Summit 12/11/2009 Photo Review

[cyntil8ing]

This was my husband's and my first cruise on Celebrity.

We flew into San Juan from Baltimore on Friday morning. The trip was uneventful and we were at our hotel, the Sheraton Old San Juan by 5:00. We used Priceline ($90 bid), but were informed at check-in that there was a $10 "resort fee" on top of that. The hotel was well located, but nothing special. The pool was on the roof.



The next morning, we peeked out our window and saw the Summit had arrived, along with the Serenade of the Seas. Look to the left and on the other side of the water. The Summit is furthest away.



We walked to La Bombonera for breakfast. It's been serving breakfast since 1902. It was crowded, but we had no wait for counter service where we could watch all of the action while we enjoyed our mallorcas.



And marveled at the ancient coffee pot



And the guy making the orange juice. He was a busy guy!

[cyntil8ing]

After breakfast, we strolled all over Old San Juan, out to El Morro and back through the city gates. Though it was early, it was hot!









We stopped at Señor Frogs for a drink before grabbing our luggage from the hotel and heading off to the ship at around 2:00.

[cyntil8ing]

The lines to drop off luggage were fairly long, but we were checked in and on-board within an hour. We were given a glass of champagne and shown to our room, a CC balcony, 8076.









We got one of our bags right away. The other two bags were late arriving so my husband couldn't change for dinner. I suspected it was because there was wine in them, which was later pretty much confirmed by our roll call friends, who had the same thing happen. However, we didn't call looking for them, and they were finally outside of our door when we returned from our late seating dinner.

[cyntil8ing]

One of our roll call friends, Kathy, put lots of effort into planning private excursions for our group. We tagged along for two of them and today was the first – Bernard's on St. Maarten. They picked us up at 9:00am and all fourteen or so of us piled into the nice big van. We stopped for some quick shopping and were off to Orient beach. We spent a few hours there, then a quick stop in Marigot where most everything was closed because it was Sunday, and then to Maho beach to watch the planes come in. While there, we saw a proposal. She accepted!

[cyntil8ing]

[cyntil8ing]

[cyntil8ing]

Here is the proposal





Oh no! She was running away!



But it was to show her answer



I don't know if they made a No towel just in case!

Oh, and if you want to drink for free here, there is a way



We didn't notice any takers.

[cyntil8ing]

I'm really trying to pick and choose photos here to keep this reasonable, but it's difficult!

Here are some final ones from day 2.

[cyntil8ing]

Kathy came through for us again! This time, we used bumpiing tours with Levi Baron. It was a fantastic day! We went to Titou Gorge, where we swam into the gorge in very cold water. Then, to Trafalgar Falls, where we found hot water to relax in. And finally, to Champagne Reef, where we snorkeled in the bubble. I cannot recommend this day highly enough. Now, the hardest part, to fit the photos into a reasonable number of posts.

We got an early start. We were off the ship by 7:30 to beat the crowds. It worked!



The roads were um, interesting!



But the scenery was breath-taking.



It was a short, easy hike to Titou Gorge





And here it is. Doesn't look very impressive, does it?

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We all stood in the water getting used to the cold



While our guide did it the better way



And off we went.

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Next, we were off to Trafalgar Falls.



Another short, easy hike



to the observation deck





Then a more difficult climb down to the pools



But it was worth it

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I think every Dominica tourist has this photo. I've seen it many times.



The short walk to Champagne Reef for snorkeling





Your's truly



And then finally back to the ship. I think we were all exhausted.

[cyntil8ing]

Back on board, here's the day's final shots.

[madelinerose]

Thank you for the absolutely gorgeous photos, Cindy!

[karindle]

Ditto!

[kitkat9438]

Wow Cindy, you are doing a great job. I "thought" about doing a picture review, but didn't. A picture really says a thousand words doesn't it? Can't wait to see the rest of your review. Again, awesome!!

Kathy

[Bohemian]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics, Cindy. I'll be coming back here to see more.

[cyntil8ing]

After two busy days, we were planning to just stroll around the port area and head back to the ship. Well, the port area was so busy and noisy and filled with folks wanting to take us on tours that we practically ran out of there and up a hill. We ended up at Fort George and ended up walking and walking and walking. We walked all the way down and around the entire harbor. Finally, we took a taxi back to the ship. Seeing free wi-fi in the shopping area, we grabbed the laptop to check email.

This was the only day we saw any rain. It was a passing shower lasting about 30 minutes from clouding over, to raining, to clearing, and all while we were still eating breakfast that morning. By the time we were ready to leave the ship, it was beautiful.

[cyntil8ing]

Back on board, here are the day's last shots.

The other ship is the Queen Mary 2. She was also with us in St. Maarten.

[nannyny]

FAbulous pics! can't wait for the rest.