Summit to Bermuda

By cruisetarp

• May 30, 2015

Once again a last minute deal on the Celebrity Summit to Bermuda caught my eye and we were packed and having our first on-board cocktail in less than 2 weeks time.

We took the 50 minute car ride to Cape Liberty and parked and in the terminal in no time. The new garage and parking area are not ready yet so it was quite some distance between parking and the terminal but they did supply a shuttle once you were parked. As always you could still drop your luggage off at the terminal before parking. The new terminal is OK - certainly a huge disappointment for all the time and money and hype. Just lots and lots of tables with laptops on them - no counter, etc. Our line did move quickly though and we were directed to a seating area to wait to board. By the time we found a seat our number was called and we proceeded onto the ship after lining up to have our seapass pictures taken. It just seems to work so much easier when your pic is taken at the check in counter. One bonus was you now walk directly along the ramp and onto the ship - much nicer than having to take a shuttle like you did in the past. Another perk is you enter onto deck 5 of the ship not deck 1 as you did in the past. Welcome aboard Champagne and Mimosas were waiting as you walked through the door.

After our usual lunch in the buffet (food was good - hot and plentiful) we went to our cabin 1134 in the aft. Cabin was very nice - very clean and we had a room Steward who could not do enough for us. Our request for ice was filled and we never again in the week had an empty ice bucket.

Our only glitch was because we booked so late, traditional dining was not available and the only select dining available was at 8:30 - way too late for us to eat.

The first night we ate in the buffet but after that managed to get a table by 6:30 every night although it was always a different table and wait staff. We really enjoy dining with others with the same staff but that was not to be. The food was vastly improved from last year and even though we had a different staff every night they were cordial and helpful

The shows were your standard shows - some better than others and the Casino was not kind at all. There was plenty to do all day and night though and once again the Captain and his Officers were very visible and eager to talk and see how your trip was going.

The Loyalty Hostess on board Ashley was wonderful and made everyone feel welcome during the special morning breakfast in the Normandie Restaurant and the Evening cocktail hour in the big lounge.

Bermuda was wonderful as usual - weather did not cooperate but it still sure beat being home. I love the idea of having 3 full days to explore the Island and after many many visits there we still find new and exciting things to do. Just a note of caution - even on the most overcast day you can get one nasty sunburn sitting on the deck of the Swizzle Inn.

We did have very smooth seas though despite the first storm of the year forming off the Carolinas. When we arrived back in NJ debarkation was handled well and smoothly and we were off the ship right as scheduled at 8:15. Again, waiting for the shuttle with all your luggage was a real pain but that should be taken care of when the parking garage is completed and operational.

Would we do this cruise again -----definitely.

Any questions just ask