spunke

We are considering the Zaandam in August for our anniversary.  Typically, we cruise to the caribbean so this would be our first cruise to this area.  Can anyone who has been on this typee of curse chime in with their thoughts?  We are looking for some cooler weather in the summer but would like to know what are the big drawers to Bar Harbor, Halifax and Charlottetown ??  Are they just small fishing towns to explore or are they small beaches and summer things to do as well?

Thank you

We will be on the Enchantment and have a Jr Suite. What is the main difference between the Bungleows or the Cabana's?? We would like direct beach access and some breeze along with some privacy. RCCL customers service is reeling us that the Cabana's are better and closer to the water with direct access on South Beach?? Not what I am reading

Please advise

Yes - Michael's club is the bar with all the great craft beers- not sure if you could still order them in another bar?

Thank you for the Princess comment- it has been 10 years since we have been on Princess- were looking at them for next year.

Good points all

My wife and I passed Michael's club many times and it was empty as well! They didn't even put the OSU/Oregon game on the the TV in the bar? Crazy under utilization

Lsimon- Can't speak to the Deluxe cabins in the past because we were in C2-3 that last 3 times on the Summit- What I can tell you is that the menus are vastly different from 2A to C3. We did call and request the different menu and were told "we didn't pay to have that menu" Like I mentioned -we didn't want the smoothies or eggs with asparagus - just normal items like make your own omelet , fired eggs to order, pancakes, french toast, multi grain toast etc are All on the C3 menu and are Not on the Deluxe veranda menu. The menu number for the Deluxe veranda end in "27" and the C3 end in "28". If at all possible you would want the 28 menu. They did end up bring it to us for the last few nights after we requested. I never thought of writing it in- that is a good idea.

I think the bigger issue I have is what i mentioned- these items are not high society breakfast items that we couldn't order in the past? My wife and I order made to order omelets to our inside cabin on the Galaxy several years back. I really think had Celebrity conducted business like this in the past they would not have earned our patronage like they have. I think these crazy delineation are a mistake. Again, Suite guest and Aqua class can have better amenities and special dinning areas but lets have a base of "Modern Luxury" offered to all guests. At least thats my thoughts

This was our 4th cruise on the Summit and 9th Celebrity overall. We typically love Celebrity and cruise with them when we can. We have also enjoyed Princess, RCCL and NCL as well.

This time we decided to forgo the concierge class and get a Deluxe 2A cabin with a deeper veranda (7177) the Veranda was at least 2' deeper then 7200 last year. While we did have a great veranda the cabin itself was a bit smaller - celebrity says 20sf and you really feel the difference. While we were prepared for this we weren't prepared for the scaled down room service menu for breakfast. We abhor the breakfast buffet and all the crowds and have always enjoyed the hot room service breakfast on the veranda. Well- Celebrity has certainly changed what you can and can't order if you are not in a concierge cabin. The choices are very limited and I am not speaking about the higher level items but the basic breakfast items that most people choose. The egg options are processed scrambled eggs or plain omelet?? Who eats a plain omelet ? no pancakes or french toast and many other things like fried eggs are missing as well?? I really don't think it would take Celebrity all that more cost or time to add back a few normal items to round out the menu. I think it is a case of "class status" - I realize that they want to make more money on a C1-3 cabin or a Aqua class cabins but this is a bit crazy. To my knowledge - you can order a full hot breakfast on both Hal. and Princess(we did last time while on)? Please feel free to correct me those who know better. What I can say is that I remember a time that Celebrity would spoil you with service and kindness no mater what stateroom you are in- Those days are gone. I still like Celebrity and we had a great time on our trip. However, I do think that this is a situation that really warrants some change on their behalf. I think it is fine to offer upgraded items to Suite and Aqua class but normal menu items should be available to everyone. One other issue is way they restrict some of the bars for the higher cabins?? Michael's Club- one of the best bars on the ship could only be used for Suite cabins?? It was not that way last year (Jan 2014 cruise) and had some great talented singers set up there throughout the night. Again- I really think this is a mistake and was never the way Celebrity built their following in the past. Those of you who might agree with me might want to speak up as well.

We will be on the Summit next week. This will be our 4th time on her over the last 5 years. Like you; we pick the week and head out.

Can you comment on the Lost Boys any further? Did they play current cover music or original stuff? Last year there was a guitarist from Texas and he was lights out fantastic they had to move the venue twice to accommodate the crowd.

We love live acoustic music and appall the dancing shows- probably have seen too many while at sea.

Thank you again

Can you tell us about the lounge per- dinner music options? Last year we were on the Summit and they have a guitarist from Texas. He packed the house and was amazing. We depart Jan 10h on her again and I can't seem to find any information on the current offerings?

Thank you

We will be on the island for one day and I assume many other ships as well. We thought about renting a car but were concerned about finding parking spots. What is the best and timely way to get to the French side while in port.

Can you comment on the live pre-dinner music options?

Is there a piano or guitar player to listen to??

Can you remember if there any live music before or after dinner?

If so- your thoughts?

We are heading out on the Summit Jan 10th (this is our 4 time on her)

Last year we had a fabulous cruise and the music/ guitar player from Texas was amazing. He packed the house at every set throughout the week. Does anyone know what the music options are for the Dec/January on the Summit?

Thank you

Yes- he should be there through April of this year.

He was most definetly the icing on the cake

You will have a blast- sadly we are back to work now- but is was a great week away

There are times he plays at the Coffee bar with the pianist but other times he is down in Michael bar- a great place with an expansive beer menu

Correction- the second night is St Croix- but that is the formal night sorry

The second day- St Kitts and the Sea day on Thursday- We are done with formal nights

I hate taking all the extra clothes!!

We are just off the Summit and it was our third time on the ship- I see no evidence of cut backs in food, presentation or service on Celebrity from my experience. I was concerned as well with the post before we left.

Yes- the Food stand and beer station is great and will bring it to your chair on the beach!!

It is really a beautiful beach and location with a great view- I hope they all work things out- lots of upside

We were on your last week sailing- Have never done a B2B but have thought about it

We loved our trip and had a great time on the Summit- Are you sick of the food or the islands? Are there any other perks for doing a B2B??

Please tell Justin Wade he is awesome !! Hope your weather this week is as good as last!!

Jealous!!!

I agree- We were thinking of going on the Reflection this past week but I really didn't want to do 2 consecutive days at sea- Im sure the ship is beautiful but I like the size of the Summit- very manageable

They are and I had them twice- they are great.

I started another thread for the review that should end up under members reviews- I copied it to the thread. In it I wrote about the islands and what we did. If you haven snorkeled at Buck Island it is worth the trip. Also St John's trunk bay- but it will be crowded

Loved PR- you will have a blast and Justin Wade will still be on the ship.

Cant say enough how the Summit exceeded our expectations!!

Copy of my review- wasn't sure if I needed to start another thread??

We have just returned from our last Celebrity cruise and neither of us can imagine how it could have been any better!

This was our 8th Celebrity cruise and the 3rd on the Summit. We have cruised with other lines, but have always thought Celebrity does it just a little better. Our last Summit cruise was just before her dry dock in 2012. We both really liked the changes they have made and as always the staff was great.

Embarkation- Flew into SJU on Friday Jan 3rd- some delays but was able to avoid most of the bad weather, that had many passages not getting to the ship until St. Croix. We spent the night and the entire next day in Old San Juan- we love the feel of old San Juan and didn't board the ship until 5 on Saturday. As a result- we walk to our room (7200) and our bags were there within the hour. We chose a concierge C3 cabin - mostly based on the location. This was our third Concierge type room- can't really say it is worth the up charge if the locations isn't right for you.

We choose Selet dinner because we like to be leisurely and have a table for two. We made reservations each night and were able to stay at the same table (433) and with the same waiter staff. With so many complaints about people not happy with Select we were nervous - Rosemary took great care of us each night.

Food- We don't necessarily cruise for the food- but we do like to have nice meals at night and want an atmosphere of elegance. Here is where Celebrity rises above the rest. The food is always good and is great at times. The Main dinning room has great food and service. We typically follow the waiters recommendations but always have 3 meals to share. This time we were very pleased with the food and preparation. The lamb shank is to die for!! but rest of the meals where great as well. The Cosmopolitan restaurant is always a great experience and the lighting , background music and service has a flare of elegance. Last year we sailed on the Carnival Legend- I really don't want this to be a Carnival bashing but there food and experience in the main dinning room on Celebrity in heads and shoulders above. We had a great time on the Legend but it wasn't up to Celebrity caliber.

Bistro on five- we typically will eat in a fee based restaurant once on the cruise- We ate at the Bistro - twice!! It is only $5 pp and it is very much worth it. The Crepes are amazing and we had the place to ourselves.

Qsine- Ate there once- it was a great experience, it was offered at a discounted price. The presentation was very interesting and the food was great- but there is a lot to eat to be prepared!!

Breakfast we ate in the room- we love being able to have eggs and hot item delivered to the room. This was another issue we had with Carnival- only continental to the room. On the Summit- if you put down 9am it was there hot at 9am. We always tip the room server cash- maybe that helps??

Buffet- We hate buffets!! Having said that - the lunches on the Summit were great. They offer a lot and it is always very fresh.

Enough about he food- the Ship is in great shape and there were always cleaning and doing some type of maintenance on board. The staff were always smiling and inquiring about our experience and if we were enjoying ourselves. That was very nice and I have to say it goes a long way to show that they really want you to have a good time. One note on Captains Club-We are select members and I have to say there didn't seem to be much in way of extras offered?? Maybe we just missed them if they were there. We met a lot of really great people on board. Typically we do our own thing but this past week we were able to connect with some great people everywhere and it was a lot of fun. I also learned a very important life lesson- Don't try to drink beer with a Canadian!! You may hurt yourself!!!! Gordon- your the man

They say experts do the little things well- Here is were Celebrity rises above the rest; when you are heading back to the ship and its hot and you have been in the sun all day- they meet you with a ice cold towel and cold water/punch at the pier. Its a small thing but no others (in my experience) have don that. The service on the ship, everywhere, coffee bar, wine bar, buffet, was all over the top great. We might have waited for a beer during a busy rush but when it came it was cold and we were not forgotten. Crowdedness- The ship sailed full but we never felt it was crowded?? There was always a little space we could find to be alone or a seat to find in the pool, bars, etc.

Entertainment-

We have seen our fair share of cruse boat singing and dancing productions- we typically avoid most of that and do our own thing. However- we did really enjoy Justin Wade the guitarist on the ship. We both think he is the very best musical talent on a cruse ship that we have seen in 17 cruises! His voice is amazing and he did 3 sets each night. A few times his girlfriend ( one of the singers on board) would close with him and it was amazing. We became groupies in a week. Justin is not to be missed if you like acoustic type music.

Islands-

St Croix- Relaxed on the ship and walked around town a bit. We really don't care for St. Croix, this was out third time there and it is just Okay for us.

St. Kitts- Took a taxi to Cockelshell beach for the day. It was great and the island is beautiful If you haven't seen it- the Fort is a must and is a world heritage site.

Dominica- We have been here a few times and didn't want to fight the crowds at the Falls ( they are beautiful though) We relaxed and workout in the morning and found a lone taxi to take us to the gorge in the afternoon. The Gorge is cool and the swim if fun. Although it is not a huge space and it can be crowed.

Grenada- took a water taxi to Grans Anes beach- it was a really fun day and the water/sun didn't disappoint. A note on organized excursions. We have done our fair share of cruise organized trips. I have been disappointed with the sail and snorkel as well as with the dive trips so we tend to do our own thing now. It is person preference-

St Thomas- We love St Thomas and it was another beautiful day. Went to Sapphire beach where we have stayed before. Have to say- it is not in great shape currently. The dive shop and restaurant have close unfortunately . This is a beautiful spot on the island close to Red Hook and the beach is beautiful. I really hope they can get things worked out and back to normal.

Final thoughts-

We both feel fortunate to be able to cruise for a week and escape the cold of the mid-west. We believe that you make your own fun and there really isn't a bad cruise. We have had fun on Carnival, Costa and NCL- however, we both really love Celebrity. It meets our needs with food, flare, and service each time.

If you are planning on sailing on the Summit I am confident you will have a blast. Life is too short and the great times can be hard to find. Take the person or persons you care for most and make some beautiful memories for the week. Trust me, life's issue's and concerns will be there when you return.

We just returned form our third trip aboard the Summit- and in short WOW

I will post a normal review but whited to put some quick notes up first.

This was our first time on the Summit since its refurb- We both loved the changes.

The Ship is in excellent condition and the crew were as warm and attentive as I remember.

High points-

Bistro on Five- please go it is great.

Justin Wade- Best guitar player on any cruise- fantastic

Select dinning- Table 433- same waiters and table all week with no wait- Rosemary Rocks!

Staff- all were attentive and welcoming the entire week.

Fellow passages- we meet a lot of great people and had a tremendous time

Food- Not sure where the complaints come from but as far as cruises go- I see no cut backs on food on either presentation or quality. Every meal we had either at Bistro and Select Dinning was cooked to order and very good. The Lamb Shank was especially good.

All the other little changes and improvements were great-

This was our 8th Celebrity Cruise and 17th trip overall- hard to think that they could still be surprising us but we bother remarked several times that we were both impressed.

Formal review to follow but Thank you Celebrity for a great week.

Thank you for the information. It looks like a really nice wine bar via the web-

will add it to our review once we return. We opted out of the beverage package because we thought it might not be worth the price per day.