What's to do on the Summit?

We are considering the Bermuda cruise on the Summit this summer,but heard there's not a lot to do. Please

give me something that would make me interested in sailing on her instead of the NCL Escape.

We are 2 couples with no children in tow. We like to keep busy and enjoy the evening shows & singers, any

daily games or cooking demos. Thank you for all your advice.

We are considering the Bermuda cruise on the Summit this summer,but heard there's not a lot to do. Please

give me something that would make me interested in sailing on her instead of the NCL Escape.

We are 2 couples with no children in tow. We like to keep busy and enjoy the evening shows & singers, any

daily games or cooking demos. Thank you for all your advice.

Done the Bermuda trip on the summit several times, lots to do on the ship. Trivia contests, educational seminars, the usual entertainment in the theater and lounges, They have cooking demos, wine tastings, etc.

Another thing that may matter is Celebrity does not allow smoking in the interior of the ship, we’ve been on NCL ships and in some places it’s like a chimney especially in the casino

We have done both 2 NCL Breakaway(Haven suites) and 2 Celebrity Summit(1 balcony, 1 OV) to Bermuda. We prefer the Celebrity Summit. We found the trivia to be more fun and less packed on Celebrity due to the Breakaway always doing it in the Atrium. Escape may be different. The pools are better on the Summit as well. You can take dip and still be standing. Not feel like a sardine on sea days. The shows on Celebrity were good and varied while Breakaway had really good shows Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor but having already seen them it was just ok. I am not sure if what shows are on Escape, but am sure they are great. If you are looking for more nightlife high energy dance parties and such I would say NCl is better but if you want a nice relaxing trip I go Celebrity.

We will be doing our 3rd Summit to Bermuda trip this August and for us we will take the Summit standard room over the NCL suite(we find the non suite service to be lacking on NCL for both staff and food)

Many on here especially over on the NCL board will of course disagree. I will never tell anyone not to do NCL as for many they are a better choice for them.

Either way you will have a great time and find lots to do both ships.

The Summit is great fun - especially with the premium drink package and martini bar. Haven’t been on NCL, but my 2 cruises on Celebrity have been anything but boring.

In comparing with Disney...the entertainment is obviously better on Disney, but that doesn’t make it more fun...just a different kind of fun.

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Hi All & Thank you all for your comments. Being on the Gem and Breakaway for the past 4 cruises, it's time for a change. Leaving from NY is easier for us, but willing to try something new. With the price differences, its very enticing to book the Summit and keep watching for a price drop on a Balcony. The reviews I've read are so conflicting. "nothing to do after 9pm", "over 70s crowd","only Country music"? We are between 58 & 65 and hoping there's someplace to dance the night away and have a midnight snack? 3 days in Bermuda will be the highlight (been there a few times too). Anyone else want to add to this? Happy cruising! :cool:

Done the Bermuda trip on the summit several times, lots to do on the ship. Trivia contests, educational seminars, the usual entertainment in the theater and lounges, They have cooking demos, wine tastings, etc.

 

Another thing that may matter is Celebrity does not allow smoking in the interior of the ship, we’ve been on NCL ships and in some places it’s like a chimney especially in the casino

Thank you for your advice. I agree about the smoking on NCL. They even have a smoking lounge by the pools and we know

there is no smoking on the balconies but it happens.

We just got off the Summit on Sunday, and there was so much to do that we couldn't even get to everything we wanted!

There are usually 4 trivia type games each day, and then the shows at night. There is music in most of the venues at some points during the day/evening, and there are games both inside and outside.

There is also the new outdoor movie screen on deck 12, and there are comfy couches up there. There were a couple of movies a day - and we only got to see one since there were so many other things to do.

With Celebrity, the beverage pkg perk is free. With NCL they give you the free perk and then charge extra for gratuities. Also hated how the Escape wanted to push you into specialty dining. Service in the MDR was under staffed and poor quality. Nothing like Celebrity. A lot of activities had an up charge on Escape too.

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We were on the Summit last summer and are thinking of booking again soon. Something that's a lot of fun is the Silent Disco!! We did find overall a quieter vibe than Norwegian, but good shows and great food, staff and service so we really enjoyed.

We have been on both the Escape and the Summit. We enjoyed both ships but they are different. You did not give your ages and that could make a difference.

The Summit is a very clean well run smaller shop. The food is good and the pool is not over crowded. They have activities during the day. I would say the shows were just ok. If you get drink deal included with fare that is a big plus. They have very good bars. For dining you don’t have a lot of choices besides MDR or food court.

The Escape is much larger. It has many speciality donning options but you need to pay for most of them. The shows were pretty good. Loved the waterfront walk on both sides of the ship. Lots of bars and dining with outdoor seating. If you are a sun person the Escape a plenty of deck space and chairs but the H2O area in the rear is easier to get chairs. The pool is small and very crowded on sea days. If you drink buy the drink and 3 speciality dinners to have max fun. NCL does charge you the tips on this but include a lot. Also if you are younger the Escape has the massive ropes challenge area and slides.

I think both ships are great options for Bermuda. I might go for the best deal.

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We were on the Summit last summer to Bermuda, and have another Bermuda cruise booked for this summer. To each their own, but we have found plenty to do on the Summit. There's usually a late night crowd with dancing in Revelations on deck 11, and maybe the Rendezvous on deck 4. We love the Martini Bar on 4 too. We go to the show every night regardless of what it is (comedian, magician, musical, or variety) and are always entertained - but some are better than others. There's always the casino, even just to watch. We usually check out an art auction or two. They'll be bingo, trivia, games, etc. I don't get tired of just sipping a few cocktails near the pool looking out over the ocean either (or at the Sunset bar). Whatever you decide, here's to smooth sailing.

Did the Summit Bermuda cruise and loved it. Bermuda wa a great port of call with lots to do with the exptended time there.

The Summit was great. With two at sea days going and two returning, had lots to do on board. What’s been said covers most ‘to do’s’ excpect do not miss the Solarium Pool. It’s on Decj 10 forward. It’s a warm saltwater pool with lots of water action almost like a hottub. The sides have steel pipes that form long lounges with bubbles coming up between them. We usually get a Deck 9 SR right below the pool area and love to zip up in the AM and enjoy. There is a Spa Cafe open for breakfast and lunch with pretty healthy food. Love it. My favorite pool at sea.

Been on the Summit for the New Eng/Canada October cruise and a few more. Love Her.

Den

I'd book the Escape if you want be sure there will be things to do and dancing late at night.

Just take a look at the two ships. If you want to "Escape" to Water Slide Tubes and other children geared activities and water sports, take the Escape. If you want more adult geared activities, take the Summit. Last summer in Bermuda, both ships were docked and we spoke with several passengers on the Escape...without kids. They WISHED they were on our Summit.

Just take a look at the two ships. If you want to "Escape" to Water Slide Tubes and other children geared activities and water sports, take the Escape. If you want more adult geared activities, take the Summit. Last summer in Bermuda, both ships were docked and we spoke with several passengers on the Escape...without kids. They WISHED they were on our Summit.

Thank you for that comparison, we just booked the Summit. The Escape reminds me of the Breakaway so its sort of the "been there, done that" feeling. I am positive we will have a great time after reading all the above comments and most of all just being on a cruise is the best feeling.

Good choice! I was on the Getaway in December and just got off the Summit Sunday. It was like night and day. The activities staff was the best I’ve had in over 15+ cruises, food fantastic, service like back in the “old days” (early 2000s). I’m in my 30s and traveled with my mom- I think we had one early night in bed- every other time we planned “early” we were hitting bed back at midnight and only because we can’t drink like we used to. It was absolutely fantastic.

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The Summit is great fun - especially with the premium drink package and martini bar. Haven’t been on NCL, but my 2 cruises on Celebrity have been anything but boring.

 

In comparing with Disney...the entertainment is obviously better on Disney, but that doesn’t make it more fun...just a different kind of fun.

 

 

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Since you mentioned the premium drink package, do you happen to know if you can upgrade the drink package from classic to premium the day you board the ship?

Since you mentioned the premium drink package, do you happen to know if you can upgrade the drink package from classic to premium the day you board the ship?

Yes, and they make it very easy to do. There will be areas set up once you board where you can upgrade/purchase drink packages, make specialty dining reservations, spa appointments, etc. You can also go to any open bar and a bartender can do it for you.

If you want to avoid doing this on embarkation day you can call Celebrity and do it over the phone, or if you used a TA they can do it for you.

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Are there any Zumba classes or other aerobic classes during the day on Summit?

Yes, and they make it very easy to do. There will be areas set up once you board where you can upgrade/purchase drink packages, make specialty dining reservations, spa appointments, etc. You can also go to any open bar and a bartender can do it for you.

If you want to avoid doing this on embarkation day you can call Celebrity and do it over the phone, or if you used a TA they can do it for you.

 

 

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Thank you so much! Your info is very helpful!

With Celebrity, the beverage pkg perk is free. With NCL they give you the free perk and then charge extra for gratuities. Also hated how the Escape wanted to push you into specialty dining. Service in the MDR was under staffed and poor quality. Nothing like Celebrity. A lot of activities had an up charge on Escape too.

 

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The perks with Celebrity - whether you select one or all four - are built into the price (as with most cruise lines). It will show a lower price if you opt to not include the perks. We have done that before on Summit to Bermuda and, based on our residency and age options on the particular sailing date, found the price to be lower enough to make it attractive not to include any of the perk packages. It is an individual cost v value comparison, but it may be worth checking.

Also another way to look at ship selection is that with the Bermuda itinerary, with that port of call as a single destination with a multiple overnight stay, so much time - at least in our case on our cruises there - is spent off the ship that a comparison of activities on board was not as critical. Again, just my opinion.

With Celebrity, the beverage pkg perk is free. With NCL they give you the free perk and then charge extra for gratuities. Also hated how the Escape wanted to push you into specialty dining. Service in the MDR was under staffed and poor quality. Nothing like Celebrity. A lot of activities had an up charge on Escape too.

 

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I love the Summit, but I can guarantee that the Beverage Package is anything but "Free". It is included in the price, sometimes at a discount.

I love the Summit, but I can guarantee that the Beverage Package is anything but "Free". It is included in the price, sometimes at a discount.

A few posters point out that the 'Perks' are not 'free' and are included in the price.

I truly believe most passengers understand this, intuitively, and understand that most things are either at an additional charge or priced into the fare unless on a deep discounted or base fare. Just stands to reason that on these mass market 'premium' lines these inducements have to be paid for somehow, someway.

Most of us who sail X accept this and budget accordingly, just as long as we enjoy our vacation as planned.

For many of us, the convenience factor outweighs the price regardless, as it is the desire to sail on X or any other comparable line is what we are really paying for vs. RCCL, Carnival etc... if we choose not to pay X's price for the 'bundle' we know there are other lines out there which will meet our wants money wise, for sure. Many people price shop vacations.

Thank you for your observation, regardless.

bon voyage

A few posters point out that the 'Perks' are not 'free' and are included in the price.

 

I truly believe most passengers understand this, intuitively, and understand that most things are either at an additional charge or priced into the fare unless on a deep discounted or base fare. Just stands to reason that on these mass market 'premium' lines these inducements have to be paid for somehow, someway.

 

Most of us who sail X accept this and budget accordingly, just as long as we enjoy our vacation as planned.

 

For many of us, the convenience factor outweighs the price regardless, as it is the desire to sail on X or any other comparable line is what we are really paying for vs. RCCL, Carnival etc... if we choose not to pay X's price for the 'bundle' we know there are other lines out there which will meet our wants money wise, for sure. Many people price shop vacations.

 

Thank you for your observation, regardless.

 

bon voyage

Agree with all you say. My comments, however, were to point out that you don't have to pay the bundled price and that sometimes the difference between the two can be rather significant. Maybe not all cruisers would realize that. Either way it is a personal choice based on cost and value to the individual.

As example, our 7/16 Summit Bermuda cruise was priced $450 pp less ($900 total) without the perks v having two included. In our case, as we are not big drinkers and so much time would be spent in port off the ship for three days, it was decided that for us the "pay as you go" option was better.

We ended up paying our gratuities daily and buying our own drinks at far less than the $450 pp premium would have been to have those options included. Again, this varies by itinerary and sailing date, but it can be worth while to check.

Agree with all you say. My comments, however, were to point out that you don't have to pay the bundled price and that sometimes the difference between the two can be rather significant. Maybe not all cruisers would realize that. Either way it is a personal choice based on cost and value to the individual.

 

As example, our 7/16 Summit Bermuda cruise was priced $450 pp less ($900 total) without the perks v having two included. In our case, as we are not big drinkers and so much time would be spent in port off the ship for three days, it was decided that for us the "pay as you go" option was better.

 

We ended up paying our gratuities daily and buying our own drinks at far less than the $450 pp premium would have been to have those options included. Again, this varies by itinerary and sailing date, but it can be worth while to check.

Very true...

Thank you and bon voyage!