Tell me about Summit Please!

[Gabrielle R.]

I need some help! I am looking at Summit & Royal's Adventure at Christmas this year.... It has been SEVERAL YEARS since DH & I cruised with Celebrity. We enjoyed our trip, but cost was the thing that had us going with Royal or Princess.

 

December 2016 has only two cruises we are considering Both out of San Juan. Summit is doing Barbados, St Lucia, St Maartin, St Kitts, St Thomas

Adventure is doing: St Thomas, St Kitts, Aruba, Curacao

 

We are Platinum on Royal.... What does that mean for Celebrity? Anything?

 

I really would like the pros & cons of Summit? Our last trip was on Horizon... yes... She isn't part of Celebrity any more...

 

ANYTHING you can tell me would be perfect! I need to research!

THANKS!

Gabrielle

[monicajay]

Our last two cruises were on the Summit and we loved it so much that now booked on the Reflection (because Summit was chartered our dates) and I'm not even really looking forward to the trip. :cool: Then, I tried booking our dates for 2017 and again, she is chartered.....:eek:

 

Summit had everything we needed without any extras. I do not want or need, an ice rink, a climbing wall, a surfing machine, water slides. etc. etc.

 

We found that there were fewer children aboard, with less things for them to do.

 

A smaller ship that is easy to get around, has a wonderful bunch of employees, and we particularly had lots of fun at both the Martini Bar and the Sunset Bar.

 

I would highly recommend this ship!

 

Plus, a Southern itinerary means you have lots of ports and lots of good weather.

[stevea36]

I need some help! I am looking at Summit & Royal's Adventure at Christmas this year.... It has been SEVERAL YEARS since DH & I cruised with Celebrity. We enjoyed our trip, but cost was the thing that had us going with Royal or Princess.

 

December 2016 has only two cruises we are considering Both out of San Juan. Summit is doing Barbados, St Lucia, St Maartin, St Kitts, St Thomas

Adventure is doing: St Thomas, St Kitts, Aruba, Curacao

 

We are Platinum on Royal.... What does that mean for Celebrity? Anything?

 

I really would like the pros & cons of Summit? Our last trip was on Horizon... yes... She isn't part of Celebrity any more...

 

ANYTHING you can tell me would be perfect! I need to research!

THANKS!

Gabrielle

 

Platinum gets you the equivalent of Celebrity Select. Look at the website for the perks.

 

Having done AOS on that route and been on 2 celebrity cruises (Summit to Bermuda, Reflection Eastern Caribbean), I find it to be a toss up. If the itineraries were equal, Celebrity would win !! But, I really like the Aruba Curacao Itinerary and would do it again in a heartbeat...

 

I hope I havent confused you even more..

 

Steve

[DrivesLikeMario]

I've been on the AOS out of SJU and it was a good cruise because we had our kids with us at the time, our friends and some family. But, it's such a big ship that I felt like just one of the herd. The prices are usually less and so it tends to attract more of the locals than Celebrity from what I've heard.

 

I think my signature says it all...3 Summit cruises booked! :)

[Aunt Tina]

The staff on the Summit is the best. I have been on Summit 5 times, including the two week New England cruise last fall with Captain Kate. At least a dozen senior officers , including Captain Kate, came to the Cruise Critic meet and greet. We love Ashley, the Captain's Club Hostess. As Monica said, it is large enough to be comfortable and interesting, and small enough to easily get around and get to know others.

 

You will get an equivalent status on Celebrity for your Platinum on Royal.

[Mr. Click]

We did 3 cruises out of SJU on the Serenade and really enjoyed them. Then we went on a Celebrity cruise in the Med. The next time we did a Caribbean cruise we chose the Summit and were even happier. The crew was wonderful, the ship is nice and the food was much better. We don't book Royal anymore because we don't have kids and we just like Celebrity better.

[Gabrielle R.]

Platinum gets you the equivalent of Celebrity Select. Look at the website for the perks.

 

Having done AOS on that route and been on 2 celebrity cruises (Summit to Bermuda, Reflection Eastern Caribbean), I find it to be a toss up. If the itineraries were equal, Celebrity would win !! But, I really like the Aruba Curacao Itinerary and would do it again in a heartbeat...

 

I hope I havent confused you even more..

 

Steve

 

THANKS! No you didn't confuse me! Gave me a bunch to think about!

[Gabrielle R.]

Thanks for the replies! No kids with us... So not looking for that...

 

What makes Summit special for some of you? Drives Like Mario- what made you decide to book Summit 3 times?

Totally understand the feelings toward a great captain- we've had some really fun ones...

ANYTHING you can share that would be great!

I did see that Summit is due for a dry dock- so what are your views on that?

 

THANKS again for all information!

[digital_curator]

Have you been on the Serenade or that class of RCI ships? We sail both RCI and X and the Summit reminds us of this ship. Small, elegant, not as much nightlife as the bigger ships. These two are DH's favorite ships that he has sailed. I'm torn between these and the Independence because I like activities like mini golf and the Flowrider.

 

 

 

We love sailing out of San Juan and the southern itinerary. I wish X still had the 11-night itinerary!

[jb008]

Post-dry dock things should feel newer (though some tradeoffs when it's the shakedown cruise right after refurb), but if you're looking at a holiday sailing you're well past shakedown.

 

Summit pax capacity is something like 2,200 versus Adventure's (AOS) 3,100. I haven't been on AOS, but the size of Summit feels perfect imho. It has all the amenities you'd want on a ship without the high-energy activity stuff I don't care about on a port intensive itinerary (e.g., rock wall, ice skating, flowrider, etc...) and without feeling crowded. I've sailed Ruby and Crown Princess with ~3k pax and Summit just felt much less crowded. For example, the buffet seems to have the right number of chairs to pax for all but the very busiest time (Disembarkation breakfast) - and even then wasn't bad.

 

Staff on Summit were great, and Senior Staff were highly visible and very willing to go above and beyond to make guests happy. I was on Jewel OTS a few years ago, and the quality of the food was a notch lower than X, not bad but just not quite as good. Also general atmosphere on RCI was a little less "refined" than on X... while the little touches on X just helped make it feel more luxurious, things like cold towels and water coolers at the gang plank when you come back to the X ship, a welcome glass of champagne, smoked salmon at every breakfast buffet... little stuff.

 

I just pulled the itinerary for AOS and Summit.

AOS: SJU (12/24), STT (12/25), St Kitts (12/26), Sea, Aruba (12/28), Curacao (12/29), Sea, SJU

 

Summit: SJU (12/24), Sea (12/25), Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Kitts, St Thomas, SJU.

 

That's a tough one... I personally prefer 1 sea day over 2; Christmas at Sea might be more practical that Christmas in St. Thomas (no idea how much stuff will be closed for the holiday - I'd imagine a decent amount would be closed since St. Thomas seems much more affluent than many of the other caribbean islands). If you haven't been to Aruba or Curacao though they're both interesting islands... Curacao is supposed to have some of the best snorkeling/diving in the Caribbean, and Aruba had some great snorkeling and beautiful beaches. I'm still not sure I'd trade an extra sea day to get to A/C though. If you haven't been to Aruba and Curacao, they've not been on many 7 day itineraries lately, so it may be worth getting those notches in.

 

I'm also seeing a reasonably substantial price difference between AOS and Sm for the 12/24/2016 cruise. For example, a balcony w/X is $1699pp ($1749pp is probably more comparable room, +gratuities or drink pkg & +$300 obc) vs. w/RCI is $1838pp (+$200 obc). So using the balcony scenario you're talking somewhere between $280 and $460 "savings" to sail on X (assuming $1749pp room and selecting free gratuities and 300 obc vs just $200 obc on AOS). At that price difference, Summit is a pretty compelling package deal.

 

Added in edit:

Not completely comparable, but the NYE sailing on Summit this past year was something like ~525 kids, the Christmas sailing on Jewel was expecting something like ~900 kids - I never heard the definition the respective CDs were using to define "kids" but it was implied that we're talking youth activity program age ranges. You'll have a lot of kids sailing at Christmas regardless of the line, but figure more on AOS and fewer on Sm.

Edited February 4, 2016 by jb008

[Champagne Cruiser]

We are sailing in the fir the sixth time in a few weeks. Her are some things we like about Celebrity in general and M class in particular

Welcome aboard champagne or mimosa

Salt water pools

Thalassotherapy pool on M class

Cold towels and drinks upon reboarding

Food in MDR, Aqua Spa Café, Buffet, all free and very good

Café Al Bacio free food, but for fee coffee and tea

Shows with live music an hour long. Outstanding aerialists

Sushi in buffet at 5:30

Free ice cream at the Oceanview Cafe is very good

Pizza (with grilled veggies on the side) all day long and late into the night

Afternoon tea

Friendly visible officers

Welcome back cocktail party after only one cruise

You will also get an invitation to the Senior Officers cocktail party and the free wine tasting at the Select level.

Aqua class

Blu restaurant for Aqua class cabin passengers

No smoking in the casino or on balconies

General ambiance of ship

The Martini Bar even if you don't drink martinis

[Redtravel]

I have sailed on the AOS once and the Summit 5 times. Just did b2b on the Summit in January. I am also booked on another Summit cruise in May. I like the Summit. Summit is so much better than the Adventure.

[Gabrielle R.]

Red Travel- I do Like the idea of Summit verses the Royals Adventure... Size was a huge consideration that we are looking at.

 

Champagne cruiser: THANKS for letting me know what I have to look forward to if I select Summit.;)

 

JB008: DH & I LOVE Aruba & Curacao! BUT we also REALLY ENJOY the port intensive itinerary! THAT is part of the problem.

 

Digital Curator- YES! We have been on Royals Serenade! That is the largest that we have been on for Royal.. So now you can see why I'm a bit concerned about adventure Of Seas.. I don't know IF we would like that big of a ship... though we just did Princesses Regal... That is big- but we really enjoyed it.

 

 

I have thought of sailing out of Miami... and then we would have a choice of a bigger X ship.. BUT... I really don't know if I'd like to stay in Miami. We like Fort Lauderdale and then San Juan because we can get to that southern Caribbean easier.

 

THANKS for the opinions!

[MoyCoy]

We are booked in a S2 on the Summit 2017 7 day Southern. We have only sailed the Infinity before her pre dock many years ago. After that we only sailed S class ships. How has the summit changed since the new roll out of her suite benefits. Will she be dry docked again before Oct 2017?

 

I read somewhere that there were entertainment options that were specially only on the summit.. it that correct? What makes the summit different form other M class ships?

 

We were trying to choose between a 6 day in a S1 on the Reflection which visits Key west Jan 2018 (a fav of mine) Or the 7 day Southern Caribbean in Oct 2017 OR Jan 2018. The prices are similar.

 

What a great Thread!

[jb008]

We are booked in a S2 on the Summit 2017 7 day Southern. We have only sailed the Infinity before her pre dock many years ago. After that we only sailed S class ships. How has the summit changed since the new roll out of her suite benefits. Will she be dry docked again before Oct 2017?

 

I read somewhere that there were entertainment options that were specially only on the summit.. it that correct? What makes the summit different form other M class ships?

 

Summit goes into dry dock this spring. The new suite benefits resulted in part of the MDR on deck 5 being converted to Luminae, but I'm not sure if the space came out of the select dining or traditional dining space. MDR did feel a little more crowded after that, and I think the workload went up a bit on dining room staff (more tables per staff). Anecdotally this resulted in less personalized service and a little more rush for the staff, but we still found service to be fine and didn't really notice a huge change between our pre and post suite benefit cruises. Although, the switch from 4-course to 3-course dinners occurred between '14 and '16, and that was a negative change that was very noticeable! :mad:

 

Summit featured the iMagic show, which debuted Dec '14. I think that was unique to Summit, though I'm not sure if it will slowly move through the different ships or not.

[existentialtraveler]

I need some help! I am looking at Summit & Royal's Adventure at Christmas this year.... It has been SEVERAL YEARS since DH & I cruised with Celebrity. We enjoyed our trip, but cost was the thing that had us going with Royal or Princess.

 

December 2016 has only two cruises we are considering Both out of San Juan. Summit is doing Barbados, St Lucia, St Maartin, St Kitts, St Thomas

Adventure is doing: St Thomas, St Kitts, Aruba, Curacao

 

We are Platinum on Royal.... What does that mean for Celebrity? Anything?

 

I really would like the pros & cons of Summit? Our last trip was on Horizon... yes... She isn't part of Celebrity any more...

 

ANYTHING you can tell me would be perfect! I need to research!

THANKS!

Gabrielle

 

I can show you. Check out my youtube videos from October, 2015. Lots of food photos, ship photos, shore photos.

and

 

 

I noticed you were on The Serenade of the Seas. You might also like our recent Serenade of the seas video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isgTogzFw4g

Edited February 5, 2016 by existentialtraveler

[existentialtraveler]

We are sailing in the fir the sixth time in a few weeks. Her are some things we like about Celebrity in general and M class in particular

Welcome aboard champagne or mimosa

Salt water pools

Thalassotherapy pool on M class

Cold towels and drinks upon reboarding

Food in MDR, Aqua Spa Café, Buffet, all free and very good

Café Al Bacio free food, but for fee coffee and tea

Shows with live music an hour long. Outstanding aerialists

Sushi in buffet at 5:30

Free ice cream at the Oceanview Cafe is very good

Pizza (with grilled veggies on the side) all day long and late into the night

Afternoon tea

Friendly visible officers

Welcome back cocktail party after only one cruise

You will also get an invitation to the Senior Officers cocktail party and the free wine tasting at the Select level.

Aqua class

Blu restaurant for Aqua class cabin passengers

No smoking in the casino or on balconies

General ambiance of ship

The Martini Bar even if you don't drink martinis

 

Hi Jean!!

[digital_curator]

[quote

 

Digital Curator- YES! We have been on Royals Serenade! That is the largest that we have been on for Royal.. So now you can see why I'm a bit concerned about adventure Of Seas.. I don't know IF we would like that big of a ship... though we just did Princesses Regal... That is big- but we really enjoyed it.

 

I haven't been on the AOS, so I have no idea what it is like these days but I have sailed on the NOS and the EOS. We were on the NOS about 2 years after it launched and on the EOS about 7 years after it launched.

 

The NOS was our first cruise, so I loved it. The EOS looked a little tired when we sailed, so I was less impressed.

 

I don't find this class to be so much larger that you will be overwhelmed. But will you use the extras? I love the promenade on these ships but you loose the beautiful indoor views of the sea. Perhaps this isn't so important on a port-intensive cruise.

 

In terms of experience, we find that the food on X is slightly better but RCI has more selection, both in the buffet and in the MDR. But I do like X's made-to-order sandwich bar, the fresh waffles, the eggs benedict station, and the sushi in the evening. The ice cream station is awesome also- lots of flavors, available all day.

 

We think the entertainment is better on RCI but we really like the live music all over the ship on X. We rarely go to the theater on X, just head to a smaller lounge or bar, get a drink, and enjoy the singer/musicians.

 

The cabins are very similar. The ship in terms of size, layout, and amenities will remind you a lot of the Serenade. The thelassotherapy pool in the adult-only section is nice on Summit, I like the free pastries in Cafe Baccio (not free with purchase of coffee like on RCI). I like the burgers at the Mast Grill better than the sandwich offerings at the Solarium Cafe (though I think these have changed since the last time we sailed).

 

The service is good on both lines but we find the crew to be slightly more relaxed and friendly. But X has some nice touches- a glass of champagne when you board, cold towels and water/punch when you get back to port. We also like to get to chat with the officers, who provide and interesting take about life on a cruise ship.

 

In terms of itinerary, both look great- I suggest a B2B:D Seriously, I agree with you about San Juan and the S. Caribbean. Are there ports you haven't been to?

 

You have made me realize that we should check out the AOS for a change, so if you choose that one please come back to report! We are doing a similar itinerary on Summit in February but with Antigua (the only port we haven't been to) instead of St. Kitts. We use St. Thomas as a sea day. :D

 

I wish one line would bring back a 10-11 day S. Caribbean out of San Juan. That was my favorite trip ever. Lots of ports and sea days!

 

Cheers,

[Champagne Cruiser]

Hi Jean!!

 

We sail 2 weeks from tomorrow. Wish you and Toni were joining us. We just finished a quick 2 night cruise on Connie, our first at Elite. It was fun and easy since it is so similar to the Summit. I still look at your you tubes from time to time. They are so well done. Wish you would be on board in 2 weeks to document our trip

Edited February 5, 2016 by Champagne Cruiser

[existentialtraveler]

We sail 2 weeks from tomorrow. Wish you and Toni were joining us. We just finished a quick 2 night cruise on Connie, our first at Elite. It was fun and easy since it is so similar to the Summit. I still look at your you tubes from time to time. They are so well done. Wish you would be on board in 2 weeks to document our trip��

I am glad you enjoyed the Connie! Our favorite waiter is now on the Connie. @ weeks from now on the Summit? That sounds pretty nice, but we have to stay home at least for a little while!

We just returned from 10 days on the Serenade of the Seas. It was a great trip. Just before Christmas, we were on the Reflection, another great trip! We are currently looking at the Summit again for November 2016.

It seems like yesterday we were on the Summit at the Martini bar with you and your husband. I am glad you both are doing well!

[catugirl]

I can show you. Check out my youtube videos from October, 2015. Lots of food photos, ship photos, shore photos.

and

 

 

I noticed you were on The Serenade of the Seas. You might also like our recent Serenade of the seas video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isgTogzFw4g

 

We're going to be on the Summit Feb. 13. Thanks for posting your video...amazing job. I enjoyed seeing the ship, the ports and seeing how much fun you were having. Now I'm even more exciting!

[varoo]

Summit goes into dry dock this spring. The new suite benefits resulted in part of the MDR on deck 5 being converted to Luminae, but I'm not sure if the space came out of the select dining or traditional dining space.

 

The space for Blu came out of select dining (Part of port side of dining room on deck 5).

The space for Luminae came out of traditional dining (Part of port side of dining room on deck 4).

 

 

Anecdotally this resulted in less personalized service and a little more rush for the staff, but we still found service to be fine and didn't really notice a huge change between our pre and post suite benefit cruises.

The most noticeable change to us was the way they crowded the tables in the main dining room closely together (especially in Select), trying to squeeze as many tables as possible into the available space, the way they do at popular neighborhood diners.

 

There was barely room to walk between the tables.

Depending on where you were seated, in many places you and the person sitting at the table behind you could not both move your chairs back to sit down or stand up at the same time.

 

Also, the volume level is a lot higher now with so many people squeezed so closely together trying to carry on conversations at the same time.

 

But we also found the service to be fine. Those waiters really work hard and try to please everyone.

 

Although, the switch from 4-course to 3-course dinners occurred between '14 and '16, and that was a negative change that was very noticeable! :mad:.

They changed the way they grouped items on the printed menu, but there was no actual change in the number of courses.

You can still have as many courses as you want, in whatever combination you like.

 

Just order whatever you want, regardless of how items are grouped together on your printed menu.

 

For example, I might order 4 appetizers, a salad and dessert and skip the entree. I don't really know (or care) how many courses that would be. :D

 

[existentialtraveler]

We're going to be on the Summit Feb. 13. Thanks for posting your video...amazing job. I enjoyed seeing the ship, the ports and seeing how much fun you were having. Now I'm even more exciting!

 

I am glad you enjoyed them. I am sure you will love the Summit as much as we have. Have a terrific time!

[mitttocs]

Thanks for the replies! No kids with us... So not looking for that...

 

What makes Summit special for some of you? Drives Like Mario- what made you decide to book Summit 3 times?

Totally understand the feelings toward a great captain- we've had some really fun ones...

ANYTHING you can share that would be great!

I did see that Summit is due for a dry dock- so what are your views on that?

 

THANKS again for all information!

 

Just off the Summit for the 4th time --- it never gets old! As previously mentioned, the ship is just the right size and we have never had any issues whatsoever. The crew has always been phenomenal. The Martini Bar and the Sunset Bar are our favorites as well. I can't speak too much for Royal, except that we did one Royal cruise last year with friends, and we will never sail on Royal again. The level of service doesn't hold a candle to Celebrity (especially the Summit) and nobody will convince me otherwise.

[Gabrielle R.]

I'm leaning towards Summit! THANKS EVERYONE for the input! I'll use it to 'present' the trip to DH... He generally 'lets me' do the research then I tell him what I think then he usually says.. OK!....

 

THANK YOU for the help! It is appreciated!

 

We are platinum on Royal... Celebrity takes that standing too? I think someone said yes.. BUT still can't wrap my mind around that.. When booking we tell them our Royal loyalty numbers???

 

Celebrity doesn't recognize us as past cruisers... We even cruised with them before... have my TA friend do battle?

Gabrielle