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Barry Hampton

Age: 59
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Number of Cruises: 4
Cruise Line: Celebrity
Ship: Summit
Sailing Date: February 28th, 2005
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

My wife & I recently returned from Celebrity's eleven day Panama cruise. It was our second time on the Summit & we hope not our last.

Embarkation: Wow, what fun. We sat on the runway in Indianapolis for an hour until Ft Lauderdale tower said we could take off. We then flew down the WEST Coast then turned east & flew more than a hundred miles past the eastern shore of Florida before turning & heading for the airport. Because of this, we didn't arrive at the ship until 3:30. With frazzled nerves we were directed to check-in. Walking in we noticed only two other fellow passengers getting their room cards. The process was over & we boarded in less than ten minutes. I told my wife we should be late more often. That met with a quick unpleasant glance. Next time we leave a day early!

Once on deck with drinks in hand , we settled in and started our best cruise ever. You have read far too many reviews regarding Celebrity's service, food quality and ports of call. I can only say all the good reviews are not exaggerated. Great food , Great crew and the age group of passengers was as we had experienced on our last Summit cruise i.e. 55 to 65 on average. Also , I love children but not on ships. This has never been a problem with Celebrity.

My few complaints are:

1) Our lady is starting to show her age.

The chairs in the Rendevous and Martini lounges are becoming afraid & in need of replacement. Other furniture also showing wear & tear. Nothing real bad yet but should soon be tended to.

2) The " Cirque Experience". This was the inaugural Cruise for Cirque Du Soleil. I can only say it was far to oversold. My wife and I did not hear one positive review. In fact, some were truly upset they spent alot of money on masks for the costume party. Every person I met said they couldn't wait to get the opinion forms. It was that bad ! We hope they convert Revelations back to the original night club we experienced on our first cruise.

With that I don't think two complaints justifies a bad review. We would board the Summit again if the right cruise becomes available.