Summit Review 6/17-6/24

[jdarch]

Apologies to those anxiously looking for current Summit reviews. While we were impatiently waiting for our June cruise on the Summit, we constantly scanned the boards here wondering why no one posted a review as soon as they returned!? Well it's been three weeks - between post cruise depression, work, and trying to figure a way to get BACK on the ship, yes, it takes this long. Here's Part 1:

DAY 1

Embarkation: Arrived at Cape Liberty at 11:15 a.m. We’ve noticed the appearance of the old cargo warehouses on the way to the dock have improved over time, but for first-time Celebrity cruisers, just be aware: it is desolate looking. At the load-in area, baggage handlers directed us to a temporary parking spot and politely whisked our bags away (unlike last year when for some reason we were directed to a spot with no handlers?).

After dropping off the car, we headed into the check-in area. I thought the officers would be more concerned with all the gadgets in my computer bag, or even the wine bottle in our walk-on bag, but what appeared to ruin the security officer’s day was my silver bracelet tripping the scanner alarm. She impatiently told me to hold my arm over my head when I went through the scanner (like I should have known this already?); sheesh. Despite her attitude, I was pleasant in return, but I’m sure her day didn’t improve.

Even at 11:15 am, the check-in lines were long, but moved right along, and we were in the waiting area by 11:30 am. Waiting? The sign there said boarding at 12:30pm, but they bused us right over to the ship and the waiting mimosas. And. As you have seen in other posts, the post refit Summit is beautiful. We spent alot of time in the comfy wicker setups by the pool bar. We were again pleasantly surprised when our room was ready by 1:15 pm or so. A first! Our luggage came gradually and we had received all of them by 3:15 PM. The balcony for our cabin (7166) has one of the slightly larger angled balconies – we love it! Soon after, we were impressed again when our stateroom attendant Francois took the time to come by just to say hello and introduce himself. Very outgoing, professional, and always seemed to be working!

Next came the infamous Emergency Drill; something seemed a little off somehow: mid way through we spent several minutes just standing, apparently waiting for announcements. Odd.

Dinner: MDR menu selection wasn’t one of our favorites, and while checking the buffet offerings, we could smell the fresh burgers and fries out at the pool grill...

Any questions what our dinner was!?

DAY 2 (Sea Day 1)

Breakfast: By the way, we’ve cruised both NCL and X before, so I’ll be comparing the two a bit. Our Celebrity food experience has generally been a cut above, however…

Breakfast buffet can be a letdown if you haven’t done your research (but see Day 3): keeping breakfast items warm can be a problem, this morning we found just about every pre-prepared item was on the cold side: eggs, hash browns, French toast and waffles–pieces looked fresh but were barely warm. Frankly, NCL’s breakfast Buffet seemed much more organized. We’ll try again tomorrow…

Coffee: we thought the much maligned X coffee has a great flavor, but perhaps the problem posters have noted stems from the fact it is brewed EXTREMELY strong – practically Espresso; you’ll need 50/50 coffee/cream ratio if you like it regular!

 

Despite some of the recent complaints about room attendants, Francois and his assistant were very careful not to disturb us while we were in the cabin (but we always have fresh towels and a full ice bucket).

On deck, the chair hogs were out, but X’s pool butlers and security enforce the 1/2 hour rule. Even so, recliners were a rare commodity after 11:00 a.m..

MDR (First Formal night)

We finally figured out the Martini Bar has moved from Deck 5 to Deck 4 (right?), but quickly found that our Select Dining enters Cosmopolitan back on Deck 5. On opening at 6:00 p.m. we were promptly seated. Dress code enforcement? Oh yes. Entering with his family, an elderly gentleman without a suit-coat just laughed and ignored the Maitre’D when she offered to provide him with a coat. I noticed her whisper to another in the party. When I passed him later, the fellow looked very chagrined and had the jacket on!

Our table overlooked the reserved seating in the stern on Deck 4, and gave us a spectacular view through the Summit aft windows (during meals, the ship slows dramatically).

Observations:

-The wait staff was relatively prompt, business like, but this night a little off, and not particularly friendly. Other than the sommelier who was attentive, we weren’t asked if we wanted bar service until mid-meal. And no one refilled our water until asked.

- DW doesn’t agree, but I think there was alot more interaction with the diners in the reserved/fixed time tables; perhaps the more experienced wait-staff received stations where they could get to know their tables - who knows?

- Of course, food is subjective and we have found X’s food the best of our travels. Tonight: eyah. DW had the “everyday” chicken which was good, I had the Beef Tournadoes - okay, but I’ve had more tender beef.

- Desserts: DW had apple pastry (not impressed), I had Cherries Jubilee (no flames, but very good)

DAY 3 (Sea Day 2):

Worked at getting fresh breakfast this morning with better results: get the coffee and juice first and lay claim to a table, go to the fresh egg station, get your eggs to order, then get your pre-prepared items. Definitely the way to go.

As forecasted, the second sea day started out cloudy, but ended up a gorgeous afternoon. HINT: Unless there is a hurricane looming two days away, never worry your vacation plans to death listening to Atlantic five-day weather forecasts!

We discovered the T pool last year (it’s one of the reasons we book the Summit), but apparently the word is out – but it’s been crowded since Day 1, so...

Found some chairs in the quiet of 12(13?) forward, and relaxed out in the partly sunny.

Dinner: Enjoyed the Martini bar again this evening, but we weren’t really up for the MDR menu selections again or being smart casual, so we buffeted in the aft grill: cooked to order chicken, steak, baked potatoes, and grilled tomatoes! Very, very, good.

Went to the Casino and won $60. Woohoo!

More to follow. Any questions, please ask away.

[librarylady19]

thanks for your review, so far.....better late than never:)

[PathfinderEss]

Enjoying your review, looking forward to more.

[SoBe2010]

Thanks for the review. You remember the name of the party band?

[jdarch]

Thanks for the review. You remember the name of the party band?

 

The band was named Fusion - an apt name as they seemed to play just about any style that was needed. We'll have more on the entertainment when we post Part 2.

[Diane Rose]

Thank you for your review. Looking forward to our first cruise on the Summit.

 

Diane

[librarylady19]

The band was named Fusion - an apt name as they seemed to play just about any style that was needed. We'll have more on the entertainment when we post Part 2.

 

I think they were on Eclipse...pretty decent.

[gkny]

Thanks for the review.