, and first time in the Retreat (or any suite on any ship). I know about the antigen test two days out. That will be blissfully easy compared to the protocols for Bermuda. So, I am not to stressed about that. I am flying to Miami the night before the cruise and will Uber/Lyft to the pier, as I have done in the past. So, not super stressed about that either.

 

I guess most of my questions are around what to expect with the suite experience. I don't love the idea of eating dinner alone every night in Luminea, but I heard they aren't doing sharing tables in the MDR anymore? They were doing them on my 7/25 Equinox sailing, but I guess they stopped when Delta ramped up? What are the chances of me meeting people in the Retreat Lounge before dinner and being able to join them for dinner?

 

As a solo cruiser who does not intend to utilize the butler (or whatever Celebrity calls them) very much, what should I plan on bringing for a tip? I assume I will have a separate room steward who I will also need to tip?

 

I have a bunch of OBC that I plan to use as my gambling budget. I am still a little unclear on how to use OBC in the slot machines. Can anyone provide any more detail on how that works?

[dkjretired]

Tips for Butler and Steward are included in the tipping structure, no need to tip them extra unless you want to.

[TwoGee]

We just got off Summit. Wonderful. We were in Aqua Class so I can't answer Suite questions. You can tap your SeaPass card on the slots, open your account, and use your OBC that way. Very easy. 

[Big_G]

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said:

 

 What are the chances of me meeting people in the Retreat Lounge before dinner and being able to join them for dinner?

 

 

I'm no social butterfly by any means but the wife is so we've made some friends in there. We're on the sailing before yours otherwise we'd be looking for you. 

[JamieLogical]

13 minutes ago, Big_G said:

 

I'm no social butterfly by any means but the wife is so we've made some friends in there. We're on the sailing before yours otherwise we'd be looking for you. 

 

I'll try to connect with some of the people in my roll call as well, though it's been pretty quiet in there.

[JRWLOBO]

You can also speak with the Host in the Retreat Lounge and let that person know you are traveling solo and interested in dining with others.  We have spoken with solo travelers who met others through the Retreat Host.  

[JamieLogical]

1 minute ago, JRWLOBO said:

You can also speak with the Host in the Retreat Lounge and let that person know you are traveling solo and interested in dining with others.  We have spoken with solo travelers who met others through the Retreat Host.  

 

Thank you! This is the sort of advice I need!!

[colliercruiser]

2 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

I guess most of my questions are around what to expect with the suite experience. I don't love the idea of eating dinner alone every night in Luminea, but I heard they aren't doing sharing tables in the MDR anymore? They were doing them on my 7/25 Equinox sailing, but I guess they stopped when Delta ramped up? What are the chances of me meeting people in the Retreat Lounge before dinner and being able to join them for dinner?

 

As a solo cruiser who does not intend to utilize the butler (or whatever Celebrity calls them) very much, what should I plan on bringing for a tip? I assume I will have a separate room steward who I will also need to tip?

I believe we're on the same Summit sailing... Nov 13 from Miami.  My wife & I are in a Celebrity suite and have been many times but always on the S-class ships... so first experience at a suite on an M-class ship. I've heard that the "revolutionizing" of the Summit turned out great... so looking forward to it.

 

In Luminea (at least on S-class ships), there are many tables for 2 next to each other, and we've often chatted with others right next to us... and have seen the same at other tables.  In addition to talking to the Retreat Lounge host, you may also want to mention your solo trip to the Luminea maître d' who will be as or more familiar with who is eating there... sharing, etc.

 

In the past, we've tipped (in cash) both our suite butler and room attendant, with the amount dependent on the cruise length, service we received, etc.  However, I've also found that all staff (butler, attendant, Luminea waiters, etc) are most interested in a positive rating on the Celebrity survey sent at the end of the cruise... since it can impact their promotions, movement within Celebrity, etc.

 

Another FYI, I had a call from the Summit's onshore suite concierge (asking me about any special requests, etc), and she said this sailing will likely be at 50% capacity or less.  And she might be someone to mention your solo trip to... since she passes on information to the onboard suite host.

 

[Blazn7]

4 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

I am sailing solo in the Retreat on the Summit in only 23 days. I just came off of my 9/26 B2B on the NCL Breakaway to Bermuda and that trip really took up all of my attention with the extreme testing protocols and stress over getting the Bermuda Travel Authorization for myself, my husband and my parents. So I really haven't been focusing much on this sailing.

 

This will be my second time sailing Celebrity, first time on the Summit, and first time in the Retreat (or any suite on any ship). I know about the antigen test two days out. That will be blissfully easy compared to the protocols for Bermuda. So, I am not to stressed about that. I am flying to Miami the night before the cruise and will Uber/Lyft to the pier, as I have done in the past. So, not super stressed about that either.

 

I guess most of my questions are around what to expect with the suite experience. I don't love the idea of eating dinner alone every night in Luminea, but I heard they aren't doing sharing tables in the MDR anymore? They were doing them on my 7/25 Equinox sailing, but I guess they stopped when Delta ramped up? What are the chances of me meeting people in the Retreat Lounge before dinner and being able to join them for dinner?

 

As a solo cruiser who does not intend to utilize the butler (or whatever Celebrity calls them) very much, what should I plan on bringing for a tip? I assume I will have a separate room steward who I will also need to tip?

 

I have a bunch of OBC that I plan to use as my gambling budget. I am still a little unclear on how to use OBC in the slot machines. Can anyone provide any more detail on how that works?

I just came off summit traveling pseudo solo (I had a friend on board but in a separate room ) It was fantastic - So much so, I booked a solo trip next month. I always sail in a sky suite. You may use your Butler more than you think. Very nice to have someone bring you good morning lattes, and speedy room service, afternoon bites, etc. For one person I usually tip five to $10 a day. If the butler is extraordinary or I have a lot of requests, I may tip $25 per day. It’s really up to you. I find the room stewards are the under recognized Rockstars and I always take care of them for keeping my room tidy - $10-20 per day. My room steward greeted me nearly every time I approached my room and open my door for me. He made me feel like home. I agree with other comments re dining. luminae is set up to encourage conversation with fellow diners if you’re inclined, or you can tuck away by yourself with a book. You can definitely meet other suite guess in the retreat, and make lots of new friends at the martini bar. As for the casino,, you’ll just insert your seapass and transfer money from room charge to the machine. It’s quite easy, and the casino cashier can also help you. There were 450 guests on my sailing. I hope it’s under 1000 next month because it was like a private yacht. Probably a once in a lifetime experience. Happy to answer any other questions! Have a terrific trip and enjoy the sweet (pun intended) life!

[JamieLogical]

I was looking at the sailing after mine... In case 5 days just isn't enough (it's the shortest cruise I will have been on). Does anyone know if it is possible to book onboard if I decide I want to stay on the extra 4 days? Anyone know what happens with my flights through Flights by Celebrity if I do that?

[zdad59]

If you want to dine in the MDR one night, mama and I would be happy to have you join us.    This is just a super casual cruise for us.    Lots of book reading and sleeping by the pool.    I’m on the roll call page.    Look forward to meeting you. 

[ETHTrader]

• When it comes to dining, I have often seen solo diners in Luminae get invited to another table (to eat) and it's pretty easy to make friends in The Retreat.
• Suites can board at any time regardless of the Check In Time reserved in the app, so if you land earlier than your designated time, it shouldn't be an issue. Just head to the The Retreat line and they will take care of you
• Like others have mentioned, you will find a reason to leverage your Retreat host more often than you think
• Definitely do order breakfast so you can have breakfast from the balcony in the morning. Also, the breakfast at Luminae is also very good.

[JamieLogical]

Decided to book an extra 4 days and make this a 9 day B2B. I am going to be in the Aqua class for the second leg. Watched some videos of the Persian Garden on the Summit and it doesn't really seem like much. Am I missing something?

[twins_to_alaska]

Persian Gardens on M class don't have the window view of S class.

[DCPIV]

I've cruised twice on Summit during the last few months, and the more recent of those was earlier this month and solo.  It was fantastic!  She's a marvelous ship with an outstanding crew.

 

As mentioned, Luminae is rather intimate.  I dined alone on the first night but had a good time chatting with the mother and daughter that were at the table next to me.  On the second night, a group of three invited me to join them, and I ended up dining with them every night for the rest of the cruise.  Even if you don't meet anyone in the Retreat Lounge, you can let the Maitre d' at Luminae (hopefully still Danilo) know that you would be interested in dining with a group (or perhaps another solo cruiser if there is one).

Definitely let the Retreat Concierges know that you are alone and interested in meeting folks.  I hope Connie and Noemi still are in that position (and Sylvia, who now is the "Retreat Manager").  They are wonderful.  However, the number of folks that will be in the Retreat Lounge may vary.  

 

You have every reason to not be stressed about arriving.  It couldn't be easier or more pleasant.  When I got out of the Uber that brought me to the terminal, one of the porters looked at my luggage tags.  He immediately said "ah, you're in the Retreat.  Come with me."  He took me over to a podium where a very nice lady confirmed my cabin number and that I had all the stuff I needed (vax card, negative test result, etc.)  She took me to the check-in desk, and then someone else escorted me on board and up to my room.  I got there right around 11 AM (maybe a few minutes after?)  I dropped off my luggage, chatted briefly with my Retreat Host (Rogelio--I didn't need an orientation because I had just been on board a couple months before), went and confirmed my spa appointments, completed the "muster" and still was at Luminae at 11:55 AM.  Remarkable!

[JamieLogical]

4 hours ago, DCPIV said:

I've cruised twice on Summit during the last few months, and the more recent of those was earlier this month and solo.  It was fantastic!  She's a marvelous ship with an outstanding crew.

 

As mentioned, Luminae is rather intimate.  I dined alone on the first night but had a good time chatting with the mother and daughter that were at the table next to me.  On the second night, a group of three invited me to join them, and I ended up dining with them every night for the rest of the cruise.  Even if you don't meet anyone in the Retreat Lounge, you can let the Maitre d' at Luminae (hopefully still Danilo) know that you would be interested in dining with a group (or perhaps another solo cruiser if there is one).

Definitely let the Retreat Concierges know that you are alone and interested in meeting folks.  I hope Connie and Noemi still are in that position (and Sylvia, who now is the "Retreat Manager").  They are wonderful.  However, the number of folks that will be in the Retreat Lounge may vary.  

 

You have every reason to not be stressed about arriving.  It couldn't be easier or more pleasant.  When I got out of the Uber that brought me to the terminal, one of the porters looked at my luggage tags.  He immediately said "ah, you're in the Retreat.  Come with me."  He took me over to a podium where a very nice lady confirmed my cabin number and that I had all the stuff I needed (vax card, negative test result, etc.)  She took me to the check-in desk, and then someone else escorted me on board and up to my room.  I got there right around 11 AM (maybe a few minutes after?)  I dropped off my luggage, chatted briefly with my Retreat Host (Rogelio--I didn't need an orientation because I had just been on board a couple months before), went and confirmed my spa appointments, completed the "muster" and still was at Luminae at 11:55 AM.  Remarkable!

 

Good tip about boarding at 11:00! My arrival time from when I first checked in online was 12:00, but that was when I was in a normal balcony.

[DCPIV]

15 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Good tip about boarding at 11:00! My arrival time from when I first checked in online was 12:00, but that was when I was in a normal balcony.

 

Suite guests may board as soon as the ship is ready to receive (which likely won't be much earlier than 11 but shouldn't be later than 11:30 unless something weird happens).  Even if you get there before they are ready for you, there is a very nice Retreat waiting lounge in the terminal.

 

I never really intended to get to the terminal that early (I was thinking more like 11:15 or so), but everything that morning went much more smoothly and quickly that I expected it would.  However, if I'm totally honest, I also was getting pretty antsy. 🤣

[JamieLogical]

3 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

 

Suite guests may board as soon as the ship is ready to receive (which likely won't be much earlier than 11 but shouldn't be later than 11:30 unless something weird happens).  Even if you get there before they are ready for you, there is a very nice Retreat waiting lounge in the terminal.

 

I never really intended to get to the terminal that early (I was thinking more like 11:15 or so), but everything that morning went much more smoothly and quickly that I expected it would.  However, if I'm totally honest, I also was getting pretty antsy. 🤣

 

So grateful for all of your advice and reassurances about arrival and Luminae. I am really excited to be on the Summit after it was so recently renovated. It looks beautiful from all of the pictures and videos I have seen.

[kaprin02]

@JamieLogical I’m glad you decided to do the B2B, but for selfish reasons. I’m booked in Aqua Class on the Summit in December, so I’m looking for to any reports or information you’d like to share on your experience! Hope you have a great trip!

[JamieLogical]

15 minutes ago, kaprin02 said:

@JamieLogical I’m glad you decided to do the B2B, but for selfish reasons. I’m booked in Aqua Class on the Summit in December, so I’m looking for to any reports or information you’d like to share on your experience! Hope you have a great trip!

 

Going to try to do a live blog of the first leg at least, when I have the stream wifi. I am not sure I will be able to keep it up on the second leg with only the surf wifi. I had the surf wifi on my Equinox sailing in July and it was essentially useless. Actually, a little worse than useless, because I kept wasting time trying to get it to work and getting frustrated by it. Would have been better off just not trying!

[BoundForSea]

Hi Jaim.  Hope Bermuda was fantastic. We’re sorry we missed you. 

 

Did a b2b on Millie in June from SXM in the Retreat, Here’s my takeaways on it

 

-We personally won’t book Retreat on a Millie Class anymore, it wasn’t anything they did, but there’s not much, (for us) to be gained by the double cost increase (those sailings) from AQClass. Retreat Lounge was ok, it’s not the Haven Lounge or the Top Sail (MSC YC), in that there’s no beautiful views and the seats look nice but are uncomfortable. Again nothing wrong just not worth it to us. Luminae was good, but to be honest we much more enjoyed Blu and the MDR menu is fantastic and quality is superb. The sun deck was like being on the surface of the sun in June in the Southern Carribbean. Nobody could stay up there it was awful. There’s no ventilation in the glass surrounding it and no umbrellas or any shade. Again, for us just no bueno. 

 

There’s no Thermal Spa. The Persian garden is super tiny and is a few loungers and a couple of saunas. That’s it. So here in this class there’s nothing to be gained in AQClass or Retreat for Spa. 

 

The ship, the service, the food and everything for the main experience on M Class is outstanding that other than the larger suite space, the double charge of the Retreat just doesn’t have the value to it! That’s a testament to their product in my opinion. It’s not like on NCL or MSC where in my opinion the differences in the product and brand between YC/Haven and Mainstream are HUGE and worth the double or more price tag. We cruised again on Millie in August in Alaska and did a verandah and had an equally as lovely time, actually I’m not gonna lie, having spent half of what we spent on Retreat and having an equally great experience was pretty great!!! haha. YMMV of course! 

 

Ok, when you get on board Jaim goto the Retreat Lounge and on your left are your Concierges. Let them know you’re solo and that you would like to link up with any other solo travelers for dinner or whatev. They will be the ones to make that happen. Also remember you can bring a non Retreat guest to Luminae so if there’s other solo travelers on board they can join you. Finally you also have access to Blu so any solo Aquas you can join there. 

 

I’m actually considering a solo on an M class for a short 4ni. Too bad we couldn’t “collab” haha. 

 

Enjoy and we will be boarding Millie on TGiving in FLL. 
 

Oh and the casino, just put your card in the machine, it will prompt you for credit and you can use the OBC. 

 

Oh one more suggestion, buy the drinks and more upgrade. It gives you 50$ casino play money and a wine tasting, two bottles of wine in your room, upgraded spirits, and the best part is the mini bar is free! The casino play money pays for it and then some, it’s like free. 

 

Cya! 👍😀

Edited October 27, 2021 by BoundForSea

[hasentreelake]

Much of what ' bound for sea ' has expressed I do agree with , having been on a 5 night Summit in Sept. in S1, it was FANTASTIC 🤩    Retreat on M'  class is as described ... as 'not worth it' or 'not have the value to it'... mostly because it is a great experience overall and there is (for us) little value to Luminae and the Retreat sun deck and lounge - as lesser options allow for the main pool deck and other bars on the ship.  - however  ,  last sailing was %15 capacity 🙃  We are going again on Sillie over Tksgvng and looking forward to IT!

 

Edited October 28, 2021 by hasentreelake

[hasentreelake]

Did I mention.... @BoundForSea has covered it nicely 🤩

 

[JamieLogical]

19 hours ago, BoundForSea said:

Oh one more suggestion, buy the drinks and more upgrade. It gives you 50$ casino play money and a wine tasting, two bottles of wine in your room, upgraded spirits, and the best part is the mini bar is free! The casino play money pays for it and then some, it’s like free. 

 

I did this today. You are right, it is a no-brainer. Cost me $45 to upgrade for my 5-day sailing, but comes with $50 of freeplay in the casino, which I would definitely be spending anyway. So it's basically like they are paying me $5 to upgrade. I don't even drink wine, but the freeplay and being able to drink from the minibar will be nice!

 

Edit: Are snacks from the minibar also included, or just the drinks?

Edited October 28, 2021 by JamieLogical

[prbffd28]

I've been following along both here and your posts on the NCL thread and enjoy reading them. I'm pretty sure you're going to really enjoy Summit, if not for the ship, definitely for the crew, they are awesome. We sailed in August for our honeymoon and it was our first Celebrity cruise (Bliss and Encore previously) and it by far the best we've experienced. I'm sure the low guest count had a lot to do with the on board experience but overall the crew made the trip. I know you have also been on the mega ships so obviously this ship will be a lot different but hopefully in a good way as it was for us. I look forward to reading your posts as we are planning to be back on again in December.

As far as the Drinks and More package, we had it as well and everything in the mini fridge is included (snacks too) and replenished daily as needed. Have a great trip !!