Top marks for Summit?

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Top marks for Summit?
Reviewed By: Campbell, Glasgow on 22nd Jun 2009
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises	Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Summit	Sailed: June, 2009
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 65+

Sailed from Barcelona on 3rd June and chose this cruise for the itinerary which was excellent. Especially enjoyed Rome with its history and spectacular buildings, visit to Pompeii, Santorini, Dubrovnik (spotlessly clean and very picturesque) and magical Venice. Athens is a vast bustling city and at over 100 degrees was very sticky - best to see the Acropolis as early in the day as possible. We took a city tour bus to see some of the rest of the city. As to the ship our first bad experience was a delay of almost 3 hours before we got our luggage - the label on one case had come off between airport and ship. We had a cabin, sorry stateroom on deck 9 with a large window and the room was very spacious and comfortable. The housekeeping staff were efficient. We had breakfast quite a few mornings from the healthy breakfast bar in the spa area (usually quiet) but good selection in Waterfall cafe. Had dinner in the Cosmopolitan Restaurant where there were 5 courses. Good quality and variety although we sometimes passed on the salad course. Some exotic course descriptions which the waiter had to decrypt. As always on cruises too much food for the calorie conscious and you are aware of a lot of waste. Unfortunately some negative comments. Celebrity obviously caters for the U.S. market with everything priced in dollars and Amnericanisms in the printed material. As non-gamblers we found it strange that the thoroughfare on deck 4 took you through mini Las Vegas. Trips were expensive e.g. "Pisa and Florence on your own" really only a shuttle service to both places cost us £142.50 for two and "A taste of Rome" with morning transfer and afternoon escorted visits to St Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum (not inside) also cost £142.50. Two glasses of wine with automatic service charge on all drinks would cost from $13.80 to $21.85 depending on vintage. Regarding the main servce charges we were glad we paid up-front when we booked. No information provided about proximity of quay to town/city centre or about independent methods of transport. We would also have welcomed some occasional commentary along the route about land/islands passed to give a sense of location. We were on the late dinner session which is rather late at 8.45 and apart from the three production shows at 11 p.m. there was no other theatre entertainment available after the late session. It would have been better if the dinner sessions had been slightly closer and a full programme laid on at say 10.30 The productions shows were well presented if a bit loud and somewhat similar (the middle one was not up to the standard of others). The pianist was very good and the Italian violinist on the second last night. A group of guitarists Lost Locos were dreadful. Some odd smells at times on lower decks. There is a multi-national crew on Summit and ones we had dealings with were generally friendly and efficient if at times obsequious but we have been on previous cruises with almost 100% Filipino crew and found them more helpful, more industrious and more sincere. Despite the negative comments the places visited and the glorious weather made this a truly memorable cruise.
Quality of Food
Had breakfast in the Waterfall cafe or the healthy breakfast area. Had dinner (5 course) in Cosmopolitan Restaurant - quality and variety excellent.
Entertainment
Productions shows of high standard but orchestra a little too loud and song/dance routines became bit similar. Enjoyed pianist Brooks Aehron and violinist Vincenzo Gentile but had to see them at 7.15 (before dinner). Group of guitarists Lost Locos were an embarassment.
Shore Excursions
Enjoyed the trips to Rome and Pompeii and did our own thing at Santorini and Dubrovnik (both memorable places). Trips overpriced.
Staff
Selvino Gonsalves (housekeeping) and Ignatius and Omesh (waiters) were very freindly and helpful
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Yes. Not involved in many other than use of swimming and spa areas.
Cabins
Cabin very spacious - probably a family room with 2 additional sofa beds.
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Howard, Blackburn (29 Jun 09 20:20) about this REVIEW

Agree with most of the comments. My main grumble was the compulsory 15% service charge on drinks, this was after paying £69 prior to sailing. Glad we booked the first meal sitting as we enjoyed the shows which started at 9pm. Thought excursions very expensive and also the shuttle prices were high. Unfortunately had to use medical facility and this was very good, but pricey. Agree about the awful guitarists! Yes - the wine was a ridiculous price.

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