tlaffin

On the same topic: Can you pay for the buses with paper currency (USD) or do you need Coins?

My understanding is that you can pay for buses with paper currency but you must have the exact amount. We did tokens so I'm not 100% certain on that.

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How did you pay the cab? With a credit card, American dollars or local currency?

 

Thanks so much!

We paid with American dollars. Happy sailing!

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Tlaffin:

When you say the temperature was 10 degrees warmer, do you mean throughout the ship? Was there a thermostat in your cabin?

I mean throughout the ship and the cabin. We had the thermostat in our room on the coldest setting possible and it just never really felt cool. It wasn't hot, just not cool. The MDR was also a little warm and some of the other common areas. We also noticed temperature inconsistencies throughout the ship. For example, we'd hit freezing and hot spots often in the same space, like Rendevouz Lounge.

We're a little temperature sensitive so this may not have been an issue for others!

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My family and I just returned from our first cruise with Celebrity on the Summit to Bermuda. Our trip was greatly enhanced by the information provided on this forum, so I want to return the favor by sharing some highlights from our trip and also offer to try to answer any questions.

My husband and I (we are in our early 30s) were travelling with 16 family members ranging in age from 15 to 57. We arrived at the port at 11:00 and were on the ship in the Ocean View Cafe by 11:45. Embarkation was a breeze - since we all drove, we had to park and then take a 2 minute shuttle ride from the parking area to the terminal. Parking for the 7 day cruise was $133 and you pay at that time rather than when you leave the parking lot upon return from the cruise.

Overall, Celebrity greatly exceeded our expectations. The Summit is truly beautiful and while I do see the need for some cosmetic pick-me-ups, I really loved this ship. We normally like the smaller ships as opposed to the gargantuan that are being built these days, so this ship was a perfect fit for us.

The service was excellent and every crew member we made contact with was friendly. The food in the Ocean View Cafe was the best buffet food we've ever had on a cruise. The sushi was awesome and my family members raved about the sliced turkey. I also highly recommend trying out the stir fry, which is available after lunch when the cafe re-opens at 5:30 for the dinner crowd.

The food in the MDR was good, not great for the most part. However, I always enjoyed my meal and I do think it's important to remember that they are cooking for a couple thousand people and trying to satisfy a lot of different palettes.

We were in room 2133 which is right above the gangway and also right around the corner from the elevators. I was surprised that we didn't have any issues with noise below us from the gangway or even anything major from outside when we were docked. Also, no major noise issues from the elevator traffic, just a few quick instances of loud people here and there. Room itself was very nice. Bathroom could use some updating, but nothing to complain about.

We loved the Revelations lounge on deck 11 and spent a lot of time there (nice and quiet to read during the day and fun activities/great music at night).

We spent our first day in Bermuda at Coco Reef Resort and absolutely loved it. The beach was pretty quiet and we were so happy to not have to worry about locating a vendor for chairs/umbrellas (I walked the whole beach at one point and didn't see anyone renting chairs and/or umbrellas). Lunch was delicious and we made use of the pool as well. The scenery was just breathtaking. It was recommended to me on this forum to take the ferry to Hamilton and then get a cab to the resort. We followed this advice and it worked out so well. When we were done at Coco Reef, we went into Hamilton for Harbor Night by cab and then took a late ferry back to the ship.

On the second day, we chartered a 5 hour catamaran tour out of St. George so we took the 9:30 ferry from the Dockyard to St. George. We had a blast. We sailed for awhile and then dropped anchor near Fort St. Catherine for swimming and lunch. We took the 3:30 ferry back to the Dockyard.

Last day was Horseshoe Bay Beach and we did the Route 7 bus for that. It was crowded but not terrible. We left around 2:30 and had no trouble getting a bus as they were running special buses to accommodate the flow of people.

For the three days total, we ended up spending about $27 per person for transportation. We did tokens for the ferries/buses and then the cab for the quick trip from Coco Reef to Hamilton. We were going to do the 3 day pass for $44 initially, but were able to save about half that amount doing the tokens/cab.

One general comment about the Summit is that the temperature of the ship is a little warmer than it should be, especially for a summer itinerary. It could be at about 10 degrees cooler to truly be comfortable. Maybe this issue will be worked on when it is in dry dock in February.

That's really all I can think of for now. Please feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer. Thank you to those who have posted their reviews and tips previously - you really helped to make our trip a smooth, successful, and fun one!

You would think for $69 they would have enough umbrellas.

 

 

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Charles - yes, agreed! Hoping that's the case!

We spent most of the day at Coco Reef a week ago today! It was absolutely beautiful, and a great way to spend a quiet day at the beach. The resort is fantastic, and the scenery is gorgeous! We arrived around 10 in the morning and was able to get the last umbrella on the beach. There were plenty of chairs available, but the umbrellas go fast. They will not reserve them, it was first come first serve. Lunch was really good, too. (Great fish sandwiches, salads, and fish stew). We felt like the price was pretty fair for what you got. We took the Hamilton Ferry and then got a taxi. It was a short 15 minute ride to the resort. Getting a cab back to the ferry was easy.

 

We visited Horseshoe Bay Beach the day before. It, too, is a beautiful beach, but we enjoyed our day at Coco Reef so much more.

Firstcruiser, thank you for sharing your experience! If you don't mind me asking, did you have a reservation at Coco Reef for the day pass? Just curious because my family and I made reservations for the day pass for our cruise in two weeks and we were under the impression from the information we were provided that an umbrella was part of the reservation price. Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated, thank you! :)

The terminaul in Bayonne is new. Now you have elavators to take you to the ramps to the ship.

No more busses. It is very nice more room to park and get bags out of the car much better then before.

 

I live in Bayonne NJ I will be on the summit June 28th

 

Have a safe and great trip. Any question e-mail me.

 

Bill A

Bill, we'll be on the same sailing! My family and I are from the Hudson Valley in NY. Here's to a great sailing!

Thanks so much for sharing your review!

We did it on the Thursday so we had the whole day, didn't have to rush to get there or get back. I will give you a bit of a tip as to how to get to the hotel. I would not take the bus since the resort is behind Bermuda College which leaves you with a long walk up a hill after the bus lets you off.

 

I spoke to people at the resort who were on our ship and they took a cab to the resort which cost about $62 each way not counting tip. I got a tip on the Bermuda board and took the 9:00AM ferry to Hamilton which was $4.50 each way. We then took a cab from Hamilton to the hotel which took us right to the door of the hotel, it was about $15 with a tip. Time was about the same as taking the cab to the hotel. Our total cost was $30 for the cab and $27 for ferry for three people.

Don, thank you for this tip! I will be sure to share this with my group. Very grateful for this information :)

Thanks so much for posting about your recent cruise! My family and I will be on the June 28th sailing and are really looking forward to our first Celebrity experience. We have also reserved the day pass for Coco Reef so I was glad to hear your thoughts on it. I also hope that the person experiencing the medical emergency will be ok, and it is very heartwarming to hear how many people were willing to help. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

No, not elite plus....it was never offered to us....we're just part of the unwashed masses :)

 

It's for suites and perhaps zenith's.

 

Perhaps with the next turn of the crank they will have vestal virgins singing and throwing rose petals ahead of the suite passengers...with a herald who will announce "hark....they come, please step aside and lower your head as the suite passengers pass"

 

(you can probably tell I'm not thrilled with this new "class for a cruise" system).

OMG this is too funny, I can't stop laughing!:D

We've been talking about using a blue flag taxi driver for one of our days in Bermuda. Did you book him before you arrived in Bermuda? Could you give me an idea of what cost would be for this - there would be three of us?

 

Thanks!

His e-mail is colinjenningstaxi@yahoo.com and mobile phone is 441-799-2959.

https://www.gotobermuda.com/uploadedFiles/PageBuilder_Content/Transporation/TransportationFaresApril2015.pdf

2 day is $31.50 and 3 day is $44

We just got back from Bermuda, and for those looking for things to do this was my itinerary below (which was totally doable, and not too hectic; atleast for us)-

 

Day 1; Disembarked at 11:00am and just walked around The Dockyard until 1:00pm, came back to ship for lunch and departed at 2:00pm for Snorkeling (Rising Son Catamaran; booked through Cruise Line) until 5:00pm. We were too tired so didn't do anything else after the tour. But there are other night excursions you can do.

 

Day 2; Left for Somerset Watersports early in the morning at 7:45am for 8am tour (Early bird special- $105 for double jet ski). Tour lasted 75mins and was an awesome experience. After that, went to Horseshoe Bay and spent time till 12pm and got the shuttle back to ship.

1:30pm we had our Dolphin Quest experience till 2pm (They have showers there). 2:30pm took the Ferry/Bus to Crystal Caves and returned back to ship at 6pm.

 

Day 3; Booked Blue Flag Taxi Driver Colin Jennings for 5hr Island Tour at 9:30am. He was brilliant. He was 30mins late in getting us back, but didn't us. Couldn't have asked for a more better guide. Highly recommend him. Took us to all the beaches/Blue Hole Park/Aquarium/Lighthouse and even gave us Pink Sand. After tour, went to The Frog & Onion Pub for a quick bite before heading back to ship.

 

So for those looking for things to do, hope the above itinerary helps. After a lot of researching on these forums, managed to plan this perfect itinerary (atleast for us) and thought to share it with you'll.

Sounds like a great trip! We toured with Colin when we were in Bermuda in 2013 - glad to hear you enjoyed his tour as much as we did!

Thank you so much!! Really appreciate this, and so nicely organized, too!! :)

I apologize if I missed this previously, but does the free portion of Elbow Beach have restrooms? TIA!:)

Hi Guys

Cruising on the Carnival Liberty. Haven't cruised in a couple of Years

Leaving on May 17-24 out of Puerto Rico.

Will be stopping at St Thomas, Barbados, St Kitts, St Maarten and St Lucia

Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.

Would like to know what days they do the formal night

Also any info on tours in the ports or things to do in Port

Thanks!!

Liberty is a fabulous ship, you'll love it!

Barbados - highly suggest a catamaran on Calypso Cruises or Silver Moon Charters. (Calypso was our favorite, hands down)

St. Maarten - we loved Pinel Island - about a 20 minute cab ride without traffic. Then you get on a quick 10 minute boat ride to Pinel. A true piece of heaven.

St. Lucia - we've been there twice and have done the Cosol Tours excursion both times. The value you get on this island tour for $75 per person is amazing - try a banana right off the tree at a banana plantation, see the sulfur volcano, Pitons, try local foods, the best photo op stops, the list goes on.

Enjoy!

What a fabulous review! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and all of the wonderful photos! Glad you enjoyed the Liberty as much as my family and I did in 2013 - we are heading back on the Liberty this June and I'm happy to hear she is still as great as we remember her!

Hello, Merry Christmas! :D

 

So on our cruises, the question has always come up, especially after we all fell in love with San Juan, "Why don't we try the cruise from San Juan?" So, the main present to ourselves was the cruise the week before Easter (Love cruising on holidays) on the Carnival Liberty from San Juan!

 

So I have 3 groups of questions, "Carnival Liberty", "Southern Route" and Miscellaneous". If you have any information on anything, please feel free to share opinions, stories, pictures, outside and YouTube links, etc.

 

Thanks in advance!! :D

 

Carnival Liberty

 

- I have cruised onboard the Pride, Glory and Freedom. Is it identical to the Glory and Freedom (Didn't go on it as 2.0), or it is anything different?

 

- Is it hard to find a chair? On Freedom the crew began opening new chairs over the public decks around 2:00 PM, all passengers onboarrd at 3:30 PM in Key West, because they wanted to make sure there were enough chairs out for the sea day. Glory, not so much.

 

- Anything important / helpful to know about Liberty/ I always hang out in the ship atrium, so can anyone please describe it?

 

 

Southern Route

 

-St.Thomas: REALLY enjoyed St.John on my last visit, but I don't want to only spend 2 hours there for $75 a person. I wouldn't mind taking a public ferry over to Cruz Bay, and then a cab from Cruz Bay to St.John. Is this a good plan or ??

 

-Barbados: Don't know much about this island, what are the must-do's?

 

-St.Lucia: How are the reefs here? Considering making this our snorkel destination. Any good Carnival excursions,m particularly involving water and sight of the Pitons, that will make a memorable day?

 

-St.Kitts: Again, don't know much about this place. Suggestions?

 

-St.Maarten: I've always expressed interest in St.Maarten. How is the beach with the airplanes? Which side has more culture, French or Dutch? I find one of the coolest aspects of a cruise interacting with local people and occasionally wildlife :p) is one of the longest lasting feelings.

 

-San Juan: Okay, so when I talked to the Carnival rep, he told me a flight that lands in San Juan at 5:00 PM is okay, and that I will even be able to make early dinging. I'm on a direct from BWI to SJU. Does Carnival operate shuttle services? How much are cabs? Which are quicker? If we stay in dinner from 6:15-7:30, or even skip dinner and exit the ship around 6:30, is it even worth getting off to go get some ice cream or something, or go catch some ship pics? Will they even let me off? Once I return, will there be any cabs/buses there by the ship entrance? On Glory last time in Miami we took a chance and everything went fine.

 

Miscellaneous

 

-I remember I was in Nassau in 2011 the day the Magic came into Nassau for the first time, and they had a band playing, and i don't know if it was the fact that there were 6 ships, or that Magic was there, but prices seemed lower that usual. Will they have any special recognition in Barbados, St.Lucia or St.Kitts for the Liberty? Or a better question, will things be a mess onboard/in port since it's Liberty's fist cruise from San Juan? I was on the Freedom's last cruise before drydock and while it wasn't as hectic as I thought, I surely noticed the difference in usual business.

 

-Please send pictures from any of the places or ship if you can!

 

THANKS GUYS!!! :D:D:D

We REALLY enjoyed the Liberty when we sailed two years ago, just on a different itinerary. Beautiful ship and tons of fun.

We're actually doing this sailing in June, too!

St. Thomas - went to Coki Beach there. Absolutely beauitful - I've never seen such clear water. Great snorkeling.

Barbados - did an AMAZING catamaran cruise with Calypso Cruises with snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles. Probably my most favorite excursion ever of our six cruises.

St. Lucia - Cosol tours - we have done this tour twice and would do it again in a heartbeat. An incredible 6 hour tour and you feel like you get to see everything on the island! Pitons, Sulphur Springs, taste local foods, banana plantation (and sample bananas right off the tree!), the list goes on!

St. Kitts - haven't been there yet!

St. Maarten - Pinel Island - a true slice of heaven on earth. The food is incredible, too.

Enjoy!