Another Adventure - Bermuda June 26th Cruise Review

[bnurick]

@JFontaine have you experienced any supply chain type issues onboard with selection availability, etc?  Many thanks. Brian

[JFontaine]

29 minutes ago, bnurick said:

@JFontaine have you experienced any supply chain type issues onboard with selection availability, etc?  Many thanks. Brian

Hi Brian, I'm probably not a good judge because I'm in the Penthouse (which I seldom leave), and I eat/drink the same few things. Evian large bottles haven't been available to me, and no watermelon this afternoon.   Everything else I've asked for has been no problem.  

[bnurick]

Headed out for NY pizza and got sidetracked with the hotel rooftop bar called Loopy Doopy at the Conrad!  Kinda reminds us of the martini bar, but without martinis.

 

Crowd is increasing and one of their signature drinks is a popsicle with champagne base called “poptails.”  Now I’m a bourbon drinker (old fashioned with luxardo cherries), but Cameron loves them.

 

Pictures below from NYC as the sun is setting. Cheers pre-pizza! 😊 

 

[cruise06355]

So excited to follow along with your live report!   We are sailing in a month July 24-31.   We just found out that two of our days are on the emancipation holiday in Bermuda.   I was wondering if you could ask the minibus drivers (to Horseshoe Beach) will be running on the two holidays and if in any of the restaurants/stores in the Dockyard ask if they will be open.     That will help us plan our holiday!  Enjoy your trip and cannot wait to see your fun ahead!  Diane

 

[helby]

I'm looking forward to your live review. My first Celebrity(then Chandris Celebrity) cruise was to Bermuda on Horizon in 1995.  We docked in  Hamilton on the main street and made our way into St George's harbour through the Town Cut. In photos that passage looked like ships were moving across the land. Reading the suggestions for things to see and do has brought back many memories.

 

Have a wonderful cruise

[bnurick]

1/2 days prior to boarding in NYC is in the books. iPhone says we logged 6 miles and 15,000 steps. A good start before we hit our favorite restaurant Il Mulino NY Downtown.  Started at the Battery, followed all the way to the Statue of Liberty port, then up Broadway to Trinity Church, where Alexander Hamilton is buried.  Next, we hit Chinatown and Little Italy before crossing all the way across town to the Holland Tunnel and then back to the hotel.

 

At the end of the Battery there were hundreds of boats and wave-runners in a parade like formation in the East River. After thinking there was a race for a free stateroom on our ship tomorrow, we were told it was some sort of boating club event.

 

Needing hydration at that point we ran into a Bud Light truck photo opportunity 😂.

 

For lunch we splurged along the way for a Sabrett’s hotdog 🌭 😋 Need to be hungry for tonight.

 

BTW the Conrad Hotel Downtown has made our preferred list. First, it is super quiet. No honking cars, so sleep feels like home.  Second, checking in we were offered a free upgrade to a 750 sqft suite. The AMEX credit card Diamond status has finally proved valuable. In addition, we receive a $25 per person per day credit for food/drinks.  Perfect for breakfast room service.

 

Enjoy the day everyone!  Brian
 

[bnurick]

@JFontaine any port Retreat check-in tips or experience you can share. Gonna Uber to port…. Enjoy your final day on the Summit!  Brian

Edited June 25, 2022 by bnurick

[kpark895]

10 minutes ago, bnurick said:

@JFontaine any port Retreat check-in tips or experience you can share. Gonna Uber to port…. Enjoy your final day on the Summit!  Brian

 

You might want to check out @David Kane's reply to the same question on the June 26 Summit roll call thread:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2825075-summit-june-26-2022-bermuda/page/4/#comment-63450772

 

[bnurick]

Wow! 2/2 of the day is complete and we are in a food coma for the night.

 

Il Mulino NY Downtown did not disappoint.  Cocktails, wine, appetizers, entrees, dessert and homemade grappa all was amazing. 
 

We started with Prosecco and an old fashioned followed by a recommended bottle of Italian vino.

 

After the starters we enjoyed the Puccini Mushroom ravioli in white champagne truffle sauce. 😱 they are unreal.

 

For dinner we split an order of lobster in a spicy white garlic sauce and a 1/2 order of the rack of lamb in a mustard sauce. Holy moly guacamole!

 

We ended with an off the menu oranges soaked in grand mariner they will make if requested. So elegant and light after a monster meal.
 

Last but not least is the homemade raisin grappa and lemon cello for digestion.

 

Off the chain. Highly recommend but now ready to board early tomorrow!

 

Even both Uber’s were great!

 

Cheers from NYC and look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!  -Brian

 

[JFontaine]

9 hours ago, bnurick said:

@JFontaine any port Retreat check-in tips or experience you can share. Gonna Uber to port…. Enjoy your final day on the Summit!  Brian

Try to enter the building and go through security on the left.  The Retreat checkin is on the left. Uber has surge pricing in Manhattan now - a short drive can cost many times a normal trip.  You never know when prices will surge - it used to be in the afternoon/night and during bad weather.  Now it feels like all the time. If the Uber price is insane, ask your hotel doorman if there are any drivers around. Sometimes drivers hang out at hotels for this type of trip.  Just set the price in advance. Evian and watermelon has appeared!  Stock is down in stores. Weather has been perfect all week. Trip back was smooth.  Have a wonderful trip. 

[BratDet]

On 6/21/2022 at 9:15 AM, kpark895 said:

 

If you go to St. George in Bermuda, try to be there sometime around midday, where, at certain times, they do a re-enactment of a dunking in King's Square (if, post-covid, this is still going on).  It's pretty funny, like a 15 minute, one act play.  Also, we took a horse and carriage ride thru St. George.  The carriages were found in King's Square also.  We had a lovely driver, Crystal, from Bronco Stables, who took us around the real life places in town, and even to her home, which was basically a working farm-type area, with various animals and flowers and vegetables.  Along the way she made various stops and was always explaining things about the island.  It was a great way to tour St. George.

 

If you go to Horseshoe Beach, I would suggest taking the mini-bus shuttles that are located in the parking lot on your right as you are walking from the ship to the dockyard area.  $7 one way.  They actually take you down the hill at Horseshoe, which can be quite a walk if you take the public bus, which only stops at the top.  To get back to the dockyard, these shuttles will be waiting at the bottom of the hill.  No reservations!

 

We always visit the Frog & Onion Pub in the dockyard for a craft beer (and some free wifi, if you need it).

 

Wednesday evenings there is a celebration in Hamilton, called Harbour Nights.  Lots of vendors set up outside along their waterfront street and a parade with their Gombay dancers also happens - fun to watch.  Just be warned that this can get crowded, and if you actually want to sit at a restaurant with views of the parade, it might be difficult, unless you arrive really early.  Easiest way to get here is by public ferry, which is $5 one way, I believe.  It departs the dockyard and Hamilton on a set schedule.

 

As for the Summit, just enjoy!  I loved the fact that it was a smaller ship, and it seemed you would run into the same people all the time, and actually get to have conversations.  A more relaxing cruise compared to the mega ships, where you feel the need to try everything (case in point - I was recently on the Oasis).  Main dining room food was great, as were the buffet selections.  Now, I assume that things may have changes some since Covid, but probably not the quality.  Also, the pastries at Cafe al Bacio are great (and free), and if you have the beverage package, try some of their specialty coffees.  One thing I've learned from CC is to ask for an affagato, which is gelato with espresso poured over it.  It's not on the current menu, but according to some recent Celebrity cruisers, they'll make it if you ask.  I haven't tried it yet but Jim-Iain here on CC swears it's the best thing at the cafe.

 

[BratDet]

We are headed back on the Summit for the 4th time....can't wait...

they no longer sell the 3 day pass at the dockyard, only two......been like that for a few years before the pandemic....we always be sure to buy one ahead of time to have for our NEXT trip, avoids lines on first day off the ship- Bermuda is our happy place....My daughter & fiance recently went and I let her use my in hand transportation passes and she replaced them....

Don't get on a bus with a wet bottom and si down- very upsetting to the bus driver....be dry...:)

When my son & DIL were on a Celebrity ship in Europe on their honeymoon- they texted us to try the Aspen drink at Al Bacio...it has Khalua, hot coffee, and who knows what else...I don't drink Khalua and my husband is a tea drinker and we still both LOVED it....We have at least one every trip!

 

Bernadette

 

[bnurick]

22 hours ago, cruise06355 said:

So excited to follow along with your live report!   We are sailing in a month July 24-31.   We just found out that two of our days are on the emancipation holiday in Bermuda.   I was wondering if you could ask the minibus drivers (to Horseshoe Beach) will be running on the two holidays and if in any of the restaurants/stores in the Dockyard ask if they will be open.     That will help us plan our holiday!  Enjoy your trip and cannot wait to see your fun ahead!  Diane

 

Welcome aboard Cruise06355!  Looking forward to a great sailing.  Happy to find out anything you are looking to know more about. Cheers!

 

18 hours ago, helby said:

I'm looking forward to your live review. My first Celebrity(then Chandris Celebrity) cruise was to Bermuda on Horizon in 1995.  We docked in  Hamilton on the main street and made our way into St George's harbour through the Town Cut. In photos that passage looked like ships were moving across the land. Reading the suggestions for things to see and do has brought back many memories.

 

Have a wonderful cruise

Thank you Helby!  Welcome aboard the foodie train.  Our dining lineup being finalized soon.  Happy Sunday!

 

7 hours ago, JFontaine said:

Try to enter the building and go through security on the left.  The Retreat checkin is on the left. Uber has surge pricing in Manhattan now - a short drive can cost many times a normal trip.  You never know when prices will surge - it used to be in the afternoon/night and during bad weather.  Now it feels like all the time. If the Uber price is insane, ask your hotel doorman if there are any drivers around. Sometimes drivers hang out at hotels for this type of trip.  Just set the price in advance. Evian and watermelon has appeared!  Stock is down in stores. Weather has been perfect all week. Trip back was smooth.  Have a wonderful trip. 

Thank you for the detailed information JFontaine!  Will be staying to the left!

 

56 minutes ago, BratDet said:

We are headed back on the Summit for the 4th time....can't wait...

they no longer sell the 3 day pass at the dockyard, only two......been like that for a few years before the pandemic....we always be sure to buy one ahead of time to have for our NEXT trip, avoids lines on first day off the ship- Bermuda is our happy place....My daughter & fiance recently went and I let her use my in hand transportation passes and she replaced them....

Don't get on a bus with a wet bottom and si down- very upsetting to the bus driver....be dry...:)

When my son & DIL were on a Celebrity ship in Europe on their honeymoon- they texted us to try the Aspen drink at Al Bacio...it has Khalua, hot coffee, and who knows what else...I don't drink Khalua and my husband is a tea drinker and we still both LOVED it....We have at least one every trip!

 

Bernadette

 

Thank you for the information Bernadette!

[bnurick]

On 6/22/2022 at 10:28 AM, kpark895 said:

 

Actually, we had no idea about the carriage rides - just happened to be in the town square to watch the dunking reenactment, and after that was over, saw the carriages pull up.  Approached a driver (Crystal) and inquired about the tour, then decided to go ahead and take the ride through St. George.

 

You're welcome.  Last time I was on the Summit was in 2018, so things may have changed.   I believe it was after the upgrades, but since we only had an interior cabin on that cruise, I don't remember much about the cabin except for four walls!  The Martini Bar was great - I liked the icy bar and the shows that the bartender put on.  Can't wait to board, and I have another Summit cruise coming up in September.

We were last on the Summit in April 2019.  Looking forward to enjoying everything!  See you onboard!

 

On 6/22/2022 at 6:37 PM, Jim_Iain said:

Here's a link to carriage rides when I took them.   Not sure if they survived Covid as their facebook is old and their website is dead.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Bronco-Stables-Horse-n-Carriage-Bermuda-1519752781686398/

Appreciate the information Jim!  Will be revisiting our excursion lineup.  Boarding in a few hours!  Reach out if there is any Summit information you are interested in knowing.  Cheers!

 

On 6/23/2022 at 9:01 AM, lx200gps said:

We just left Bermuda a few days ago.  The kiosk is right off the ship, and yes multi-day unlimited passes are available, from single day, 2 day, 3 day etc.  Single day all inclusive, bus and ferry included was $19, 2 day unlimited was $31.50. The Number 7 bus runs from the Dockyard, right past Horseshoe Bay and on into Hamilton. And yes, definitely go to St. George, gorgeous little town.

Thanks lx200gps! 
 

On 6/24/2022 at 2:30 PM, TeaBag said:

Wow, you guys are in luck for sure.  Enjoy your time in NYC and then the lovely CS to Bermuda.  I second going to St George around noon to see the re-enactment of the dunking.  Lots of fun.  I bought two china mugs with scenes of Bermuda on them, so I enjoy Bermuda every morning!  Bon Voyage.

This trip already feels blessed TeaBag!  Let’s hope the pixie dust continues!  Totally looking forward to the Celebrity Suite!

 

[bnurick]

Apparently we are eager beavers 🦫 today as we are the first one’s here waiting to board.

 

Uber ride was about 25-30 minutes. Little traffic from Manhattan. The roads around the Port in Jersey were a bladder bouncing experience. 
 

Very easy port to navigate. Uber pulled up to one if the numbered drop off stops for luggage and a nice gentleman immediately placed the into the racks.

 

Walked to the entrance where you are required to show your Bermuda 🇧🇲 Travel documents to enter. 
 

Once inside there is clear signage for The Retreat/Suite Class. Went through the TSA like checkpoint and then to the counter for paperwork review. At the end we received a sticker “BTA” with a checkmark for Bermuda approved. 
 

Now we are waiting in our area to board the ship…

 

Felt it was easier than FLL port.  Hope the pictures help those with questions. 
 

Cheers! Brian

 

[BratDet]

Love the photos...reminding me of our prior Summit Bermuda cruises, can''t wait to be back on board this summer...so nice to follow you on your trip!!!

 

Bernadette

[bnurick]

@Jim_Iain Here are the business cards for the two Retreat Concierge’s you posted about. They both came by to introduce themselves as we wait to board and even made notes of special requests. Very very polite and nice. Hope this helps…. Brian

 

Edited June 26, 2022 by bnurick

[cruisebeachgirl703]

Looking forward to your posts. Could you post today's luminae lunch menu?

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, bnurick said:

@Jim_Iain Here are the business cards for the two Retreat Concierge’s you posted about. They both came by to introduce themselves as we wait to board and even made notes of special requests. Very very polite and nice. Hope this helps…. Brian

 

 

Thanks -   We have never met neither of them before but look forward to it.   I've heard some really good comments about them.    If you find out who the Retreat Manager is would love to know who.   Many of the Retreat Hosts get promoted to this post.     He will probably introduce himself as in addition to the Retreat he also manages the Butlers. 

[PinkSandGirl]

Hi!  Have a wonderful cruise!  I love Bermuda.  

 

Thank you for posting the Cape Liberty Suite check-in area.  I'll be there in October. I haven't gone out of Cape Liberty since 2011.  

 

🍹

[bnurick]

On 6/21/2022 at 2:24 PM, barbpretz said:

Hello, @bnurick.  Thank you so much for doing this live review.  Would you (or anyone else onboard) be willing to post the dailies for this cruise?  I'm new to Celebrity and doing this cruise in July, so I'd love to see a full list of the activities so that I can better plan my trip.  I realize that some activities are on the app, but it doesn't seem comprehensive, so I'm hoping to get a more complete idea of the options.

 

Thanks for this review and your help!

barbpretz here is day one…

 

[bnurick]

2 hours ago, cruisebeachgirl703 said:

Looking forward to your posts. Could you post today's luminae lunch menu?

Sorry, missed this before we ate. It’s exactly as is on the app. Lobster roll and burger would be the most popular items IMO. Thanks. 

[bnurick]

38 minutes ago, PinkSandGirl said:

Hi!  Have a wonderful cruise!  I love Bermuda.  

 

Thank you for posting the Cape Liberty Suite check-in area.  I'll be there in October. I haven't gone out of Cape Liberty since 2011.  

 

🍹

Happy to do so, a picture helps give a visual perspective!  Enjoy your cruise!  Brian

[barbpretz]

@bnurickThank you so much for posting the dailies!  These (as well as your great commentary and photos) are just what I need to get me through the next 2 weeks before I can be on the ship.

[barbpretz]

Quick question:  How cool does it get on deck (or balcony) for sailaway from New Jersey and on the sea days and evenings before we get to (and from) Bermuda?  It looks like temperatures for Bermuda in July range from 77 to 85 degrees F, so it seems like primarily short-sleeved weather.  What level of warmth would people suggest we bring?

Thanks again for all your help!