Leaving on a much needed cruise!

[Boston Babe]

Hubby and I are down to single digit 5 days to board the Summit in Bayonne.  We are staying the night before at the Embassy Suites, Newark.  It will interesting to compare the Summit versus the Grandeur as they are pretty similar in size, passengers and of course age! ( I did book the Summit again for next May as I wanted to see the what she looks like once her makeover which is supposed to be substantial, i.e Cashmere sheets?? who does that!) We decided to head back to Bermuda as who can ever get too much of Bermuda, and we were only there for about 26 hours in May.

This is a much needed vacation since our last in May.  We've been through so many doctors, tests, MRI's to determine why hubby is having difficulty walking, especially since April.  To see a man walk his two Golden Retrievers 3 miles a day, to using a walker in 5 months is quite humbling to say the least.  We decided to go on a mental holiday since his last MRI and when we get back head to Johns Hopkins, but till then we are going to enjoy the hell out of our cruise.  We just want to "be".   

We are in an accessible Sky Suite which is rather hard to get (you have to prove disability with Celebrity which I was very happy to see!), so it's a larger room, with balcony about 407 square feet. We have premium drink package, 2 internet, pre paid gratuities and $300 OBC (actually $400 as I cashed in point on my RC Card!) all to be used very wisely in the Casino!!LOL

I also rented from Scootaround the scooter again that we had on Grandeur as well as a wheelchair in case the Scooter runs out of power! LOL (and it did on Grandeur, we forgot to recharge it!)

I found a great tour operator in Bermuda who is also disabled and runs tours for the disabled.  We are getting a 3 hour tour around the island and he's charging $105PP which is along the same line that Celebrity is charging for the 5 hour, but this is a private tour so I figured why not. He will take us to Hamilton and Horseshoe Bay which we didnt' get to in May.

Curious how the Butler works out that we get (not the same I assume as the all elusive Royal Genie that I probably will never see!), so that will be interesting.

So now if I can manage to get through this work week, we will be off to what we hope to be a fabulous week! 

[monctonguy]

Sounds like you need it and deserve it....should be a great time!  I will  be interested to see what you think of Summit as I have seen some good deals on her but seems like an older ship....but no matter what...a cruise to Bermuda will be amazing. Room sounds pretty nice too!

[ellcee]

Following!

[twangster]

I think you'l like Summit. It's a sister ship to the Millennium I sailed to Alaska last year.    in fact this class of ship is called the Millennium class.  

They were all "Solsticized" when that ship hit the market.  

I really enjoyed Luminae dining which comes with a Sky Suite.  Unlike Coastal Kitchen on RC you'll eat all meals in Luminae.  I put myself in the Sommelier's hands at and he never disappointed pairing wine with my dinner choices each night.  Make sure to check out the Martini Bar (more than just Martinis).  

Like Grandeur she isn't a new ship but they have kept it fresh and modern.  

I'm looking forward to following along and I'm curious to know how similar she is inside compared to Millie.  Some of my Millie pics made it into my Alaska recap blog:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5211-alaska-recap-celebrity-millennium-june-2017/&do=findComment&comment=51830

Enjoy your cruise!

[twangster]

Oh yeah - the butler thing is somewhat overstated IMO.  I'm okay with that, I don't need someone unpacking my luggage for me.  No complaints but just think it's made out to be something more than it is.  

[JLMoran]

Have a great trip, and I hope both you and your husband are able to just de-stress and enjoy the time away!

Will definitely look forward to the recap after you're back!

[WAAAYTOOO]

Enjoy it, Lorraine.  You both deserve it.

[Lovetocruise2002]

@Boston Babe have a wonderful time and enjoy every moment of it!  Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Celebrity as we will try it one day, and well, the opinion of a fellow suite snob matters.   If it's anything like the butler on MSC, it is a bit overrated.  But nonetheless, still a nice perk.

[Boston Babe]

47 minutes ago, twangster said:

No complaints but just think it's made out to be something more than it is.  

I kind of figured that.  If you really want service, I need to do the Royal Genie!  He's probably like a Concierge. We plan on only dining in Luminae or room service.  If it's "Chic" night and we don't feel like dressing we will do room service.  

[Boston Babe]

1 hour ago, twangster said:

Enjoy your cruise!

My gosh, how come I didn't see these pictures!  If only the Summit looks like Millie!  She must have been great being in Alaska on her!  Some are saying Summit is showing wear but they said that about Grandeur and quite frankly other than outdated furniture and balcony furniture she was still gleaming.  I like you said am going on now, and then going on next May, she's getting the whole makeover that Celebrity is doing Feb 2019 so I'm going to try to take some pics now and then, god willing in May.  It sounds like your really liked Luminae?  Did you get to eat in Blu, I heard, if there is availability Suite guests can eat there too. thank you for sharing these fabulous photo shoot, the sunset is magnificant!

[Boston Babe]

33 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Will definitely look forward to the recap after you're back!

Thanks so much Joe!!

[Boston Babe]

18 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

If it's anything like the butler on MSC, it is a bit overrated.  But nonetheless, still a nice perk.

I know, I need the Genie! working on that, need rest of 2020 to come out! YOLO!!!  Thank you my friend, and if I don't "speak" with you, please have a stress free transition back into the classroom if you can and enjoy the school year!!

[Boston Babe]

25 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Enjoy it, Lorraine.  You both deserve it.

Thanks Raye so very much! I was just looking at your cruises and I was THIS CLOSE to being on Anthem with you Feb 15th, but changed to Grandeur Feb 14th!  We will try to put the world behind us for a few days!! 

[Boston Babe]

1 hour ago, monctonguy said:

I will  be interested to see what you think of Summit as I have seen some good deals on her but seems like an older ship....but no matter what...a cruise to Bermuda will be amazing. Room sounds pretty nice too!

Exactly!  You are probably seeing deals on her now as she will be ending her runs by January, she's getting a COMPLETE makeover (as Celebrity is doing all their ships), new rooms, new decor, new everything this February.  I think she's out of commission about 4-6 weeks if I remember correctly.  That's why I booked her again for next May, would really like to see what she will look like.  I'm more of a ship person than port so I have no problem going back to Bermuda again as it's so magnificant!  

[twangster]

The Sky Suite I stayed in is somewhat unique.  It's back by the Penthouse Suites and has a connecting door so it acts as overflow and a 3rd bedroom for the Penthouse when needed.  Because of that the decor is upgraded over a standard Sky Suite.

It's not a new ship.  Some cabins may looked dated if you are picky about certain items.  The AquaSpa cabins on the aft of deck 11 were recently added so they are 'like new' .  I was booked into one of these before upgrading to a sky suite.

I think some people have unrealistic expectations or had no idea they booked an older ship.  Because they are "shocked" it isn't a brand new ship they find every little flaw and highlight it.  Many deck 9 balconies have the pool deck overhang above them.  I see reviews from people who did no research complain about the 'obstructed' view of the sky.  

I had no issues with Grandeur last year and Millie looked better than Grandeur (not that Grandeur is in bad shape at all).  I sailed Mille in June and Grandeur in August was my next cruise.

If Summit is anything like Millie I think you'll be happy.

I ate in Luminae the whole cruise.  I thought about trying Blu but I didn't want to miss out on Luminae while I had it.  I did the buffet on boarding day and had no issues with it.  Great pizza (much better than RC).  A few lunches in the buffet just when I wanted to eat and run quickly.

[Lovetocruise2002]

@twangster, how would you rate Luminae compared to CK?

[twangster]

2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

@twangster, how would you rate Luminae compared to CK?

Long winded answer to a simple question but if you know me, I am long winded.  Let me set the stage...

In 2017 I was on Allure in a CLS Sunday May 21 until Sunday May 28.  I ate in CK most nights, except for Hibachi once.   This was my second CK cruise and I had prime CK reservations every night, a lesson learned from the previous cruise.  As expected, I loved CK.  

I boarded Mille on Friday June 2nd, 6 days later.  

I love CLS.  The space and the cabin and CK and the suite lounge and on and on.    You know.  

Booking Alaska I asked myself... I'm going from the 2nd largest cruise ship in world (at the time), in a CLS, to a much smaller and older ship in a one level Sky Suite days later.  What am I doing?  Surely Millie would be a let down.  How could it not be?  The CLS experience is amazing!  Allure is amazing!  A mere Sky Suite?  Duh!

Millie was an awesome experience.  Very different from Allure at so many levels, all levels really.  Dining, entertainment, drink package (I had the DP on both), cabin, ship size and age, fellow guests, destination (Caribbean vs. Alaska) and so on. 

With that stage set, let me get to your question...

I give my Luminae experience the win over CK, and I love CK (except for lunch, which is kind of 'meh' IMO). 

Luminae breakfast is pretty much the same as CK.   

The Sommelier who handles wine requests is completely absent in CK.   On Mille, he nailed the wine pairings each night.  I told him what I was planning to order and he recommend the wine.  I went with his suggestion despite my own inclinations, the first time I had done so to this degree.   As a wine snob (at times) I am kind of particular about my wine glass.  I prefer a thin rim wine glass.  Luminae uses the same wine glasses I have at home.  Silly I know, but the devil is in the details. 

Service is pretty much the same - great in both.  No key card required for Luminae.  For Luminae the Maître D' welcomed me by name after my first visit and escorted me to my table.

Ambience.  The CK on Oasis class is impressive for sure.  Great panoramic views as you know.  Luminae is a very comfortable and cozy experience.  On a lower deck there are the common circular ocean view windows to the sea that we all have experienced somewhere on a ship.  Luminae doesn't have the panoramic views that CK does (at least on Mille class ships, I have no experience beyond that) but as I sit here writing this I give the nod to Luminae for ambiance.  However this, like food, is a personal opinion.  A great view is just that.  It doesn't make the overall experience complete, even if it does add to it significantly.   There is no lounge bundled with Luminae,.  Luminae is smaller than Oasis class CK.  From what I saw in the Anthem CK,  it's roughly the same size. 

Michael's Lounge (included with Sky Suite) is forward on the ship and very separate and distinct from Luminae.  I think Michael's Lounge may be impacted by the latest refresh announced but I'm not positive on that.

Food.  I can't recall a bad dining experience in either so I am hesitant to proclaim a winner since food is so personal.  For me?  Luminae for the win.  Not by much, but for me if a ship had both restaurants side by side and I could pick one, I'd probably visit Luminae.   Someone else may go the other way.  To each their own.  For me it was the flavors and sauces.  Heck, I might visit both.

Given all this when I see reviews that compare a Sky Suite to a Junior Suite on Royal, I have to disagree.    CK is available on a few ships.  Luminae is available on many ships in the fleet. JS provides dinner access to CK, S1/S2 Sky Suites provides access comparable to GS and above.  S1/S2 gives access to Michael's Lounge.  No such JS benefit.  

When I planned my Alaska cruise I had to choose between Radiance and Mille.  A JS on Radiance was very close in price to a S1 on Mille when I booked it. Sure I wanted to climb the C&A ladder but a JS or Sky Suite?  Sky Suite wins that battle every time.  IMO.

I joined the RCLBlog a few months after my Mille cruise so I wasn't in full blog mode at the time.  The only Luminae menu I took a picture of is this one, on display during the day outside the restaurant.  

 

 

[twangster]

Here are some luminae pictures from my Millie cruise:

The MDR for steerage guests is just on the other side of those illuminated panels. I would never have known it though.  I never heard anything from the MDR.

As I stated earlier I wasn't in blog mode at the time and I was trying to be respectful to follow guests so I haven't captured it as I would if I sailed her last week.

My expectation is that the Summit luminae is very similar.  

If Matt wants to sponsor a return trip I promise to do much better next time... 

[Lovetocruise2002]

7 hours ago, twangster said:

Long winded answer to a simple question but if you know me, I am long winded.  Let me set the stage...

I would expect nothing less from you or @JLMoran 

7 hours ago, twangster said:

When I planned my Alaska cruise I had to choose between Radiance and Mille.  A JS on Radiance was very close in price to a S1 on Mille when I booked it. Sure I wanted to climb the C&A ladder but a JS or Sky Suite?  Sky Suite wins that battle every time.  IMO.

So you of all people should understand why I chose the YC over a JS 

7 hours ago, twangster said:

I joined the RCLBlog a few months after my Mille cruise so I wasn't in full blog mode at the time. 

I don't know why, but this part just cracks me up.  A Twangster in full blog mode vs. non-full blog mode. 

Thank you for the detailed response.  The Type A in me appreciates the explanation.  Storing for the future because one of these days, I will sail Celebrity.

Apologies @Boston Babe for hijacking...

 

[Boston Babe]

20 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Apologies @Boston Babe for hijacking

No apologies needed, That's exactly why I'm on more Celebrity than RC as when I was looking last summer, their prices for SkySuite and 4 perks were way less than JS much less GS and as you know, cruise snob, I had to have a suite! LOL

[WAAAYTOOO]

47 minutes ago, Boston Babe said:

their prices for SkySuite and 4 perks were way less than JS much less GS and as you know, cruise snob, I had to have a suite! LOL

I guess this comes as a surprise to me.  I always had the impression that Celebrity was pricier than RC.  I admit that I have never done the research to confirm that...it was just an impression.

[twangster]

Just now, WAAAYTOOO said:

I guess this comes as a surprise to me.  I always had the impression that Celebrity was pricier than RC.  I admit that I have never done the research to confirm that...it was just an impression.

Don't use the Edge in your pricing comparison.   Some suites land in Star Class full price territory at times.  

If you don't mind the older ships in the fleet, there can be great value in Sky Suites.  Compared to similar RCI ships (age, size) Celebrity is very affordable if you book at the right time.

[Boston Babe]

Just now, WAAAYTOOO said:

I guess this comes as a surprise to me.  I always had the impression that Celebrity was pricier than RC.  I admit that I have never done the research to confirm that...it was just an impression.

I hit it at the right time I think.  Last summer end of August, they were really great rates and throw in the 4 perks it was a no brainer. Plus we don't need all the bells and whistles as we are just old farts who like to relax, have a cocktail or 2 and gamble! LOL.  The Sky Suite we are in on Sunday was just under $5K with all 4 perks.I booked this upcoming last November  My Grandeur booking in Feb, the drink package alone is $1000 for 9 nights currently (hoping for a sale! LOL) 

[WAAAYTOOO]

7 minutes ago, Boston Babe said:

Plus we don't need all the bells and whistles as we are just old farts who like to relax, have a cocktail or 2 and gamble! LOL.

Wow...what a coincidence.  I know 2 people JUST like this !

[twangster]

Celebrity casinos are smoke free, fleet wide.   Not sure if you or your beloved are smokers so keep that in mind.  

Celebrity does tend to run higher than RCI but you can find the exceptions from time to time if you look for them and have some flexibility.  

Edge is hugely popular.  Rates have skyrocketed.  A lot of that demand is coming from established Captain's Club members.  Edge is the first new Celebrity ship in a while so Celebrity fans are running to it in droves.  In the wake of the mass migration to Edge are a lot of Celebrity ships that still need to be sold.  Lower demand on those creates potential opportunity for us all.  

[Boston Babe]

21 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Wow...what a coincidence.  I know 2 people JUST like this !

As I was typing that I thought, Hmmm I think I know 2 people just like that! LOL

[Boston Babe]

22 minutes ago, twangster said:

Edge is hugely popular.  Rates have skyrocketed

Boy you said it! I booked my Edge booking Dec 6 2017 for January 26, 2020, I checked the rates, for exact same Sky Suite (aft), it's $2000.00 more than what I booked and that was not cheap either! It was supposed to be my retirement cruise, but that remains to be seen! LOL

[JLMoran]

Is this the 7-night Bermuda-only sailing that I've seen Celebrity offer out of NJ? Two nights / basically 3 full days in Bermuda, plus a couple of sea days on either side?

[Boston Babe]

17 hours ago, JLMoran said:

Is this the 7-night Bermuda-only sailing that I've seen Celebrity offer out of NJ? Two nights / basically 3 full days in Bermuda, plus a couple of sea days on either side?

HI Joe, yes, it's really nice as you get ample sea days and time in Bermuda.  We leave Sunday, at Sea, Monday and Tuesday, arrive Bermuda 8:30AM Wed through 3:30PM Friday, the Saturday at sea.  That's really why I booked it as when we were there in May it was only a 5 night and we really only had about 26 hours in port, not enough time, especially with hubby (Mr. Gimp!)! LOL. Is your Anthem cruise 5 nights or 7??

[JLMoran]

1 hour ago, Boston Babe said:

Is your Anthem cruise 5 nights or 7??

The one I'm on is five nights. If I had picked an even later offering in November, or chosen a sailing on Grandeur, I could have done 7 nights, but I felt that was too late in the year.

I had seen that Celebrity offering after I'd booked this one on Anthem and was really torn. I want to build up loyalty in C&A so I can get at least Platinum transfer benefits with X before I start booking with them, but at the same time I thought that with just the wife and me, X might have been a nicer and dare I say more enjoyable option for us, especially as I'm a foodie and wine lover. But, I also booked Anthem to get an idea what she's like and see if it will be a ship the angsty, "sea days are boring" teenage kids will enjoy more than they did Freedom, so we can do some sailings from our home port and not have flight expenses to deal with. If I didn't have them to think about for future cruises, I'd have probably booked Adventure to Bermuda rather than Anthem.

Expecting Oasis comment from @Lovetocruise2002 in 5... 4... 3... 

[Lovetocruise2002]

7 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

The one I'm on is five nights. If I had picked an even later offering in November, or chosen a sailing on Grandeur, I could have done 7 nights, but I felt that was too late in the year.

I had seen that Celebrity offering after I'd booked this one on Anthem and was really torn. I want to build up loyalty in C&A so I can get at least Platinum transfer benefits with X before I start booking with them, but at the same time I thought that with just the wife and me, X might have been a nicer and dare I say more enjoyable option for us, especially as I'm a foodie and wine lover. But, I also booked Anthem to get an idea what she's like and see if it will be a ship the angsty, "sea days are boring" teenage kids will enjoy more than they did Freedom, so we can do some sailings from our home port and not have flight expenses to deal with. If I didn't have them to think about for future cruises, I'd have probably booked Adventure to Bermuda rather than Anthem.

Expecting Oasis comment from @Lovetocruise2002 in 5... 4... 3... 

You know it!  Book Oasis class and no one will be bored.  Maybe @Matt should call a July/August 2020 GC on OA class and then that will get you to finally cave   

[JLMoran]

Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said:

You know it!  Book Oasis class and no one will be bored.  Maybe @Matt should call a July/August 2020 GC on OA class and then that will get you to finally cave   

You missed the part about not paying airfare. Given my budgetary limits for the foreseeable future, sailing out of Cape Liberty is a must-do so that I'm not saddled with airfare. Even with that, swinging two balcony rooms for the four of us might be outside my budget. Probably not on Anthem, given the huge price drops on balconies I saw with this Bermuda cruise close to final payment date (I'm kind of missing the ton of money I'd have gotten back by now); but on Adventure where I saw balconies on 6-night CA/NE itineraries were over $200 pp/pn, that could be a concern.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Just now, JLMoran said:

You missed the part about not paying airfare. Given my budgetary limits for the foreseeable future, sailing out of Cape Liberty is a must-do so that I'm not saddled with airfare. Even with that, swinging two balcony rooms for the four of us might be outside my budget. Probably not on Anthem, given the huge price drops on balconies I saw with this Bermuda cruise close to final payment date (I'm kind of missing the ton of money I'd have gotten back by now); but on Adventure where I saw balconies on 6-night CA/NE itineraries were over $200 pp/pn, that could be a concern.

Ok, yes sorry.  Missed that part.  Back to pushing the Canada/NE GC idea then...

[Boston Babe]

31 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

as I'm a foodie and wine lover.

Part of the reason I"ve chosen Celebrity is because of the lack of kids.  Don't get me wrong, I love kids, just not on my vacation if they aren't mine (and mine have 4 paws anyway)! LOL and Celebrity demographic is more mine (60) than the Oasis class kind of ships.  I also found when booking early enough the suite with 4 perks if you price all of it out is less than most RC sailings.

waiting too for @Lovetocruise2002 to chime in at any moment  5,4,3,2  LOL

[Lovetocruise2002]

Just now, Boston Babe said:

Part of the reason I"ve chosen Celebrity is because of the lack of kids.  Don't get me wrong, I love kids, just not on my vacation if they aren't mine (and mine have 4 paws anyway)! LOL and Celebrity demographic is more mine (60) than the Oasis class kind of ships.  I also found when booking early enough the suite with 4 perks if you price all of it out is less than most RC sailings.

waiting too for @Lovetocruise2002 to chime in at any moment  5,4,3,2  LOL

Lol...I try to avoid kids at all costs too 

All jokes aside, I get the Celebrity thing.  I want to try it out myself too (and definitely without my kids).  Yes, kids are hard to avoid on OA class ships as those ships naturally just draw out families.  I will say though that there are so many areas on OA class ships to go, that you can stay away from the kids.  Trust me, I've done it.  Even without access to the suite sundeck (which pretty much is free of kids), Central Park is my oasis (for lack of a better word).  I've spent hours there without my kids.

[JLMoran]

5 minutes ago, Boston Babe said:

LOL and Celebrity demographic is more mine (60)

That's the other hesitation I have about booking X right now... I'm in my late 40s and wife is early 50s, and I do feel like we'd be on the young side on any X sailing. Maybe not massively younger, depending on sailing and ship, but when we were first looking at what cruise line to book for our first one ever, I did hear over and over that X skews older.

Then again, looking at Twangster's photos from his Alaska sailing on X, the passengers I saw all seemed to be about my age bracket, so I may be hesitating over a whole lot of nothing on that front.

[Lovetocruise2002]

9 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

That's the other hesitation I have about booking X right now... I'm in my late 40s and wife is early 50s, and I do feel like we'd be on the young side on any X sailing. Maybe not massively younger, depending on sailing and ship, but when we were first looking at what cruise line to book for our first one ever, I did hear over and over that X skews older.

Then again, looking at Twangster's photos from his Alaska sailing on X, the passengers I saw all seemed to be about my age bracket, so I may be hesitating over a whole lot of nothing on that front.

Age is just a number...if people are fun, they are fun regardless of the age.

I personally think with Celebrity is you have to know what type of vacation you are getting into...it won't be party city (stay away if that is what you are looking for).  If you are in the mood for a more calm, understated, elegant? vacation, then I think it will be just fine.  IIRC from @monctonguy's posts a while ago, there wasn't as many night activities compared to Royal.  So if that is your thing, then X isn't your line regardless of your age.  At least that's how I view Celebrity....

[JLMoran]

Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I personally think with Celebrity is you have to know what type of vacation you are getting into...it won't be party city (stay away if that is what you are looking for).  If you are in the mood for a more calm, understated, elegant? vacation, then I think it will be just fine.  IIRC from @monctonguy's posts a while ago, there wasn't as many night activities compared to Royal.  So if that is your thing, then X isn't your line regardless of your age.  At least that's how I view Celebrity....

Not looking for night club scene at all, and calm / understated / elegant is totally fine. I would still appreciate Broadway-caliber entertainment options, rather than "revue style" shows like you noted you had on MSC or that I think monctonguy also mentioned on his posts, but it's not a deal-breaker if it's not there. And if they had something like the Blues / Jazz performers that @monorailmedic had noted on his HAL sailing, that would be awesome!

OK, @Boston Babe, returning this thread to you. Once again @Lovetocruise2002 and I have hijacked a thread and totally turned away the discussion from the original topic!

[monctonguy]

I didn't feel out of place at all on Celebrity...while there were defn less kids and there seemed to be less night activities I wouldn't say the  overall age demographic was much older than Royal. We met some great people both older and younger than us that we hung out with...I would do Celebrity again..its just a little quieter...but not enough to deter me from going again....defn not cause the crowd seemed too "old"

[Boston Babe]

2 hours ago, JLMoran said:

returning this thread to you. Once again @Lovetocruise2002 and I have hijacked a thread and totally turned away the discussion from the original topic!

LOL!  well, I'd like to think we are fun!  we like a cocktail or two or three, like the Casino, just not the party animals we used to be (and trust me we were!)  I will give a full blown report upon return!  If there are too many gray hairs I myself may have to reconsider! LOL JOKING!