Summit Review 6/14/2015

[lawgeek]

We just returned from Summit to Bermuda on the 6/14/2015 sailing. We were travelling with another couple and both had cabins on Deck 11 in AQ. This review is based on my own opinion as well as comments from my f wife and friends and should be taken as such. Although I may comment on concerns raised by others on this site, there is no intent to attack any specific individuals or specific posts (i.e. please no bloomer bunching). With that said, let’s “get on with the show!”

 

Cruising Background

 

I have cruised with my wife on about six previous cruises, including Celebrity Equinox (east med), five years prior to the date of this last cruise. Additionally, we have cruised on Windstar (2 ships) Star Clipper, Holland and RCCL.

 

Despite our limited cruising history, we both love to cruise. We also love land vacations as well, so we tend to break them up. Of the cruises we have been on, I don’t think it is fair to cruise Windstar or SC with the others as they are completely different experiences. In fact, those two lines do not draw fair comparisons themselves given their differences.

 

My comparison sample will therefore mainly be the three mainstream lines mentioned. I must be honest, however, that we both feel our Equinox trip was far above the HA and RCCL experience. Summit was equal and in some ways superior to EQ.

 

I selected the Summit based on a few factors:

 

1. Wife thought cruise to Bermuda would be fun;

2. So did I:

3. Past voyage on EQ was awesome;

4. Did not like what I have read about Breakaway as I feel it is more family oriented and although we love kids we prefer to vacation where there are less of them;

5. Itinerary fit our anniversary on 6/14/15; and

6. Overall, I liked what I read after filtering through reviews hereon.

 

When we travel, our first concern is not always cost and we try not to be bound by this in making our decisions so much as our funds allow. We are not rich, but blessed to have the funds to travel occasionally, without strict budget.

 

Pre-cruise Accommodations

 

Originally, I was going to stay in Manhattan as I had bought tickets to a show to surprise DW. Unfortunately, after purchasing tickets, I read initial reviews that branded Dr. Zhivago, the Musical (one of my wife’s favorite movies) as horrible, boring and horribly boring! Fortunately, the show was eventually cancelled and my tickets refunded. Given the fact that I knew we would be sweating to make an 8:00 pm show with 5:00 pm arrival in EWR as it was, I decided to stay in NJ and have nice dinner.

 

I had requested advice on where to stay in NJ pre cruise and a fellow member (138east – Carol) on the NJ Port Board suggested Jersey City as the best option. Since we were flying in from Toronto (pre-vacation vacation!) the night before, we just needed room in general direction of port to chill and catch a nice dinner. Of the three hotels Carol mentioned, we chose Doubletree.

 

The Doubletree was very nice, not ultra-modern, not brand new, but nice big suite with view of the City (NYC). Staff was awesome from check in to checkout. We only ate breakfast there, but waitress went beyond and above good service by bringing us a plate of strawberries and cream and slice of chocolate velvet cake for our anniversary (part of this may have been guilt for having to charge $11 for a mimosa!). Warm chocolate chip cookie at check in was a very nice touch as well.

 

I planned on eating at a restaurant in Newport harbor right by hotel, but found it closed for private function. Instead dined at a nice bar and grill at the Westin (name escapes) where we had a good meal and fun time after at the bar. All in all, a great way to get ready for the next day!

 

Embarkation

 

We traveled via Uber to Cape Liberty. By waiting an extra 20 minutes from when we could have left, we fell into premium pricing and our trip cost $28 instead of the original $15-$20 quote. Some of the overage was also caused by a diversion from the turnpike due to traffic.

 

Upon arrival, we placed our pre-tagged luggage (mental note: read instructions on tags several times, in each language before applying as you do not remove all backing) with porter and went into line for check-in. Line was short and we were on board in less than 15 minutes, despite lots of people (AQ line was fairly short).

 

On board, we grabbed a free mimosa, had picture taken and noticed Martini Bar so we went inside. We upgraded our Classic packages at door to Martini Bar and ordered our first martinis of the trip. We knew in advance that we would be upgrading for the following reasons:

 

1. We like to drink on vacation;

2. We don’t want to bother with figuring out whether something is on or off package;

3. We like premium wine (or at least above what is offered in basic package);

4. I apparently like premium tequila occasionally as well as premium beer;

5. We like Martini Bar martinis; and

6. We like to drink on vacation.

 

After martini we headed to Bistro on 5. I first learned of this strategy prior to EQ cruise, from others on Cruise Critic. Was not really impressed with the mostly crepe menu previously and was looking forward to new menu. Food was very good this time. DW had prime rib that she devoured and I had steak salad. Steak salad had great flavor, but skirt steak was fairly well done (I am rare to mid-rare person) but taste overcame temperature and I survived! I had Italian crepe for desert and wife had one of the others. I remembered Italian from prior cruise and it was everything I remembered! I love Nutella, but never get to eat it.

 

If you are wondering why I have not mentioned our travelling companions, it is because they had not yet arrived. Due to an unavailability of stand by flights at LAX, they did not arrive in NYC until 11:00 pm the night before. They decided to sight see the morning until boarding at about 2:00.

 

Sometime during lunch, the announcement came that the cabins were ready and we headed to ours once we were finished. (To be Continued)

[meatloafsfan]

Great start to your review!

 

Just for clarity - there was Prime Rib on the Bistro on 5 menu? And it was good?

 

This might be a push for us to have embarkation lunch in Bistro as my dad loves Prime Rib but doesn't eat crepes so we haven't tried Bistro on 5 in the past.

[DinaS]

We just returned from Summit to Bermuda on the 6/14/2015 sailing. We were travelling with another couple and both had cabins on Deck 11 in AQ. This review is based on my own opinion as well as comments from my f wife and friends and should be taken as such. Although I may comment on concerns raised by others on this site, there is no intent to attack any specific individuals or specific posts (i.e. please no bloomer bunching). With that said, let’s “get on with the show!”

 

Cruising Background

 

I have cruised with my wife on about six previous cruises, including Celebrity Equinox (east med), five years prior to the date of this last cruise. Additionally, we have cruised on Windstar (2 ships) Star Clipper, Holland and RCCL.

 

Despite our limited cruising history, we both love to cruise. We also love land vacations as well, so we tend to break them up. Of the cruises we have been on, I don’t think it is fair to cruise Windstar or SC with the others as they are completely different experiences. In fact, those two lines do not draw fair comparisons themselves given their differences.

 

My comparison sample will therefore mainly be the three mainstream lines mentioned. I must be honest, however, that we both feel our Equinox trip was far above the HA and RCCL experience. Summit was equal and in some ways superior to EQ.

 

I selected the Summit based on a few factors:

 

1. Wife thought cruise to Bermuda would be fun;

2. So did I:

3. Past voyage on EQ was awesome;

4. Did not like what I have read about Breakaway as I feel it is more family oriented and although we love kids we prefer to vacation where there are less of them;

5. Itinerary fit our anniversary on 6/14/15; and

6. Overall, I liked what I read after filtering through reviews hereon.

 

When we travel, our first concern is not always cost and we try not to be bound by this in making our decisions so much as our funds allow. We are not rich, but blessed to have the funds to travel occasionally, without strict budget.

 

Pre-cruise Accommodations

 

Originally, I was going to stay in Manhattan as I had bought tickets to a show to surprise DW. Unfortunately, after purchasing tickets, I read initial reviews that branded Dr. Zhivago, the Musical (one of my wife’s favorite movies) as horrible, boring and horribly boring! Fortunately, the show was eventually cancelled and my tickets refunded. Given the fact that I knew we would be sweating to make an 8:00 pm show with 5:00 pm arrival in EWR as it was, I decided to stay in NJ and have nice dinner.

 

I had requested advice on where to stay in NJ pre cruise and a fellow member (138east – Carol) on the NJ Port Board suggested Jersey City as the best option. Since we were flying in from Toronto (pre-vacation vacation!) the night before, we just needed room in general direction of port to chill and catch a nice dinner. Of the three hotels Carol mentioned, we chose Doubletree.

 

The Doubletree was very nice, not ultra-modern, not brand new, but nice big suite with view of the City (NYC). Staff was awesome from check in to checkout. We only ate breakfast there, but waitress went beyond and above good service by bringing us a plate of strawberries and cream and slice of chocolate velvet cake for our anniversary (part of this may have been guilt for having to charge $11 for a mimosa!). Warm chocolate chip cookie at check in was a very nice touch as well.

 

I planned on eating at a restaurant in Newport harbor right by hotel, but found it closed for private function. Instead dined at a nice bar and grill at the Westin (name escapes) where we had a good meal and fun time after at the bar. All in all, a great way to get ready for the next day!

 

Embarkation

 

We traveled via Uber to Cape Liberty. By waiting an extra 20 minutes from when we could have left, we fell into premium pricing and our trip cost $28 instead of the original $15-$20 quote. Some of the overage was also caused by a diversion from the turnpike due to traffic.

 

Upon arrival, we placed our pre-tagged luggage (mental note: read instructions on tags several times, in each language before applying as you do not remove all backing) with porter and went into line for check-in. Line was short and we were on board in less than 15 minutes, despite lots of people (AQ line was fairly short).

 

On board, we grabbed a free mimosa, had picture taken and noticed Martini Bar so we went inside. We upgraded our Classic packages at door to Martini Bar and ordered our first martinis of the trip. We knew in advance that we would be upgrading for the following reasons:

 

1. We like to drink on vacation;

2. We don’t want to bother with figuring out whether something is on or off package;

3. We like premium wine (or at least above what is offered in basic package);

4. I apparently like premium tequila occasionally as well as premium beer;

5. We like Martini Bar martinis; and

6. We like to drink on vacation.

 

After martini we headed to Bistro on 5. I first learned of this strategy prior to EQ cruise, from others on Cruise Critic. Was not really impressed with the mostly crepe menu previously and was looking forward to new menu. Food was very good this time. DW had prime rib that she devoured and I had steak salad. Steak salad had great flavor, but skirt steak was fairly well done (I am rare to mid-rare person) but taste overcame temperature and I survived! I had Italian crepe for desert and wife had one of the others. I remembered Italian from prior cruise and it was everything I remembered! I love Nutella, but never get to eat it.

 

If you are wondering why I have not mentioned our travelling companions, it is because they had not yet arrived. Due to an unavailability of stand by flights at LAX, they did not arrive in NYC until 11:00 pm the night before. They decided to sight see the morning until boarding at about 2:00.

 

Sometime during lunch, the announcement came that the cabins were ready and we headed to ours once we were finished. (To be Continued)

 

While I am sure you had a good meal at Bistro on 5, many people don't know that the MDR is open for lunch on embarkation day on the Summit.

 

We didn't know it until we boarded last month and heard (the very subdued) announcement.

 

We were considering Bistro on 5 to avoid the buffet that first day, but then had a VERY nice, quiet and relaxing lunch in the MDR instead.

[dorito6778]

i like your writing style! looking forward to the rest of the review. we're leaving on sunday so i hope you finish up before we go!!!! ;)

 

is there a charge for Bistro 5?

[kenevenpar]

i like your writing style! Looking forward to the rest of the review. We're leaving on sunday so i hope you finish up before we go!!!! ;)

 

is there a charge for bistro 5?

 

$10

[meatloafsfan]

While I am sure you had a good meal at Bistro on 5, many people don't know that the MDR is open for lunch on embarkation day on the Summit.

 

We didn't know it until we boarded last month and heard (the very subdued) announcement.

 

We were considering Bistro on 5 to avoid the buffet that first day, but then had a VERY nice, quiet and relaxing lunch in the MDR instead.

 

Just checked the "Celebrity Today" that someone posted from a Bermuda cruise and it's listed on there - Cosmopolitan Dining room 12-1:30pm on embarkation day.

 

I think that's where we'll head then.

[sarahc78]

Really enjoying your review so far.

[lawgeek]

Thanks for comments everyone, next segment coming this morning. I was not aware MDR was open on embarkation day. I did not hear all of first announcement. Not sure if it would have made a difference as BO5 is now a tradition for embarkation (if twice can be a tradition!). MDR is definitely a great option though if you are not fond of buffet and crows within! Thanks for that tip!

 

BO5 is $10 upcharge and yes they had prime rib, but that may have been the Sunday daily special and not available any other day. If DW liked it, which she said she did, then it was probably not a fatty slice (or I would have heard about it).

 

I forgot one detail as I did not describe our demographic. We are from Orange County California, I am 52 and wife is sixty something (in the midish range, but very young at heart and activity level). Cruise was for 25th wedding anniversary. We represent a couple different generations so our likes/dislikes vary a little at times. We are both fairly active, but I am more the daredevil of the family. We have 2 adult daughters (step for me) and three awesome grandkids!

[Wentworth88]

Hi everyone....I was also on the June 14th sailing.

 

We wanted to go to the MDR for lunch, but when we asked, we were told that it was not open for lunch.

 

We boarded the ship around noon and went to the buffet for lunch.

[DinaS]

Hi everyone....I was also on the June 14th sailing.

 

We wanted to go to the MDR for lunch, but when we asked, we were told that it was not open for lunch.

 

We boarded the ship around noon and went to the buffet for lunch.

 

It may have depended on who you asked. They only started opening the MDR for lunch on embarkation day in May on the Summit Bermuda itinerary. Perhaps someone was new and didn't know or they simply forgot.

 

Or perhaps they stopped doing that - who knows....LOL

[lawgeek]

CABIN

 

As stated, we were in AQ on deck 11. Our cabin was 1138, which is aft above the Sunset Bar. The deck is quite big and I really liked having foot stools! I actually slept out there a few nights for the first few hours (voluntarily).

 

I selected the deck 11 rooms because they are newer and this one was very nice. Reminded me of the new EQ when we were on her, without a leather couch. We had no problems at all with the cabin itself and loved the AQ shower.

 

Cabin steward was Joaquim and he and his assistant did a good job, despite the fact that we were kind of sloppy {Hey we were on vacation!). Water was replaced in room on most days, Ice tea was changed daily and never sipped.

 

On first night we received the free sparkling wine as well as mysterious plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate. No card was present with strawberries, so we were left guessing as to why they were there. We figured either TA or DW’s friend had sent (she told us she sent something. Next night a bottle of wine was delivered with card saying it was from DW’s friend. After a phone call to friend, we found out she had sent both. Thanks Pattie! Moral here is, if you send something to someone on a ship, let them know to expect something...this seems to happen every time we either send or receive on every line.

 

Regarding concerns of others expressed on these boards, I found them mostly not true. We did not smell smoke from below (though we were technically starboard side and smoking is port). There is no cigar smoking at Sunset Bar as some suggested. Cigars allowed only at port side Mast Bar – Deck 11 mid ship above pool. Although I do recall a group of cigar smokers at sunset late one night...rebels.

 

Noise from below was present, but never heard when door closed. When they had movie night above, we never heard it, even from deck. Deck is private except at end rail, where you can see 3 tables starboard.

 

Ships make noise all the time so an expectation of perfect quiet is not realistic. One morning I kept hearing a knocking noise. It was in synch with slight nudging you get at this part of the ship. I figured what it must be by the noise and it disappeared when I opened the safe. A little paper wedge and no noise.

 

Only actual complaint with cabin was door to deck (which I knew ahead of time was problematic). It was very hard to open, close and lock. I really did not like having to slam it as it would bother neighbors and I was out there late at night. Unfortunately, this was what needed to be done to properly lock. It was sometimes so difficult to operate that I struggled with it and I am relatively strong. Can’t image how others would be able to do this.

 

I never complained about door (did not bother me that much overall), but there was an obvious attempt to repair mid trip as there was fresh grease on track one day.

 

I give this cabin an A+ regardless of door problems.

 

SHIP – GENERAL CONDITION

 

If I recall, the Summit was built in 2001. With that in mind, the ship is in excellent condition. After reading some comments prior to cruising, I was worried about what kind of rust bucket we had gotten ourselves onto. This is simply not the case.

 

The Summit is very well maintained, but it is a ship that operates in salt water oceans and is inhabited by thousands of people near continuously. This means you will find an occasional rust spot, nick, worn area, etc. I would use none of these things to describe the overall condition. It is a beautiful ship and maintained as expected. I saw the same such things on the EQ and we sailed her during her maiden year.

 

Since the only ships I would consider comparing it with are the Ryndaam and the Equinox, I would say that I liked the character of the Summit best, but the EQ was a better design with more open feel. I recall that even the HA ship felt more open. I think this had to do with the lack of a true Grand Foyer. The one on the Summit was simply non-discernable.

 

I also noted that on Deck 4, you could not avoid walking through Casino to get fore or aft. This is problematic for us with gambling issues and results in an overall higher final statement.

 

Despite the fact that the above sounds negative, I really do not intend it to be. The broken up design of the ship actually gives it character and requires you to enter spaces you might not otherwise. This design also helps you from noticing that you are sharing the ship with 2,000+ others. We never felt crowded and were always able to find the spaces we were looking for.

 

I will note, however that we all (yes, our friends did actually show up) had problems discerning fore and aft on the ship. Oftentimes I would end up at bow when cabin was aft (same complaint from DW and DF’s). This may mostly arise out of drink package, but I did do this sober a few times as well. Overall, the cause was probably not caring as I was on vacation and not overly attentive!

 

I do think they could do away with or change some spaces. For example, I finally found the library (which is two levels and I was not looking to find, mind you) on last sea day. It was empty and there is surely a better use of at least some of the space. I did not go to Persian Garden for two reasons:

1. Statement made on CC;

2. The fact that there is no ocean view (which is what I loved about this space on EQ; and (I know I said 2, but…)

3. My opinion of the spa staff (we will hit on this later).

 

My overall opinion of the ship is that she is a beautiful lady in her mid 30’s (not literally) with a lot of character and a slight quirkiness about her. I would certainly date her if I was single! I give the Summit an A as a ship overall and would certainly sail her again. (To be continued)

[Winnigirl]

Hi everyone....I was also on the June 14th sailing.

 

We wanted to go to the MDR for lunch, but when we asked, we were told that it was not open for lunch.

 

We boarded the ship around noon and went to the buffet for lunch.

 

We were also on the June 14th sailing. By accident we followed some people ahead of us and ended up at the Cosmopolitan. (We, too, are not buffet people). I had a delicious Cobb Salad. Really enjoyed it. It seems that not many realized that the MDR was open for lunch. It was maybe a quarter full, very quiet and great service. So much better than the chaotic buffet.

[funinthesun86]

Great review!!

[lawgeek]

CRUISE CRITIC MEET & GREET

 

We attended the meet and greet in the morning of the first sea day. This was the first time I had ever attended one of these and was glad I did. Although we were not very social, we both appreciated hearing from the officers who attended. We were greeted by Captain Leo, Cruise Director Ken, Hotel Manager, Housekeeping Manager and others. I was surprised how interested they seemed about CC. The Captain claims that he reads CC prior to accepting a contract as he might turn down a ship with bad reviews. Whether these are stock statements or not, is unsure, but I appreciated their concern nonetheless.

 

We also enjoyed the slot pull organized on our roll call. I don’t remember the name of the couple who organized, but many thanks. We were not big winners, but fun way to spend a few minutes on board.

 

DINING

 

As mentioned, we were AQ so we dined primarily in Blu (breakfast and dinner). Having done the same on our prior cruise, we already knew the food was above average. We actually felt the food was better on this cruise than our last. I specifically remember dishes that were underwhelming previously, that were much better this time. For example, the lobster we had on the EQ was not very good (a small tail with not so good sauce). This time around we had large perfectly cooked tail and the same preparation was much more flavorful.

 

They claim Blu is a healthier fare, I disagree as every meal I had there was mega caloric! The food is, however far above other large ship MDR fare I have tried (on HA, we just started going to Pinnacle specialty restaurant every night as MDR was unimpressive).

 

The staff in Blu is top notch and some of the best I have seen on any of our cruises. Our primary waiter was Jose and he worked hard, but also took time to chat every night. The assistant was Andres and he worked harder and was still entertaining. We had other servers, and they were also very good, just think these two deserve mention.

 

The true star in Blu is the sommelier, Elvis. He is simply amazing. Full of energy and knowledge. He asked on first night the type of wine I prefer and I had a different wine every night that matched my tastes. Some wines were more expensive than premium and some were bottle only wines. He simply served what he thought I would like and he was spot on every time. I will never forget his trademark statement after pouring, a hearty “Cheers!... And Enjoy!” He always left the bottles on the table and always returned before a pour was needed. A real gem for Celebrity.

 

Our only specialty dining was twice at Bo5. We liked it both times, although I had the same things both times. On the second go round I requested a mid rare steak on my salad and it was juicier than the first, but mid well nonetheless ( a delay in service may have caused this as they seemed to forget my salad for a while as I was served soup first). Once again the flavor was awesome and I overall loved the salad. DW had chicken pot pie and she gave a good review. It was a deconstructed version served more as a stew with a flakey pastry on the side. She liked it, but was hungry after. We met a nice couple from New York on the second trip and enjoyed their conversation while finishing our crepes.

 

The other place we ate was the buffet. We are not really buffet people. My wife does not like to work for her food and we both find ourselves picking and never eating enough. In this case, we had a few lunches in the buffet and on one late night were forced to have dinner due to late arrival from town.

The dinner was at closing time and I had stir-fry that was not good. I also had some sushi that was good. DW had a pasta dish as she did every time we hit buffet. There were two things I really enjoyed at the buffet, egg salad and on the last day I tried the pizza and really liked it. I made egg salad sandwiches when we had lunch there every time. We had the pizza as a late afternoon snack on last sea day and it really hit the spot. All in all, buffet was ok, but not my favorite part of the cruise (not including egg salad and pizza!)

 

BARS-LOUNGES

 

This is a category where I have lots of experience. We loved the Sunset bar as it was close to room and for my buddy’s GF, it was a place to grab a smoke. The bartenders Lionel and Wai were awesome. When my buddy or I would walk up to the bar, Wai would grab shot glasses and set them up to fill with Don Julio. We had to stop him often as one can only have so much good tequila! Sunset was also my favorite place on the EQ as it is such a nice and wind free location. When either of these two were behind bar, we never even had to show card after first time.

 

We also enjoyed the Martini Bar. We closed this facility down a few times and had a great time. My friends met a wonderful couple from New York, whom we partied with on several nights! Martini Bar staff was great and pouring and juggling shows were awesome.

 

I was not impressed with Cellar Masters even though we waited in there most evenings while dinner table was readied. I don’t actually recall having a drink in the Rendezvous (hard to believe though it is) so no opinions there.

 

SHOWS

 

I hate to say this, but we did not see many of the shows. We saw the comedian on the first night and thought he was funny. There was a complaint at our meet and greet that he was a bit raw for a show that allowed kids. I did not get that, but Ken the Cruise Director agreed and said he told him to notch it back a little. Ken said it should be no more than PG-13 unless it was adults only.

 

We did see about two numbers from one of the dance shows, but was not into it and DW fell asleep. I feel bad because she really likes the shows and we just did not make them. I blame Elvis for this as his pours were pretty killer. It was also due to the fac that we hit diner at the wrong time every night, just after Blu filled with people set on the second show. This meant we waited for a table most nights.

 

To be honest, I don’t think any of us really cared about missing the shows. We did have entertainment in bars occasionally and that was nice. Mainly, we were just enjoying our time among ourselves and the many others that we met along the way. (to be continued)

[Wentworth88]

LOL, I fell asleep during the Sirens show too! That sommelier in Blu never left my glass empty! :D

[BunnyLebowski]

Enjoying this review. Thanks for posting!

[sarahc78]

Although Im glad that you got to enjoy Elwiss in Blu.... Ive got to say I'm really upset that I wont get the chance to enjoy him on our upcoming sailing :( We've sailed three times w/ him and he's just AHHHMAZING! I will be sure to swing by and say hello to him though.

[WeLuv2Cruz13]

We also sailed on the 6/14 cruise and were also Aqua Class in Room 9112.

 

We stayed the night before in Parsippany and it was a quick shot to the port. Parking was a breeze. Great attendant who told us specifically not to park to close the next car so we didn't get his by someone not paying attention to their door. Bags dropped and registered by 10:00 and on the ship by 10:45. First pina colada in hand by 11:00. We decided on the buffet since the boat was still pretty empty by the time we wandered through there. Went to the spa and hubby worked out there daily. Loved it and particularly the sauna in the men's changing room there.

 

Got to our room and it was great. Perfect location and would stay in it again in a minute. Quiet and in the perfect location. Also in case anyone wonders it did have a pull out couch.

 

Blu was really good but have to say was really slow on alot of evenings. I don't mind have a leisurely dinner but people were actually leaving before dessert because they didn't want to wait any longer. We only did breakfast on two days for this reason.

 

We loved the coffee shop and went there daily for coffee and dessert. Everything we ordered was covered in the classic package.

 

The casino was great and the bartenders there were awesome.

 

The shows were okay. I went every night. The comedian from the first night was great and even better on the night it was just him. Sirens was awful and if I had been in a easier place to slip out I would have. iMagic was good too.

 

Disembarkation was quick and even though we bought 8 bottles we were not charged at customs. Bonus!

 

Any other questions I can answer, please feel free to ask.

Edited June 25, 2015 by WeLuv2Cruz13
typo

[quicklabs]

We sailed on 31 May and had the great treat to have Elvis as our wine steward. He has got to be one of Celebrity's very best employees.

[lita24]

We also sailed on the 6/14 cruise and were also Aqua Class in Room 9112.

 

We stayed the night before in Parsippany and it was a quick shot to the port. Parking was a breeze. Great attendant who told us specifically not to park to close the next car so we didn't get his by someone not paying attention to their door. Bags dropped and registered by 10:00 and on the ship by 10:45. First pina colada in hand by 11:00. We decided on the buffet since the boat was still pretty empty by the time we wandered through there. Went to the spa and hubby worked out there daily. Loved it and particularly the sauna in the men's changing room there.

 

Got to our room and it was great. Perfect location and would stay in it again in a minute. Quiet and in the perfect location. Also in case anyone wonders it did have a pull out couch.

 

Blu was really good but have to say was really slow on alot of evenings. I don't mind have a leisurely dinner but people were actually leaving before dessert because they didn't want to wait any longer. We only did breakfast on two days for this reason.

 

We loved the coffee shop and went there daily for coffee and dessert. Everything we ordered was covered in the classic package.

 

The casino was great and the bartenders there were awesome.

 

The shows were okay. I went every night. The comedian from the first night was great and even better on the night it was just him. Sirens was awful and if I had been in a easier place to slip out I would have. iMagic was good too.

 

Disembarkation was quick and even though we bought 8 bottles we were not charged at customs. Bonus!

 

Any other questions I can answer, please feel free to ask.

 

Could you please put more details what it is included in the classic package and at what bars it can be used?

[marco]

We were on the 6/14 cruise, as well. However, we were some of the "regular folk" not Aqua Class or those dining in Blu. Anyway.....I have to agree with the comments made by the OP (other then those about dining in Blu as I made no experience). We found the "Summit" VERY nice. As for the library, we sought it out (rather then stumble upon it.....VERY disappointing) and agree that the space could/should be put to better use. As for the beverage packages We had the "basic". Maybe it's just because of what we drink, but we were never told our package didn't include it. My beverage of choice is Vodka and Kettle One is part of the Basic. Fine with me! I don't know what vodka(s) other then Grey Goose is part of the Premium. As far as beers, I drink Heineken that's included in the basic. There are a couple of beers that can be gotten only with the Premium, but I don't remember which. With dinner, I drank Prosecco, also covered by the basic. All the diners at our table (8, and were all friends cruising together) ordered various wines and all were covered on the basic package. The only place the basic does not cover anything is in the wine bar. Some of the drinks folks in our group ordered during the cruise, (in addition to what I mentioned above) which all were covered under the basic package were: Mudslide, Margarita, LI ice tea, Run Punch, various daiquiri's, Chevas on the rocks, Johnnie Walker (but I forgot which color) on the rocks and others that I don't remember as they were not my beverage of choice. For us anyway, the basic package was more then adequate.

[mr_bad_example]

Full details here:

 

https://secure.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/media/celebrity/shared_assets/pdf/Classic-Premium-Bev-Pckgs.pdf

 

Use the packages everywhere.

[Laurab23]

We sailed on 31 May and had the great treat to have Elvis as our wine steward. He has got to be one of Celebrity's very best employees.

 

We were on this cruise also and have to agree with you. We always went with his recommendations and had some great wines. He was always refilling our glasses.

 

Laura

[lawgeek]

We were on the 6/14 cruise, as well. However, we were some of the "regular folk" not Aqua Class or those dining in Blu. Anyway.....I have to agree with the comments made by the OP (other then those about dining in Blu as I made no experience). We found the "Summit" VERY nice. As for the library, we sought it out (rather then stumble upon it.....VERY disappointing) and agree that the space could/should be put to better use. As for the beverage packages We had the "basic". Maybe it's just because of what we drink, but we were never told our package didn't include it. My beverage of choice is Vodka and Kettle One is part of the Basic. Fine with me! I don't know what vodka(s) other then Grey Goose is part of the Premium. As far as beers, I drink Heineken that's included in the basic. There are a couple of beers that can be gotten only with the Premium, but I don't remember which. With dinner, I drank Prosecco, also covered by the basic. All the diners at our table (8, and were all friends cruising together) ordered various wines and all were covered on the basic package. The only place the basic does not cover anything is in the wine bar. Some of the drinks folks in our group ordered during the cruise, (in addition to what I mentioned above) which all were covered under the basic package were: Mudslide, Margarita, LI ice tea, Run Punch, various daiquiri's, Chevas on the rocks, Johnnie Walker (but I forgot which color) on the rocks and others that I don't remember as they were not my beverage of choice. For us anyway, the basic package was more then adequate.

 

Wish we could of met you Marco! I think the only real differences for us in bev packages was wine choices and fancy martinis at martini bar. Most of my other drinks (Bacardi Coke and Coors Light/Corona (maybe not this one) were on classic.

 

Although I can't likely tell a ripple from a Cuve', I am from California and have to pretend I know fine wines and I enjoyed the freedom of trying what i wanted. One thing I remember from Cellar Masters is that I had a wine that was .50 more than allowed by my package. I was glad I only got charged .59 rather than the whole amount. I do think the Classic package covers most of what people drink on a day to day basis though.

[shaun07]

enjoying this, I cruise on the summit in 3 weeks