Back to News Menu        Cruise News for the Corporate Travel Professional                 July 2015

Cape Liberty, NJ- At Sea –At Sea – Kings, Wharf Bermuda – At Sea – Cape Liberty, NJ 

It isn’t often that we sail to a destination for the first time but that is exactly what I did on this inspection of the Summit to Bermuda.   We have chartered the Summit in 2012 and once again have her chartered for 2016 for the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.   As you know, Worldwide has worked with Legendary for many years and we have partnered in over 25 charters.   With all of those being Caribbean or Mexican charters, we have pretty much been to  every feasible Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean port.  As we continue to seek new destinations, we both landed on Bermuda.  Neither my client or myself had ever been to Bermuda making this the perfect opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the Celebrity Summit and also explore this new destination.  

Sailing from Bayonne in June was very pleasant.  Beautiful weather and pulling out through New York Harbor made for an excellent sail away with the wonderful views of the city, Statue of Liberty, and the Staten Island Ferry.   The excitement of New York City is undeniable, even from the deck of a cruise ship across the harbor.   

From there, we started our 2 day journey to Bermuda.   The seas were calm and winds minimal and our 2 day sail at just over 12 knots was very smooth.  This gave us ample opportunity to take advantage of Celebrity’s amenities, service and food.  The Summit was in good form.  The ship was introduced to the fleet in 2001 and holds just over 2100 guests.   In January 2012, Celebrity Summit emerged from a major Solsticizing dry dock as its public areas and staterooms were enhanced with the integration of widely heralded Solstice Class features.    From the Martini Bar to the specialty restaurants Bistro on Five, Normandie and Qsine, the Summit has many choices for libations and dining.   The food was excellent on the Summit.   From the main dining room (Cosmopolitan) and including all specialty dining, we truly enjoyed the presentations and tastes.  The informal buffet was very good as well, featuring fresh sushi selections each day as well as the expected sandwich, salad, and pizza stations and let’s not forget the sweets and ice creams.

Service on board was excellent as well.   Our stateroom attendant, Santana, was most attentive and intuitive in our needs and timing.   Speaking of the stateroom, it too was a “thumbs up”.  I had a balcony stateroom on deck 6 just forward of midship.  By the placement of my stateroom, I actually had an extended balcony which was very comfortable.   The bedding was comfortable and the interactive TV in stateroom was a big plus.   I was able to place room service orders, check my account, order shore tours or premium movies.  I also like the bathrooms in this category with a shower that is larger than most cruise ships.

On the third morning we arrived at King’s Wharf, Bermuda.   With two and a half days to explore this island, we truly had a stress free feeling to take our time which is a bonus you really don’t think about.  Bermuda was beautiful!   From the fabulous beaches to the wonderful towns, this British colony is truly a gem.   We toured the island extensively and took in every nook and cranny.  There are many forts and churches from the 1700s and 1800s.  There are no rental cars in Bermuda.  The entire island can be navigated by excellent public transport.  Buses and ferry boats are always running.   We decided to hire a local expert for our full tour and it did not disappoint.   We saw the stunning Crystal Caves, all of the cays and beaches and of course, Michael Douglas’ estate.   We were also lucky enough to be in port over a Wednesday evening and took advantage of “Harbor Nights” celebration in Hamilton which was just a short ferry ride from King’s Wharf.   This is a clean, beautiful and safe island!

We made our sail back to New Jersey with a single sea day and it was time to head home.  I was particularly impressed with Celebrity’s port operations in Bayonne.  It is very easy on and off the ship.  I also enjoyed Cape Liberty as a home port with the added bonus of New York for a couple of days pre cruise.  The big winner on this inspection to me was Bermuda.   This is a destination that we overlook often when thinking about an incentive cruise.  A cruise with only one port?  No, no…, etc.   I really think that it is a great choice now after doing this trip.   Being there for two and a half days really allows you to get relaxed and acquainted.     Want to learn more?  Give me a call…Leon

Submitted by: Leon Banossian

June 7 – 14, 2015

Worldwide Travel & Cruise Assoc., Inc.

150 S. University Dr.  Ste E, Plantation, FL 33324 - USA

Tel: +1 954 452 8800  Fax: +1 954 252 3945

EMail: sales@cruiseco.com

Designed & Published by: Worldwide Media.