Even better than expected

Item: Celebrity Summit
Rating: 5
Author: lynnegraziano

Celebrity Summit Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

lynnegraziano

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

11 Night Boston Maine & Canada (Boston Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 30, 2023

Ship: Celebrity Summit

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8143

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

The Celebrity Summit delivered on one of our best vacations ever. We were a multi-generational group and all ages had a wonderful time.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very easy to drop bags and passengers, park car, go through security, do wellness check. We were early so we had to wait to board (times started at noon but they welcomed us through the process prior to that) - but it was a minor inconvenience.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

There is a lot of talk about downsized menus, portions, lack of variety on social media - but we enjoyed some of the best food we have ever had. Yes, the MDR menu was slightly culled down - but we ate fresh salads and apps and chose from fish, beef, chicken, pork, and veal offerings (just not everything every night). I thought the strip and sirloin steaks were some of the best I've had. Drink service was impeccable - a wide variety of wines were offered and freely poured - and our cocktails weren't empty before another was on the table! Dessert, coffee, port service was a highlight. The service was exceptional. We were assigned open seating when we booked (we are usually early diners) - so we snagged a table for 10 (that was our party's size) the first night at 5:30 PM - and they kept that table and team for us the rest of the cruise. Amazing staff - Manisha, Rodel, Joel, Yusha (sp?)! The Oceanside Cafe was fantastic as well. personalized eggs at breakfast, pastas at lunch - fantastic Indian and Asian options, burgers and dogs outside at the grill, pizza from lunch until late night - also ice cream - really terrific and served with a smile. We did one night at Tuscan Grill and with 10 people we basically tried everything and shared them. Steak was out of this world - Branzino was delicate and well-seasoned - don't miss the pappardelle and lobster rigatoni. I failed to mention bread service - everywhere, all the time - the pastries and breads are perfection on Celebrity! Cafe Al Bacio is one reason we cruise Celebrity. Always solid, always good service. Rendezvous, Sky lounge, Cellar Masters, Martini bar - terrific service and selection. We are bourbon drinkers and found Buffalo Trace and other favorite brands available - and even paid a little extra for Blantons in the Casino bar.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

trivia and games - always fun with a group; Laura, Ferdi, Jenna were tops!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Again, some of the best across the board.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Above and beyond everywhere. Alberth took amazing care of our room - dining room noted above - friendly faces and "can I helps" everywhere. Even saw officers kick in to help at Al Bacio on sea days when things got super busy.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

public restroom maintenance is a Celebrity specialty - I wish they could train so many public restaurants and venues in America :)

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

perfect size, nice shower and bathroom layout, plenty of storage, quiet, temperature controls worked well

Ship tip

Talk to the staff. It seems to me that in recent years the staff have either been trained to be more conversational - or the overall management has made them comfortable enough to share snippets of their lives with the cruisers. We truly loved hearing out engagements, families, cultures different than ours, etc with so many warm, smiling, and positive staff members. My coffee cup never stayed empty long in Oceanview!

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