Celebrity Summit thoughts?

[andyandsue]

Hi everyone.

 

Celebrity Summit has a 7 night to Bermuda leaving from NJ on 8/21. We are NJ residents so we'll get a resident rate so it is right in our budget, but I have some questions-

 

I've read that "Celebrity is for Seniors". Opinoins on that? We have a DS/12 and a DD/9. Will they enjoy this cruise that lacks a water slide and a mini golf course, etc.

 

We would prefer freestyle cruising which is offered by Norwegian Gem on that same day but for $1500 more. Is it worth the extra $1500 to go on Norwegian? Not sure if I am comfortable spending the extra money but if my kids will have a horrible time on the Summit...

 

Has anyone been on the Summit with kids who can share an experience?

 

Thanks!

[herb]

I can't believe that NCL is that much more than Celebrity for the same category cabin... in that case I would jump on Celebrity no questions asked!! :D

 

As for "seniors"...it's school's out for the summer in the tri-state area... a lack of children will be unheard of, no matter which cruiseline you sail out of NY/NJ....

[cynbar]

I think you'll be fine on the Summit. It will be summertime so there will be lots of families with kids. The kids' programs are good, we took our children when they were younger and they always enjoyed it. However, no water slide or bowling etc as you already know, so best to prepare them in advance if they have enjoyed those on other ships. Celebrity now has Select Dining and a dinner buffet, although the dinner buffet is not as elaborate as on some lines, so you do have some of the freestyle aspect available. We'll be on the Summit on July 24th, it is definitely not a seniors--only cruiseline but it is a little quieter and more elegant than NCL or RCI. Not stuffy, however. Give it a try and make your own decision.

[heavyg15]

I will be on the same sailing with my 15, 13, & 10 year olds FWIW

[LAH718]

Hi everyone.

 

Celebrity Summit has a 7 night to Bermuda leaving from NJ on 8/21. We are NJ residents so we'll get a resident rate so it is right in our budget, but I have some questions-

 

I've read that "Celebrity is for Seniors". Opinoins on that? We have a DS/12 and a DD/9. Will they enjoy this cruise that lacks a water slide and a mini golf course, etc.

 

We would prefer freestyle cruising which is offered by Norwegian Gem on that same day but for $1500 more. Is it worth the extra $1500 to go on Norwegian? Not sure if I am comfortable spending the extra money but if my kids will have a horrible time on the Summit...

 

Has anyone been on the Summit with kids who can share an experience?

 

Thanks!

 

There's other families posting on the Summit August 21st message board with children between 9 and 16 (2 families each with 2 children).

 

You may want to join in that blog too.

 

Here's the link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1433628

 

Linda

[Joedog]

Hi,

 

We are going to be on the Summit in about 10 days and were wondering what all you past Summit / Bermuda cruisers did at night while inport at the Dockyards?

 

We've been to Bermuda at the Dockyards on cruise ship's before, but never over night or even past the early evening, and it seems to be pretty far from where there would be any night life.

 

So if you dont mind saying what you did, we would appreciate reading it.

 

Thanks,

 

Joe

[lettrich]

We went on Celebrity summit to Bermuda last summer with 6 kids in our group & are going back again in July. The kids ages range from 3-11. Our kids had a great time! The food on Celebrity is better than NCL too (went on NCL about 7 years ago & am much more impressed with Celeb) There are a lot of children on board.

[Mermen]

Our kids are now 22 and 21, but were close to yours' age when we started cruising.

 

As much as I love Celebrity now, I think our kids would have had more fun on RCL or NCL (I don't think we would though, LOL). Face it, most kids like activities and =X= does not have a lot for the junior cruisers. They have the disco, game room and there is basketball, swimming and the Fun Factory (for younger ones). They have pizza parties, scavenger hunts, etc. and I think run to age 17. They will be busy, and when you and your other half want time alone, it could be wonderful. You will be given a pager, and never too far from your kids if need be.

 

=X= isn't a "senior" cruise line, but even if it were we'd be happy...preferring mature cruisers to the "party" crowd. I'm mid 40's and my partner early 50's. I think X is more of a middle-aged group who prefers a high level of service. On every X cruise we have been on, just really have not seen a lot of children. There usually always is, but not a lot...except for the Mexico cruise.

 

Saying that, I'm glad we introduced our children to X as their first cruise experience. They had no complaints. :)

Edited June 30, 2011 by Mermen

[jgnova]

There are plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Click here for a page with links to the kids' activities schedules for each day. You'll see plenty of kids on board that time of year. We took the Mercury over the winter holidays for two years in a row and the kids we saw on board all seemed to be having a good time. It all depends on how dependent the kids are on doing activities with things (water slide, climbing wall, ice rink) or with people.

 

j

[let'sgocruising]

My husband and I have traveled with our son(special needs) on Celebrity for 10 days in Europe and our son had a ball. Celebrity is our favorite line; I'm 57 husband 53; it is definitely a step above NCL(my opinion)...and an't stand Carnival. I don't think you will be sorry on the Celebrity. They just know how to do things right. Enjoy your cruise.

[ozark74]

We were on the Summit last week. There was no shortage of kids, there were lots. In the evening in the waterfall cafe had a kids station hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, mac an cheese. The fries are good, I tested them. On the Summit they make the ice cream o/b and have different flavors every day. Kids will have a good time.

Edited July 2, 2011 by ozark74

[cdamion]

I would NEVER pay more for NCL. I will only consider NCL if there is a seriously steep discount compared to other lines. I don't think you would enjoy NCL (relatively speaking - it is still a cruise!).

 

If you don't like Carnival, I don't see how NCL is much better. I personally rank Carnival a little higher than NCL.

[Margaret F]

What do you mean you get a break because you are a NJ resident?

 

Peg

[MyCousinRachel]

Celebrity offers discounted rates for residents of certain states. We were offered a discount $100 per person because we are NY residents, in this case I believe it is because of the Cape Liberty port we are sailing out of. When you book the cruise (or even just look for rates) the site will usually ask what state you live in. If there is a discount, it will automatically appear.

[grand2twins]

A million thanks to jgnova for your "click here"! We're taking our 7 year old twin grandkids on the Summit on Sunday, Aug. 21st. I appreciated reading the daily activities they would enjoy, if they care to join in.

[63galaxie]

Of all our cruises, the kids loved Celebrity the best. The wait staff and cabin stewards went out of their way to entertain them. At dinner, the staff did magic tricks, told jokes, and interacted with the kids in various ways. They would recognize them when they were working in other parts of the ship. One waiter actually carried my kids' trays, brought them all the drinks they wanted, and hovered over them whenever we were in the buffet area. The room stewards always had extra chocolates for them and they left extra towel animals. The kids' club was full of activites, from crafts, to board and video games, to scavenger hunts, and special themed parties. We thought that there was plenty to do while at sea, and of course, we spent time with them swimming and doing activities at the ports. Comparitively, Carnival was so crowded and so many of the folks were drunk and boisterous, we were uncomfortable letting our kids out of our sight. That was just our experience, however.

Edited August 20, 2011 by 63galaxie

[Vitamin_Sea]

I think you'll be fine on the Summit. It will be summertime so there will be lots of families with kids. The kids' programs are good, we took our children when they were younger and they always enjoyed it. However, no water slide or bowling etc as you already know, so best to prepare them in advance if they have enjoyed those on other ships. Celebrity now has Select Dining and a dinner buffet, although the dinner buffet is not as elaborate as on some lines, so you do have some of the freestyle aspect available. We'll be on the Summit on July 24th, it is definitely not a seniors--only cruiseline but it is a little quieter and more elegant than NCL or RCI. Not stuffy, however. Give it a try and make your own decision.

 

Very helpful!

[dkjretired]

I have done Bermuda several times with my children over the summer. You will find many children on board and there will be plenty for them to do. I have also done NCL to Bermuda, food on Celebrity much better. Celebrity's smoking policy far superior.

 

Also, to the poster about things to do at night, the Casino's are now open on the ship in the evening.

Edited April 20, 2015 by dkjretired

[marco]

We did this cruise lat year and are going again in June because we LOVED it! Although I have not been on the other specific ships doing the Bermuda run out of NY and NJ, we have been on those lines and of all "X" is definitely our first choice! The only other contender would have been HAL out of Boston, but their Bermuda run is shorter and it doesn't sail to Bermuda the date that works best for us. The biggest plus HAL has is that the ship is small enough so it docks in Hamilton rather then Kings Wharf.

Edited April 20, 2015 by marco

[Iamthesea]

Did anyone else happen to notice that this thread is from 2011! :D Looks like the OP picked the NCL Gem. ;)

Edited April 20, 2015 by Iamthesea

[dodger1964]

Did anyone else happen to notice that this thread is from 2011! :D Looks like the OP picked the NCL Gem. ;)

 

I didn't notice until I read your post.

 

CC needs to change so when a thread is so old...maybe 2 years?? that if it gets replied to, the over 2 year old messages are in different color.

[BLAMBKY]

There are plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Click here for a page with links to the kids' activities schedules for each day. You'll see plenty of kids on board that time of year. We took the Mercury over the winter holidays for two years in a row and the kids we saw on board all seemed to be having a good time. It all depends on how dependent the kids are on doing activities with things (water slide, climbing wall, ice rink) or with people.

 

j

 

Thank you so much for posting all the info in your history! :) I KNOW if they have even half the teen activities that are listed in your 2012 info. then my crew will have a BLAST! Yeah, looking forward to Bermuda!!!

[BLAMBKY]

Very helpful!

 

We are going on June 14th. I will try to post an update. ;) What would I ever do with out CC? :p

[marco]

BLAMBKY: We're going on June 14, too. Have you signed up for the Met & Greet?

[BLAMBKY]

BLAMBKY: We're going on June 14, too. Have you signed up for the Met & Greet?

 

Not yet, but it is on my list of things to do! :o