Jim_Iain - Summit Live Post B3B Greenland / Iceland / Canada Aug 7, 19 and 31, 2022

[6986]

On 8/6/2022 at 4:57 PM, Jim_Iain said:

We arrived Penn Station.  Then headed to Time Square. Ok we are being tourists today. 
 

 

 

Empire State Building. 

Hope to see Iain and meet you next time you are in NYC! Looking forward to reading your report, I’m way behind. 

 

[PinkSandGirl]

Hi!   I am enjoying your review.   Thank you!

 

Continue having a wonderful time. 😃

 

🍹

 

 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

A church in Oslo flying the Rainbow 😁

[poffles]

13 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

We had a fun day.    I planned to go to Georges Island today.     Unfortunately it is only open on weekends.   I could probably swim across from the ship in 10 minutes but......

 

They have harbour swims each year to raise money but it isn't the swim distance I would worry about, it's what is funneled into the water (and it's man made if you catch my drift 😉 )

[poffles]

12 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

We next went into town and just walked around. 
 

Iain being a Johnston had to pout out his building 

 

 

It's all government offices in there now.  That's a meeting room behind those windows.  I used to work in that building until they relocated my team.

Edited August 30, 2022 by poffles

[poffles]

12 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

And back to the ship. 
 

 

Looks like she's been waiting a while 😁

 

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, poffles said:

 

It's all government offices in there now.  That's a meeting room behind those windows.  I used to work in that building until they relocated my team.

 

I noticed that whole couple of blocks were under construction.   The practice of Facadomy is in full force -  (the practice of maintaining the historic face of buildings while building new buildings behind the facad).    It really has maintained the original look of the ship.

 

I would have never known it was a government building.

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, poffles said:

 

Looks like she's been waiting a while 😁

 

 

All too true.   The plaque behind is dedicated to Ruth GoldNume (think that's her last name) who escaped *** Germany with only her suitcase and came to Halifax to find acceptance and  survival.

[gold1953]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

All too true.   The plaque behind is dedicated to Ruth GoldNume (think that's her last name) who escaped *** Germany with only her suitcase and came to Halifax to find acceptance and  survival.

Ruth Goldbloom was a Canadian philanthropist who co-founded the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

 Also fundraising chair for our childrens hospital... and many other things!!

 She came for the pale settlement of the Russian Empire with her parents and grandparents

[NBliving]

21 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Our waiter, Andy, on this cruise has been with Celebrity for 23 years.   We have often reminisced about the Good Old Days.    Remember the display tray of deserts?

 

 

We sailed on the Summit in 2018 and had the greatest waiter, Marcelino.  He played the guitar and would serenade his tables! Then for the grand entrance of lobster night he would also be in line playing!  He made our dinners truly memorable.  Along with a woman taking selfies of herself all through dinner at the next table! lol

[Jim_Iain]

4 hours ago, gold1953 said:

Ruth Goldbloom was a Canadian philanthropist who co-founded the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia

 Also fundraising chair for our childrens hospital... and many other things!!

 She came for the pale settlement of the Russian Empire with her parents and grandparents

Thanks for the information.   I really didn't read in detail

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, NBliving said:

We sailed on the Summit in 2018 and had the greatest waiter, Marcelino.  He played the guitar and would serenade his tables! Then for the grand entrance of lobster night he would also be in line playing!  He made our dinners truly memorable.  Along with a woman taking selfies of herself all through dinner at the next table! lol

It's incredible how some of the wonderful crew can give you a memorable cruise we will never forget.

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

Just now, Jim_Iain said:

It's incredible how some of the wonderful crew can give you a memorable cruise we will never forget.

 

 

Absolutely.  In August of 21, we were on the Summit out of St. Maartin.  The crew was so wonderful that we went back in November specifically for them.

[Jim_Iain]

Today has been a quiet day at sea.    We had our B2B tests this morning and the documentation officer said the B2B's are now 40.    We evidently  tested negative as no security at our door and no call   Out of  caution I tested after getting back to our room and we both are negative.

 

After breakfast we did our walks.   Beautiful out but windy.    After lunch we took a nap and just finished packing up all our loose items to prepare to change rooms.   I also stopped by the front deck to withdrawal our refundable OBC. 

 

Currently the fog is so thick I can't see the water from our room. 

[Jim_Iain]

[Oville]

27 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Looks like a nice day in Beantown for you.

[Schmoe38]

Jim

 

Did you say Alexandra was in the Retreat Lounge for your sailing? If so, could you ask if she is on board for the October 15/22 sailing?

 

If she is there, ask her to make you her famous “Brandy Alexandra.”  It will be a fitting part of your amazing cruise(s).

 

Randy

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

As we approach the end of our third segment I thought I would give a summary of our experience on Summit.

 

Ships Condition -   Summit is showing her age with quite a bit of rust but they are busy daily painting and keep her looking fresh.  You do notice broken things around the ship and she could probably use a drydock.

 

SkySuite -   The rooms are comfortable and well appointed.  Plenty of storage room.   We removed all of the Kelly Hoppen kitch the day we moved into the room.  Personal opinion she has a nice design style but has so many misses she should be forbidden from ever working on the design of a cruise ship again.   Major failures - removal of cocktail tales, stools at the end of the bed which are useless for anything other than banging you knee on,   A mirror over the desk over the desk too high for anyone to use while sitting down, a chair for the desk with arms so high it can't be put under the desk or prevent getting close enough to use the desk.

 

Luminae -   We have commented numerous times that we have had the best food of any cruise we've taken.  They fish has been excellent and perfectly cooked.  The staff are well matched and provide an almost seamless dining experience.   While not terrible the Sommelier, Michael has been a bit of a disappointment.  He just has not met the normal standards of Luminae and when you have only one in the dining room it's noticeable.

 

Theater -  we do not attend the shows as we have seen them so many times and the risk of infection is just not worth the trouble.

 

Retreat Lounge - Excellent - Excellent - Excellent.    Mar is a super star.   Lyle who was a concierge in training came on full time and has come up to speed.   I really believe he has potential.  Cecilia the bar tender is a real delight and very attentive.    We have eaten breakfast there every day and find the continental perfect for our breakfast needs.   Often when we had a late tour we had Tea in the retreat which is laid out nicely.    We have done all of our drinks there an have only occasionally visited other bars.

 

Officer's and Senior Staff -   The Captain and Senior Staff have almost never been seen in the past month.   When they are our they aren't engaging and probably the least friendly staff we have ever noticed.   No big issue but different from ships where the Captain is out and about welcoming the guests.  

 

al Bacio -   Fantastic as always and the pastries are ever present.

 

Main Dining Room -   We have occasionally had lunch in MDR.   All stations except carving station and grill are self service.   I had the fresh cooked chicken one day and it was like chewing on dry cardboard.   Iain usually enjoys just crusty bread and cheese -  the normal cheese selection is VERY LIMITED -  only Cheddar, Jack and a white cheese.   None of the soft cheese, blue cheeses etc.    It's not like they aren't on board as they have them in Retreat daily. 

Salad bar was excellent.   

 

Ice Cream -   very disappointing -  Generally on Vanilla, Chocolate and Straberry with both regular and sugarless.   None of the specials like Rocky Road, Butter Pecan etc etc.   Also the Soft Serve has been broken for the past month.      The regular ice cream is very soft and softer than the regular soft serve.

 

Casino -  Very active and masks are required at all times if sitting down.

 

Staffing -  Many new staff that are learning on the job.   Short staff in many areas which cause longer than normal wait times.   I believe this will be getting worse rather than better as many of the staff will be ending contracts between now and 9/11 end of Cruise #3.  Hear that on next cruise the Butlers may be down to just to handle all the suites.  

 

I'm sure our experience my not the same as others and I respect each of your experience.  

[Oville]

11 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

As we approach the end of our third segment I thought I would give a summary of our experience on Summit.

 

Ships Condition -   Summit is showing her age with quite a bit of rust but they are busy daily painting and keep her looking fresh.  You do notice broken things around the ship and she could probably use a drydock.

 

SkySuite -   The rooms are comfortable and well appointed.  Plenty of storage room.   We removed all of the Kelly Hoppen kitch the day we moved into the room.  Personal opinion she has a nice design style but has so many misses she should be forbidden from ever working on the design of a cruise ship again.   Major failures - removal of cocktail tales, stools at the end of the bed which are useless for anything other than banging you knee on,   A mirror over the desk over the desk too high for anyone to use while sitting down, a chair for the desk with arms so high it can't be put under the desk or prevent getting close enough to use the desk.

 

Luminae -   We have commented numerous times that we have had the best food of any cruise we've taken.  They fish has been excellent and perfectly cooked.  The staff are well matched and provide an almost seamless dining experience.   While not terrible the Sommelier, Michael has been a bit of a disappointment.  He just has not met the normal standards of Luminae and when you have only one in the dining room it's noticeable.

 

Theater -  we do not attend the shows as we have seen them so many times and the risk of infection is just not worth the trouble.

 

Retreat Lounge - Excellent - Excellent - Excellent.    Mar is a super star.   Lyle who was a concierge in training came on full time and has come up to speed.   I really believe he has potential.  Cecilia the bar tender is a real delight and very attentive.    We have eaten breakfast there every day and find the continental perfect for our breakfast needs.   Often when we had a late tour we had Tea in the retreat which is laid out nicely.    We have done all of our drinks there an have only occasionally visited other bars.

 

Officer's and Senior Staff -   The Captain and Senior Staff have almost never been seen in the past month.   When they are our they aren't engaging and probably the least friendly staff we have ever noticed.   No big issue but different from ships where the Captain is out and about welcoming the guests.  

 

al Bacio -   Fantastic as always and the pastries are ever present.

 

Main Dining Room -   We have occasionally had lunch in MDR.   All stations except carving station and grill are self service.   I had the fresh cooked chicken one day and it was like chewing on dry cardboard.   Iain usually enjoys just crusty bread and cheese -  the normal cheese selection is VERY LIMITED -  only Cheddar, Jack and a white cheese.   None of the soft cheese, blue cheeses etc.    It's not like they aren't on board as they have them in Retreat daily. 

Salad bar was excellent.   

 

Ice Cream -   very disappointing -  Generally on Vanilla, Chocolate and Straberry with both regular and sugarless.   None of the specials like Rocky Road, Butter Pecan etc etc.   Also the Soft Serve has been broken for the past month.      The regular ice cream is very soft and softer than the regular soft serve.

 

Casino -  Very active and masks are required at all times if sitting down.

 

Staffing -  Many new staff that are learning on the job.   Short staff in many areas which cause longer than normal wait times.   I believe this will be getting worse rather than better as many of the staff will be ending contracts between now and 9/11 end of Cruise #3.  Hear that on next cruise the Butlers may be down to just to handle all the suites.  

 

I'm sure our experience my not the same as others and I respect each of your experience.  

Great review.

Did I miss a segment, I thought you were approaching the end of your second.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, thanks so much for taking us along.  Katie

[Rcknjrod5763]

On 8/27/2022 at 1:34 PM, AstoriaPreppy said:

Hi! This is Jared from JJ Cruise. Just wanted to clear some things up. My mom is disabled and can’t take these long cruises. I wanted to to show her a site she won’t be able to see live (at least without some medical miracles to help her). So I did FaceTime her for a few minutes while outside at the sunset bar to show her the beauty of Greenland. Never once was I asked to quiet down or stop being on FaceTime. In fact, 5 other people went on FaceTime after realizing this beauty could be shared with their loved ones in real time as well. 
 

I am sorry that you were offended but the comment you mentioned really comes across to me as you may be the entitled one. It sounds to me like you may be the Entitled one to having this moment only for your self and not sharing with others. I understand that if you were inside in a library how my joy with my mom could affect you, but we were outside with many other people doing the same thing as I was with their loved ones. 
 

So I am sorry that I offended you. However, I am really glad I shared that moment with my mom. I hope you understand but if not, it’s okay.

Hope you enjoyed your cruise! 🥳

On 8/27/2022 at 1:34 PM, AstoriaPreppy said:

 

This whole conversation is hilarious to me. We were on the last sailing, and JJ repeatedly had ear-splitting FaceTime chats in public spaces with their friends and family (no headphones), then dismissed other passengers who asked them to turn it down. The sense of entitlement was over the top.

 

There's nothing like transiting spectacular fjords in Greenland while another passenger decides he's going to chat to his mom over FaceTime on speakerphone from the Sunset Bar with the volume turned up to 11 and then roll their eyes at other guests... when do we get that video? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

 

 

[abbydancer2003]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

As we approach the end of our third segment I thought I would give a summary of our experience on Summit.

 

 

 

SkySuite -   The rooms are comfortable and well appointed.  Plenty of storage room.   We removed all of the Kelly Hoppen kitch the day we moved into the room.  Personal opinion she has a nice design style but has so many misses she should be forbidden from ever working on the design of a cruise ship again.   Major failures - removal of cocktail tales, stools at the end of the bed which are useless for anything other than banging you knee on,   A mirror over the desk over the desk too high for anyone to use while sitting down, a chair for the desk with arms so high it can't be put under the desk or prevent getting close enough to use the desk.

 

 

I noticed much the same, and did the same about removing the tshatshkes.  On the second cruise we might have switched the desk chair with the balcony chair since on the first cruise, the second bed (with sister so separated) was next to the desk and we couldn't get around the chair.  On the second cruise the nightstand was next to the desk so we had a bit more room.   Still not at all practical.

 

I assume the bathtubs were very high before the revolution.

[RichYak]

2 hours ago, Schmoe38 said:

Jim

 

Did you say Alexandra was in the Retreat Lounge for your sailing? If so, could you ask if she is on board for the October 15/22 sailing?

 

If she is there, ask her to make you her famous “Brandy Alexandra.”  It will be a fitting part of your amazing cruise(s).

 

Randy

 

 

Last I heard, she is no longer with Celebrity.

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, Schmoe38 said:

Jim

 

Did you say Alexandra was in the Retreat Lounge for your sailing? If so, could you ask if she is on board for the October 15/22 sailing?

 

If she is there, ask her to make you her famous “Brandy Alexandra.”  It will be a fitting part of your amazing cruise(s).

 

Randy

 

 

No.  She was on last time we were on Summit.  The bartender is Cecelia.   Really good and great personality.  

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, Oville said:

Great review.

Did I miss a segment, I thought you were approaching the end of your second.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, thanks so much for taking us along.  Katie

Thanks Katie.  
 

The next cruise will be fun for me.  Many of the ports I last saw when I was around 12.  

[Jim_Iain]

59 minutes ago, abbydancer said:

I noticed much the same, and did the same about removing the tshatshkes.  On the second cruise we might have switched the desk chair with the balcony chair since on the first cruise, the second bed (with sister so separated) was next to the desk and we couldn't get around the chair.  On the second cruise the nightstand was next to the desk so we had a bit more room.   Still not at all practical.

 

I assume the bathtubs were very high before the revolution.

Yes the bathtub was same height before revolution.   It is high but the one in CS is about 2-3 inches higher.   At 6foot I find it challenging as there is nothing except glass panel to hold onto.