Celebrity Summit Inaugural September 25 and 26^th

In the wake of what definitely would be called the worst tragedy this country has seen since Pearl Harbor, the cruise industry is still trying to do its best to maintain normality. First things first…we need to say a few words about the air travel. I’m sure all want to know about the flight and airport security, etc. Leaving the Fayetteville, Arkansas airport we noticed random searches of bags that included emptying all the contents and then replacing it all, a process that took around 20 minutes per bag if you were the unlucky traveler. All other bags were checked on to Miami with no delay.

Onward through the metal detector, I had packed together in a camera bag my cell phone and digital camera, extra batteries. No problems at all with anything we carried aboard. Boarding was normal except for the obvious lack of passengers. From there we traveled to Memphis for our connection and on to Miami. If you’ve ever seen or read Stephen Kings’ "The Langoliers" you know what the airports where like. There was an obvious lack of people, workers, and trucks scurrying about to get the food service to the jets, etc. It was eerie to say the least, although as bad as it is for the industry it was surprisingly pleasant, and an absolute delightful experience.

Everyone was extra courteous and willing to help in any way. It’s too bad it took such a tragedy for air travel to actually be a pleasant experience. Never once were we nervous or had any anxiety. We experienced others being scrutinized over all they had in their possession, people who still brought with them scissors, nail clippers, etc. had to give them up or check them in their luggage, and they tested all bags for explosive residue (probably took 15 seconds per bag). No problem with us!

There was an obvious lack of a diverse ethnic range in the crowd. Our cab driver in Memphis (we had a five-hour layover and went to the ‘Rendezvous’ for their world famous ribs!) told us all his Muslim coworkers had quit driving taxis for fear of retaliation. The one Muslim that did want to stay with the cab company refused to fly an American flag on his cab immediately after the attack and subsequently was fired on the spot (I’d hate to be his boss when the EEOC comes a knocking).  Our cab driver even went so far as to say he was in trouble with his own 'race', and took offense at being called an African-American. As he put it, "I've never even seen Africa, I'm an American pure and simple". We thought what he said summed it up perfectly. We believe it’s the safest time to travel and to go on with your plans and life.

Oh yes...the ship! This trip of course was an inaugural full of Travel agents and head honchos of Celebrity. The menus are the same and the buffets are the same, as one would find on the Millennium class ships. The food and staff were excellent and we noticed 'no' lack of service or problems besides the crew making last minute changes, etc.! Virtually identical to the Millennium in basic design, the differences in color design and details of a new ship are exciting to see for the first time. The 'GTS Summit' has a definite Turkish or Arabian theme, right down to the drapes in each stateroom. Subdued browns and earth tones abound.

The first thing we usually do is to hurry to see the specific cabins and areas people want to know about. This may be your only chance to see the penthouse and other upper suites. They are left open with a Celebrity representative to assist you with any questions. Rumor had it that Rick Sasso (President of Celebrity) was in the penthouse for the trip so we wanted to hurry that way before they closed it for the evening. Stunning to say the least...take a look at the photos! Highlights include a butler pantry with separate entrance, an eight seat large formal dining room, full sized refrigerator with icemaker, microwave oven and wine fridge. All televisions are flat screen LCD and at least 32 inches in the wide-screen format with DVD players, there’s even a TV in the hot-tub located in the main bath that overlooks the veranda! Mood lighting controls, additional hot tub, the exercise bike and treadmill make the veranda THE place to hang out! The rest of the suites haven’t changed much, the photos speak for themselves.

Celebrity still continues to improve it's product, even for the crew members who now have flat screen LCD monitors and internet connections in all cabins for 16 cents a minute so they can keep in touch with family. Internet rates for guests are the standard 75 cents per minute, on this trip it was complimentary.

The first few hours we saw many familiar faces from the Millennium, crewmembers that had either been asked to transfer or been requested to come on board the newest ship in the fleet. We felt like we were coming home having already cruised the Millennium twice this year already. Many of the crew have been promoted, from assistant bartenders to head bartenders with their own bars, even some of the former 'Olympic' restaurant staff now were Maitre d' and head sommeliers. The former Captain of the Millennium has even taken on the new ship as her Master.

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