Been on Summit? I have questions for you.

[usha]

To everyone who's sailed on Summit, I'd like to know your take on it in terms of decor, food, service, staterooms, etc.

But Please, I'm not asking about pods, so please don't start about the pod thing.:o

[Lois R]

Hi Usha:) ok..no talking of the you know what;)

 

I was on SUMMIT in Oct 2005 and had a wonderful time.

It was only 1 of 2 cruises that I have ever shared a cabin.

(All the rest have been solo). I went with a friend from these

boards and we had a CC cabin...9160 I believe.

Cabin was nothing out of the ordinary..nice bedding though.

Larger balcony as it is an AFT Cabin.

 

As for the ship, I had a wonderful time. We had a really fun

table made up of CCrs from our roll call. Service was excellent.

We had quite a large group from these boards.

I remember enjoying the AFT bar area. There was an

excellent guitarist outside.

If you want to see some photos, click on my webshots

below.

 

I enjoyed that cruise very much and have fond memories:)

but then again, seems I look back and always end up having

a great time:D

[Pisces11]

We were just on the Summit in September 06 and had a great time. We thought the dining room was fine. I don't like Celebrity desserts except for the cookies they serve at tea time. We thought our CC room was great because it was across from Words and next to the staircase and was very quiet. Even though we were in the much maligned 8108, we were very happy with the room. When we took the cruise I had never heard of Cruise Critic and therefore was not aware we should be unhappy with our room. We found our bed to be very comfortable. We had a great time dancing every evening before dinner. My only complaint was they lost our form that we filled out to have our suitcases sent to Chicago from the ship and we had to deal with suitcases at the Vancouver airport. We liked the Summit so much that we booked our April cruise on Celebrity. We found the ship to be very comfortable.

[usha]

When we took the cruise I had never heard of Cruise Critic and therefore was not aware we should be unhappy with our room. We found our bed to be very comfortable.

Oh my gosh, that's so funny! We really can be a pickkkky, pickkkky bunch here, can't we?:D

[usha]

I enjoyed that cruise very much and have fond memories:) but then again, seems I look back and always end up having

a great time:D

Lois, what else could we expect from Miss Congeniality?:)

[Drew B]

Decor - very mixed. There were some gorgeous parts and some funky parts. I didn't like much of the art, myself. On the other hand, I really liked the Bar at the Edge of the Earth that so many people can't stand... The main part of the dining room is particularly beautiful, but unfortunately, my table was off in one of the wings so we didn't have the best view.

 

Food - Also mixed. The dining room was quite good, particularly for dinner, but some dishes were better than others. The specialty restaurant is AMAZING for ambiance and service, but the food was slightly less spectacular than I expected. The aqua spa cafe is fantastic, and the pasta/pizza/sushi stations are excellent. The buffet, on the other hand, is really not very good at all. I never did casual dining or room service, so I can't comment.

 

Service - Uniformly excellent. I can't think of a single encounter that was unpleasant, and the only employee I didn't really like was the CD (who was having a bad time due to irate passengers and that issue we're not supposed to discuss on this thread).

 

Stateroom - Well, I was spoiled here. I had a corner FV that I shared with just my father. It was heaven! I imagine most people don't love their staterooms as much as I did...

 

I'd not hesitate a second to cruise Summit again, any time, any place...

[Luckyladym]

To everyone who's sailed on Summit, I'd like to know your take on it in terms of decor, food, service, staterooms, etc.

But Please, I'm not asking about pods, so please don't start about the pod thing.:o

 

Usha....My review of our above Summit trip is in the review section of this site.

 

We really did enjoy ourselves...with no problems (the ones that we are not allowed to mention) and wonderful service, food, entertainment. The casino is beautifully managed...a plus nowadays...the music was super in most of the venues.

 

So...if you are going...enjoy...

Marilyn

[Drew B]

The casino is beautifully managed...a plus nowadays..

 

 

The dealers were SOOOO nice, huh? I've forgotten the name of my favorite, but she was a blonde woman from Liverpool. Amazing!

[usha]

Thanks for your responses! Keep 'em coming! :D

[Maverick Cruiser]

Hi,

Have been on Summit over 10 times. We have always been in cabin 6148 and our butler has been fantastic. I have heard rumors that he is not there anymore, but in case he is, his name is Ricki. The service in the dining room is always excellent and the food menus are in the process of changing. We were on the Millie in January and the changes were just starting. We have never liked the desserts, but there were a few different ones and they did improve. There was some wear in the furniture in public rooms, but they do the best they can considering Summit has not been in drydock for quite a while. We really enjoy the overall experience on the Summit, as a matter of fact, we have another cruise planned on the Summit for November.

[SoCalGal]

We will be on our third Summit cruise this May N/B to Alaska...did the 14 night San Diego to Alaska twice in 2004 and 2005. We have also sailed on the Mille in 2001 12 nights Istanbul to Barcelona. The ships are almost identical except for some of the interior colors. We love both ships. The Summit has a wonderful Spa, hair salon and gym. Also enjoy the T-Pool and the Aqua Spa has delicious light meals. The Grill has really good burgers and fries (if you're not on a diet). Overall the food is excellent, and if your cruise offers "high tea" be sure and go. I like the Cova Cafe for coffee and hot chocolate, with wonderful free pastries. I don't think we have had breakfast or lunch in the dining room as we prefer a continental breakfast in our room and lunch at the Aqua Spa if we're not ashore. Room service is prompt delivering your meal with a phone call to tell you it's on the way. We have only booked Concierge Class staterooms and find them very comfortable. Lots of storage and very good beds. Our room attendents have always been excellent and the rooms well maintained. I really can't think of anything I would change although some of the furnishings are worn and do need to be replaced as of 2005..they may have done so by now. The best part of the ship is Revelations Lounge since they removed the Circa du Soleil (Bar at the Edge of the Earth) decor....huge windows and a great place to relax and hang out while viewing Alaska scenery. Because of their itineraries, wonderful service, food and comfortable staterooms we'll be sailing with Celebrity for many years to come.

[woodofpine]

I've been on Summit twice but not in nearly three years. Like all cruise ships, the crew is constantly rotating so after a few months its a different personnel mix. So your question in some ways is do I like X. X is generally speaking a very nice line; for those that like retro-elegance style and traditional cruise service, it's probabaly the best of the large ship mass market lines. HAL might be the other large line closest in style, however, in my limited experience X has better trained, more sophisticated dining room service. X food is regularly ranked very high on the cuisine meter (the press puts X at the top of the mass market lines for gastronomy).

 

The M class ships are nice, but not spectacular in architecture. They're "understated" in that there is no large atrium. The cafe cova area adjacent the main stairway is both very elegant and "homey" which is an unusual and nice balance to strike in my opinion. The dining room is more impressive in use of space and the show theater is also impressive. The forward facing lounge on the upper decks is very nice - a bit underused - but if your pax and crew mix well usually the location of a darned good party or two. For ships of their size, the M class don't carry a huge number of passengers (only 2,000) so they don't get crowded. The cabins are nice - fairly typical (I hate to burst any bubbles here, but Carnival far and away has the best bedding of large lines presently, even though they leave other things to be desired). The passageways have more art (art photography) than most lines. The style of art tries to be a little provocative but sophisticated ("Drunk Republican"?; sort of in the eyes of the beholder). Summit has a large floral garden/shop that is pretty unique. When I was on the ship, it could have been better cared for in some ways - paint - but nothing earth shattering or not subject to remedy (I don't know what it's present state is).

 

There's nothing about Summit overall that would prevent me from booking her again.

[The Mommy]

Usha

I have been reading these short reviews with great interest since this will be my first Summit cruise and only second with Celebrity. I am very encouraged by the responses that your querie prompted - thank you

I hope you enjoy - I am looking forward to my cruise - not long now

Gail

[smoothdancer]

I dont have answers, just more questions.

 

We are booking a 15 day Hawaii cruise, and have narrowed our choices down to a Celebrity Suite on Sumitt or a mini suite on Princess, of course with about a 3K price difference. We will be at sea 8 days so cabin selection is important to us. It is important for us to have the option of escaping the crowds now and then and spend time in our suite.The sq footage difference between a mini on Princess or a full suite on Celebrity is about 100. We have sailed Celebrity Mercury in the past and a sister ship of the Princess Diamond, and were very happy with both. Also, to book a mini suite on X, the suite would be 191 Sq Ft as opposed to 354 on Princess for the same category.

 

Our likes, we absolutley like the butler service, my DH favorite cruise indulgence is a full breakfast served in the suite. We did not choose a full suite on Princess because of the lack of butler service, or full menu service in the cabin. We could not justify the extra cost.

 

Now we have been on the X Mercury before, also an older ship and are not the least bit bothered not to be sailing on a newer ship.

 

We can afford either, but are not well to do by any means, so of course the price is an important consideration for us. The cruise is 9 months away and it will take me that long to save and have it paid off by the time we sail.

 

I would like to hear what you all think... Now that you know what is on the top of our like list do you think it would be worth the extra money. I would especially love to hear from anyone that has sailed in a Celebrity suite.

[usha]

Hello Usha,

It is interesting why someone with over 1,200 posts and an "active" poster on this board for several years and who also has been on 19 Celebrity cruises (4 of them on M-class ships) in the past 10 years, why you would feel that you HAD to have any more information than you have already read on these boards? Does make one wonder, mmmm.

Hi, Mr. Ed, Thanks for responding to my question about Summit. I have cruised on all of the M class ships but Summit, and wanted to get some opinions on it from others who've sailed that particular ship.

I've got 10 1/2 months to wait for our b/2/b on Summit, and this is one little way to get the excitement going while waiting.:)

[shofer]

We have been on Summit twice, once in what is now a CC class room-9125 and once in a 2-C 6096. Both were balconies and didn't really miss the extra few feet in the 2-C. LOVED

Summit, it has been my favorite ship. Have seen the Revelations Lounge both prior and during the Cirque experience and will be glad that it is back to the original condition. The art is funky and modern but does not detract from the beauty of the ship. Would go on this ship again in a New York minute.

[brigittetom]

Hi Usha, We have cruised on the Summit but that was a few years ago. We loved her. She is a beautiful ship. I agree about some of the art work but that doesn't affect your cruise.

I remember one piece. My father was upset that I had a fire in the livingroom. We didn't have a fire place. Or something to that effect. That one I liked. :) We are leaving on the Constellation on Friday. Whoo hoo.

[Waterlily777]

We had a CC cabin on Panorama Deck, midships, for the Summit 14 day cruise through the Panama Canal in November 2006. We were near the Words library and the central elevators, which was very convenient.

 

The ship was terrific, service was wonderful in every area. We were on the Constellation in November 2005, and the Summit looked just as good.

 

There is a bit of wear in a few areas. The chairs in the main dining room are particularly in need of new fabric, and I remember seeing some wear on the back of three or four chairs in the Rendezvous, but other than that, everything looked great. Carpets were fine...didn't notice any problems.

 

Our stateroom hadn't received new bedding yet, which it needed, but the carpet was very good, and the bathroom was absolutely spotless and in very good shape. Not one complaint. At one point I lost an earring under the sink, and had to reach in with a Kleenex to retrieve it, and honestly, there wasn't a speck of dust under there! I could hardly believe it. Our room steward, Maylene, did an awesome job for us.

 

Although we didn't have the new bedding, the existing bedding was very comfortable (I had the egg crates added for a little extra "cush".) We appreciate the CC perk of the pillow menu...DH likes the foam, I like the goose down.

 

The food was very good. The main dining room was great..the menu was varied, the quality consistent, and our waiters and the sommelier bent over backwards to make us happy. Our assistant waiter, Jay, was one of the best we have ever had. I'm sure he will be a main waiter soon...he is a lovely person with an absolutely dazzling smile! Our main waiter was also good, very competent and tried very hard to please everyone, but he was a bit shy. Our table at early seating was beside the Captain's Table, so that was fun to watch :).

 

The Assistant Maitre'd, Marco, was just excellent....probably the best we've ever experienced. He was funny...really personable...visited our table every night. He knew, without our mentioning it, when birthdays and anniversaries were being celebrated, and provided us with lovely decorated chocolate cakes...they were actually very good, now that I remember them. :) We had great table companions, and dinner was one of the main highlights of our day.

 

In general, I'm never too crazy about the desserts on Celebrity, but that is just as well :rolleyes: . I didn't know about Mohr im Hend then, or I would have tried to order it.

 

We have a bit more adventurous palates than some, so the food was a tad on the conservative side in terms of flavourings. I had to ask for hot sauce for the pad thai and for the nasi goreng, and the lunch waiter looked at me as if that was a very surprising request. Meats were always very tender and flavourful. Lobster was very good. I gave up ordering the fish, which I normally love, because it was so bland. Salads could be a bit more creative. Appetizers and soups (so I heard, as I skipped the soup course) were very good to great.

 

The buffet was fine...there was always something there that I enjoyed, but I only went there once for breakfast (waffles...good, but not as good as I make at home :) although the sour cherry topping was brilliant!) and twice for lunch. We did enjoy the pasta bar one night when we were late returning and missed early dinner. We also enjoyed the sushi one night, but it is difficult to fit sushi in when you are at early seating.

 

We also went to casual dining one evening, just to try it. My steak was tough and overdone the first time, and a good medium rare, but still tough, on the second try. The waiters were charming, however, and we enjoyed ourselves.

 

I think some of the best food I had was at the Aqua spa. I had some terrific tandoori chicken, wonderful salmon, etc. Nice fruit desserts there as well.

 

The specialty restaurant never fails to please. Service was perfect, wines accompanying dinner were delightful. Everyone else was very pleased with their choices, particularly those who had the lamb. I had the lobster and prawns dish which was recommended that afternoon by the Executive Chef while we were touring the galley. I found this entree really, really bland. The lobster was sliced extremely thinly, and had almost no flavour. Everything was very tender and well cooked...it just didn't have much taste. The dish was very "light"...I had no guilt when it came to the 13 desserts that followed...yes, thirteen...I chose the Chef's tray of mini-desserts and the waiter also brought a double tray of complimentary petit fours, etc. to our table (I don't know why, but they were certainly appreciated!) The cheese selection was top notch. Overall, we thought the specialty restaurant was excellent value for the money.

 

(Speaking of the galley tour, the organization and cleanliness there would impress anyone. As a matter of fact, the husband of one of my friends is a health inspector on the cruise ships that come into port locally, and he said that if he had to choose, he would cruise Celebrity, because they are the most impressive of any he has inspected, in the cleanliness area. Apparently management on the Celebrity ships are really motivated.)

 

The Cova Cafe is still one of my favourite places on the M class ships, and the one on the Summit did not disappoint. Really excellent caffe lattes, lovely croissants and pastries, charming waiters, and excellent entertainment there...guitarist Ian Millar, and harpist Jacqueline Dolan, and a wonderful chamber ensemble.

 

We had room service breakfasts on the balcony most mornings, from the CC menu. They were unfailing hot, fresh, accurate as to my order, and on time! I especially appreciate the phone call two minutes before breakfast arrives. I particularly enjoy the bagels, lox and capers for breakfast. The wide range of breakfast offerings (virtually limited only by your imagination) is one of the main reasons to go Concierge Class, although we do appreciate the extra space, as well as the other perks.

 

We did have a Noro outbreak at the end of the trip. The preventative measures were quickly put in place for the last 4 or 5 days, and didn't cause us any trouble, except that we couldn't pour our own drinks. But the staff worked overtime to clean and sanitize and tried to ensure that the passengers as little inconvenienced as possible. The Summit really has an excellent crew.

 

The entertainment in the Theatre was absolutely some of the best I have ever experienced on a cruise ship. There was a wonderfully talented pianist (I've forgotten his name...how awful) who could play anything...classical, popular, jazz...and was very funny as well. I went to see him three times. The stage shows were really, really good. Some excellent voices, great dancers and creative staging. I especially loved the excerpts from Les Miserables. Cirque de Soliel was still performing at that time, and their show, although only about 35-40 minutes, was really great. The theatre was absolutely full, and everyone seemed to enjoy the performance.

 

Casino was kind to DH. It accepted my donations with its usual grace. DH really enjoyed the Persian Gardens (his first experience with them) and we will definitely purchase that option for him in the future.

 

My DH spent quite a bit of time reading by the pool, and never had any trouble finding a chair. I suspect, however, that if he found a chair with a towel on it, he might just remove the towel, then give up the chair if anyone came back to claim it. He's a pragmatic kind of guy.:rolleyes:

 

Wow...all this is making me homesick for the Summit...I want to be on board NOW!!

 

I guess you can tell that we really had a great trip...smooth sailing, great weather, and the ship was on time in every port. I would sail her again in a heartbeat. To all who are so lucky, enjoy your upcoming trips on the Summit!

[judyfssw]

If I may, I'd like to add my 2 cents. I've now been on the Summit three times and will be on her again in the fall to Hawaii. It was a great cruise but one of my friends said that all of my cruises are great ones - true. I happen to like the funky art on most of the ship. The service on the ship is just great. There are little things that need upgrading, but my house is 30 years old and I'm sure that I could point out little things that needed upgrading here too. LOL.

As far as having a Celebrity Suite to Hawaii, that's got to be a personal choice. Just remember that there is no balcony. You will be going from a possible cool climate to a warm one, but then, you may not spend a lot of time in your suite when you're actually in Hawaii. It's a lovely suite with lots of room and the views out of your windows is fantanstic.

Both of you will enjoy your cruises, I'm sure.

[hcat]

we have two very enjoyable cruises on Summit. Excellent food & service on both. Find the art Odd & the decor dull but other than that no complaints.To Hawaii we had lectures from naturlaists & a great Hawaii Ambassador who gave Hula lessons & held classes in making leis etc. You said not to mention the pod problems so I won't but it is a gamble! We are now busy with Century & Galaxy until it is all worked out!

[outlaw1]

Spent last part of August 2006 on the Summit and loved it. we were in a 2-a cabin #8043 and it was great!!

Service was impeccable from the cabin steward(john) all the way down the line. The head bartender, Ruel, in the martini bar was fantastic and took care of us whenever we came in. Make a heck of a martini. great ship, great time.

[npb]

shofer,

 

We are leaving on east bound Panama Canal the 31st of this month. Cabin 9125.

 

Cannot wait. We have been on M class shiips but never the Summit.

[winowoman]

Hope you can relieve some concern I have, we are on the Summit on CC for a Panama Canal cruise. Several postings talk about how loud the balcony is due to the pool and activity above. Also the large overhang prevents any sunshine. We are in 9114 if you could be of some assistance I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Hope you can relieve some concern I have, we are on the Summit on CC for a Panama Canal cruise. Several postings talk about how loud the balcony is due to the pool and activity above. Also the large overhang prevents any sunshine. We are in 9114 if you could be of some assistance I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

We were in CC cabin 9127 in Dec 2005 on Summit E to W Panama canal. Absolutely no noise problems. We were under the buffet area seating as you will be. It's a very convenient location near midship elevator/stairs.

 

Also had CC cabin 9154 on W/C Alaska cruise in May 2005. It was also quite as far as overhead activity was concerned. Had some pipe banging type noise at night coming from above the closet area though.

 

The overhang on deck 9 gives protection from the hot midday sun (and rain if encountered). We liked that for a Panama Canal cruise, as even in December it was hot & humid.

 

My opinion, don't worry, it will be a great cabin and cruise.

[CaliforniaDreamin]

usha, my Summit ratings.

 

From 1 bad to 10 excellent

 

Crew ----------10

 

Ship -----------10

 

Staterooms ---- 8 (with new bedding would rate 9)(our bedding was OK)

 

Dining Room ----9 (sometimes too loud music)

 

FOOD

 

Dining Room------9 (great service and presentation)

 

Buffet Bkfst-----10 (cooked to order eggs & waffles)

 

Buffet Lunch-----8

 

Casual Dining-----8 (alternative in Buffet area $2 pp gratuity)

 

Sushi Cafe--------8 (could be a 9 if I was hungrier I guess)

 

Pasta & Salad Bar-9 (cooked to order)(not my favorite on a cruise)

 

Pizza Bar---------9 (now if that crust is crispy, could be a 10)

 

Aqua Spa Cafe---10 (must give it a 10 if only for the effort they put out)

(salmon-excellent, shrimp & scallops-excellent,

vegeterian tostado-excellent)

 

Ice Cream Bar----10 (great variety and quality)

 

Cova Cafe--------10 (great rolls & croissants)(coffee, choc drinks $$)

 

Late Nite Bites-----8 (sometimes just don't want more food)

 

Celebrity Theater--10

 

Singers & Dancers--9 (sometimes an 8 or 10)

 

Celebrity Orchestra-10 (excellent musicians, sometimes play in Rendez-

Vous Lounge)

 

Thalassotherapy Pool--10 (so relaxing)

 

Cinema---------------- 7 (movie choices and some bad site lines)

 

Revelation Lounge---10 (excellent viewing area during day)

 

Rendez-Vous Lounge-10 (a busy place around dinner hours)

 

Martini Bar-----------10 (try the Martini Flight if you're not sure)

 

Aft Bar---------------9 (a great place to eat outside and hang out)

 

Mast Bar-------------9 (a good place to hang out and people watch)

 

Gym-----------------10 (many types of equipment)

 

Persion Gardens------NR (never used it, wife did once)

 

Casino----------------8 (craps tables have been good to me. too smoky

sometimes)

Room Service---------10 (coffee, juice, danish every morning)

 

That's all for now.