Heidi BucoloWhile we tend to sail on newer megaships, we joined our family for a Southern Caribbean cruise on the 20+ year old Celebrity Summit. While Celebrity Summit did receive a multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2019, we were interested to see how the cabins on this older, smaller ship would compare to the newer vessels in the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet. Did they deliver on comfort and value? Find out in our latest Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom review.
Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom: Our Honest Review
Since this was a family cruise, we wanted three cabins that were all located in close proximity. Thankfully, our travel advisor was able to secure three balcony rooms adjacent to each other on Deck 9 of Celebrity Summit.
Our Celebrity Summit stateroom for this week-long voyage was 9023. Reviewing the deck plans, this portside veranda cabin on Celebrity Summit is considered a V1 category stateroom and is located forward of the forward elevators.
According to Celebrity Cruises’ website, a Veranda Stateroom is approximately 170 square feet with a 38-foot veranda and sleeps up to 4 guests. While somewhat smaller than the balcony staterooms we typically stay in, the layout was the same.
Being on Deck 9, this cabin is directly below the pool deck, whereas the main indoor decks are a short walk or elevator ride down to Decks 3-5.
The rooms on Celebrity Summit received a makeover during the ship’s reburbishment and now feature modern and elegant styling. We were very impressed with the furnishings and decor of our Prime Veranda stateroom, especially given the age of the ship. The color palette, too, is sophisticated and contemporary.
Layout of a Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom
Immediately entering our stateroom, the bathroom was to the right. Near the entrance to the room across from the bathroom was the closet and a wall unit containing some over-head cabinets with shelves, a series of drawers, and the mini-fridge.
Beyond the bathroom and closet was the queen bed. The queen bed was on the right wall facing aft.
Continuing past the bed, there was the sitting area and desk. An oversized chair was situated on the right near the balcony, with a small desk across the way.
Finally, there was the veranda. While we had a slightly obstructed view due to some support beams and roofing, we were still able to utilize the space to watch the sail-ins and sail-outs from our ports of call.
The color palette in the cabin featured light wood tones with neutral tans and soft pink accents, making it seem bigger than it actually was.
Inside Our Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom
Bathroom
The bathroom in this Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom is a welcomed surprise. It received a major facelift during the refurbishment and actually resembles those on the Edge Class, complete with a glass-door shower and marble finishes.
The size is on par with a typical cruise ship bathroom. There is also adequate counter space and storage, with shelves for toiletries. In terms of storage, it always helps that we bring a hanging shoe organizer where we store many toiletries and other small items in our cabin.
The shower features a glass door, along with premium toiletries. Unlike sister brand Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises does have shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Further, the shower’s rectangular shape makes it feel roomier than the cylindrical showers found on many other cruise ships.
Closet
The closet in this stateroom offers sufficient storage. One side features a full-length clothes bar with two shelves at the very bottom. The other side features a clothes bar with a series of four shelves below.
Additionally, there is an adjacent wall unit containing some over-head cabinets with shelves, a series of four drawers, and the mini-fridge, providing additional storage options. The overhead cabinets also house the safe.
Main Cabin Area
The main cabin area of this Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom makes efficient use of space. The queen bed was comfortable and featured signature Celebrity bedding. We had no issues falling asleep after our long days and nights on the ship.
There are nightstands on each side of the bed with small storage spaces. Across from the bed is the television. We also appreciated the outlets near the bed for charging our phones and watches overnight, with two USB and two standard power options available.
Beyond the bed on the right wall is the sitting area. It includes an oversized chair near the balcony with a small portable table. This is really the only place the smaller cabin size was noticeable. In place of the typical loveseat, this chair was certainly only big enough for one person to sit comfortably.
Across from this sitting area, a small desk completes the arrangement. It features four small drawers and two small shelves off to one side. There are also two US and one European power outlet, but no USB or USB-C outlets. Still, it provided a place for me to get ready in the morning and a spot to do a little work in the afternoon when needed.
Balcony
The balcony in this Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom measures 38 feet and provides a nice outdoor space, despite slight obstruction from support beams and roofing. It’s always a great spot to enjoy the ocean breezes and watch our sail into and out of ports of call.
While slightly smaller square footage wise, this space felt pretty typical with enough room for two chairs and a small table. Awkwardly though, the chairs were fixed in a position somewhere between upright and reclined, so they weren’t very comfortable.
Recap of Our Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom
We were more than happy with our Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom. While smaller than typical at 170 square feet, it provided sufficient space, storage, and comfort during our trip, along with direct access to ocean views and fresh air.
Even though Celebrity Summit is one of the older ships in the fleet, this staterooom was a comfortable and stylish accommodation for our cruise. The room had obiviously been updated and featured many of the upscale finishes found on newer ships, particularly in the bathroom. It also featured modern day touches like USB outlets near the bed.
When it comes to location, this cabin is pretty far forward. While it didn’t bother us, those who are prone to motion sickness may want to consider something more midship. However, even though we were right below the pool deck, the room is actually under the spa so there were no noise issues.
For this family cruise, Celebrity Summit was a bargain when compared to other ships sailing this Southern Caribbean itinerary. We paid just $3277 for this cruise over Christmas week with Celebrity’s All Included package. Plus, a veranda stateroom is always our preference as it provides the perfect mix of size and value.
Of course, Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of cabin types at varying price points, ranging from interior cabins to luxurious suites in The Retreat. So, it’s important that you review the cruise line’s website before booking to find the right fit for your travel party.
Comments
Have you sailed in a Celebrity Summit Veranda Stateroom? What is your preferred cabin category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your reviews of Celebrity Cruises cabins.
