Hey! Pumped up for your upcoming Celebrity Summit cruise? Feeling a bit torn on which cruise line to pick for your maiden voyage? Well, fear not! As a travel buff with a fair share of journeys under my belt, I’ve got the inside scoop to ensure your first time on board is nothing short of fantastic.
I’m all about exploring different cruise lines, and the next on my list is the Celebrity Cruise! This blog post is your go-to guide for what to expect when you set sail on the Celebrity Summit. Ready to dive into the deets? Let’s make sure your first cruise is a sea-worthy adventure!
Getting there
We flew Delta Airlines from Washington, DC (DCA) to Miami, Florida (MIA). This airport is the closest to the cruise terminal. It is highly recommended to arrive the day before and check into a hotel, to ensure you do not miss the cruise ships.
Onboarding the Celebrity Summit
The embarkation process on the first day (the process of boarding the cruise ship) with Celebrity Cruises is very simplified and fast.
You have the option beforehand to do a mobile check-in. This includes entering relevant health information and passport details. Everything was very smooth and easy once we showed the completed mobile check-in from the Celebrity app.
The staff members were very helpful in this process. I recommend boarding the ship sooner than later, as you get extra time to explore. It’s a great time to head over to the sunset bar for a tasty cocktail. We chose to board the cruise ship at 1 pm.
Cruise Stateroom/Cabin
We were able to enter our cabin at around 2 pm. The cabin included a balcony that was pretty spacious. The Celebrity Summit stateroom also has a small sofa, a vanity mirror, and a coffee table. Our cabin steward was usually not hard to reach if we needed anything. Our first night on board was wonderful, as we spent most of it on the balcony.
Celebrity Summit Cruise Itinerary
The itinerary of the Celebrity Summit on January 9th-12th, 2023:
Day 1: Miami, Florida
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico
Day 4: Grand Cayman Island
Day 5: At Sea
Day 6: Miami, Florida
Cozumel, Mexico Port
The first port stop was Cozumel, Mexico. We selected the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, Island Tour and Beach excursion. This excursion is offered through Celebrity Cruises and costs around $85 US per person. You can expect the walk through the jungle to explore ancient Mayan ruins, and to spend some needed time at the beach.
First, you’ll take a trail leading to the San Gervasio ruins, where Mayan women once paid homage to Ix Chel, the goddess of birth and fertility. We saw the mysterious red handprints and ancient carvings of this archeological wonder.
Then, we visited the Mayan Bee Sanctuary. There were so many natural products like soaps, honey scrubs, and shampoos for purchase.
The final part of this excursion was the beach trip. You arrive in front of the El Pescador restaurant beachfront. Very friendly customer service and fresh, tasty food! Make sure you have cash, as they DO NOT accept cards.
The beach was not crowded and so calming. You can swim, lay in a hammock, or just sit right on the shore. After an hour or so at the beach, it’s time to bus back to the port to rejoin the wonderful ship.
Georgetown, Cayman Island Port
At the port of the Grand Caymans, you have to take a tender boat (smaller ship that you get on from the cruise ship) to reach the actual port. You have to wait until your number is called to go down to catch the tender boat.
We chose not to purchase an excursion in the Cayman Islands. Instead, we took a taxi to Seven Mile Beach for about $7 US per person. You are dropped of at a location of the beach that many cruisers are also taken to. That being said, the beach was very crowded. It was a beautiful beach, but too many people to get that fully relaxing vibe. There were water sports and food vendors available for purchase.
It is recommended to purchase an excursion. They have great ones to choose from like swimming with stingrays, dolphin encounters, snorkeling, and more!
Cruise Food Review
Back on the Summit ship on your sea days, there is a range of dining options to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy night out or a quick bite, you should definitely find what you’re looking for.
They have a variety of specialty restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines like steak, Italian, sushi, and more. If you’re more of a casual diner, there are plenty of laid-back options, too, like a grill by the pool and a cafe.
The Cosmopolitan restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The cuisine is simply delicious, and the service is impeccable. If you’re in the mood for something more casual in the main dining room, head over to the Oceanview café where you’ll find a variety of international dishes.
This buffet restaurant is where we mainly ate, with so many delicious options. For a quick and delicious bite, the Mast Grill is the go-to spot for juicy burgers and good food.
If you’re a foodie, there are some other neat experiences you can sign up for, like wine tastings, cooking classes, and demos with the ship’s head chef. And if you’re looking for a more private or romantic dinner, you can book a special room or even get room service on your own balcony.
Overall, the food on the Celebrity Summit is top-notch, with tons of options, a focus on using local and fresh ingredients, and lots of ways to make it feel like a special occasion.
On Board Entertainment
The dining isn’t the only thing to look forward to on the Summit ship. There are also plenty of onboard activities to keep you entertained throughout your trip. If you enjoy keeping active, you will love the onboard gym and swimming pool, where you can work up a sweat while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
If you want something more relaxing, the Spa Club is a great place to unwind and rejuvenate. Indulge in a soothing massage or a refreshing facial, or try acupuncture for a truly unique experience.
For family members with kids, the Summit ship has something for everyone. Camp at Sea is a kid’s paradise, with a range of activities to keep children of all ages entertained. The program is divided into age groups, so you can be sure that your little ones are having a blast in a safe and supervised environment. The Teen Club is the perfect spot for teenagers to hang out, play games, watch movies, or dance the night away with new friends.
The Celebrity Summit has several choices to pick from when it comes to onboard entertainment. From game shows to Broadway-style shows in the main theater, there was always something fun and exciting to see on the ship. Whether you’re in the mood for a silent disco party or a more intimate performance, there’s a venue to suit your taste. The piano bar offers live music every night. We also enjoyed watching movies on the big screen of the rooftop terrace.
Overall Impression
The Celebrity Ship is overall a great cruise. It’s an elegant and relaxing ship. My favorite place on the ship was The Solarium. Quiet and serene. The food options and entertainment are plentiful in the Oceanview Cafe, which is the main restaurant.
The crew members are very attentive and helpful in all the public areas. There were so many shore excursions to choose from, I suggest booking early. This is not an all-out party ship, but it has many good things to offer.
If you want a club and party cruise experience, I recommend seeking a different ship. The vibe of this ship was more having a good time; drink, eat, relax, and has several large families on board.
