lorimay

I'm also a serious iced tea (unsweetened) drinker and really don't like the iced tea in the Oceanview, although I agree that sometimes you do get brewed tea in the MDR or specialty restaurants. My last cruise I brought my stainless steel thermal drink tumbler and filled it with ice, then added my double strength hot tea I brewed myself. Worked great. I have also brought a small plastic pitcher and the cold brew teabags along to keep a pitcher of tea in the refrigerator in the cabin. My only iced tea complaint from my last couple of cruises is that they must have to walk a long way to get it from the MDR because 1) it takes forever for them to bring it after you order and 2) they don't always offer refills. My standard for good service is to keep my iced tea glass full throughout the meal.

We were on the Summit this summer and our travel agent had noted in our file that we were celebrating our anniversary. We had reservations at Tuscan that night and they made it very special for us with not only the cake, but a nice card and the waiter and maitre' d fussed over us. I think it's always worth letting them know! No, it's not a huge party, but considering how many people they have on board celebrating birthdays and anniversaries they did a very nice job of making it special.

We were on the Infinity for one of their very short cruises (filler before a charter) last spring. It was a port day and since we weren't getting off the ship I decided to get a facial. They must have not been very busy because the attendant practically jumped on me when I walked up there to make the appointment and then offered me a 90 minute facial for the 60 minute special port pricing. Overall it was a very good facial and the upsell wasn't too bad (recommended products and then had them waiting for me at the front desk, all bagged up like I was going to take them - which I didn't) but it was not a true spa experience. I understand the Persian Garden was not included, but she made me change my clothes in the actual tiny treatment room and I was not allowed to go into any other areas of the spa. Sure, I got a good deal on the facial but part of being in a spa is the relaxation, which I did not get in any way. Plus the attendant kept reminding me that she gave me extra time and was obviously angling for a bigger tip. We had been on an RCL cruise a few weeks before that and the spa experience there was so much better. I'm not sure if the profit margin is too low for Celebrity to care or what, but the spa seems like an afterthought for them.

On 9/24/2019 at 10:28 PM, Turtles06 said:

The other problem for us was that the two-tops in the MDR were so close together (two inches perhaps) that it was like eating at a table for four.   We just don't like to eat dinner with people we don't know; sometimes you luck out, and sometimes you don't.  (On this cruise, for example, the guy next to us at one dinner made a very rude and insulting political comment, clearly ignoring the common courtesy about not discussing religion or politics.)  

My husband and I were on the Summit in July to Bermuda and found the two-tops being so close to be very uncomfortable. We're not unsocial people but sometimes you just want a private conversation with your companion. One night we were seated next to a couple about our age. They were there first. As we sat down we smiled and said hello, like you do, and then proceeded to eat dinner and chat with each other. The other couple never spoke a word to each other the entire meal and only spoke to the waiter to order drinks and send some wine back the wife didn't like.  They never even looked at us or tried to talk. They finished before we did and as they got up the man said (very sarcastically) "nice to speak with you" and then walked away. We were kind of taken aback - they never gave off body language like they wanted to speak with us and certainly never tried to make any conversation. The next night the same couple was there when we were seated but this time they were two tables down. Another couple, this time a little older, was seated next to us and struck up a conversation. We chatted nicely throughout the meal. The first couple shot us dirty looks the whole meal. 

Unfortunately, in an effort to have more two-tops it's almost like you are back to sitting at a table with strangers again!

On 8/7/2019 at 1:50 PM, Charles4515 said:

 

If there is no air conditioning on the bus it is broken. They have been having maintenance issues the last few years. Another reason I have avoided the buses if possible the last few years. 

I hate to discourage people from using the bus on Bermuda. Riding the bus is part of the experience of being on the island. And it's a lot cheaper than a taxi. The buses are clean, the people were nice, and while it was hot it wasn't unbearable.  

We took a private taxi tour also, so it's not all about money for me. I enjoy seeing the "real" Bermuda.

We were on Bermuda a couple of weeks ago and took the ferry and buses all over the island. The longest wait we had for a bus was about 15 minutes at the big bus terminal in Hamilton. There is a big map there and also an information kiosk. The bus system is easy to navigate. My only caution is that none of the buses we were on was air conditioned and it was really hot (over 90). But the breeze from the open windows helps. The Bermudians on the buses were extremely polite and helpful if you needed advice for where to get off (for the caves or a beach).

I was on the Summit last week and used wi-fi calling all week long. I had the Surf internet only but wi-fi calling worked just fine. Interestingly, the connection was better (to the same phone number) using my husband's Samsung Galaxy S9 than with my iphone. I found the Surf internet worked great for everything except streaming movies and tv shows.

We were in Bermuda last week and had a private tour with Quinton Bean. He was great and he showed us so much of the island we would never have done on our own.

I asked him about other guides he refers people to when he is booked (and he is always booked way in advance). He said he has several people he refers groups to, but I believe "Ms. Grace" is his sister, who is also a qualified tour guide. The family owns several taxis and since he is so particular I'm sure whoever he recommends is great.

If you do get lucky and have Quinton as your guide, make sure you work out all the details in advance. We had assumed we would only be on a 4 or so hour tour plus lunch, but once we got in the taxi he said that he planned on a 6 hour tour for us. It was a little too long. Also, you might want to have an idea of some things you really want to see. We didn't want to do shopping, the caves or beaches and didn't come with a list so he had to figure out what to do with us. It was great and we saw and learned so much - but he can really personalize the tour if you want.

Are you talking the general one or the Captain's Club one? Last week the Captain's Club first event was in the afternoon on Tuesday (I'm pretty sure). Then the Select level and above Senior Officer's party was at 7:45 on Thursday (second port day in Bermuda). All the senior officers were at both of these. There was also an opportunity for everyone to meet and greet and take pictures on Monday evening (first sea day) but I don't think drinks were served at that one.

4 hours ago, dkjretired said:

 

Do you remember or know if they still have oatmeal in the Aqua Spa cafe. They made it with some fruit and it was very good.

Sorry - we never got there for breakfast. I saw someone in the MDR with a large bowl of oatmeal so I know they still serve it there.  I have to say the smoothies at the Aqua Spa looked really good and you could pick your own ingredients.

Food is so subjective. You might love what I just hate. I'm not saying it was bad but it definitely could have been better. I'm saying I have had better on other ships, including Infinity just a couple of months ago. It is definitely not gourmet but you can always find something good to eat (and sometimes very good). I thought the Ocean View was very poorly run and the "steamtable" food was mediocre. But you can always get a fresh omelet in the morning, the pastries are good and there is lots of choice. For lunch the Indian food looked pretty good but the Asian food was very poor. But they have carved meats, pasta made to order, fresh pizza and always a salad bar, although I thought the choices in the salad bar were limited and the lettuce bowls and many of the toppings were always empty. They have pretty much the same thing at dinner. The desserts are good (after a while the cakes all tend to taste the same) but the breads are freshly baked and there is always fresh fruit - although limited to pineapple, watermelon and cantaloupe. 

I talked in my review about the room service breakfast. They were below average and cold. 

The dining room was good enough. The quality was like that of big chain restaurant. Once again good breads, the soups are good, and follow the recommendations of the waiter. For example, on lobster night (which is ok, plain frozen lobster cooked well and not rubbery) they also had beef wellington and roast leg of lamb. I asked the waiter about the lamb and he said it was not the best but he brought me some along with the beef wellington. The beef wellington was fantastic - the beef tenderloin was tender and perfectly cooked. The lamb was way overdone and chewy but flavorful.The desserts are usually good with some misses.

We found the best place for lunch was the Spa Cafe in the Solarium. They had limited choice, but the tuna and chicken salad there was very good and they had a nice green salad. The hamburgers from the pool grill were much better than the ones in the Ocean View. 

We only ate in Tuscan Grille. I found the food a step above the MDR but the beef was not top quality but the pastas were very good and the desserts were excellent (try the spumoni donuts).

I always feel like any time I get food I don't have to cook it's a treat! But seriously I felt like overall the food could have been better. You probably won't get to try something new and exciting. It certainly didn't ruin our trip, but off all the good things I tell people about our cruise, I can't say that the food was fantastic. 

37 minutes ago, maitlandmom said:

I got off the Summit on Sunday.  I was in a Celebrity Suite on deck nine . Before sailaway from Bermuda I saw my nieghbor two cabins down smoking . I called guest services and reported the cabin number (i went to the hallway and checked) . Guest Services called me back about 10 minutes later to report that the room steward checked with the guest who denied smoking . OF COURSE . HE DID .   So unless you can get a photo they do nothing

Were you on the port side of the ship? We were on the same cruise on deck 8 and at sailaway I could smell someone smoking but could not see it. Maybe your complaint did some good because we used the balcony a lot and I never smelled it again. We were on RC in March and there were people smoking on balconies all around us. It was very disappointing.

We just got off Summit. The smoking area was on deck 4 port side just outside the Rendezvous lounge. Right outside and in front of the door. There were quite a few smokers. Every time the door opened from outside the smoke smell drifted in and the Rendezvous always smelled like cigarette smoke. Not as bad as the way the smoke drifts from the casino (also known as smoker's lounge) on RC, but still pretty bad.

31 minutes ago, mikkirm said:

Thanks for the review! We (my mom and I) will be on the Summit in October, also in stateroom 8167. The noise issue is a bit concerning, but neither of us is super-sensitive to noise (we live on a relatively busy street), so hopefully it won't be an issue.

 

It was really only an issue early in the morning. Otherwise the cabin is great and a great location. Also, if you have the same room steward, Joachim, he is fantastic. Our room was spotless and he is so nice and pays attention to when you leave the room so he can service it. Have fun!

We just told them we wanted to be by ourselves and they seated us that way every night. But warning - at least on M class ships, the tables are so close together that even if you are eating at a table for 2 you feel as if you are eating with others. If allergies are an issue the other people may be too close. Just talk to the host and he or she will fix you up!

We didn't go to too many of the game shows they had, but I'm pretty sure there wasn't a Liar's club. They had a version of the Newlywed game and one called Are You Smarter than a Ship's Officer. That one was great - and the officers were really fun. They also competed in some pool games too. I have never seen the officers so active. I think the games and activities vary according to the staff. Our cruise director was new and came on board with us but he was really great once he figured out what was going on. The activities director was Nacho and he was fantastic. We played a lot of trivia which was hosted mostly by a great guy named Dominick and music trivia hosted by Russ. The only complaint about the trivia was that it was too hard. We are usually pretty good but one time we lost with 5 out of 15 correct to a team that had 6 out of 15. But both guys made it a lot of fun! 

You can go on the Celebrity website to the Cruise Planner and set up your Select dining reservations. There is no cost (although it looks like you are buying something) and you put the dinner in your "cart". I could only do it one day at a time then had to go back and do it for every night.

You can walk up with no reservations but they say you should go early or late because the times between 6:30 and 8:30 are the busiest and you may have to wait. We liked having reservations because we got the same waiter every night and we loved him. 

For us it was like we were having set dining but at the time we liked. You can make a reservation for different times every night if you wish. If you pretty much know what time you usually like to eat I would say make reservations in advance. There is no downside to making a reservation and the upside is a shorter (or no) wait. I don't think we will ever go back to fixed dining. We really enjoy Select.

No we only went to Bermuda but next time I would do the itinerary with the other ports. I love Bermuda but would like a more port intensive cruise next time.

I just got off the Burmuda sailing on the Summit yesterday. Didn't want to do a full review but here are a few observations.

Embarkation at Cape Liberty was really quick but there didn't appear to be any priority embarkation except for suites.

We were in Concierge class and if we had not known about the embarkation lunch in advance we would not have been informed. On previous cruises we have received information about the lunch before boarding - but because we had checked in online and the way they check your documents there is no "desk" or any documentation to give you.

I really, really loved the revolutionized decor in the ship. And I am NOT a millennial (or younger). The colors are clean and contemporary and the ship looks new. There are a couple of things I didn't think were perfect - the MDR is a little "under" decorated - needs a little more "bling" to make it special. Also, don't know who chose the pink and blue chairs in the  Oceanview buffet, but they are already filthy. Dark marks, fingerprints, etc.  However, the cabin decor and new furniture was great. I'm not sure where anyone got the idea that there is less storage in the revolutionized cabins. If anything there is more storage. We had plenty of room for lots of clothes and still had empty drawers and shelves. I particularly liked the glass fronted shelves - easy to see what's in there and there was lots of room. The bathrooms are great too - seems like (I know they aren't) bigger - shower was great and it was not hard to get in and close the door even though the door swings into the shower. Lots of storage in the bathroom. And I liked the backlighted mirror at the desk - it was huge. Balcony furniture was about the same as we had on Infinity earlier this year. We did NOT have the armless wooden chairs. We had two mesh reclining lounge chairs (no footstools) and a small table in between.

The captain and crew on this ship are phenomenal. Best and happiest crew by far out of any cruise we have been on. And Captain Ioannis (Yanni) was everywhere - every event, getting on and off the ship. We mentioned how happy the crew seemed to be to the cruise director, Rich, and he said it was because they really like the captain and the hotel manager Danuta and that they are treated very well.

Had Select dining but had made the reservations in advance. We never had to wait but it was a full cruise and the line without reservations was sometimes very long. Our MDR waiter was Cedric and assistant waiter Santosh. Cedric was the best waiter we have ever had on any cruise. The head waiter told us they put the best waiters in Select since it is more difficult to serve so many people at different stages of meals than at fixed dining. The other waiters around us seemed very good also.

We were in Concierge 8167, which is across from a crew door - behind which is the staff elevators. This cabin was extremely noisy as they pulled loaded carts for room service across the bump in the doorway. Not the cabin for you if you are sensitive to noise.

Food was a let down. As long as you stuck the recommendations in the MDR you were ok, but a lot of other things were not great. Our waiter was great about telling us what not to eat. Went to Tuscan Grille one night and overall the food was good (I thought the pastas and appetizers were very good). My ribeye steak was decent - although the prime rib in the MDR was better - but my husband had the flank steak and it was truly inedible. We knew what the cut of meat was, but first they brought it out undercooked (rare instead of medium) and then it was so tough he couldn't cut it. The waiter (fantastic Rodrigo) finally brought him a filet mignon which was very good. Oceanview food was much worse on this ship than on Infinity a few months ago. You could find decent things, but the general steam table food was just not great. Also, the ship was full but there's no excuse for there to be no lettuce and salad dressing in the salad bar and that happened every single time we were there. They were obviously understaffed because many times tables were not bused, food was not replenished in the buffet, and you had to hunt down silverware.

Entertainment was decent. The fly in group Uptown was fantastic. If you ever get a chance don't miss them. The production singers and dancers were decent, but like all the shows on cruise ships the singers seem to have trouble with some of the notes. Dancers were good and acrobats were very good (although why they are in production numbers I will never know). The comedians were good but the second one, Dave Walker, was so much better than the first. You can always tell a lousy comedian when they laugh at their own jokes and lose their pacing. The "orchestra" was very talented. The small band "Ultraviolet" had great musicians but the female singer was just awful. You can always find something to do but don't expect to be busy every second of the day. I would say younger people might be a little bored. There were several Beyond the Podium presentations and the captain gave a fascinating talk on how the ship is run.

I'll be happy to answer any questions I can. Overall a good cruise on a great ship.

I just got off the Summit in a Concierge Class cabin. We did not have the expanded breakfast menu and, in fact, the room service breakfasts were particularly awful. Food was cold and not good - bananas were green, eggs were steam table scrambled eggs or rubbery omelet. Overall the worst food experience on the ship.

I called CC and got the 25% select discount for surf for one device. Called back to add another device and was told I could only get the discount on single device packages so I could buy another one but that was more expensive than surf for two devices. The CC rep said to buy the two device at full price and then get the discount once I got on board. So I did. Went to guest relations when I got on board and was told I could only get one discount and that I had already gotten an “online” discount on my package so she refused to adjust the price. Went to the ilounge and they had to refund the entire package and repurchase at full price then apply the discount. Bottom line - no clue what the actual rules are and I don’t think CC does either. 

Another thing to know is that if you have a multi-device package you only need one person to set up an account username and password. Once they are connected the second person uses the same username and password and the system knows how many devices you have connected. For example we have a two device package. If one is logged in and the other logs in then it gives you access. But if we already have two devices logged on it tells us maximum number of devices reached and asks if you want to switch devices. Just remember if one of your devices gets stuck, type in logout.com to start the process over. 

Just posted this picture in another thread where someone asked about the balcony decking. There are two chairs (with arms) that recline and the small table. No footstools. The chairs also have attached neck pillows that can be flipped back. 

If the bottles are small you could fit all that stuff. We have two travel size bottles is shampoo, travel size conditioner, full size face wash, razor and bar of soap and it all fits. 

I’ve attached a not great picture but it shows the balcony faux wood decking, the table and one of the chairs. The chairs do recline but no footstool.