Roll Call Celebrity Summit 27 May

[Kiwifruit]

My partner and I have booked this cruise leaving Seward, Alaska on Fri 27 May and would be happy to hear from any others who will be on this cruise. It will be our first time to Alaska and we would also appreciate any insights on what to do or see in or around Anchorage where we will be spending a couple of days prior to the cruise?

[Kiwifruit]

Anybody out there?

[Germancruiser]

Hi Kiwi,

 

 

I am on this curise starting Mai 27 in Seward on board Summit- traveling alone though my partner is unable to join me. It is also my first time in Alaska. So I don´t know what we can expect, besides of the pics I saw. The Summit herself is the best Ship I ve been on. Cruised the Carribeean with the Summit in 2003.

Greetings

Mike

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Mike,

 

Pleased to see that we are not alone on this trip I was beginning to worry that the ship may be like the "Marie Celeste" with the two of us rattling around on our own ;-). Its also good to hear a good report on the Summit as we are really not familiar with Celebrity.

 

Am I right in assuming from your nick that you are from Germany? We are from Australia and will spend a few day in Seattle and Anchorage before the cruise to recover from the jetlag and we are booked on the early morning train to Seward. Its hard to believe that its less than three weeks before we set sail but we are looking forward to it.

 

Did your last cruise have an FOD meeting? We are not too sure what we should expect as we have previsously cruised on smaller ships. We are both in our 30s and look forward to meeting you on board.

[Germancruiser]

Hi Kiwi,

 

good to hear from you back, I am from Germany- nice to meet you. I am in my 30 too. ( 36 to be honest- LOL) I cruises with RCI and Celebrity- more with RCI- I was on Millenium, Constellation- and Summit before with Celebrity. You both will love the ship, I assume.

The last FOD Meeting was on board the Brilliance of the Seas- which was really fun. On the Radiance during the Dez/Jan. Cruise there were no FOD Meeting.

I am curious about Alaska- can´t wait either and its so close now.

I am just one night in Anchorage- I stay in the Hilton Anchorage, it was booked from RCI though!

Should be great to meet you both there.

Let´s stay in touch until then.

Greetings

Michael

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

Good to hear from you. What part of Germany are you from? My bf and I were in southern Germany last year around lake constance and we loved the countryside particularly around Berchtesgaden.

 

How do you get to Anchorage from Germany. Its a long flight for us involving changes of plane in Honolulu and Seattle. In Anchorage we are staying at the Dimond Hotel which I think is by the airport. How are you getting to Seward? We did think of hiring a car but decided on the train so we could both view the scenery rather than one of us driving .... I hear its a beautiful trip.

 

Wherebouts is your cabin? We are on the Panorama Deck which looks to be fairly central to most things, not knowing the ship it was difficult to decide where on the ship to book a cabin but I'm sure they are all good.

 

Look forward to catching up with you and exchanging messages before we sail.

 

David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

I live in South Germany, very close ( 1 Hour) to Munich, so you saw a very nice part of germany.

I fly from Stuttgart to Amsterdam, from Amsterdam to Milwaukie and from there to Anchorage. I made all transfers with RCI. Stupid fly arangements, but I was last minute, though, I cruise I planed was canceld though my agency offered my a Alaska Cruise and I took the chance. I am on Panorama Deck as well in the very aft of the ship, there were not much choices left. Its a 2A Catergorie bith balcony and for me alone it suits me perfect. LOL.

We can make an appointment when we are there. Have a nice weekend!

Greetings

Mike

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

Sounds like your flight is as long as ours, Anchorage is not an easy place to reach but our flight home is a lot simpler thankfully. Have you booked any of the port excursions yet? We have not but most probably we will largely do our own thing rather than be herded with the masses but may go on one of the kayaking excursions or a glacier flight. The scenery in Southern Germany last year was stunning and we even made it to the top of Zugspitze where the view was magnificent so we are hoping the scenery in Alaska will be comparable.

 

Keep in touch,

 

David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

wouw you saw more of germany than I LOL I never were on top of the Zugspitze. I should go someday. I traveled a lot through germany and europe, so east part of germany is great now that we are able to visist.

As you I hate to go like cow behind the cows in those shore excursions- but this time I booked 3 of them online. One in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier and the Salmon Hatchery. One in Ketchian, the Histroical Waterfront cruise. And one in Skagway- here it is the "To the Summit" Tour! They all lasts just 2,5 hours, so I have enough time to go individuell. I am really curious about Alaska as I never were there before- I was on a cruise once in the Norwegian Fjords, mabe its similar I don´t know.

You can follow the curse of the Summit ( and all other Ships you are interessted in )via webcam: www.kroooz-cams.com

When you are on board the summit you should not miss to go to the A la Carte Restaurant " Normandie" its on a extra fee, but its really worth it.

Stay in touch and have a good week ( just 2,5 more to go.....)

Greetings

Michael

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

We have been monitoring the krooz cams site and its fun to watch the progress of the ship before we board. We have also requested a reservation in the Normandie restaurant for the second night and have heard very good reports about it. Given the number of cheap fares about for this cruise it does not sound like it will be a full ship so hopefully we may be able to fit in another meal at the Normandie later during the cruise. What sitting have you requested for dinner? We have requested a late sitting, is that the best time to eat and does it still allow time for us to see the shows afterwards?

 

We are still undecided on whether to do any of the organised tours but will decide closer to the time. We have arranged to rent bikes in a couple of the places so we can burn off a few of the extra kilojoules we have ate. Did you use the gym on any of your previous cruises? do u know what classes the gym offers?

 

Speak soon,

 

David & Dougal

 

PS On your previous cruises did most guys wear tuxedos on the formal nights? we are unsure whether to bring ours ?

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

great that you have already made reservations in the Normandie- Restaurant- its really great. I wait until the cruise has started! I think there enough time to book Normandie another time for you as well.

I always look for the second seating, that gives you enough time and you are never in any hurry. There always two shows, so you wont miss anything!

Oh yeah it really would be good for me as well, to rent a bike. As I ALWAYS gain weight on cruises. I just love enjoying meals. :D I am 6 tall and few kilos loose would be nice, 3 or 4 should be enough. BF loves my " lovehandles " though....:D ! I never use the gym, I walk a lot on the open Deck. That´s enough of training for me in vacations. So I saldy don´t know what classes they give. I love to also to play a little in the casino- thats fun!

I have my tux with me on each cruise as I like it to dress for the night, not every night the tux thing, but two nights are okay. Even on Celebrity its more formal than on RCI ships?

Did you cruise before or is it your first cruise?

Greetings

Michael

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

We have cruised many times but always on smaller ships such as Seabourn, Windstar and Star Clippers so this will be our first time on a larger cruise ship. We enjoy dressing up on the formal nights but weren't sure just how formal Celebrity is when it comes to dressing for dinner.

 

My BF and I both love our food so we are looking forward to the Normandie, we both put on weight when we cruise but still try to exercise as often as we can. I read that on Celebrity most passengers are in there 50s and above, what is your experience on Celebrity?

 

We don't tend to gamble a lot but I do enjoy trying our hand at roulette or black jack on occasion so I am sure we will try out the casino at some stage during the cruise.

 

Hmmm we fly out in just two weeks ......

 

Regards, David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

those smaller ships are really nice, as what I saw in their booklets. As I love the Ships, I love them big- but Millenium Class and Radiance Class Ships are the top for me. I was on the Voyager for 7 days, and for it was a bit to much. You don´t have the real, as I will call it " Shipfeeling" on those big ones. My first big ships were those of the Vision Class from RCI, they are great ships- much use of glas. Same is for the Radiance Class Ships- much glas, provides that you can get in " touch" with the sea much more.

On the two formal night most of the male passengers are dressed up in tux. For the semiformel nights I bring my Jackets. If you don´t like to dress up- you can use the Buffet on the Upperdeck. I guess thats the same with Seaburn . and the others you were on.

Okay take care!

Greetings

Michael

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

Thanks for the advice, we will definitely bring our tuxedos with us. Its getting quite cool here as we are heading into winter, I've been looking at the weather in Alaska and it doesn't look to cold though I think we will still take plenty of warm clothing.

 

On our previous cruises we certainly enjoyed the smaller ships particularly on Seabourn but we are looking forward to experiencing the "Summit". On the smaller ships the entertainment in the evening can be a bit limited so I'm looking forward to the nightlife on board this cruise.

 

Cheers, David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

I just signed up for this Connection thing, we 32 already, did you sign up also???

I also will take warm clothing with me. It does not really seem cold there, but when I saw the pictures, they are all in VERY warm clothing though! For us we are waiting for summer and tempratures like it- its still cold here. But its a matter of day here, when we get warm weather!

Counting days!

See you!

Michael

[Germancruiser]

forgot to tell, nightlife is plenty there yeah, even on the very top of the ship is a great bar. Thats were the FOD meetings usualy are.

Michael

[Kiwifruit]

Thanks Michael,

 

We also noted that a lot of people in the photos are wearing warm clothes so we will be taking plenty of clothes just to be prepared. We haven't signed up for the CC connection thing as we thought it would probably be just old people (not that we have anything against old people but we would probably have few interests in common). Have you been to one of these before? what was it like?

 

For the FOD meeting, do they schedule one automatically or does someone need to request a meeting?

 

Only 17 more days and counting ..... the more I read about the cruise and the ship the more excited I am getting ;-)

 

Regards, David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

I never were at this cruisecritic - Partys- I though I will give it a try. I got an email which says, that at the first night on board I will reccive an invitation for the Private Party- a cocktail and some appetizers are with compliments from Celebrity- sounds nice.

I have no idea about the FOD- on some cruises there were a notice in the Celebrity Daily- I think someone might have requested it.

I went just for two FOD´s, one was great, the other hm not so great- as I was asked for dance with some elderly guys( not that I don´t like old people- as you said...) I don´t like to dance anyway- can´t help it. LOL

It´s the same with the closer we get, the more excited I get.

Have a good night - I guess its early evening for you now- for me its 6 am- as I am a baker ( www.bayers.de) I am up since 2 am. You can see me there I am the one with mustache- black hair.

Greetings

Mike

[Kiwifruit]

Wow you are up early, its 3.30pm here

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

yeah as I said I am always up early since we run a bakery here in germany.

Great that you signed also for the party, I am really curious about that. I never did that before. I agree that is very interesting to meet people from different countrys, backgrounds and so on. I made best friends on previous cruises. So I visist friend which I met on the millenium in 2001 in Chicago after the Alaska Cruise. We are in touch since then and met on the Summit in 2002 again.

Counting days here also!

Greetings

Mike

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

Yes we thought we would follow your lead and sign up for the CC party, the crowd on the roll call thread sound like a friendly group but I'm not sure what sort of gifts one should bring .... maybe a kangaroo or koala? I'm originally from New Zealand so may be just a kiwifruit would be ok ;-).

 

Like you, we have met some really tremendous people on our previous cruises, some of whom we stay in touch with and visit. In fact on one of our cruises last year we met a nice gay couple from Stuttgart who we keep in touch with.

 

I checked your website and it looks like your family have a large bakery over there and having seen your photo we will have no problem spotting you on board now ;-). I don't speak German so I was unable to read your website but Dougal speaks German so he did smoe translating. He spent sometime in Prien en Chiemsee at a german language course so he will probably want to practice it on you ... hehe.

 

We received our baggage tags in the mail today so thats exciting.

 

Still counting the days.

 

David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

glad you liked the site- I sure would like to talk german to Dougal- those cruises or other travels to the states are very good to keep me in touch with the language- use it or loose- LOL. How ever the CC meeting will be- at least I guess we will have to talk a lot. LOL! I have the same problem, what shall I bring with me?? A loaf of bread- it´s old until it´s there, Bratwurst.... same problem- I will see....! Good idea with the Kiwi- we need many Kiwifruits here in the bakery- for the pastrys.

I also know one gay couple from stuttgart- this town is just an hour drive away from our city.

Yeah now you know my face- LOL. I will sit at the Cova Cafe, Smoking Site- which is the left side of the ship, when I remember it right! What time we can discus when we get closer to it. Ah now you know that I am a smoker, not a heavy one, but I hope you are not totaly anti.....! :) I did not get my travel documents yet- I hope in the next few days........ it´s always a sign that the cruise starts soon.

Greetings

Michael

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Michael,

 

You could bring a black forest cherry cake, that would go down very well but I guess we will have enough food already LOL. Its a pity your bf isn't travelling with you, do you usually cruise alone?

 

 

I'm sure we will find the Cova cafe very quickly as Dougal is addicted to his coffee and I'll be quite happy tucking into the pastries;-)

 

Cheers,

 

David & Dougal

[Germancruiser]

Hi David and Dougal,

 

that black forrest cake is a good idea, I put in a box together: a black forrest cake, a real Bratwurst, real rheinisches Sauerkraut, dark bread and a Brezel. Can you imagine how all that stuff looks after a long distance flight. LOL!

I am used to travel alone yes, my bf. was with me last christmas /NY Eve on board the Radiance for a BTB cruise through the carrib and in 2003 on board Constellation in den Mediterean. He liked the Europe Cruise, but not the carrib.

So he did not want to come with me. I was going to visist my friends in Chicago and thought a cruise before would be nice. And if you travel alone a cruise is the best kind of vacation( for me). I just love ships and cruising.

Greetings

Mike

[Kiwifruit]

Hi Mike,

 

We also love cruises, it really nice to only have to unpack once but still visit different places as the scenery around you changes. I also love ships, there something quite majestic about any cruise ship and we usually feel at home as soon as we get on board. We also have an interest in aviation so we get to indulge both on this holiday which is fun.

 

Cheers, David & Dougal

 

PS Don't worry about the sauerkraut I think it is an acquired taste that only true Germans can appreciate but the Black Forest cake has universal appeal LOL