Summit 10/14 LIVE Review: A Semi-Solo Suite Return to Cruising!

[Stem to Stern]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

Thank you for putting my mind at ease! I hope you’re enjoying Equinox! How’s the occupancy level?

1,280 ish and it is great to be back on board after two long years.  Enjoy the rest of your journey.

P.S.  I just ordered a French Caribbean.  Hoping to not have a food baby today.😂😂😂

Edited October 16, 2021 by Stem to Stern

[AndyB]

I'll be on Summit Oct 30th, can't wait, and your report is making it harder than ever!  I'm glad to hear Silent Disco is still happening!

[garyl62]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

........

Post-nap, I went to the retreat lounge for my appointment with future cruises and booked hubby and I an Eclipse Alaska sailing for next summer. (See? I told you I’d bring him back something nice.) ......

Thanks again for investing the time into posting all your adventures, I know it takes some effort and when you're on a short cruise it can be easy to spend every minute focusing on the cruise and not Cruise Critic, so thanks for taking us all along.  

 

What date is your AK sailing?  We're on Eclipse on the July 30 trip.

[NKS50]

Dear GenX, thanks for the response about the Chic night.  

Two things, we were on the Equinox three weeks ago, also in a SS! Yes to the mirror, and I’m jealous of your snacks in the Retreat Lounge- ours were spicy nuts and a skimpy charcuterie, actually disappointing, but the drinks were great!  Yours looks much better. Still we are looking forward to our sailing nov 3…

[GenerationX]

Future Summit guests, here’s a prescription for a best life afternoon:  

 

Go to the gelateria and get yourself a scoop of your favorite gelato flavor.  

 

Then, go to Cellar Masters and ask the sommelier for a recommendation for a wine to pair with said gelato.  

Consume both on veranda with views of the ocean.

 

Repeat daily.

 

 

[steveweese]

I think I am going to follow. You two seem like trouble to me!

[GenerationX]

Hola amigos!  It’s been an amazing day of complete relaxation.  After my morning at the pool, I met Red (who spent her morning at the spa) and one of our new girlfriends we met at the martini bar for lunch at Sushi on 5.  For the sake of the review and because we all have OBC to burn, we ordered a little bit of everything and and finished most of it and washed it all down with some sake.  Sorry, I forgot to get photos of the sushi rolls before we devoured them.  Our server was like a sake ninja or something because it seemed like any time my glass got below half full, I’d look away for a second and it was magically full again.  I was still nursing a little bit of a silent disco headache  and she recommended a bowl of the miso soup as a home remedy. I am pleased to report it worked splendidly!  Adding that to my cruising bag of tricks.

 

After lunch I took my gelato and wine back to the cabin then soaked in a lavender bubble bath and took a siesta.

 

I was awakened by the captain’s pre-departure announcement that all crew were tested for Covid in Cozumel and all were negative!

 

I’m currently chilling at the Sunset Bar drinking one of Beatriz’s muy fuerte Mai Tai’s and having a sail away happy hour snack.  We actually started to pull away from the pier but then turned around and re-docked so a passenger could be evacuated for a medical emergency.  Please join me in sending good thoughts and/or prayers for the passenger and their family.
 

I’ve been chatting with some folks who went into Cozumel today and it sounds like it was an interesting experience.  Our (mostly empty) ship was the only one in port on a Saturday.  One couple told me they went to one of the all inclusive beach clubs and there were only 4 people total there! (Of course they were treated like royalty.)

 

A lady at the pool told me that the vendors in the port shops were particularly assertive and the shop workers outnumbered the guests in port 3 to 1.

 

I’ve been to Cozumel many times and am saving my money for my port-intensive cruise next month, so I was glad I got to spend the day just enjoying the ship.

 

Soon to come: taking you back in time on evening chic night and silent disco.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GenerationX]

5 hours ago, garyl62 said:

Thanks again for investing the time into posting all your adventures, I know it takes some effort and when you're on a short cruise it can be easy to spend every minute focusing on the cruise and not Cruise Critic, so thanks for taking us all along.  

 

What date is your AK sailing?  We're on Eclipse on the July 30 trip.

Thanks Gary! We’re on the July 23rd sailing so we’ll be coming off as you go on.  I’ll actually be having my 40th birthday when we’re docked in Sitka.  Can’t think of a better way to celebrate!

[GenerationX]

Last night was one of my favorite events of every cruise: evening chic night!  Readers of my previous reviews know that I enjoy really dressing for the affair.  Sadly, due to lack of a full body mirror (yes I’m still salty about the mirror being removed), I didnt get to take a full outfit shot.

 

For dinner, Red and I went to Luminae. We each had lobster salad to start then we shared the halibut, ribeye and lamb chops.

 

The lamb chops were so good I wanted to hug the chef.  I mentioned this to our waiter, Reymond, and he actually brought the chef out so I could do so!

 

Genesis our sommelier made an excellent recommendation to pair the Shiraz with the lamb. I wanted to hug her too, but again, trying my best not to hug my way through the whole crew.

 

After dinner we hit the martini bar for cocktails and silent disco.  When I sat down at the bar and put my purse down by the lady sitting next to me, I realized just how much Celebrity is starting to attract cruisers with tastes very similar to mine.

 

Red called it a night early but I was up till 1am at the best darn party I’ve been to in 18 months!  Cruise director Sue and Alx from the entertainment team kept the party hoppin for hours.

 

I love dancing, but haven’t felt comfortable going to a crowded night club since the pandemic. I forgot how much fun it is to dance in the middle of a jumping happy crowd and knowing that everyone there was vaccinated and tested negative for Covid just a couple of days before made me feel very safe doing so.

 

After silent disco I stumbled back to my suite barefoot carrying my Jimmy Choo’s in my hand (always a sign of a good night).

 

Right now I gotta wrap my report up so I can shower and meet Red for dinner in Tuscan Grille.  

 

Pics of food and merriment below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Luckynana]

On 10/14/2021 at 4:31 PM, GenerationX said:

 

If you’re onboard, and you saw the girl in the map dress who did an arabesque leap off the gangway onto the ship and then proceeded to ugly cry while hugging all the cheering crew

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise!  I see one of the members of the cheering crew is Sue(?) CD from my last cruise pre-covid, on my Silhouette ABC cruise, November, 2019.  She's a sweetheart!

[GenerationX]

Me: [returns to room after partying at the martini bar to find a nice thick envelope from the suite concierge on the bed at turn down]

 

Ooooh! I wonder what fun treat this could be???? [opens envelope] Wait, what? Luggage tags?! I still have a whole sea day left tomorrow. Ain’t nobody got time for this!!!!

 

[Disgustedly flings lame envelope on desk to be dealt with tomorrow and consumes pillow chocolates with carefree abandon]

 

Sweet dreams everyone!

[GenerationX]

Good morning from Cafe al Bacio! Unless I hit an absurd run of luck in the casino this afternoon, it’s the last full day of my cruise 😭😭😭

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: nothing will ever top the feeling of waking up and opening my eyes in bed in the morning and having the open ocean be the first thing I see.  I’m so sad that this is the last morning it’ll happen on this cruise, but it helps knowing that I’ll be off to cruise again in 33 days, 4 hours and 56 minutes…not that I’m counting.

 

This morning Rojelio brought me room service breakfast while Red headed to Luminae to have her favorite breakfast (the egg white wrap). He must have been especially busy because he asked if he could drop off the tray rather than fully setting up the table and pouring my coffee.  That was totally fine with me. I’m perfectly capable of moving 2 plates and pouring my own coffee. Especially when someone else has already done the hard work of cooking the breakfast and is doing the dishes.

 

I’m enjoying a white chocolate mocha and once again I’m the only person sitting in the cafe…at 9:30am…on a sea day.  For the sake of the crew and their livelihoods I do hope that passenger number start going up soon. But selfishly it’s going to be really tough giving up this hyper personalized, no wait for anything ever cruising experience.

 

BTW, Captain Nik just announced during his morning address that the passenger who was medical evacuated in Cozumel yesterday is doing very well!

 

After I finish my coffee I’m going to go do some shopping and hit the ATM for tipping cash then spend the rest of the morning at the pool.

 

After lunch, the plan is to use my casino credit from the drinks and more package to try and find a loose slot machine.

 

Tonight for dinner I’m signed up for the 7-course veuve clicquot champagne pairing dinner. Then I plan to try and catch the theatre show followed by the 80’s party.

 

Coming soon: scenes from Red and I’s GLORIOUS return to Tuscan Grille last night and details on the new martini I discovered that is responsible for me chugging all the water in my mini fridge this morning.
 

 

 

 

 

[tompeter]

Wonderful reports! Thanks for sharing...

[GenerationX]

For the non-shoppers following, please feel free to skip this post…

 

I just finished spending some OBC at the last day sale in the shops onboard.

 

It turned out I didn’t spend as much as I planned thanks to the deals on offer (first world problems). 

 

I wear a lot of blingy costume jewelry in the evenings (because I’m notorious for losing earrings and bracelets here and there over the course of a good party) and I don’t like to spend a lot of money on it. I mean, I’m not  going to be crying over a lost earring if I paid less than $20 for the pair.  For safety reasons I also don’t travel with my expensive jewelry and the costume stuff let’s me look a little glam without stressing about having the Heart of the Ocean sitting in my safe.

 

Today the shops had tons of jewelry box sets marked down to US$1.49.  They also had Kate Spade handbags and Chico’s apparel for 30-50% off.  I stocked up on 3 shopping bags full of new jewelry for my cruise next month for $20 and got what would normally be a $100 Chico’s pool cover up for $29.50.  I also got a Lady Citizen watch with Swarovski Crystals for a Christmas gift for a dear relative for almost 40% less than what it’s listed at on the Citizen website.
 

Since it’s my first time on Summit I of course also had to purchase a Summit ornament to add to the collection for this year’s travel Christmas tree.

 

My friend Rendy from the martini bar is working the pool bar this morning and just made me a post-retail therapy Miami Vice.

 

So far it’s a good day at sea!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[raudacruise]

Your reviews are such fun to follow! Love your energy and joy. Looking forward to your Equinox review (with the full-length mirror) so I’ll see your wardrobe too. That map dress is amazing.

 

Fully expecting to burst into tears when I board Silhouette in March for my return to cruising.

[prbffd28]

Hello from Maine, we've been following your thread and all I can say is I wish we were there with you, you know how to party and live life!! We were on Summit in August for our honeymoon and Beatriz, Derwin, and Agus kept us well lubricated, wonderful people. We stay in contact with Beatriz so I told her we were following your thread!! Enjoy what time you have left onboard and please tell Beatriz Joanne and Perry say Hi!!

[hasentreelake]

The 7-course veuve clicquot champagne pairing dinner... Do tell how this went - sounds outstanding

 

[GenerationX]

This afternoon was a case study in the little ways that the crew are going above and beyond as far as the service experience onboard right now.

 

While I was chilling at the pool bar, Kristina from the entertainment team came over to chat with me about how my cruise was going and suggested I try Ari’s Bellini.  It was so good I ordered a second one, but then I looked at the time and realized I should probably get some lunch lest I fall over tipsy.  I said to myself “I’ll head to lunch as soon as I finish this cocktail.”  The problem (which really was really a non-problem) turned out to be that every time my champagne flute got to a 1/4 full, Ari was already putting a fresh one in front of me.

 

After the third time it hqppened, I decided to step away from the pool bar (novel concept) and finish my cocktail as I walked towards the buffet. The remodeled OVC is clean and fresh looking and the layout is easy for making a scoping lap before deciding on your meal.  Other guests on the pool deck had been raving about the fish and chips so I decided to have that and then followed my nose towards the intoxicating scent of curry for some chicken biryani and curry chicken.  I thought both could’ve used a little heat, but I understand the chefs are cooking for Americans’ tender palates and trying to make food that’s still enjoyable to consume when it’s 90 degrees F outside.

 

As others have mentioned in their reviews the OVC staff now makes your plate for you. This was VERY reassuring to me given that when I came in I saw at least one semi-intoxicated couple intentionally sneak past the attendant to get in without bothering to use sanitizer or wash their hands at the now provided sinks.  At first I gave them benefit of the doubt that maybe they were just going to another part of the ship and cutting through the buffet to get there but a few minutes later I saw them sat down devouring pizza and nachos with said bare, unwashed hands. I have no words…

 

Anyway, when I got my Indian food, I already had a plate of fish and chips and a silverware roll in my hands. I told the server at the Indian station I was by myself and didn’t have extra hands so I’d just go find a table and put my fish down and then come back, but she said “oh no, here miss you don’t need to leave your food, I’ll carry this for you” and had another attendant nearby cover her station while she made my Indian plate and then carried it for me out to find a seat!

 

I decided to sit outside at the sunset bar with bartenders Beatriz and Mark and admire the wake while I ate.  Beatriz remembered me from the day before and greeted me with a big smile and poured me a glass of Chandon and an ice water and kept both full without me even having to ask.

 

As I was finishing lunch, a waiter came by the bar with a tray of beautiful bright purple fruit I’d never seen before.  Beatriz and Mark told me it was fresh dragon fruit and that it's a staple in the Philippines where they both call home.  I said in passing that I’d have to go get some later to try for dessert and Mark told me I was to do no such thing, that I should relax enjoy my lunch and he would run into the buffet and get me some!  The fruit was very mild and light yet sweet.  Mark told me that some Filipino women believe eating it is very good for the skin and has  anti-aging benefits (yes please!)  Just be careful eating it if you’re in light colored clothes.  Beatriz warned that the dark purple juice can be a tough stain to get out.

 

After lunch I read by the pool a while longer then met Red for tea sandwiches in the retreat lounge then we went to the casino.  The slots were pretty stingy but I finally found one that let me have some actual fun for a couple of hours with my casino credit.  The retreat lounge was very quiet so Daniel, our retreat bartender, came out to the casino (which isn’t far from the retreat lounge) to check on Red and I regularly and bring us retreat cocktails.

 

When I got back to the room I decided it was time to face the inevitable and read the disembarkation letter from the suite concierge.  It looks like we don’t have to put our luggage out until 7am tomorrow!  This is so nice compared to all my previous cruises where bags have to be packed and set out the night before.  No strategizing about which toiletries and clothes I can do without between dinner and the airport the next day! I’m not sure though if this is a new permanent perk of the retreat or just a nice advantage due to so few passengers (and so little luggage) right now.

 

I  took a nice power nap and then it was as time to get dressed for the champagne pairing dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 18, 2021 by GenerationX

[Cruise a holic]

On 10/12/2021 at 8:36 PM, miched said:

If you sail in suites it is of no value.   You already get a better version of priority tendering.   The priority tendering is a joke as sometimes 75% of the passengers are at least Elite.
 

Basically sailing in suites the only real perk of being Elite is the laundry, and another’s the  breakfast option of the morning Elite breakfast  break.    
 

If you get a suite with no perks the cocktail HH could be  a plus but it isn’t really required as you can get more of a variety in the Retreat Lounge all day long 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

We enjoy the suite lounge aka Michael's club and the suite deck.  We have spent many hours on both.  Lumanie is also so much better and more comfortable then the MDR.  Many great suite perks- and the extra room is great- solo or with a partner.

[Cruise a holic]

On 10/14/2021 at 7:25 AM, GenerationX said:

Hi!  This is my first time using this hotel for pre-cruise, but I’ve been happy with it.  The rooms are clean and modern and the on-site restaurant is pretty good. It’s not too far from some good shopping and dinning options (in fact, it’s a good thing I didn’t take my full wallet with me to dinner last night or I may have blown my onboard spending budget at Saks).  I’ll report back on how long the ride takes this morning, but it looks like a relatively short trip to the port.

 

The only downsides I can see are that they don’t offer a cruise port shuttle (if you usually take advantage of that feature) and the lobby and front driveway of the hotel are both relatively small. I don’t think that’s a big deal right now with the low occupancy but when the world gets back to normal I could see the place being a real cluster in the mornings when loads of people are trying to check out and/or get to their ships.

We dislike cruise shuttles.  Rather uber.  Who needs other people that might be going to different ships also during covid times.

[GenerationX]

Ugh…good morning from the two saddest  ladies in the AmEx Centurion lounge at MIA. 

 

After one last breakfast in Luminae this morning and hugs from cruise director Sue we went to the suite lounge where Connie escorted Red and I as literally the last passengers off the ship. I came full circle: I cried on the way on the ship and I cried the whole way off. And then again in the Uber watching Summit shrink in the rear view.

 

While I wait for my flight to board, I’ll be working on a few catch up reports and my final thoughts on my return to cruising.

 

In the meantime, I’ve already started counting down to my next cruises:

 

-Equinox solo to the ABC Islands next month

 

-Eclipse to Alaska with hubby in July 2022

 

-And the bucket list biggie (drum roll please):  Galapagos with hubby on Flora in January 2023 🙌🏾

 

It’s so good to be back!

 

[twins_to_alaska]

Sorry it's over but at least you have another cruise soon.

Curious, how late did you get off?

[ETHTrader]

1 hour ago, GenerationX said:

Ugh…good morning from the two saddest  ladies in the AmEx Centurion lounge at MIA. 

 

Sorry to hear that your trip has ended but you only have to wait another month for another sailing!

 

How is the Amex Centurion Lounge at Miami? Haven't been there since pre-pandemic. Still crowded? i know they expanded the lounge space since the inception.

[GenerationX]

57 minutes ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Sorry it's over but at least you have another cruise soon.

Curious, how late did you get off?

Thank you! We got off at 9am, Connie said that’s fairly standard for when they call all ashore.  We had to be out of our staterooms by 8, so we had an early breakfast and then hung out in the retreat lounge.

[davekathy]

23 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Thank you! We got off at 9am, Connie said that’s fairly standard for when they call all ashore.  We had to be out of our staterooms by 8, so we had an early breakfast and then hung out in the retreat lounge.

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise. 🥂