Jman1118

We were on the same cruise, our second on celebrity and 13th overall. We were also in Concierge 8046 and had the best steward ever (Marta). She knew we did not eat any meat and had cheese and fruit for us every day, whether we filled out the form or not. Our waiters whether in the main dining room or Qsine were very attentive to our needs and willing to substitute ingredients for us. Our waiter Ben in Qsine adjusted all the dishes for us to be vegetarian. We did not even order off the ipad but just let him choose for us. We found the upgraded cabin extremely comfortable and roomy. We did find the fridge was not cold enough so Marta brought a giant ice bucket that we kept our water bottle in. I do agree that the Cafe was lacking not only just before dinner, but also late night. I was also disappointed that the smoothie bar and healthy alternatives by the pool were only open a couple of hours at a time. We seemed to be just missing in the afternoons. The entertainment was great but on other lines the late show was at 10:00 not 9, so we didn't have to rush through a later dinner. Overall we were very happy and relaxed on this cruise and LOVED CAPTAIN KATE!

The cafe was the biggest disappointment for me. Having to walk around the entire buffet to find something to eat because all the other stations are closed was annoying.

Qsine was an interesting experience. Our table got through 7 of the 8 courses we ordered + dessert. Probably my favorite dining experience ever on a cruise. Not sure if you went to the the Meet & Mingle (since about 10 people total showed up) but Captain Kate and all the officers were there and I got to talk to her for a good 5-10 minutes. Very interesting woman. As for the staterooms, mine was quite small, but one member in our party was in the Penthouse suite and I do have to say I had some envy. They invited us up every night before dinner for snacks. Their butler brought more food than a group of 20 people could eat every night, I also enjoyed how they had tons of soda and other beverages. I think it was the largest stateroom on board the ship. Can't imagine what they must of paid.

Terminal 6 or Terminal 10. Most likely Terminal 6 as it is the brand new one that Carnival has been going out of lately.

We just came back off this cruise as well. This was our second with Celebrity, sixth overall. Both times with Celebrity we have gone on their older ships; that won't be happening again. The cruises were OK, but did not "exceed our expectations" like the newer RCL ships. I will consider giving them one more try on a Solstice class ship.

 

The Muster drill was the longest and most uncomfortable one we have ever done.

 

The cabin was showing its age, but was actually quite good. We had a Concierge cabin, because we booked very late and they were the same price as a regular Balcony cabin.

 

We ate in the MDR and some meals were good, while others were Meh. We have always been able to find a favorite bar where we can sit at the bar and enjoy chatting to whoever shows up; Summit bars weren't really set up for that, unless you count the Martini bar with the really loud electro-dance music drowning out the chance for conversation. FYI, we are not of "early bird special dining age", but it was way too loud.

 

We have always enjoyed the music trivia sessions in the early evening; some fun and a drink before dinner. Why did Summit have them mid afternoon while you are still out on port trips? We attended the CC meet and greet along with just a handful of others - really badly timed; we didn't hear about a second date.

 

We don't attend the typical cruise "Hooray for Hollywood" type shows, so we were pleasantly surprised that the Xmas eve show wasn't too tacky and actually had a few very well thought out pieces. We thought the magic show was quite good and the musical comedian was OK.

 

We found the staff to generally be very pleasant and genuinely trying to do what they could for you.

 

So to summarize, when we get asked about this cruise, we can only say, "it was OK". That is not what we expect from a company promoting a Premium Cruising Experience.

I agree. It didn't feel like a "premium experience" I think our family will be sticking with Royal Caribbean from now on. I can't really compare the Summit to the last ship we were on (Allure of the Seas) but I can say that Royal has way more activities to do compared to Celebrity.

I was also on the cruise and have to agree with you about the muster drill. It shouldn't take 45+ minutes to conduct it, but I guess I am spoiled cruising with Royal Caribbean where they scan your seapass card instead of trying to call out names in a crowded casino. I also agree that the buffet was lacking. Went in there for breakfast and the selection felt limited. The food was cold and not very good.

We got really good service in the MDR, but that may of had to due to the fact that we had 20 people in our group. We also had really good service in Qsine and the food in both the MDR and Qsine was excellent.

Not to hijack your thread, but there are two things that I thought were lacking that you may have noticed as well: The lack of things to do onboard after the show ended and the lack of things to do during the sea day. I felt that Celebrity could have done more in these areas especially with all these families traveling aboard.

I'm in the same boat (and going on the same ship) as the original poster. My question is what should we expect going on the Summit and Celebrity? I know the Summit can't be compared to the last ship I was on (Allure).

We'll be driving down to Miami from Toronto in our own car. We're using I95 on the way down, we'll do an overnight trip to Key West, then drive home the I75 route.

 

I assume I'll need a Sun Pass.

 

Do I buy it as soon as I enter the state of Florida or wait till I'm closer to Miami? How much would I need to load onto the Sun Pass for this whole Florida trip? Should I get the $4.99 or $25 version? For either version, I'll need to deactivate once I'm out of Florida?

 

Thanks

You do not need a sunpass, just use cash on I-75. If you do want a sunpass, you only need the $4.99 version.

The only easy option now is driving, but in a couple of years there is a train being built that will go from Orlando to Miami along the coast stopping in Fort Lauderdale on the way. http://www.allaboardflorida.com/ this time it is going to be privately funded. (for those of you who live in Florida you know how our horrible governor killed high speed rail ...)

Has any one recently used the parking at Port Canaveral? How much per day is the parking?

Too much. On our last cruise we did not park at the port, we had one of our relatives drive us to the port and drop us off, and then they drove the car back to our house. Total cost was way less than $15 a day. :D

We only have a one hour connecting flight - has anyone Fed Exed their checked luggage to hotel in port? Our hotel has no problem with this, but has anyone done this. We are taking Carnival Legend out of Tampa, FL.

I have not, but I know people who have shipped their luggage to save money and not check it on a plane. Their luggage got there 2 days after they arrived, so you may want to get the fastest option or send it a week before the cruise.

Anybody know of any good caches in cozumel or falmouth? I already got the one in labadee two years ago (I think it was moved so that =:) ) I have geocached in two states and three countries so far.

I just want to be sure I understand this whole toll stuff. We will be driving down next week from Atlanta, stopping for the night in Orlando. When I checked on the sunpass website I determined it was cheaper to just pay the tolls roundtrip. I have no idea what route we are taking from Orlando, just following the GPS! I do know we were on the turnpike on our last trip to Orlando which is tolls.

 

So....what is the quickest route and how much should I expect in tolls? Thanks!

Take the Turnpike and expect to pay some tolls coming down through Orlando and getting onto 528 East, the airport barrier toll, and the toll after passing the 417. After that it should be free till you get to the port. If you totally want to avoid tolls, take I-10 East towards Jacksonville to I-95 south. It may take a little bit longer (10 minutes according to google) but it will be free.