This was our sixth Celebrity cruise, our third on the Summit, and our first with our children and grandchildren. We stayed at the Hampton Suites in Isla Verde teh night before the cruise, and it was an excellent choice. Close to the airport, a great pool for the kids and a delicious full breakfast - all at a very fair price. And within walking distance of lots of restaurants for dinner the night before the cruise.

Embarkation was quick and easy. The staff was efficient and friendly from the first moment. We had originally booked a concierge class room for my husband and me, but a family veranda became available for an additional $400 so we grabbed it. These staterooms are usually only available for parties of five or more, but when not booked, can be taken by anyone. We'd done the same thing on our last cruise on the Summit and because our cabin 9156 was aft and on the corner, we had an enormous balcony and living area that we thought would be handy for entertaining and hanging out with the other seven adults and two children that were cruising with us. It was also great for having the grandkids sleep over since the living area can be converted into a private sleeping area. Our attendant, Edwin, was great! Always available when we needed him, but never in the way.

Since this was the first cruise for our children and grandchildren, we had a lot of activities planned on the islands. We snorkled with turtles on Barbados, privately chartered a catameran on St. Lucia (You rock, Mystic Man Tours!), sailed and snorkeled on a pirate ship excursion and visited beaches and towns on the other islands. Read more