Summit LIVE Bermuda (7/24-7/31) AQ Class Review

[GenerationX]

On 7/21/2022 at 6:14 AM, FlorenceItaly said:

Looking forward to meeting you BOTH!

I am soooo excited to meet you in person!  Safe travels and see you onboard!

[Kteacher]

Thank you for the live review! See you onboard 👍

[CruiseNYC]

14 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Looking forward to sailing with you as well!  We just did our emed tests and both were negative! 🙌🏾  Hoping yours go smoothly today as well.

 

For a sail away cocktail, I love the sangria  spritz at the Sunset Bar. The trick is to get it from a bartender who knows how to make it well though.  When I was on Equinox last November Komang was at the sunset bar and made an excellent one. When I was back on the ship last month, 2 of the 3 bartenders just couldn’t ever get the proportions quite right.  Too heavy handed with the bitters and aperol.

 

 

 

Our sweet daughter is on her way over to make sure everything goes smoothly for testing. I am not to be trusted, it seems. 
Sangria spritz sounds perfect for toasting your birthday!

See you Sunday!

[GenerationX]

Good morning from our last full day in St. Louis!

 

I spent my evening yesterday at the Four Seasons having spa, wine and charcuterie “me” time.  I’m planning to have some spa treatments onboard Summit next week too, but I remembered that I had a gift card to burn from my wonderful husband from a previous birthday, so I decided to wrap up my last pre-cruise day at the office with a pedicure and facial. (I have a feeling I’m now at an age where those monthly facials are going to become more important with each passing year).

 

This morning Jeremy and I did our emed tests and I’m pleased to report both were negative!  This plus the arrival last week of the emails with our Bermuda Travel Authorizations (about 7 business days after we applied) means our cruise is officially on!

 

Before I dig into the last items on my to-do list, sharing a little about our Bermuda cruise plans:

 

Our cruise leaves out of Bayonne in New Jersey, so we are flying into NYC a day early to see some sights and eat and drink some New York things.

 

Since it’s a special occasion, I decided to splurge a little (ok, a lot for a girl used to Midwest hotel rates) and book our NYC hotel stay at The Beekman in the Financial District (and unlike a previous, now famous, guest, I plan to pay my bill before departure).

 

We have tickets to visit the 9/11 museum tomorrow then will have dinner at River Cafe in Brooklyn. When the hostess called yesterday to confirm our reservation (which we had to make a month out to get a table), she reminded me of their dress code requiring gentlemen to wear a collared shirt and jacket. Oh how I do love making Jeremy dress up!

 

It’s been a while since I’ve sailed Aqua class (last time was our Alaska honeymoon cruise) so other than a first night dinner at Tuscan Grille, and perhaps a dinner in port in Bermuda, we plan to take all of our dinners in Blu to test the post-shutdown waters of AQ class food.  

 

How bad is it that I’ve been lurking menus in the app and have known what I want to order for my night 3 birthday dinner for weeks?  

 

The only potential exception to this dinner plan would be if I have the opportunity to attend the DELIGHTFUL Veuve Clicquot dinner again (for those seeking more context on my passion for this illusive pairing dinner option, please see my review of my Edge cruise, which includes the sordid tale of my completely humiliating meltdown in Luminae upon initially being told that the dinner was sold out for that sailing).

 

On our sea days, as mentioned above, I plan to spend some time in the spa while Jeremy guts our kitchen renovation budget in the casino and we’ll hopefully have some lunches in Sushi on 5.  

 

For activities in Bermuda, my first thought was not to book ship excursions (since for the first 2 days there is zero risk of the ship leaving without us if we get back late).  Then as I did my pre-cruise Bermuda research, I realized that our time in port coincides with a national holiday in Bermuda during which many businesses will likely close.  

 

This, plus the OBC I got as part of my booking, led me to book a couple of excursions through Celebrity to ensure that we still get to have some fun in port each day.

 

We’ll be doing a snorkeling trip off Devil’s Island, a kayaking eco tour and an evening excursion of a white night catamaran sailing party. 

 

I’ve just checked us in for our flights now I’m off to have a good bye lunch with mom and make a stop for packing party champagne.

 

We’ll be off to NYC at 7am tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, GenerationX said:

Thank you!  I would LOVE to dress Jeremy to match me but for some reason he vehemently objects to the idea.  The closest I can get is occasionally convincing him to wear a color coordinated tie to match my dress on chic night.

 

I will say he does have a very impressive collection of Hawaiian shirts that he rocks for day wear though!

 

Lol... I definitely knew Jeremy wouldn't wear a matching outfit.    I had some matching t-shirts made for our 33r Anniversary -    Iain's response was no way am I going out as a Bobbsey Twin.    I used the shirts as a substitution for  card this year.

 

Hope you have really nice weather for your cruise.

[Barwick Cruiser]

Your excursions look really interesting, especially the snorkel one, looking forward to your feedback on that on! Enjoy!

[allinwonderland]

Looking forward to another fabulous GenX review - and especially to hearing about the food in Blu, because thanks to your marvelous inspiration (seriously, love your live reviews!!) I booked myself on an Equinox sailing to the ABCs next year! Couldn't quite convince my traveling companion to spring for The Retreat, but we both do like good food and relaxing, so we're in Aqua.

[julia]

Hi Charla! 

Wishing you a fab 40th on the Summit and I'm looking forward to sharing a drink or two on the Beyond in November!

[GenerationX]

Good Morning friends! 

 

Nothing like starting the day with 5:30am airport bar screwdrivers and tequila sunrises.

 

The bar in the Admirals Club lounge in STL doesn’t open till 7am and my husband was quite adamant about kicking off our vacation properly.

 

It seems like with each trip I take this year the airport is busier and the process more chaotic.  Even with the crowds and disorganization,our priority bag check and TSA-pre check security process only took about 40 minutes total.  The non-priority check in and standard security lines were much longer and it looked like those would easily set people back at least an hour.

 

STL has a daily morning nonstop to LGA. Flying into JFK would have been slightly cheaper, but would have involved hours more of travel time and required us to change planes in DFW or CLT (big no thanks). 

 

We’ve just boarded on time and so far [knocks all the wood in the rainforest] it looks good for us to depart on time and be in NYC by late morning.

 

Our plans for the rest of the morning:  a round of in flight cocktails followed by a nap before we arrive in the city that never sleeps. We’re all early morning smiles!

 

 

[AlbertaCruisers]

Have a great cruise!

[STLCRUISIN]

On 7/22/2022 at 9:53 AM, GenerationX said:

G

Looks like you enjoyed lunch at the bar at Cinder House in the FS. Love it there!! 

 

 

 

[GenerationX]

Happy Saturday from the Big Apple!

 

All went super smoothly with our flight and we landed at LGA a few minutes early. An Uber to our cost about $60 including tip.  We had a great driver who, upon learning it was our first New York vacation, pointed out some sights of interest as we drove and shared fun facts about the different boroughs we passed by.

 

I’m really falling for our hotel, the Beekman. It was not cheap at all (about $700 a night after taxes and resort fees), but I love the room and hotel design that manages to invoke old New York charm without feeling dated.  I’ve never once felt the desire to be sucked into the trap of spending money on the items in my hotel mini bar, but the items on offer here are highly tempting. Plus it is perfectly situated for all the Lower Manhattan sights and entertainment.

 

After freshening up at the hotel, we went for a late lunch at the Firenze restaurant at Eataly a few blocks from our hotel then it was only a minute or two walk from the restaurant to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

 

I bought our tickets for the museum a month in advance online and was glad I did as the purchase line was pretty long (and outside, in the Sun, in 95 degree weather).

 

I don’t want to side track the review too much, but wanted to share a little about my impressions of the memorial and museum.

 

First, a trigger warning for my fellow empaths following along, I found the museum to be EXTREMELY powerful.  I was starting my sophomore year of college when 9/11 happened. The images and stories from that day affected me deeply then. I thought that almost 21 years later, I would be ready to visit the museum and revisit those memories with some level of detachment.  I was not ready.   

 

Jeremy and I spent most of our visit with tears in our eyes and walking hand in hand, hyper aware as we walked through and heard/read good bye messages from the victims of that day, of just how lucky we were to be able to be holding the hand of a person we love.

 

We took a few moments to stand in front of the massive blue tile wall and bow our heads and close our eyes and send thoughts of peace and healing for all of those who lost their lives that day, for those who have never left that ground, and for their friends and families who will probably never fully recover from such unimaginable loss. 

 

We left very much reminded of the horrific acts that we humans are capable of committing against each other when we allow our minds to fill with fear, anger, intolerance, bigotry and ignorance.

 

But we also left with a renewed passion for living our lives as best we can, while we can and for laughing and loving big each day.  Because you never know when, out of a clear blue sky, it can all change.

 

I thought the museum was incredibly well done and powerful and I’m so glad that we decided to go.  

 

After the museum we decompressed sitting by the reflecting pools at the memorial just listening to the water fall (it really was soothing after the emotional time in the museum) then walked back to our hotel and had Manhattans in Manhattan at the hotel bar.

 

We’re going to take a little nap then it’ll be time to get ready for our dinner in Brooklyn.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cinderellen]

We sailed on the Summit out of Bayonne to Bermuda in 2017. I could barely contain myself when we sailed past the Statue of Liberty. It was awesome. 

[Ipeeinthepools]

41 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Happy Saturday from the Big Apple!

 

All went super smoothly with our flight and we landed at LGA a few minutes early. An Uber to our cost about $60 including tip.  We had a great driver who, upon learning it was our first New York vacation, pointed out some sights of interest as we drove and shared fun facts about the different boroughs we passed by.

 

I’m really falling for our hotel, the Beekman. It was not cheap at all (about $700 a night after taxes and resort fees), but I love the room and hotel design that manages to invoke old New York charm without feeling dated.  I’ve never once felt the desire to be sucked into the trap of spending money on the items in my hotel mini bar, but the items on offer here are highly tempting. Plus it is perfectly situated for all the Lower Manhattan sights and entertainment.

 

After freshening up at the hotel, we went for a late lunch at the Firenze restaurant at Eataly a few blocks from our hotel then it was only a minute or two walk from the restaurant to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

 

I bought our tickets for the museum a month in advance online and was glad I did as the purchase line was pretty long (and outside, in the Sun, in 95 degree weather).

 

I don’t want to side track the review too much, but wanted to share a little about my impressions of the memorial and museum.

 

First, a trigger warning for my fellow empaths following along, I found the museum to be EXTREMELY powerful.  I was starting my sophomore year of college when 9/11 happened. The images and stories from that day affected me deeply then. I thought that almost 21 years later, I would be ready to visit the museum and revisit those memories with some level of detachment.  I was not ready.   

 

Jeremy and I spent most of our visit with tears in our eyes and walking hand in hand, hyper aware as we walked through and heard/read good bye messages from the victims of that day, of just how lucky we were to be able to be holding the hand of a person we love.

 

We took a few moments to stand in front of the massive blue tile wall and bow our heads and close our eyes and send thoughts of peace and healing for all of those who lost their lives that day, for those who have never left that ground, and for their friends and families who will probably never fully recover from such unimaginable loss. 

 

We left very much reminded of the horrific acts that we humans are capable of committing against each other when we allow our minds to fill with fear, anger, intolerance, bigotry and ignorance.

 

But we also left with a renewed passion for living our lives as best we can, while we can and for laughing and loving big each day.  Because you never know when, out of a clear blue sky, it can all change.

 

I thought the museum was incredibly well done and powerful and I’m so glad that we decided to go.  

 

After the museum we decompressed sitting by the reflecting pools at the memorial just listening to the water fall (it really was soothing after the emotional time in the museum) then walked back to our hotel and had Manhattans in Manhattan at the hotel bar.

 

We’re going to take a little nap then it’ll be time to get ready for our dinner in Brooklyn.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the pictures and the review of your trip to the 911 Memeorial.  Please take note of the Tear Drop Memeorial at Cape liberty, you can see it from the ship, I think you'll find it very moving.

[mduffy1834]

The memorial is powerful and a must for anyone visiting NYC.  Enjoying your current review.  Have a great cruise

[TPCRUISER2]

You know how to do your birthday up right! Several memorable events. Enjoy!

[Jim_Iain]

The Memorial was far more powerful than I ever expected.  I was standing at the monument and reading the names and when I read the names of countless women and their unborn child I just broke down.   Enjoy yourself in the Big Apple. 

 

 

 

[natefish95]

Really looking forward to your review! I have my first Celebrity cruise next year, but I'm already reading everything I can. Really curious to see what you think of the food in Blu!

[LuvCruising88]

Beautifully written, GenX.  Thanks for sharing!  See you onboard!

[Corgidawgga]

I am following along as we board the Infinity in Sept and have an AQ cabin.   I have never stayed in that class cabin and would love to hear what is available for yoga.    My traveling companion is a big enthusiast.    
 

have a great cruise!

[TPCRUISER2]

Your ship has come in! She just went under the bridge!

[GenerationX]

10 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

The Memorial was far more powerful than I ever expected.  I was standing at the monument and reading the names and when I read the names of countless women and their unborn child I just broke down.   Enjoy yourself in the Big Apple. 

 

 

 

I completely relate to this!

 

In the museum we saved the room with the photos and stories of victims for last because we weren’t sure how much of it we’d be able to handle.  We’d been in there about 5 minutes when I saw the display with the favorite stuffed animals of the  toddler victim on Flight 175. I was hit by so much sadness and anger at what kind of sick monster could bring themselves to do such a thing knowing there were babies onboard.  That was when I couldn’t take anymore.

Then when we were walking around the reflecting pools we saw the sign saying that the museum places a rose in the etched names of victims on their birthday each year and it hit me hard looking around that square and seeing all those names of people who should be celebrating being another year older right now with hugs and joy and laughter with their families like I am, but had all that stolen from them.

 

At one point I got close to a woman’s name that had a rose on it and her family had hung a photo of her next to it. It was of her, her husband, and a beautiful little girl who looked about Gen Z’s age.  Jeremy had to hold me up when I saw that.  Just thinking about that poor little girl who has grown up without her mama, and how her mom’s last thoughts were probably of her was more than I could bear.

Edited July 24, 2022 by GenerationX

[GenerationX]

1 hour ago, Corgidawgga said:

I am following along as we board the Infinity in Sept and have an AQ cabin.   I have never stayed in that class cabin and would love to hear what is available for yoga.    My traveling companion is a big enthusiast.    
 

have a great cruise!

I will be sure to report back on that!  A couple of months before the cruise I got an email from Celebrity with a website link  that allowed AQ class guests to request a couple of pieces of exercise equipment (including yoga blocks, straps, etc.) to be placed in the room upon arrival to use during the cruise for no extra charge. I believe AQ class rooms are supposed to come with yoga mats standard as well. It will be interesting to see if the mats and equipment I requested are actually there!

 

I enjoy starting my morning each day of the cruise with a few sun salutations overlooking the ocean!

[novaten]

I loved my time in AQ a few years ago on the Equinox- not sure if I can go back to just a veranda- loved the Blu restaurant and able to sit on those heated beds in the spa- plain heaven! My friend and I choose to do this when we docked in Bahamas- walked around a bit on land and then had our heated beds all to ourselves.

Can't wait to read about your trip - Bermuda is on my list! I am a bit worried about the seas getting there- hopefully, it will be all smooth for you and your husband:) enjoy every minute- and thanks again for taking us along!

[GenerationX]

It’s a beautiful morning to go on a cruise!  

 

Happy embarkation day to everyone sailing with us and happy National Tequila Day to all!  My mezcal loving husband is looking forward to celebrating onboard shortly.

 

I just finished a few last minute work projects while sipping a coffee that Jeremy brought me. 

 

Another Beekman hotel perk: each morning the concierge desk has complimentary coffee service. And not your basic pump dispensed carafes of regular and decaf. It’s a full menu including espresso and lattes.

 

The caffeine was much needed after our dinner last night at River Cafe.

 

I’m not in the habit of spending half a mortgage payment on dinner, but the place was definitely worth it! I’ll post some food pics later (the restaurant was kind of dark so I need to play with photo lighting) but everything we had was outstanding.  I especially enjoyed the soft shell crab and lobster. 

 

The restaurant is right next to the Brooklyn Bridge and we had a beautiful view of the Manhattan night skyline while we dined.

 

The service was everything I expected from a Michelin star dining experience and the live pianist just added to the ambiance.

 

Pics of last night’s dinner wardrobe and soon-to-be happy cruisers below.

 

Once my better half had finished packing, we’ll check out of the hotel and head to the cruise port.  Next time you hear from me we’ll be on the Summit!