Finabear

I think this is about expectations. If you expect the internet to be like home you will be very disappointed.

As TXU2said - internet out at sea is a completely different situation. Add to that the increasing numbers of people who are surfing the net, using wifi calling and trying to download large amounts of data(movies etc)... there will be issues. We expect it to be slow and perhaps intermittent at times. The fact that we can have internet/texting and now wifi calling makes it possible for us to cruise. You will never hear us complain.

We are considering using a car service - CT to Bayonne and return - for our Summit cruise.

Question: what is the expected tip for the driver?

BTW the service we are considering wants the trip paid in cash. They charge an additional 11% for credit card.

Thoughts on that?

I take the GSP to the Route 17 exit (159?) then stay on that to Route 3 and pick up the NJTP near Metlife Stadium.

 

I checked Waze this morning and it wanted to sent me down the Saw Mill to the GWB but the alternate route was over the TZB. However, rather than going over to the GSP, it had me taking the Palisades Parkway south to 9W and US 1-9 into Bayonne. It was 14 minutes slower than going via the GWB but apparently was toll-free and stayed off the turnpike and parkway (so I guess you might like it). I guess that routing makes some sense since with my Route 17 approach, I'm going much too far west only to come back east as I go south. I've done the US 1-9 route when heading to Paramus and Wayne after a cruise and missing the turn onto whatever road I should have gotten on (the cut-off the GPS was sending me to was confusing).

Now it makes sense. I may try your Route 17 way. Is 17 a normal highway? I realize that in NJ "normal" is asking a lot. lol.

I live in Northern Westchester and always take I-287 to the Tappan Zee Bridge (aka Mario Cuomo Bridge, but I refuse to call it by the new name) to the Garden State Parkway. Then exit at Route 17 and go south and pick up the NJ Turnpike near the Meadowlands. I know this is not the route that Carol recommends but it's always worked for me. It avoids NYC entirely, which is a big plus for me. And coming back, the TZ toll is less than the GWB.

We live in NW CT and always use the Tappan Zee and Garden State. We have been going down to 78 and across but would love to find a better route. Tried 95 to 80 to GSP going back last time (Sunday am) and liked that better. Can you explain the Route 17 way in more detail? Will be going down on a Saturday afternoon. Staying by Jersey Gardens then driving to the port in the am. Not a fan of multi-lane highways with the indecipherable NJ signage. lol.

Shuttle is 10,11 and noon.

Returning we were told to be out at the pick-up around 8:30 or be prepared to wait until 10:30 for the next ride back to the hotel. Shuttle driver was great.

We love the Summit and have cruised both Aqua/Blu and Veranda/MDR on her. We much prefer an A2 on the 9th deck because of the wonderful large overhang. Even in pouring rain we could use our balcony. The deck 11 cabins get tons of sun - too much for us!

We have done Bermuda several times out of NJ. Generally the seas are calm but at least twice we had a rocky ride the last night heading back. No biggie. On the way to Bermuda on the Anthem we clipped the edge of hurricane Hermine and that ship handled it well. The captain kept us well informed and it was a memorable cruise - in a good way!

We have sailed other lines but prefer Celebrity and absolutely LOVE the Summit. It is laid back and comfortable with excellent food and friendly staff. One or two overhead announcements per day. To the extent that you need to read the daily or you might miss activities.

I have driven down to Cape Liberty several times from Northern CT. I like the Tappen Zee to the GSP and across 78. I prefer 684 rather than the Saw Mill. It looks longer but takes about the same amount of time and is easier. We have stayed in Nyack, NY and Country Inn/Embassy Suites in Newark. Nyack is 45 minutes or less to the port on a weekend. Certainly longer on a weekday. The Country Inn/EmbassySuites are by the Jersey Garden Mall and walking distance to food. Easy drive to the port in the am. Last time I drove back the NJT to 80 to the GSP which I liked, but as always, the NJT is tricky.

Thanks for your great review! I hope your weather improves, but sounds like its not hindering you 2 in any way.

We'll be on the boat as you get off on Sat the 3rd. Do you happen to see any massage specials? 11 cruises and the hubby and I have never had one, and we thought we might try one this cruise. If they have any specials, that would be even better. If you happen to see anything let me know. Dont go out of your way to find out. Thank you!

Save your money and have a massage before your vacation. I have had massages for years and endured 2 at sea - both complimentary from our TA. Never again. The massage itself is ok but the hard-sell after ward ruins the experience. Be aware that even on special they are double the cost of one near home.

Never mind - I read NJ and assumed you were leaving out of Cape Liberty. Sorry.

Country Inn & Suites and Embassy Suites in Elizabeth by Jersey Gardens. Both have Shuttles to the port. Restaurants and Mall within walking distance. Advertised as "gated" parking but we never saw the gates down. The one night cost us about $100 extra for the parking and shuttle both ways. Hotel is nothing special but it is fine for one night. Shuttle driver was better than most.

Know that weekdays the traffic in Bayonne is MUCH worse than a weekend. It took us over an hour to get out of Bayonne on a Thursday coming off the Anthem last Summer. It would have been 15 minutes on a weekend. You can still make the noon departure on Friday even with it being holiday week. You don't need to be the first off but don't dawdle. There are taxi's and shared shuttles lined up when you get outside and someone who can direct you to one. Like the others said, aim to be off by 9 am.

We have done both Aqua and MDR on the Summit and loved both. For just the 2 of us we would book Aqua again due to the intimate vibe in Blu, but when traveling with others probably the MDR. The Blu menu can be confusing (and is more limited) and we relied on our waiter to guide us - and he was always right! As first timers traveling with teens I would just go with the MDR.

Blueboro - I agree with you.

We love X for their comfortable ships and excellent service. The non-smoking casino, decent entertainment, no formal nights, Al Bacio goodies, etc are all what WE are looking for in a vacation. We do not look to be entertained all day. The art auctions and spa seminars are not for us and it would be nice if they went away but I realize that is not likely so I just ignore them. I did not eat at those extravagant late-night buffets - so I don't miss them or many of the other things that others bemoan the loss of. I consider most of the recent changes - evening chic and upgraded internet in particular - to be great improvements for us. We would not be able to cruise without reliable internet and now WiFi calling is just another terrific advancement. (I am not crediting the cruise industry with this advancement but their internet now supports it nicely. And for those who are tempted: please don't tell me that we should "unplug" on vacation. We don't need it for work. It is a family issue.)

What ship are you on?

We did that cruise in September. It was great. Love the ship and the crew.

We also did self-disembark. Easy. Waited in the theatre until the ship was cleared and walked off. A bit of a line/wait in customs. Don't dawdle in the am. Get to your waiting area fairly early as the line becomes very long.

On a Sunday you should make the 11 am flight. On a weekday I would not attempt it. Came back on Anthem on a Thursday and it took over an hour just to get out of Bayonne. So, barring a late arrival by the ship or some other unforeseen issue you should be fine.

We were given unopened cans on the Summit. One can of soda or water per sea-pass/visit but I believe I got both a can of soda and a bottle of water at the same time once. When requesting 2 cans/bottles I brought 2 sea-passes with me. First time with a beverage package as we don't drink much and thought it was a crazy thing to do but we loved it and are now converts.

I believe it was $285 - not sure if that included the taxes or not, but it did include the parking, breakfast and shuttle both ways.

We used Country Inn and Suites in September. Easy to get to and near a Mall - walking distance. The hotel was ok. Free breakfast was eh. Parking was right by the hotel and there was a gate but the gate was never down. The shuttle to the port is contracted (time were 10 am, 11am and noon) and they were great. They told us that if we could do walk-off at 8:30 they would be waiting. Otherwise we might have to wait until they brought the 10 am shuttle folks to the port. We did 8:30 and they were right there waiting. Totally worth the extra $100 for the hotel room for that 14 day cruise, but we would park at the port for a 7 day. A 9 day would be a toss-up, but we would probably just park at the port.

We used Country Inn and Suites in September. Easy to get to and near a Mall - walking distance. The hotel was ok. Free breakfast was eh. Parking was right by the hotel and there was a gate but the gate was never down. The shuttle to the port is contracted (time were 10 am, 11am and noon) and they were great. They told us that if we could do walk-off at 8:30 they would be waiting. Otherwise we might have to wait until they brought the 10 am shuttle folks to the port. We did 8:30 and they were right there waiting. Totally worth the extra $100 for the hotel room for that 14 day cruise, but we would park at the port for a 7 day. A 9 day would be a toss-up, but we would probably just park at the port.

While at a connections party on the Summit, Captain Leo stated that not only does Corporate monitor this site but that he reads it regularly as well.

Bermuda is very safe. Much safer than the Caribbean ports. I am perfectly comfortable eating local food and traveling alone there and I am a safety nut (and a woman). Have a wonderful time!

Weekend or weekday?

Weekend should not be a problem but I would not do it on a weekday. We came back on Anthem on a Thursday and it took over an hour to get out of Bayonne. We left the ship after 9 am hoping to miss rush hour. We were driving so it was not a big issue but traffic was TERRIBLE.

We did an Anthem cruise that returned on a Thursday and it took over an hour to get out of Bayonne. Stop and go. Mostly stop and inch. Never again. However, we did wait until after 9 am to leave the ship hoping to miss the rush hour traffic. Not sure what the traffic was earlier. Note that we were driving. Maybe the shuttles go a slightly different way?

Thank you for doing a live review. We were on the Summit to Bermuda 2 Summers ago. Great ship!

Can you post a picture of the solarium pool? Particularly to show if the faucet pipes have been re-installed in the corners? We had them when we sailed and loved them. Then they were removed but then I heard they were back.

Going on the 14 day to Quebec in September and want to be prepared!

We left NJ early for a Bermuda cruise last September, took an unusual course, and clipped the edge of Hurricane Hermine. Were late to Bermuda but everything was fine (don't believe anything that woman said to the TV cameras in Bermuda - we were never in danger and were kept well informed). Other cruises have missed or changed ports due to weather. Missed a port on an Alaska cruise too.

We go with the flow and don't understand those people who plan say - their wedding - at a port of call on a cruise. Extreme example but there are people that do that and then are surprised when things go sideways. Crazy. Stuff happens!