Celebrity Summit: A Comprehensive Ship Review

At Cruise Ready, we’re excited to share our comprehensive review of the Celebrity Summit. This iconic vessel has undergone recent refurbishments, enhancing its already impressive offerings.

Our Celebrity Summit ship review covers everything from accommodations and dining to entertainment and onboard activities. We’ll help you decide if this ship is the right fit for your next cruise adventure.

What’s New on Celebrity Summit?

Celebrity Summit, a beloved ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, has undergone significant transformations to enhance the guest experience. In March 2019, as part of Celebrity’s $500-million fleet-wide modernization, Summit received a comprehensive makeover. This refurbishment aligned the ship with the modern luxury standards of newer vessels in the fleet.

Stateroom Enhancements

The Revolution program brought substantial upgrades to Summit’s accommodations. All staterooms now feature a fresh, contemporary design with new carpeting, furniture, and bedding. The bathrooms boast sleek fixtures and improved lighting. Guests will find USB ports and enhanced storage solutions, which address common cruiser concerns.

Inside cabins (170 square feet) now feel more spacious thanks to clever design choices. Balcony cabins (averaging 192 square feet) offer a perfect retreat with private outdoor space. The newly redesigned AquaClass staterooms provide exclusive access to the Persian Garden thermal suite and the health-conscious Blu restaurant.

Suite Life Elevated

Summit’s suite offerings have seen dramatic improvements. The Retreat, an exclusive enclave for suite guests, now features a private sun deck, pool, lounge, restaurant, and concierge team. These areas offer complimentary beverages, gourmet bites, and concierge service, creating a ship-within-a-ship experience.

The Penthouse Suites (1,432 square feet) rival luxury hotel accommodations with separate living areas, baby grand pianos, and expansive verandas. Celebrity Suite guests enjoy 467 square feet of space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a host of premium amenities.

Public Spaces Reimagined

Summit’s public areas have been completely revitalized. The Oceanview Café (the ship’s buffet restaurant) now sports an open, market-style layout that improves traffic flow and food presentation. The main dining room, Cosmopolitan Restaurant, features updated décor and menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.

For entertainment, the newly added Rooftop Terrace offers outdoor movie screenings under the stars. The Rendezvous Lounge has transformed into the Cellar Masters wine bar, perfect for oenophiles. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the updated gym equipment, including Peloton bikes with ocean views.

Technological Advancements

Celebrity Summit now boasts improved Wi-Fi capabilities (a must for modern travelers) and an updated iLounge with the latest Apple products. The ship’s navigation and propulsion systems have also been upgraded, ensuring smoother sailing and improved fuel efficiency.

These enhancements have reinvigorated Celebrity Summit, solidifying its position as a competitive option in the premium cruise market. As we move on to explore the ship’s dining and entertainment options, you’ll see how these upgrades have elevated the overall cruising experience on this beloved vessel.

Culinary Delights and Entertainment Extravaganza on Celebrity Summit

A Gastronomic Journey

Celebrity Summit’s dining options showcase the ship’s commitment to a premium cruise experience. The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, Summit’s main dining room, features an updated décor and an innovative menu. Daniel Boulud, Chef-Owner of 7 restaurants in New York City and 6 in national and international destinations, contributes to the culinary offerings on Celebrity Summit. This collaboration results in a dining experience that rivals high-end restaurants on land. Guests can savor dishes prepared with precision and flair. The restaurant’s open seating policy accommodates those who prefer set dining times and those who enjoy a more spontaneous approach.

For a more intimate dining experience, Celebrity Summit offers several specialty restaurants. Qsine, a quirky and interactive venue, serves globally-inspired dishes presented in unique ways (the menu appears on iPads, adding a modern touch). Sushi on Five specializes in Japanese cuisine, offering fresh sushi and sashimi prepared by skilled chefs. The Tuscan Grille, an Italian steakhouse, combines the rustic flavors of Italy with prime cuts of beef, creating a menu that satisfies both pasta lovers and carnivores alike.

Le Petit Chef, a unique dining concept, uses 3D table animation to create an animated show on your plate before each course arrives. This innovative approach to dining, created by world-renown artists of Skullmapping, receives rave reviews from guests, with many citing it as a highlight of their cruise experience.

Showstopping Entertainment

The Celebrity Theater, the ship’s main entertainment venue, hosts a variety of production shows throughout each cruise. These shows range from Broadway-style musicals to acrobatic performances. “iMagic” stands out as a cutting-edge show that combines technology with traditional magic tricks, leaving audiences spellbound.

Celebrity Central offers comedy shows, game shows, and movie screenings for those who prefer a more intimate setting. The newly added Rooftop Terrace has become a favorite spot for outdoor movie nights, where guests enjoy films under the stars while lounging on comfortable seating.

Nightlife and Libations

Celebrity Summit’s nightlife options do not disappoint. The Martini Bar, located in the ship’s atrium, attracts guests for pre-dinner drinks and people-watching. The bartenders here put on impromptu shows as they mix cocktails, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The Rendezvous Lounge, transformed into Cellar Masters wine bar, offers an extensive selection of wines from around the world. Wine enthusiasts can participate in tastings and pairings, guided by knowledgeable sommeliers.

For those who want to dance, the Revelations Lounge transforms into a lively nightclub after dark. With its panoramic views and state-of-the-art sound system, it provides the perfect setting to end an evening.

Enhancing Your Entertainment Experience

To make the most of Celebrity Summit’s entertainment offerings, we recommend checking the daily program (delivered to your stateroom each evening). This will help you plan your activities and ensure you don’t miss out on any shows or events that interest you. Additionally, try to make reservations for specialty restaurants and popular shows in advance, as they can fill up quickly.

As we transition to exploring the onboard activities and facilities, you’ll discover how Celebrity Summit caters to various interests and age groups, ensuring a well-rounded cruise experience for all passengers.

What Activities Does Celebrity Summit Offer?

Poolside Paradise and Outdoor Recreation

Celebrity Summit’s main pool area serves as the epicenter of daytime activities. This expansive deck features pools, hot tubs, and loungers for sunbathing. The Rooftop Terrace (located on Deck 12) provides a more intimate outdoor experience with comfortable seating and a large screen for movie nights under the stars.

Active guests will appreciate the jogging track and sports court. The versatile sports court accommodates activities like basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Fitness classes (including yoga and Zumba) often take place on the deck when weather permits, allowing participants to exercise while enjoying ocean views.

Wellness and Relaxation

The Canyon Ranch Spa Club on Celebrity Summit offers a facility for relaxation and rejuvenation. This facility provides a wide range of treatments, from traditional massages to exotic therapies like Ayurvedic rituals. The spa’s thermal suite (known as the Persian Garden) features aromatic steam rooms, saunas, and heated loungers. AquaClass guests receive complimentary access to this area, while other passengers can purchase access for a fee.

Fitness enthusiasts will find a well-equipped center with modern equipment. Personal training sessions and specialized classes are available for an additional cost.

Adult-Centric Experiences

Celebrity Summit caters to adult guests with dedicated spaces for relaxation and socialization. The Solarium (an indoor pool area reserved for guests 16 and older) provides a retreat with its pool and loungers. This space is particularly valuable on cooler days or during inclement weather.

The ship offers various enrichment activities for adults. Wine tasting sessions, art auctions, and guest lectures on topics ranging from destination history to current affairs occur regularly. The iLounge hosts classes on photo editing and social media management.

Family-Friendly Fun

Despite its reputation as a ship catering primarily to adults, Celebrity Summit offers programs for younger cruisers. The Fun Factory entertains children with supervised activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and themed parties. Teenagers have their own space called X Club, equipped with gaming consoles, organized competitions, and social events.

Family-friendly activities abound throughout the ship. The Silent Disco (where participants dance to music through wireless headphones) has become a hit with guests of all ages. Trivia contests, karaoke nights, and dance classes in the Rendezvous Lounge offer opportunities for families to bond and create lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

Celebrity Summit offers a blend of modern luxury and classic cruising that appeals to a wide range of travelers. The ship excels in providing a premium experience without the hefty price tag of ultra-luxury lines. Recent refurbishments have addressed many concerns raised in previous Celebrity Summit ship reviews, resulting in updated staterooms, enhanced dining options, and revitalized public spaces.

One of Summit’s strongest assets is its culinary offerings, with specialty restaurants like Qsine and Le Petit Chef providing unique and memorable meals. The entertainment strikes a good balance between traditional cruise offerings and more innovative experiences, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. However, potential cruisers should note that Celebrity Summit may not offer the same level of cutting-edge amenities found on newer ships.

Celebrity Summit delivers a premium experience at a competitive price point, with the inclusion of drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities in many fare packages. We recommend booking an AquaClass stateroom for access to exclusive spa amenities and the Blu restaurant. At Cruise Ready, we provide expert reviews, packing tips, and cruise planning resources to ensure you’re well-prepared for your journey.