B2B Summit 2-23 & 3-1 Review

[#1packerfan]

Just back from a B2B on Summit—Feb 22- March 1st and March 1st – March 8th. Our ports of call the first week were Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten, and St Thomas. Our second week was St. Croix, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada and St Thomas. We have been to all of these islands before. We had a fabulous time and the weather was fantastic.

 

A little background: It was my husband and I alone for the first time ever, we always have cruised with others, we are in our early 50’s. We live in WI so we were very happy to escape the cold. We are Diamond on Royal Caribbean, but this was our first Celebrity cruise. I will do a short comparison (my opinion anyway) at the end. We have also done a couple of Princess Cruises. This was our 3rd B2B out of San Juan, by far our favorite port mostly because we love the southern itineraries.

 

Precruise: We flew from Chicago on Thursday, Feb 20th and stayed 2 nights at the Hotel Plaza de Armas. We have stayed there before so we knew what to expect. We always request a ground floor room to avoid the old and ancient lift. There are no windows in the room, but that’s fine with us. We did ask for an extra blanket because the air was either off or on and it got a bit chilly even for us. The room was clean and we would stay there again. We love how it’s in the middle of the old city. We toured both the forts but other than that, basically we just walked around the old city and did some window shopping.

 

Finally the day of the cruise came. It was pouring rain just a bit before we wanted to leave for the port, but it thankfully slowed up. We left the hotel around 10:15 and were at the port with our luggage dropped off and in line by 10:30. I think we were 10th in line. About 10:50 or so, they left us inside and we checked in. Easiest embarkation ever. We checked in, sat for just a few minutes and we were on the ship. We had our complimentary glass of champagne/mimosa and were at the buffet by 11:15 or so for lunch. It did clear up and we were able to lay by the pool for a couple of hours later in the afternoon. Our staterooms were ready about 1ish and our luggage was all there by the time we went down to shower and change around 4:30.

 

Stateroom: We had stateroom 9138, I think it’s a 2B category veranda. There was plenty of storage for all our stuff and the room was clean enough. It is located toward the back of the ship right by the aft elevators. Our attendant was Mozes and he was on his last 2 weeks also before heading home. Our only complaint at all and I didn’t say anything because it really didn’t matter was he never wiped off the vanity or the glass table or the TV area the entire two weeks. I actually took a towel and wiped them off myself a couple of times. But he kept the ice filled up and bathroom clean so that was the main thing.

 

Food: We are not food people at all. As long as I don’t have to cook or do dishes, I am happy. We do not eat out at home except maybe a couple times a year and then it’s never more than a sports bar type of place. So, we don’t eat in specialty restaurants and are fine with buffet/main dining room. We had select dining and ate in the dining room all but 3 nights of the 14. The only thing I was really disappointed with was the steak. The flavor was fine, but it was very thin. We also had breakfast every day in the buffet.

 

We both felt the service was a bit slow in the dining room, especially the bar service. Also, we are used to having the same wait staff the entire trip even if we don’t ask and we were put all over this time. The one time I did ask for a specific waiter in the beginning of our second week, I was informed he moved down to the set dining for that week. However, I am Celiac and eat gluten free and I had no issues at all. In the dining room I just let them know and in the buffet I only ate things I knew were safe. There was one time I asked about a potato dish and the chef came out and told me what was gluten free and what was not.

 

Bar: We had the 123 classic package and that was fine for us. We pretty much only drink what’s on that package anyway, so we saw no reason to upgrade. My DH did have one martini and was able to get a smaller version, but that’s the only one we had or wanted the entire two weeks. The service was a bit slower than we are used to, but not a big deal. I LOVED the fact that I could get canned soda, and that they had caffeine free diet coke and sprite zero just about everywhere.

 

Ports of Call: For the most part, we went to the beach so I will list what we did at each island and if there are specific questions afterward, I will try to answer.

 

Barbados: Tiki Bar at Accra Beach

St. Lucia: Tour with Cosol

Antiqua: Tony’s beach bar at Dickinson Bay

St Maarten: Orange Fever at Orient Beach

St. Thomas: Emerald Beach Resort on Lindberg Bay

Turnaround Day: Stayed on ship

St. Croix: Sandcastle Beach

St. Kitts: Carombola at South Friar’s Beach

Dominica: Tour with Bumpiing to Trafaglar Falls and Emerald Pool

Grenada: Walked to the fort and through the tunnel to the museum and just walked around town a bit.

St. Thomas: Magen’s Bay

 

Entertainment: We did not go to many of the shows. We did go to the comedians both weeks but we were not impressed. There was a hypnotist called Fernando and what he had the volunteers do was pretty funny. We went to two production shows and I thought the singers and dancers were very good. We also went to the Newlywed/not so Newlywed game show the first week and it was hilarious. We did not go to any other entertainment. There was a pool band for an hour or two each day and also various music around the bars at different times. We were fine with a lower key cruise since we had so many ports. We are very much early to bed, early to rise people so it was nice to be in at a reasonable hour most nights.

 

We were Elite on this cruise, but only went to Michaels once since we had the beverage package. We used the internet coupons and laundry coupons but that was all. Being gone 17 days it was nice to have the laundry coupons for 30 pieces per person of free laundry.

 

Disembarkation: We took a later time off the ship because we had a late flight. It was fine, long lines in customs but that has nothing to do with Celebrity. The ag line at the airport had no one in it when we got there. We went through security and still had 4 hours to wait, but did not want to do any tours.

 

We do not gamble much so other than buying lottery tickets each night we did not use the casino at all except to get a drink at the bar as we walked through.

 

Port of call pictures were 14.95, and the formal pictures were more like 25-30 but can’t remember exactly.

 

I had purchased the $70 birthday package for DH as his birthday was our first full day on the ship. The decorations were really cute and he loved the champagne. When we got to our room, the decs were up and the champagne was there, but we were also supposed to get fresh flowers and a cake with the package. I went to guest services and they apologized and said we would get them that day. Well, we never did. So, the next day I went again just to ask. I really just wanted what I had paid for. Anyway, the gal at the desk was all apologies and assured us we would get the flowers and the cake that day. And she reimbursed our money even though I kept telling her that was not necessary. So, we did get the fresh flowers that day, but we never got the cake at all. Because she gave me my money back, I did not feel right asking any more for the cake so we just let it go. I did mention it on my survey, but it certainly did not take away from our great time.

 

Now for a few comparisons between Royal and Celebrity—for the most part there are more similarities than not, these are just my opinion—some things I liked more on Celebrity:

 

Canned soda

Cupboards in bathroom instead of just shelves

Night light in bathroom

Sunset Bar

Big area above TV for storage

Bigger balconies than those I have had on Royal

Champagne or Mimosas upon embarking

Cold towels and water when coming back from beach

Beach towels in room each day

No announcements

 

Things I like more on Royal:

 

Better layout to buffet

More bar waiters on pool days and in theatres

Bigger vanity with drawers

Better entertainment as far as game show type things and more trivia which we like

Steak in the main DR is better

Usually get the same wait staff even with anytime dining

We feel the service was a bit faster on our Royal cruises in the dining room, but DH didn’t like waiting so long to get a drink so would usually bring one in with him

 

In closing, we would absolutely cruise Celebrity again if the right ship or itinerary came up. We do have 3 cruises booked on Royal coming up as well. We loved our cruise and always do.

 

If anyone has specific questions, I will try to answer. Thanks for sticking with the long review.

[wallie5446]

Been waiting and watching! Time to read``````:D

[aashleyjc]

Thank you for your review!

 

How was Orange Fever? We are considering going there in April.

 

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[Willman]

Thanks for the review. We are going on the Summit on the 29th, and are planning similar port days. Could you briefly describe your experiences at:

 

Sandcastle Beach - how crowded?

 

Bumping tours - road conditions, how would someone prone with mild car sickness do? Should I bring a bathing suit for Emerald falls? Trafaglar falls?

 

Magen's Bay beach - How crowded?

 

Thanks!

[davekathy]

Thanks for taking us along on your Cruise. We are doing a B2B on the Summit 29 March/5 April 2014. Can't wait.

[CruiseGirlKS]

Thank you for your review! :)

[Shirley C]

Great review. Thank you.

[#1packerfan]

Thank you for your review!

 

How was Orange Fever? We are considering going there in April.

 

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It was OK, they had some of the prime chairs/umbrellas reserved so wasn't happy about that, but the food was great and had a small but serviceable bathroom.

[meatloafsfan]

How would you compare the beds and bedding to Royal (I was just on the Explorer of the Seas and the beds weren't great and the bedding was very heavy).

[#1packerfan]

Thanks for the review. We are going on the Summit on the 29th, and are planning similar port days. Could you briefly describe your experiences at:

 

Sandcastle Beach - how crowded?

 

Bumping tours - road conditions, how would someone prone with mild car sickness do? Should I bring a bathing suit for Emerald falls? Trafaglar falls?

 

Magen's Bay beach - How crowded?

 

Thanks!

 

Magens was pretty quiet but we were the only ship in port. It gets crazy busy out there with more ships. The store to rent chairs did not open until 9:30 so I wasn't thrilled with that as we were out there before 9. But just had to wait.

 

We love Sandcastle. Great food and atmosphere. You can see the ship from the beach as well. The coastline is a bit rocky but not horrible. We picked up alot of sea glass from the beach.

 

Bumpiing Tours: We didn't have any issues with car sickness, but we typically do not. There was another person that does and she just sat in the front with our guide. I wore by suit under my clothes and did walk into Emerald Pool and also intoTrafaglar as well. I wore my water shoes which I feel is a must as it is pretty rocky and the paths are sometimes hard to get up if you have slippery shoes on.

[#1packerfan]

How would you compare the beds and bedding to Royal (I was just on the Explorer of the Seas and the beds weren't great and the bedding was very heavy).

 

I like the heavier bedding, but it was not heavy on Celebrity at all, my DH actually asked for an extra blanket because I like it colder at night than he does. I thought the beds were a little more uncomfortable but we got an egg crate for the mattress. You could also feel the divider between the two beds, very noticeable gap. It didn't affect our sleeping, but was definately there. I don't think the mattress was quite as thick on Summit but that could be a product of the older ship.

[cruiseacecat]

Thanks for a very nice review. Sounds like you had a great time.

Did you keep the sheet with the officers bios? Would you be willing to list the names? Thanks so much.

[#1packerfan]

Thanks for a very nice review. Sounds like you had a great time.

Did you keep the sheet with the officers bios? Would you be willing to list the names? Thanks so much.

 

I think I may still have it, I kept all the dailies. I will look tonight when I get home from work and if I still have it, I will list the names.

[cruiseacecat]

I think I may still have it, I kept all the dailies. I will look tonight when I get home from work and if I still have it, I will list the names.

Thank you so much. Very much appreciated.

[#1packerfan]

Thanks for a very nice review. Sounds like you had a great time.

Did you keep the sheet with the officers bios? Would you be willing to list the names? Thanks so much.

 

Captain: Theodoros Zakkas Greece

Chief Engineer: Nikolaos Kokkalis Greece

Staff Captain: Aleandros Papadopoulos Greece

Guest Relations Manager: Bryan Cooper South Africa

Hotel Director: Paul Kelley South Africa

Cruise Director: Lisa Richard New York

Food & Beverage Manager: Clint Kelu India

Executive Chef: Abdul Nasar

 

Hope this helps!!

[cruiseacecat]

Wonderful!!! Thanks so much for doing this. :)

[screwsmcernst]

Thanks for the review. We will be sailing on the Summit in January. I am also a Celiac, so I was glad to read that you didn't have any trouble.

 

Can you tell me it they have Gluten free hamburger buns or bread for toast or sandwiches?

 

Did you fill out the special needs form on X's web page? Or did you just let them know in the MDR when you ate there?

 

Thanks

[drarill]

Great review! thanks for sharing your cruise with us!:)

[Rabbitwoman]

Thanks for the review

How was the Cosol tour? thinking about doing but afraid of length and being left behind

Also how did you like Dickson Bay --did you do excursion or cab there yourself?

[#1packerfan]

Thanks for the review. We will be sailing on the Summit in January. I am also a Celiac, so I was glad to read that you didn't have any trouble.

 

Can you tell me it they have Gluten free hamburger buns or bread for toast or sandwiches?

 

Did you fill out the special needs form on X's web page? Or did you just let them know in the MDR when you ate there?

 

Thanks

 

I just told the MDR when I was there. They did bring me gf toast every night for dinner if I wanted it. It wasn't horrible, but I've had better. But at least you know you can get it if wanted. I did not ask for gf buns, I just had a hamburger with no bun from the grill.

[#1packerfan]

Thanks for the review

How was the Cosol tour? thinking about doing but afraid of length and being left behind

Also how did you like Dickson Bay --did you do excursion or cab there yourself?

 

No issue at all on the Cosol tour. We were back to the pier by probably 3:15 or 3:30 and we didn't have to be on the ship till 4:45 so plenty of time.

 

We love Dickinson Bay, been there a few times now. We always just get off the ship and grab a cab to take us out there. Always plenty of cabs coming back that you can hop on. No need to set up an exact time with your driver unless you want to.

[Rabbitwoman]

Thanks packerfan ---Im eagles fan :eek:

any advise on what to do in ST Martin/ St Thomas??

Do we need to take tour to orient beach or is cab situation good there as well?

Magens bay vs St john( trunk beach) ? any thoughts

thanks for your help !!

[jeansaussie1]

Stateroom: We had stateroom 9138, I think it’s a 2B category veranda.

 

Hi Packerfan,

 

I have 9138 on hold for a Bermuda cruise and have a few questions.

 

Was the pull down bunk centered over the bed or couch?

 

Did you feel like you lost privacy due to the balcony angle? Meaning could you see too much of your neighbor or vice versa?

 

Thank you!

Edited April 1, 2014 by jeansaussie1

[theopup]

Great review, very enjoyable

[#1packerfan]

Hi Packerfan,

 

I have 9138 on hold for a Bermuda cruise and have a few questions.

 

Was the pull down bunk centered over the bed or couch?

 

Did you feel like you lost privacy due to the balcony angle? Meaning could you see too much of your neighbor or vice versa?

 

Thank you!

 

The pull down was over the sofa, but it is all the way in the ceiling so not an issue when it's not pulled down.

 

I don't think it was really an issue for privacy. If we were standing at the rail, I could see into the neighbors balcony, but not sitting in the chair.