Celebrity Summit Live report 4/4/15 - First Luminae and new suite benefits sailing

[Project_gal]

 

We have a serious amount of OBC this cruise and while we know we can get it back (incidentally we haven't seen a 5% charge on the last three cruises, not sure why) we decided to get indulgent before dinner.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Jenna

 

Is the caviar from Crush? I did not realise that it was available outside Murano [or equivalents]. Thanks.

[need2bespoiled]

They have a caviar menu at the martini bar/crush. We were also chatting with other guests who said they have a caviar offering in Luminae. I'm

Fairly certain it would be an extra charge.

 

I've read the choc mate cart for formal night is quite special. I'll get pics on Thursday :)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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[Gordoncruickshank]

They had a sheet at the Captains Club desk when we were on the Connie in February.

 

Elite get 30%, Elite Plus get 35% and Zenith get 70% discount off the Unlimited Internet price.

 

Interesting because the free Zenith package is more expensive than the unlimited package but fewer minutes........

I don't know why they keep the 1680 package in their literature as they won't sell it now. Probably they haven't thought about this very much but they would be better just giving the Zeniths the unlimited package.

 

There are some funny rules like you need to buy the unlimited at the start to get the discount - probably that is so you don't use some of your minutes and then try and change. I suspect they can't work out what they should do with the packages between 240 and 1680 minutes either. If they had any sense they would make the discounts apply to any package. If you qualify for free minutes, you either use them or use the discount.

 

When we were Classic I got the 25% off which saved around $100 on the big package. We became Elite and got the cost of the 90 minute package allocated which was only $49. Go up a level and get less. Great loyalty incentive.

 

Gordon

 

Gordon

[hvsteve1]

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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Well, that will help you burn up the OBC. My wife had one of those on our cruise.

[SupremeFlounder]

I think the Sundae cart is only on Summit's expanded menu but it sounds like the smaller $10 menu on other ships includes gelato instead which actually makes sense to us. Im not going to debate the relative vale if the price at $7 vs $10. I will continue to provide feedback regarding the lack of lunch.

 

We have a serious amount of OBC this cruise and while we know we can get it back (incidentally we haven't seen a 5% charge on the last three cruises, not sure why) we decided to get indulgent before dinner.

 

<<< removed those awesome pictures >>

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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Jenna - do you mind sharing what the cost was? I'm considering a similar OBC splurge ... but maybe I'm in over my head.

 

Thanks!

[need2bespoiled]

Jenna - do you mind sharing what the cost was? I'm considering a similar OBC splurge ... but maybe I'm in over my head.

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

$149 plus 18% grate think. We added a bit of extra for Kadek who is awesome at the martini bar. I hope he gets it personally but I doubt it as I think they pool drink tips.

This is Kadek:

 

A quick update from yesterday:

Yummy breakfast, Dee had the poached eggs, I had the west wrap. We both started with yogurt and berries.

 

 

The snap pea salad after a bit. I may have previously posted a pic of this one.

I tried the guinea hen las night which was yummy (with a side of Brussel spouts from the fish dish). Dee has the lamb loin which again was good if a tad large and a tad over seasoned but cooked perfectly as ordered like last week. Half the neat portion would still be 6+ ounces plus the sausage. No pic

 

The hen:

 

 

We had a light room service breakfast of berries and granola and poached eggs for me this morning in a HOT a sunny Grenada. I asked to have my eggs redone and new eggs were VERY promptly delivered. If you don't order your poached eggs without butter, this is how they will come (this is the worst example). Hint: order poached eggs WITHOUT butter

 

We're working hard to spend our OBC. Dee is at the spa again, we've enjoyed nice bottles of wine and used some cash from the Casino to win back what I lost last cruise. Think she'll have used most of it up : -D

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[uktog]

A quick question Jenna (I think I know the answer) but in the RS is the laundry allowance just your Elite plus allowance or do you get something else?

 

Thanks again for all your posts (and your reassurance on the cooked to order to overcome our allergy fears)

[need2bespoiled]

We have never, even on back to back 14 day cruises (28 days) been able to use up more than the provided laundry coupons as we get two each for 20 items per coupon and go home with anything we're willing to send to them clean so we haven't worried about it.

 

Some butlers have asked for coupons, others haven't.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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[uktog]

We have never, even on back to back 14 day cruises (28 days) been able to use up more than the provided laundry coupons as we get two each for 20 items per coupon and go home with anything we're willing to send to them clean so we haven't worried about it.

 

Some butlers have asked for coupons, others haven't.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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Thanks a lot - I suppose for us it all depends if it is wash/dry/fold or if the butler has it put through as laundry as shirts can be variable if it is the former

 

As you say, yes we too will have 4 coupons so unlikely to have an issue in terms of quantity allowed

[need2bespoiled]

A nice meal in Bistro on 5. We asked for a bit faster service and received it so less than an hour for soup and meal.

 

I like the new salad with the crepes better than the old one.

 

We were also told the new menu, gelato for dessert and the $10 price will be in effect for next week's cruise.

 

 

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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[Shirley C]

A nice meal in Bistro on 5. We asked for a bit faster service and received it so less than an hour for soup and meal.

 

I like the new salad with the crepes better than the old one.

 

We were also told the new menu, gelato for dessert and the $10 price will be in effect for next week's cruise.

 

 

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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Bistro on 5 is one of our favorite spots -- we usually eat lunch there most days. I'm excited to try the new menu. Is the gelato included in the price?

[need2bespoiled]

Based on reports from other ships the menu will be a bit smaller than the current expanded summit menu, will be $10 and include gelato for dessert. Gelato has always been a dessert option for an additional charge.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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[jcpc]

Jenna,

 

Thanks for posting so much. Your pictures are great and I'm starving now looking at them all again.

 

It sounds like you're having a very nice time on Summit.

 

Janice

[suec12]

We will be on the Silhouette soon and in a suite, therefore probably eating many nights in Luminae. Thank you so much for the menu and pics of the food but it seems the menu is a bit limited? And really, we love the escargot and French onion soup - did you ever ask for those options. Did you usually get an appetizer, soup or salad and then entree? The portions look a bit modest but perhaps the litte "amusees" ended up filling out the meal? Lastly, besides the tuna, of which I am not a fan, were the fish options good? - in the MDR they are usually horrid. Again, thank you much for taking the time to post all this info.

[Project_gal]

A quick question Jenna (I think I know the answer) but in the RS is the laundry allowance just your Elite plus allowance or do you get something else?

 

On our latest cruise [PH last November on Eclipse], we were never charged for laundry. I just expected it to turn up on our account eventually so did not think to ask about it but nor did anyone mention laundry charges. [The same happened with a bottle of wine from the min-bar.]

 

Our last batch of laundry went astray because the laundry room transcribed our suite number incorrectly. The butler tracked it down but I could understand them waiving the charge for that batch but no one said they would not charge us. The remaining batches of laundry were mixes of Elite+ vouchers and to be charged. I do always make up mixed bags with Elite/Elite+ "wash & fold" coupons plus ironing for a charge. Perhaps I just confused them but I have always been correctly charged in the past? However, the laundry charge should have totalled about US$100. It is possible that the slip I completed for the wine just got missed.

 

I just do not know. I shall report back from our next cruise.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Project_gal

[Gordoncruickshank]

On our latest cruise [PH last November on Eclipse], we were never charged for laundry. I just expected it to turn up on our account eventually so did not think to ask about it but nor did anyone mention laundry charges. [The same happened with a bottle of wine from the min-bar.]

 

Our last batch of laundry went astray because the laundry room transcribed our suite number incorrectly. The butler tracked it down but I could understand them waiving the charge for that batch but no one said they would not charge us. The remaining batches of laundry were mixes of Elite+ vouchers and to be charged. I do always make up mixed bags with Elite/Elite+ "wash & fold" coupons plus ironing for a charge. Perhaps I just confused them but I have always been correctly charged in the past? However, the laundry charge should have totalled about US$100. It is possible that the slip I completed for the wine just got missed.

I just do not know. I shall report back from our next cruise.

We weren't charged for our laundry in March this year in a CS

 

Gordon

[uktog]

Thanks - helpful. I think the laundry question is another one of those that varies by ship and over time. Our last cruise RS Silhouette we had to pay for the pressing of the shirts/polo shirts. The first wash and fold was a crushed mess and our butler advised the only way we could avoid this was to pay for laundry.

 

To be honest he was a very poor butler despite allegedly being "the head one onboard". We just paid because it was only about $60 for the shirts etc the next time we put items in, and will do again if need be, however if they are supposed not to charge, it's good to know.

[Gordoncruickshank]

Thanks - helpful. I think the laundry question is another one of those that varies by ship and over time. Our last cruise RS Silhouette we had to pay for the pressing of the shirts/polo shirts. The first wash and fold was a crushed mess and our butler advised the only way we could avoid this was to pay for laundry.

 

To be honest he was a very poor butler despite allegedly being "the head one onboard". We just paid because it was only about $60 for the shirts etc the next time we put items in, and will do again if need be, however if they are supposed not to charge, it's good to know.

I don't think anyone know if they are supposed to charge or not. All I can say was that we were not charged last month. We have been charged in Sky Suites in the past.

 

Gordon

[chamima]

On our latest cruise [PH last November on Eclipse], we were never charged for laundry. I just expected it to turn up on our account eventually so did not think to ask about it but nor did anyone mention laundry charges. [The same happened with a bottle of wine from the min-bar.]

 

 

. I do always make up mixed bags with Elite/Elite+ "wash & fold" coupons plus ironing for a charge. I shall report back from our next cruise.

 

Sorry - a little off topic but it's a question that comes up while we're on a cruise and I have never figured out the answer.

My husband likes his shirts laundered and ironed.

The only way I figured out to do this is to use the dry cleaning coupon.

How do you put a shirt in with the "wash and fold" load and then use the ironing coupon for just that one (or two) shirts in that load without sending them in twice and thus taking 4 days to get a shirt done?

Edited April 16, 2015 by chamima

[Gordoncruickshank]

Sorry - a little off topic but it's a question that comes up while we're on a cruise and I have never figured out the answer.

My husband likes his shirts laundered and ironed.

The only way I figured out to do this is to use the dry cleaning coupon.

How do you put a shirt in with the "wash and fold" load and then use the ironing coupon for just that one (or two) shirts in that load without sending them in twice and thus taking 4 days to get a shirt done?

 

You should not use the wash and fold coupon for the shirts. Put them on a separate laundry line and tell them that you want them ironed. You usually get charged for it but it is not much in the overall context of the cruise. I always take a couple of shirts for formal nights but as we do 14 night or longer cruises, i need at least one washed and they always come out well.

[need2bespoiled]

Last night we had dinner with 5 others and started just before 9 as a couple of our guests were busy until 845. We had a lovely meal. I had a new dish, the buratta as last week the substituted mozzarella as they didn't have it onboard.

 

 

I had the octopus and curry, as did one other person. Incidentally everyone at the table had the octopus but Dee. Three had the tuna, and two short ribs. I don't think there was a plate with food left on it.

 

Midway through the meal I found out it was one of our guest's birthday yesterday so I made a pit stop on my way to the bathroom to remedy the oversight. I really want to post a picture of her excitement at the cake as the cloche was lifted off and she saw the candles but I never asked her permission. The cake made three dessert courses with the amuse-dessert which is incidentally the best one of the 7 day menus (Chopin Vodka Sorbet and pineapple). I do wish the amuse-bouche and amuse-desserts were more spontaneous. Unfortunately they seem to be on a menu rotation. In fact we'd like to see the entire menu include, as has been discussed many times, more local / spontaneous meals. It really is a key element of the new restaurant especially considering how small the menu is. More on this below.

 

The bittersweet chocolate dessert was excellent.

 

I saw the other thread asking about main dinning room experience, specifically in select dining, since Luminea has opened but I think it is way to early to judge with only about 11 days of real operation of Luminae on any ship. The construction phase served the same menu in both rooms so a fair comparison is not possible. If the menu in Luminae doesn't change frequently, or include specials over time it will mean suite guests will dine frequently in other venues such as Blu and the MDR in addition to specialty restaurants based on their situation such as who they're cruising with, frequency of cruising and familiarity with other menus, the ship and its choices, length of cruise, etc. While overall the food is great in Luminae and a step up from elsewhere onboard Summit, the menu is a bit limited and rich for a frequent cruiser. Remember, we did only see the 7 day menu twice and maybe we'd feel differently if we saw all 14 menus, but over time I doubt it. I still think we'd become bored just as we have with other menus on board which in our opinion have not changed frequently enough.

 

Finally I had a conversation with a senior officier who I flat out asked about lunch. It's with great disappointment that he stated there are no current plans to add lunch Luminae. He said it came down to staffing levels as Luminae has its own dedicated staff. I understand we see the same staff for breakfast and dinner and they do need (and deserve) a break but surely they could staff lunch with a few more staff. I am certain these comments are controversial and some who read this thread will not doubt state this will impact staffing elsewhere and I do get that point of view.

 

I'll definitely get some pics tonight of the formal night dessert cart and share some thoughts on formal night dress in Luminae but it will only be a small snapshot of one night, much like much of this thread is a small snapshot (pun was not immediately intended) so please keep that in mind.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

 

 

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[need2bespoiled]

I think Gordon is right, but if you need them laundered keep them out of the bag or in a separate bag and just let your butler know you need them washed and ironed. If he looks at you funny, explain what your desire is and he or she should accommodate.

 

My opinion is your likelihood of being charged will vary based on your stateroom with the killi hour going down as your square footage increases.

 

Incidentally we've heard rumors about increased butler training and new SOPs for Michael's Club. The inconsistency of not taking drinks out of the lounge on Summit has ended ;)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

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[Fredric22]

For me, the problem isn't that they won't be serving lunch due to staffing levels. The problem for me is that they promised they would be serving three meals a day in the restaurant when they released the details. That is when I decided to book because I knew that on our cruise to Bermuda, we would be spending a lot of time on the ship (docked) and that having sit down lunches would be important. If I had known that before, I may have thought twice about booking the suite. It won't ruin my cruise, but it does leave a somewhat sour taste in my mouth.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Fredric22

[thebutlerdidit]

Jenna, thank you for your sleuthing on our behalf regarding future lunch plans in Luminae. Celebrity should take lack of lunch service into consideration when pricing their suite class experience. It sounds like it just will not be happening.

 

I'm curious as to how other lines manage to serve lunch in their dining rooms on each day and what hinders Celebrity from doing the same.

[barko98]

Jenna, Thank you so much for all the information. We will be on the Summit in November. I agree, that the lack of lunch should be compensated. Also I worry about the limited menu at dinner. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but can suite guests dine at the Blu?