REVIEW: Summit 5/11 - 5/18 Bermuda (LONG)

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Greetings and Salutations everybody……..

 

The following is a rather long review about my recent Summit Cruise to Bermuda but first a simple thought:

 

“I don’t like what you say. I may even hate what you have to say … but I’ll fight for your right to say it”

 

This precious notion has guided us as a nation and as a people and there was a time I took it for granted. Yet today - merely saying something can beckon ad hominem attacks online, or demands for resignations and firing in public. My point is that you may not like what I say about my cruise, I may not like what you say about yours, but why should we launch keyboard wars over it?

******************

 

Preface:

 

I feel weird when writing reviews like this because I don’t want to feel like a braggadocio. I’d never tell co-workers or friends about Penthouses and Butlers but this is anonymous, and we all discuss this topic so here I let loose.

 

Apologies, but I”m not a drinker so can’t comment on the famous Drink Packages. I say this to save you time if that’s what you are looking for. Also, I don’t “name names” if something is negative because if a guy isn’t here to defend himself, that isn’t fair. It’ll be a rather food-intensive review because, well, Daddy loves to eat.

 

 

Furthermore, if you want 100% undying loyalty with no criticism, please note this review won’t appeal to you as it’s not written by a puppy. Likewise, if constant 100% complaining appeals then respectfully, this review may not help you. Mostly this was a GREAT cruise, but for a few glaring troubles that need to improve.

 

Comparisons

***********

 

I feel my comparisons are fair. For example, not kosher to compare MDR steak to Ruth’s Chris. Or Celebrity Pizza to my favorite place in NY City - I think that’s nutty. But to use mainstream, mass-market chains that everyone is familiar with I think is perfectly valid.

 

The Cast of Characters:

********************

 

*Myself and DW, we are 38 and 35, but sort of ‘old’ souls at heart. DW is actually very pretty and shouldn’t be with a fat guy like myself, but the “off” feature in a light-switch has done wonders for me in that regard.

 

* DD who is 6, and DS who is 2. Our nanny also came and we had her in a Concierge Room a few doors down from our Penthouse.

 

We are rather low-key travelers. While some activities are nice, we’re more about just kicking back, relaxing, watching the world go by. Quality of food, crowd flow, and service are more important priorities than drinks, ports, or excursions.

 

We were in Penthouse Suite #6147 and here’s a description of the trip:

 

Pre-Arrival

*********

 

CAESAR the Concierge emailed me before the trip and I made a few requests that I wanted handled before be boarded. He promptly responded and gave me a great 1st impression of this cruise and yes, all requests were handled by the time of our arrival. Thank you Great Caesar.

 

 

Arrival

******

 

We arrived to Bayonne at 12pm which was later than I wanted. FYI a decent sized crowd had begun to form. It’s a big harried to park the car, have bags unloaded and then go park but all modes of transit have this factor so no biggie. After unloading bags, it did take 30 minutes to park, and return to the terminal so please keep that in mind.

 

Once X’s staff identified us at Suite Pax, it was seamless. We were taken to a separate check-in desk with NO line and the agents were friendly and efficient and soon, the Captain’s Social lady greeted us and took us to the shuttle and escorted us to the ship - this is a MARVELOUS touch and I hope X doesn’t do away with it.

 

Upon hitting the gangway JOSE our Butler is waving to us and waiting just for us and he takes us an alternate route, bypassing the lines, STRAIGHT to the Penthouse which was all ready to go.

 

Jose instantly went thru all the services and perks which is fine, but after a drive and check-in and with crying baby in hand I’d have rather listened to that stuff later. But it’s his job to inform us which he did in a very friendly manner.

 

A GREAT embarkation by any standard. If seamlessness and ease blow wind up your skirt as it does mine, then I heartily say that you’ll find value in this perk that comes with the Penthouse .

 

 

Penthouse 6147

**************

 

How can it be anything other than amazing? A few scratches here and there? Sure but so what. Entry foyer with lovely mosaic and decor, very nice “flow” of the whole suite. The furniture and bed were all very good quality and comfortable. Flat Screen TV’s in both sitting and bedroom along with a great shower and jacuzzi in master bedroom. Full size dining table with comfy chairs, a piano…you know, everything you need for roughing it at sea. The suite is well lit, and has a roomy feel to it.

 

Butler’s pantry is a GREAT feature with full-size fridge, wet bar, microwave and full supply of condiments and utensils.

 

In addition there is a ‘half bath’ that also has a shower and we loved that feature.

 

I forget the measurement but balcony is HUGE. One area with 2 chairs and ottoman. One area with full table/umbrella and also a jacuzzi tub PLUS…plenty of room to walk around. You are at the back of the ship so the view of the wake, and open sea is amazingly peaceful and grand.

 

One Problem with Penthouse (again)

*******************************

 

PLEASE CELEBRITY….HELP! at night, the air conditioning did NOT cool the bedroom enough. All day it’s fine, but at night it’s hot. I’ve had this same problem in a PH before and an honest butler told me that at night, they turn something down ‘downstairs’ but he handled it, and then it was cold at night. This time, I asked Jose on day 1…because it’s happened before, a CC member reported it also recently and he said “we changed that system”. Sure enough…hot at night. Jose was responsive but we only had “one” cool night.

 

Full disclosure, a fatty like me might get hot easily BUT, my tiny Wife was also throwing the covers off at night, and not sleeping well at all.

 

CELEBRITY: C’mon, fix this. In my opinion, spending $10,000+ should at least give you a cool room. If the Best Western and Motel 6 can do it, so can you. Frankly, ANY room should be comfortable regardless of what category.

 

 

 

Butler/Room Steward

******************

 

JOSE was an excellent Butler. Always quick, responsive, and you only have to ask once for something and then it happened on its own for the whole week.

 

REGGIE was out room steward. Always friendly, seemed proud of his work, and cleaned the room per our schedule. Cleanliness or supplies were never an issue.

 

 

FOOD

*****

 

Bistro on 5

Wife/Nanny/DD went on embarkation day to avoid buffet and it was not crowded. DW said it took 35 minutes for Panini to arrive and it was “ok”. Maybe it was just an off day, but based on that impression we didn’t go back but would’ve LOVED to have a nice non-buffet venue otherwise.

 

 

MDR

 

The food and service was EXCELLENT!

 

 

ROBERT waiter, and PAULINE assistant were exemplary and worthy of Celebrity. Very honest about menu choices, very concerned if everything was fine. Small requests were made once, and consistent for the week - Pauline was especially accommodating. Comments on the foods I remember:

 

French Onion soup isn’t yummy like before. French Bread was GREAT each night as was shrimp cocktails. Most appetizers were good, but i’d avoid crab cake.

 

*NY Steak - Simplicity Menu

 

Order it with the “paris herb butter” and it’s a solid pick. You know, it’s the one you will go on dates with and you’ll have a nice, responsible fun time.

********

 

*Steak Diane

 

Same dish but with Diane sauce. My steady date wore too much make-up. won’t repeat.

*********

 

*Lamb Chops/Rack of Lamb

 

Delicious! Perfectly cooked! Order with extra demi-glace.

 

I like you a lot. I’d let you get to 1st base with me on the first date :) :o

**********

 

*Braised Lamb

 

TENDER. FLAVORFUL. So good.

 

Borderline lust here and I gotta keep it PG-13. ;)

***********

 

*Beef Tournadoes (filet - formal night)

 

PERFECT medium-rare, delicious sauce. Should’ve had 2 orders.

 

Yep. I’d have to be on the ‘pill’ to date you. You are dangerous in a good way

;)

*************

 

*Braised Short Ribs

 

AWESOME. Tender. Great flavor. I wanted to eat more entrees.

 

Sorry! No dating needed! Just take me home and have your way with me!

:p:p:

*************

 

MDR service was prompt, food was warm.

 

 

 

QSINE

******

 

LOVED IT. I thought the food would be “foo foo” and it would be all about the unique presentation and I was wrong. Waiter was very knowledgeable and spaced out the meal perfectly. Modern, BUT comfy atmosphere. Dishes I remember being yummy: Spring Rolls, Persian Kebab, FILET. There was more but I can’t remember. I’d suggest getting multiple Filet orders.

 

OK….The following is Rated R and sadly, not for nudity or sexuality. But for the horror, and neolithic incompetence and bafoonery. THE BUFFET. I’ve got theories:

 

1.)A competing cruise-line sent spies to take-over the buffet and screw it up so X will look bad.

 

2.)Our enemies abroad figured to ease off the bombings and hijackings, and rather decided to screw with us via trashing the buffet experience. (C’mon guys. Why not su-doku or paintball instead? Put plastic snakes under pax pillows for fun, but please give us back the buffet? )

 

3.) Part of Summit is in mutiny, and the Rogue Crew is competing with one another to see who can ruin the buffet the best and annoy the most people.

 

I hope it’s one of those because I can accept that easier, than trying to understand why such a QUALITY cruise line can let a major food venue be so bad. A few thoughts:

 

 

*Selection is SMALLER than before. Stir-Fry for instance is only after 5:30. Indian Food is less complete. Overall, LESS choice for sure.

 

*Food is pre-made, and pre-served in these little steel bowls. Trouble is, they put the food out….and it SITS and SITS till it’s lukewarm and even looks bad.

 

*Organization: TERRIBLE. Next to the waffles is fruit. But NO meat. Hmmmm, I thought more people ate waffles and meat, vs waffles and watermelon but ok. So you get waffles and then go stand in line for sausage elsewhere. *but wait* - 3 times they are out of butter by the waffles so now, you get waffles, go wait for sausage, and THEN trek to another place to find butter.

 

Once I asked for butter and they showed me margarine and said “it’s special butter from Bermuda”. Look, butter isn’t the universe but don’t lie. The Maitre’d saw this, knew who I was, and brought me butter. (Thanks, but again - is it a Suite Perk now that you won’t be talked to like a kid and you can get butter?)

 

Oh and for fun, at least 3 water-machines were busted so that added one more level to overcome. (Ever played Super Mario Brothers as a kid on Nintendo? Cripes it was easier rescuing the princess than it was eating at the buffet)

 

At night, the pizza bar is open but the TWO closest water stations are closed. Makes no sense - unless they just want you to run around like cattle.

 

*Pool Grill: Pre-Made and pre-served too. Ok, put it out for a few minutes and i’m fine. But this stuff was just laying around. COLD. Hot Dog buns were hard at times. MDR Maitre’d asked me how buffet was, I told him. He told me to use his name, and tell crew to make me a fresh one. (Thanks, but is X a place where a Penthouse Cruiser can brag about the “I don’t’ have to eat crappy hot-dogs perk? Really? You gotta be a big shot for a good burger? )

 

So I did and crew said “I just put these out” to which I picked one up, and tapped it against the counter and it made a clunking noise cause it was hard. The next day I again asked, and got a minor scaling from the crew-dude. After that I gave up. I’m not on vacation to make getting a Hot Dog a source of conflict.

 

Mid-week I stopped eating at the buffet. I’d take DD there and dread it…but her ‘simple’ fare was there. The LONG lines, terribly served food, disorganization, crowds milling around sort of got me. Finally my strategy was that we’d get a hot dog, and sit at a table there. THEN we’d get her other food - and start a new table there. THEN I’d get her ice cream, and start a new table there. THEN DW would come down to eat and she’d start a new table. So instead of milling around, we just did 4 tables per lunch - yeah Celebrity, you saved labor costs right? (TODAY I did Burger King during their busy lunch hour and asked for a fresh whopper, not the pre-made one. They said “it’ll be a 5 minute wait” and in 5 minutes, I had my Whopper. Celebrity, just match BURGER KING service at your Pool Grille, and match the fancy OLD COUNTRY BUFFET chain with your buffet…..that’s all I ask.

 

POSITIVES on the buffet: Ice cream was delicious. And the Pizza WAS GREAT! The guys there kept pizzas rotating in and out FLAWLESSLY. Even at midnight, it was perfect and I had it every day.

 

(I keep hearing people say they are worried about the ‘gap’ between suite and non-suite people widening. Folks, you can shrug this off as no big deal, but do you really want 2 out of 3 meals to be a cattle-experience? It’s up to YOU to voice this to Celebrity.)

 

ENTERTAINMENT

***************

 

The Celeb singers and dancers are VERY good and talented. The comedian was AWESOME and he got a deserved standing ovation. I do wish that there was one instrumental or magic or something else. The dancers are good, but I didn’t want to see them 3-4times. Cruise Director was very involved and seemed to truly care if people enjoyed things.

 

CASINO

*******

 

GREAT STAFF, especially RALPH the host. Big improvement from 4 years ago.

 

I was in a poker game…pax vs Senior Officers and I was the winner!!! So I got $50 bucks but more importantly, it was nice to have quality time with the officers, each of whom was good humored, good natured, and instilled confidence in me about Celebrity. Great guys!

 

 

SPA

***

 

DW LOVED her deep-tissue massage. BEST she ever had at sea. Weird: 18% gratuity is added to the check. After massage the therapist told DW “the 18% is for everyone and doesn’t go just to me. Most people add $10”. Ok, maybe so but I think it’s cheesy to bring that up that way. Funny part is, DW already had a $30 cash ready to go, because we always tip extra when things are good so of course she tipped the lady extra.

 

 

OVERALL CRUISE

**************

 

A great cruise! But, for me the bad buffet and air conditioning are relevant issues. Would I be a typical keyboard warrior and spout “i’m never using X again!!!” Nope. Because I think X is a darn good value, and the Penthouse along with NJ port suits me greatly. BUT……………………

 

 

Kids are now travel-age, so we had planned to cruise twice a year with X. NOT anymore. I was going to book the 14 night New England cruise in September and while we LOVE the idea of going, the thought of 14 hot nights without good sleep, and the thought of chasing mediocre food in a disorganized buffet has convinced us otherwise.

 

So we’ll cruise once a year unless something improved, and the 2nd trip will be doing something else.

 

I’m just ONE lowly cruiser so it won’t hurt Celebrity. BUT, for the simple issues of air conditioning and buffet….X has to decide, are they ok with losing 1 cruise a year from me for THOSE reasons? Also…..once my kids are a tad older and I’m comfy with air-travel, does X want me dabbling in other lines? I’m not Donald Trump or the biggest spender onboard but we did spend $250 on booze, $335 spa, $300 internet, $50 gift ship, $800 excursions, $300 Casino, and we extra-tipped good staff like the Butler, Steward, Spa, and Pizza Dudes. I believe X to be a high quality place and I’d hope they’d ponder - are air conditioning, and a decent buffet an outlandish requests? Shouldn’t we fix these?

 

I’d respectfully ask CC’ers: Sure, don’t’ complain about everything. But remember how airlines were ‘so much nicer’ ‘way back when’ and now it’s cattle-time? It’s because we laid down and accepted the changes. Cruising is a GREAT venue for people of most budgets. Don’t you want to preserve it’s quality? Think about it. Because in my opinion, 10 years from today you’ll not be here debating drink packages, but you’ll be talking about up-charges for the separate buffet, up-charges for luggage, and all sorts of other fun stuff because WE let it get to that point.

 

 

People we’d like to thank for this review……

 

The mostly wonderful crew of Summit. My travel agent. Myself for doing the herculean task of writing this. YOU my beloved reader for politely suffering thru this review.

 

……and Jerry Matthers, as The Beaver

 

As always, questions, comments, insults, are welcomed anytime.

Edited May 20, 2014 by JEDIKNIGHT

[ondeckatsea]

I agree with you about many things. We still prefer Celebrity but some things do need improving and you are so right about the buffet and absolutely "right on" about the air conditioning. I would be upset after paying a great deal of money to be uncomfortable and not able to get a decent nights sleep. We usually take two nice long cruises a year. The Caribbean in the winter and the Med in the fall. It's a lot of money to spend but the most affordable way for us to travel and we are not getting any younger. Little things can add up and start to chip away at the quality we all enjoyed not that long ago. Right now we can put up with it but if it deteriorates further we'll have to check other vacation choices. I sure hope it doesn't!

[20pluscruises]

What a great sense of humor!!!! Love it!

 

Anyone know if the AC has been a problem all along or is this a recent issue? How warm/temperature would you say it roughly was? Did they give any reason why it worked only one evening and not the other evenings? I need my AC after a hot day in the sun.

Edited May 20, 2014 by 20pluscruises

[DiamondSuiteCruiser]

Thanks for your review. We are in the same suite this upcoming Dec, and you are the second person to comment on the issue with the A/C.

PLEASE CELEBRITY FIX IT ALREADY!!!:(:eek::confused: I have problems sleeping as it is, and am always warm. Maybe I should either bring a Fan or request one if they can't get the room cold enough.

[Redtravel]

I was on the Summit last week. I agree completely with your description of the buffet experience. We also gave up on the buffet midway through the cruise. It was so bad that I found myself feeling ill if I walked into it. The MDR experience was much better. My husband was so upset that he says he wants to cancel our future bookings. I certainly hope that Celebrity reads the postings.

[Classynfun1]

Good, and fair, review! We are sailing the Summit in November, but only in an RS, thank goodness. I do not understand why I keep reading reviews with AC issues in the PH, but I have to think they know the issues by now.

 

I agree completely on all your other points. Hope to see you on board one day!

[bjinouno]

Loved reading your review... You do have a great sense of humor, but don't all fat men? (only kidding there Jediknight) I really truly felt it! can't wait for my date in the MDR... Hope I experience it the same way! so looking forward to some good food and choices! Hate hearing how the buffet is, But now since you have warned us all, we need to put on our tool belts so we can stash what we need to go with what...( like get the butter first before the waffles) Each member in the family fill up a plate for all of us, and than tick the people off behind us, since we are getting more than one serving. and have a meeting place.

This is our first time on X and we had heard so many great things about all of the ship, I'm sure our cruise will be great, a vacation is what you make it! Our AC had better work cause my husband just isn't wide he's BIG and they sure don't need to change a mattress every morning, never mind the sheets, were in a CC H.C. aft facing, But again thanks for the great Well written review. by the way how was your weather in Burmuda? warm enough for a swim at the beach? Any one get some nice color? leaving on Sunday!

[gi_pam]

Thanks for the review! I'll be writing one too.

 

Our ac issues were different. We were in an AQ room on 11, with no cover on the balcony. The first couple of days the steward would leave the curtains open and the room would heat up like crazy. The ac couldn't keep up. So we'd crank it and then be freezing by 3 am, shivering trying to pull the covers up. Once we figured out to leave the curtain closed if we weren't in the room it was fine.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[junetraveler2014]

Greetings and Salutations everybody……..

 

The following is a rather long review about my recent Summit Cruise to Bermuda but first a simple thought:

 

“I don’t like what you say. I may even hate what you have to say … but I’ll fight for your right to say it”

 

This precious notion has guided us as a nation and as a people and there was a time I took it for granted. Yet today - merely saying something can beckon ad hominem attacks online, or demands for resignations and firing in public. My point is that you may not like what I say about my cruise, I may not like what you say about yours, but why should we launch keyboard wars over it?

******************

 

Preface:

 

I feel weird when writing reviews like this because I don’t want to feel like a braggadocio. I’d never tell co-workers or friends about Penthouses and Butlers but this is anonymous, and we all discuss this topic so here I let loose.

 

Apologies, but I”m not a drinker so can’t comment on the famous Drink Packages. I say this to save you time if that’s what you are looking for. Also, I don’t “name names” if something is negative because if a guy isn’t here to defend himself, that isn’t fair. It’ll be a rather food-intensive review because, well, Daddy loves to eat.

 

 

Furthermore, if you want 100% undying loyalty with no criticism, please note this review won’t appeal to you as it’s not written by a puppy. Likewise, if constant 100% complaining appeals then respectfully, this review may not help you. Mostly this was a GREAT cruise, but for a few glaring troubles that need to improve.

 

Comparisons

***********

 

I feel my comparisons are fair. For example, not kosher to compare MDR steak to Ruth’s Chris. Or Celebrity Pizza to my favorite place in NY City - I think that’s nutty. But to use mainstream, mass-market chains that everyone is familiar with I think is perfectly valid.

 

The Cast of Characters:

********************

 

*Myself and DW, we are 38 and 35, but sort of ‘old’ souls at heart. DW is actually very pretty and shouldn’t be with a fat guy like myself, but the “off” feature in a light-switch has done wonders for me in that regard.

 

* DD who is 6, and DS who is 2. Our nanny also came and we had her in a Concierge Room a few doors down from our Penthouse.

 

We are rather low-key travelers. While some activities are nice, we’re more about just kicking back, relaxing, watching the world go by. Quality of food, crowd flow, and service are more important priorities than drinks, ports, or excursions.

 

We were in Penthouse Suite #6147 and here’s a description of the trip:

 

Pre-Arrival

*********

 

CAESAR the Concierge emailed me before the trip and I made a few requests that I wanted handled before be boarded. He promptly responded and gave me a great 1st impression of this cruise and yes, all requests were handled by the time of our arrival. Thank you Great Caesar.

 

 

Arrival

******

 

We arrived to Bayonne at 12pm which was later than I wanted. FYI a decent sized crowd had begun to form. It’s a big harried to park the car, have bags unloaded and then go park but all modes of transit have this factor so no biggie. After unloading bags, it did take 30 minutes to park, and return to the terminal so please keep that in mind.

 

Once X’s staff identified us at Suite Pax, it was seamless. We were taken to a separate check-in desk with NO line and the agents were friendly and efficient and soon, the Captain’s Social lady greeted us and took us to the shuttle and escorted us to the ship - this is a MARVELOUS touch and I hope X doesn’t do away with it.

 

Upon hitting the gangway JOSE our Butler is waving to us and waiting just for us and he takes us an alternate route, bypassing the lines, STRAIGHT to the Penthouse which was all ready to go.

 

Jose instantly went thru all the services and perks which is fine, but after a drive and check-in and with crying baby in hand I’d have rather listened to that stuff later. But it’s his job to inform us which he did in a very friendly manner.

 

A GREAT embarkation by any standard. If seamlessness and ease blow wind up your skirt as it does mine, then I heartily say that you’ll find value in this perk that comes with the Penthouse .

 

 

Penthouse 6147

**************

 

How can it be anything other than amazing? A few scratches here and there? Sure but so what. Entry foyer with lovely mosaic and decor, very nice “flow” of the whole suite. The furniture and bed were all very good quality and comfortable. Flat Screen TV’s in both sitting and bedroom along with a great shower and jacuzzi in master bedroom. Full size dining table with comfy chairs, a piano…you know, everything you need for roughing it at sea. The suite is well lit, and has a roomy feel to it.

 

Butler’s pantry is a GREAT feature with full-size fridge, wet bar, microwave and full supply of condiments and utensils.

 

In addition there is a ‘half bath’ that also has a shower and we loved that feature.

 

I forget the measurement but balcony is HUGE. One area with 2 chairs and ottoman. One area with full table/umbrella and also a jacuzzi tub PLUS…plenty of room to walk around. You are at the back of the ship so the view of the wake, and open sea is amazingly peaceful and grand.

 

One Problem with Penthouse (again)

*******************************

 

PLEASE CELEBRITY….HELP! at night, the air conditioning did NOT cool the bedroom enough. All day it’s fine, but at night it’s hot. I’ve had this same problem in a PH before and an honest butler told me that at night, they turn something down ‘downstairs’ but he handled it, and then it was cold at night. This time, I asked Jose on day 1…because it’s happened before, a CC member reported it also recently and he said “we changed that system”. Sure enough…hot at night. Jose was responsive but we only had “one” cool night.

 

Full disclosure, a fatty like me might get hot easily BUT, my tiny Wife was also throwing the covers off at night, and not sleeping well at all.

 

CELEBRITY: C’mon, fix this. In my opinion, spending $10,000+ should at least give you a cool room. If the Best Western and Motel 6 can do it, so can you. Frankly, ANY room should be comfortable regardless of what category.

 

 

 

Butler/Room Steward

******************

 

JOSE was an excellent Butler. Always quick, responsive, and you only have to ask once for something and then it happened on its own for the whole week.

 

REGGIE was out room steward. Always friendly, seemed proud of his work, and cleaned the room per our schedule. Cleanliness or supplies were never an issue.

 

 

FOOD

*****

 

Bistro on 5

Wife/Nanny/DD went on embarkation day to avoid buffet and it was not crowded. DW said it took 35 minutes for Panini to arrive and it was “ok”. Maybe it was just an off day, but based on that impression we didn’t go back but would’ve LOVED to have a nice non-buffet venue otherwise.

 

 

MDR

 

The food and service was EXCELLENT!

 

 

ROBERT waiter, and PAULINE assistant were exemplary and worthy of Celebrity. Very honest about menu choices, very concerned if everything was fine. Small requests were made once, and consistent for the week - Pauline was especially accommodating. Comments on the foods I remember:

 

French Onion soup isn’t yummy like before. French Bread was GREAT each night as was shrimp cocktails. Most appetizers were good, but i’d avoid crab cake.

 

*NY Steak - Simplicity Menu

 

Order it with the “paris herb butter” and it’s a solid pick. You know, it’s the one you will go on dates with and you’ll have a nice, responsible fun time.

********

 

*Steak Diane

 

Same dish but with Diane sauce. My steady date wore too much make-up. won’t repeat.

*********

 

*Lamb Chops/Rack of Lamb

 

Delicious! Perfectly cooked! Order with extra demi-glace.

 

I like you a lot. I’d let you get to 1st base with me on the first date :) :o

**********

 

*Braised Lamb

 

TENDER. FLAVORFUL. So good.

 

Borderline lust here and I gotta keep it PG-13. ;)

***********

 

*Beef Tournadoes (filet - formal night)

 

PERFECT medium-rare, delicious sauce. Should’ve had 2 orders.

 

Yep. I’d have to be on the ‘pill’ to date you. You are dangerous in a good way

;)

*************

 

*Braised Short Ribs

 

AWESOME. Tender. Great flavor. I wanted to eat more entrees.

 

Sorry! No dating needed! Just take me home and have your way with me!

:p:p:

*************

 

MDR service was prompt, food was warm.

 

 

 

QSINE

******

 

LOVED IT. I thought the food would be “foo foo” and it would be all about the unique presentation and I was wrong. Waiter was very knowledgeable and spaced out the meal perfectly. Modern, BUT comfy atmosphere. Dishes I remember being yummy: Spring Rolls, Persian Kebab, FILET. There was more but I can’t remember. I’d suggest getting multiple Filet orders.

 

OK….The following is Rated R and sadly, not for nudity or sexuality. But for the horror, and neolithic incompetence and bafoonery. THE BUFFET. I’ve got theories:

 

1.)A competing cruise-line sent spies to take-over the buffet and screw it up so X will look bad.

 

2.)Our enemies abroad figured to ease off the bombings and hijackings, and rather decided to screw with us via trashing the buffet experience. (C’mon guys. Why not su-doku or paintball instead? Put plastic snakes under pax pillows for fun, but please give us back the buffet? )

 

3.) Part of Summit is in mutiny, and the Rogue Crew is competing with one another to see who can ruin the buffet the best and annoy the most people.

 

I hope it’s one of those because I can accept that easier, than trying to understand why such a QUALITY cruise line can let a major food venue be so bad. A few thoughts:

 

 

*Selection is SMALLER than before. Stir-Fry for instance is only after 5:30. Indian Food is less complete. Overall, LESS choice for sure.

 

*Food is pre-made, and pre-served in these little steel bowls. Trouble is, they put the food out….and it SITS and SITS till it’s lukewarm and even looks bad.

 

*Organization: TERRIBLE. Next to the waffles is fruit. But NO meat. Hmmmm, I thought more people ate waffles and meat, vs waffles and watermelon but ok. So you get waffles and then go stand in line for sausage elsewhere. *but wait* - 3 times they are out of butter by the waffles so now, you get waffles, go wait for sausage, and THEN trek to another place to find butter.

 

Once I asked for butter and they showed me margarine and said “it’s special butter from Bermuda”. Look, butter isn’t the universe but don’t lie. The Maitre’d saw this, knew who I was, and brought me butter. (Thanks, but again - is it a Suite Perk now that you won’t be talked to like a kid and you can get butter?)

 

Oh and for fun, at least 3 water-machines were busted so that added one more level to overcome. (Ever played Super Mario Brothers as a kid on Nintendo? Cripes it was easier rescuing the princess than it was eating at the buffet)

 

At night, the pizza bar is open but the TWO closest water stations are closed. Makes no sense - unless they just want you to run around like cattle.

 

*Pool Grill: Pre-Made and pre-served too. Ok, put it out for a few minutes and i’m fine. But this stuff was just laying around. COLD. Hot Dog buns were hard at times. MDR Maitre’d asked me how buffet was, I told him. He told me to use his name, and tell crew to make me a fresh one. (Thanks, but is X a place where a Penthouse Cruiser can brag about the “I don’t’ have to eat crappy hot-dogs perk? Really? You gotta be a big shot for a good burger? )

 

So I did and crew said “I just put these out” to which I picked one up, and tapped it against the counter and it made a clunking noise cause it was hard. The next day I again asked, and got a minor scaling from the crew-dude. After that I gave up. I’m not on vacation to make getting a Hot Dog a source of conflict.

 

Mid-week I stopped eating at the buffet. I’d take DD there and dread it…but her ‘simple’ fare was there. The LONG lines, terribly served food, disorganization, crowds milling around sort of got me. Finally my strategy was that we’d get a hot dog, and sit at a table there. THEN we’d get her other food - and start a new table there. THEN I’d get her ice cream, and start a new table there. THEN DW would come down to eat and she’d start a new table. So instead of milling around, we just did 4 tables per lunch - yeah Celebrity, you saved labor costs right? (TODAY I did Burger King during their busy lunch hour and asked for a fresh whopper, not the pre-made one. They said “it’ll be a 5 minute wait” and in 5 minutes, I had my Whopper. Celebrity, just match BURGER KING service at your Pool Grille, and match the fancy OLD COUNTRY BUFFET chain with your buffet…..that’s all I ask.

 

POSITIVES on the buffet: Ice cream was delicious. And the Pizza WAS GREAT! The guys there kept pizzas rotating in and out FLAWLESSLY. Even at midnight, it was perfect and I had it every day.

 

(I keep hearing people say they are worried about the ‘gap’ between suite and non-suite people widening. Folks, you can shrug this off as no big deal, but do you really want 2 out of 3 meals to be a cattle-experience? It’s up to YOU to voice this to Celebrity.)

 

ENTERTAINMENT

***************

 

The Celeb singers and dancers are VERY good and talented. The comedian was AWESOME and he got a deserved standing ovation. I do wish that there was one instrumental or magic or something else. The dancers are good, but I didn’t want to see them 3-4times. Cruise Director was very involved and seemed to truly care if people enjoyed things.

 

CASINO

*******

 

GREAT STAFF, especially RALPH the host. Big improvement from 4 years ago.

 

I was in a poker game…pax vs Senior Officers and I was the winner!!! So I got $50 bucks but more importantly, it was nice to have quality time with the officers, each of whom was good humored, good natured, and instilled confidence in me about Celebrity. Great guys!

 

 

SPA

***

 

DW LOVED her deep-tissue massage. BEST she ever had at sea. Weird: 18% gratuity is added to the check. After massage the therapist told DW “the 18% is for everyone and doesn’t go just to me. Most people add $10”. Ok, maybe so but I think it’s cheesy to bring that up that way. Funny part is, DW already had a $30 cash ready to go, because we always tip extra when things are good so of course she tipped the lady extra.

 

 

OVERALL CRUISE

**************

 

A great cruise! But, for me the bad buffet and air conditioning are relevant issues. Would I be a typical keyboard warrior and spout “i’m never using X again!!!” Nope. Because I think X is a darn good value, and the Penthouse along with NJ port suits me greatly. BUT……………………

 

 

Kids are now travel-age, so we had planned to cruise twice a year with X. NOT anymore. I was going to book the 14 night New England cruise in September and while we LOVE the idea of going, the thought of 14 hot nights without good sleep, and the thought of chasing mediocre food in a disorganized buffet has convinced us otherwise.

 

So we’ll cruise once a year unless something improved, and the 2nd trip will be doing something else.

 

I’m just ONE lowly cruiser so it won’t hurt Celebrity. BUT, for the simple issues of air conditioning and buffet….X has to decide, are they ok with losing 1 cruise a year from me for THOSE reasons? Also…..once my kids are a tad older and I’m comfy with air-travel, does X want me dabbling in other lines? I’m not Donald Trump or the biggest spender onboard but we did spend $250 on booze, $335 spa, $300 internet, $50 gift ship, $800 excursions, $300 Casino, and we extra-tipped good staff like the Butler, Steward, Spa, and Pizza Dudes. I believe X to be a high quality place and I’d hope they’d ponder - are air conditioning, and a decent buffet an outlandish requests? Shouldn’t we fix these?

 

I’d respectfully ask CC’ers: Sure, don’t’ complain about everything. But remember how airlines were ‘so much nicer’ ‘way back when’ and now it’s cattle-time? It’s because we laid down and accepted the changes. Cruising is a GREAT venue for people of most budgets. Don’t you want to preserve it’s quality? Think about it. Because in my opinion, 10 years from today you’ll not be here debating drink packages, but you’ll be talking about up-charges for the separate buffet, up-charges for luggage, and all sorts of other fun stuff because WE let it get to that point.

 

 

People we’d like to thank for this review……

 

The mostly wonderful crew of Summit. My travel agent. Myself for doing the herculean task of writing this. YOU my beloved reader for politely suffering thru this review.

 

……and Jerry Matthers, as The Beaver

 

As always, questions, comments, insults, are welcomed anytime.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a detailed and balanced review. We will be on Summit for the June 1 cruise to Bermuda. We are not in the Penthouse Suite, but we will be in the Royal Suite (6140 Starboard). Am not sure if the same "perks" will apply to us, but am soooo looking forward to this cruise.

Gary

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[meatloafsfan]

Thank you for your review. I'm on the June 1 sailing on the Summit and I'm glad to hear that most everything is tip top. We're not fans of buffets in the first place so we generally try to avoid as much as possible (love the MDR lunches on sea days and it'll be room service probably for our Bermuda days when we're on board).

 

Have you considered trying a Disney Cruise? Once your youngest turns 3, he'll be able to join the kids clubs. They have lots of family activities, great kids clubs, nice adult areas, great concierge amenities, lovely concierge staterooms, and very good service.

[drarill]

Excellent review!! Thanks for sharing your cruise and suite experience with us. BTW, we started cruising with our children when they were two and three years old. Took them to Alaska five years later and to Europe the following year. Now at 15 and 16 both are experienced cruisers, with two Baltic, two Alaskan, four Mediterranean and many caribbean cruises under their belts. As soon as you are confortable with air travel, go to Europe!! and try the S-Class ships. No problems with the AC on our RS last summer. Hope to have the same experience on the Reflection in July... looking forward to the concierge email. :):)

[wpgcycler]

Thanks for an excellent and entertaining review! Sorry about the buffet fiasco - doesn't sound good at all.

[20pluscruises]

FYI...I now can not stop myself from saying to everyone "Gee Wally, that's swell". :o:p::D

[JEDIKNIGHT]

FYI...I now can not stop myself from saying to everyone "Gee Wally, that's swell". :o:p::D

 

Marvelous! I wish I were a Wally, but I’m more of a Larry Mondello….so be it. :)

[CruisingChick]

Marvelous! I wish I were a Wally, but I’m more of a Larry Mondello….so be it. :)

 

First off you list your age as 38. You should not be referencing such OLD sitcoms. That should be left for us old folks.

 

Secondly, Wally was pretty hot.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to write your review and post it.

[20pluscruises]

Marvelous! I wish I were a Wally, but I’m more of a Larry Mondello….so be it. :)

 

LOL!!! The kid that likes to eat other peoples stuff before his own. :D:D:D Too funny!

[helen haywood]

Before you give up and pull the plug on Celebrity, in all fairness, you must try an S-Class ship. The buffet experience is entirely different and you would love it. Please, do yourself a favor and try one.

[Orator]

Excellent review. Did you visit Michael's Club?

[bonedoc7]

I loved this review! I always appreciate those who take the time to write reviews, thank you. We are in our early/mid forties and are pretty relaxed in our travels, but love great service. We will be on the millennium this summer in Alaska. We have booked the PH for DH and I and the adjoining stateroom for the kids DS (16) DD (18) and her BF (17). Food, wine and sleep are very important to our vacations, sometimes just a good meal with great service can make our vacations great, even if the rest of the trip was mediocre. I was wondering if you would like to share some of the pre-arrangements you requested. Could I request things like emptying out the mini bars for the kids room and filling it with pop and water? Could I pre order beers, pop, water and extra champagne to be chilling in the fridge prior to us arriving, just in case we have visitors the first day? We will be celebrating our DD 18th the day before we leave and would love for her door to be decorated, would this be appropriate to request prior to our leaving? Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

 

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[need2bespoiled]

I loved this review! I always appreciate those who take the time to write reviews, thank you. We are in our early/mid forties and are pretty relaxed in our travels, but love great service. We will be on the millennium this summer in Alaska. We have booked the PH for DH and I and the adjoining stateroom for the kids DS (16) DD (18) and her BF (17). Food, wine and sleep are very important to our vacations, sometimes just a good meal with great service can make our vacations great, even if the rest of the trip was mediocre. I was wondering if you would like to share some of the pre-arrangements you requested. Could I request things like emptying out the mini bars for the kids room and filling it with pop and water? Could I pre order beers, pop, water and extra champagne to be chilling in the fridge prior to us arriving, just in case we have visitors the first day? We will be celebrating our DD 18th the day before we leave and would love for her door to be decorated, would this be appropriate to request prior to our leaving? Thanks in advance!

 

 

Great review from the Orginal poster.

 

I think all of your requests are completely reasonable. You may get a no here or there, but i doubt it. It certainly can't hurt to ask, just keep your expectations resonable if they can't provide everything.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[JEDIKNIGHT]

And congrats on DD’s 18 btw.

 

My DD just turned 6 and it’s tearing me up inside. The last night of our cruise it was just her on my lap, on the dark balcony outside and I was telling her how even when mommy or daddy get mad, we love her and if she’s ever in trouble, we will help her. She was just smiling and sort of digesting it.

 

Nowadays I can’t even watch movies where a girl is getting married.

[barchi]

Great review. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

 

I agree with everything that you said, except for the buffet. My son and I were traveling together and found it to be good and the service to be generally acceptable. (I am fairly picky.) We did avoid the busiest times when going there. While the metal individual serving dishes that they have do lead to somethings, like egs sunnyside up, being over cooked, I thought in general they were a good idea. They certainly cut down on the Nuro issue. We ate only breakfast and a couple of lunches in the buffet and always found good and warm food. The variety was good as well. In fact they had so much variety that the sticky buns were never repeated and they were delicious. :-)

 

We did eat in the bistro twice and obviously liked it or we wouldn't have gone back. You should have given it another chance after the first day. The food and service were good. We ate in Normande the day they had lunch, and it was good and well done.

 

My only complaint was the chaos of the dining room on the first formal night. I think everyone wanted to go to the early show and so they became overwhelmed for some reason. I don't know why, it must be the same every cruise. Second formal night we went to dinner later and it was fine.

[Svenster]

We had the best experience on Summit last November 16 out of San Juan. Drink package, Sunset bar, MDR, casino, service, waiters, all met or exceed our expectations. A legendary week with Captain Leonardis.

I have no idea how our cruise translates to yours from NJ. I wonder how many staff members were still there.

 

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