This is our 9th cruise and comparison contained in the following review was made with Royal Caribbean (Mariner, Legend, Serenade, Splendour), Princess (Golden), Holland America (Zuiderdam), Carnival (Ecstacy) ships that we had been on.
Embarkation: Quite efficient. We got to the pier at about 11:20 am. We waited in the waiting lounge for about 20 minutes and then being led to the check in counters, the process was reasonably smooth. It was about 1200 noon when we are on board Summit.
Public rooms: The decor is very neutral and does not have the wow factor. It may be mistaken by some that they were in a hotel going to a business conference. Summit does not have what RCL ships got - an Atrium running the 10 or 11 decks delivering the grand perception. It was also showing its age with some of the elevators not working properly, the broadloom in the stairwell showing wear and tear. The "dance floors" in different lounges were substandard and was a big disappointment to us and should be an embarrassment to the cruise line. We were not the only one observing that, another couple told us they had complained to the staff but of course is not something that can be fixed very easily at the sea.