Let me begin by noting, We are from Connecticut, in the USA, and travel 5 Star or we don't travel.  We have very high standards,  want a luxury vacation, and are willing to pay for it. We are in our late 50's, as were most on board. Only a few children (maybe 4 on the entire ship).  If you have children, this is NOT the ship for you.  Your best choice if you are traveling with children would be to travel Royal Carribbean, it has a lot to offer for children and families and is a lovley line. We did not want a cruise with children...we wanted to indulge our senses and our minds and enjoy the solitude and quite. We chose Celebrity Summit as we wanted to travel to some ports that the larger ships could not enter, and thus changed our reservation from the Celebrity Solstice to the Celebrity Summit.  I was a bit concerned with my choice of Celebrity Summit prior to booking, as it is not a new ship. However, it went into dry dock and was referbushed in January 2009.  They did a great job renovating this ship. The only negative we found was some of the areas of this ship could have had an update, but not to worry.  You would have to look really, really close to notice. The balcony in our state room was not updated as well as the rest of the ship.  The lounge chairs and tables were a bit worn as were the lounge chair covers.  I feel they should have paid attention to this, as we love to sit on the balcony in the evenings and view the exodus of the ship to a new port.  However, do not let this change your mind about Celebrity Summit...such a little thing should not sway your decission. I mention it only as I am quite exact when speaking about things and do want to make my point.  I read many, many reviews and felt I had made a good choice. Yes, there are some minor, very minor, elements that could have been renovated, but all in all, for the trip itinerary, ship ambiance and elegance,  the price...a tremendous value.  The ship, all is all, is in great condition for it's age. Beautifully appointed.  I would certainly travel on this ship again.  The attitude of the Staff were far beyond my expectations.  You see the commericals on TV, etc. and wonder?  Well, it is all true, and then some. The staff remember your name every single time they meet you.  You are treated in the highest regard.  They do all they can, and then some, to make your voyage amazing and memorable and do it wonderfully, every single day. The public rooms were well appointed, silks and damask, marble, quite luxurious and all in beautiful prestine condition.  All dining was serviced with linens and fine crystal and china...in all restaurants.  The cuisine in the main dining room was simply wonderful.  A wide variety in every category of the meal, and well presented.  Quite amazing.  We dined in the specialty restaurant "The Normandie", 6 of the 12 evenings and will say the service and food were superb.  We really felt like royalty...honestly!  The cuisine was elegant and delicious...not one single complaint. Like any 5 Star restaurant in the states. Just delightful. We were quite impressed and are still remarking about it.  You must try the Spa area...The Persian Room has 3 steam rooms, one more wonderful than the next. A sauna and thermal heated seating that is just divine. There is an extra cost for the Persian Room, about $99.00us per person.  You can use the room as much as you like, whenever you like during the entire 12 days.  It is wonderful. We indulged ourselves every day.The stateroom cabins on this ship were quite ample in size, with down comforters and pillows (you had a choice of 4 pillow/comforter types).  The decor was lovley, crisp, elegant and quite well appointed.  As we chose Consierge Level Cabin, we were welcomed with Champagne and canapes, fresh flowers and a bowl of fresh fruit upon arrival.  Also, every evening we were presented with a silver plate of canapes prior to dinner and flowers and fresh fruit daily.  Quite amazing.  A lovley stateroom...no towel animals on on your bed on this ship...just simple elegance, well maintaned and lovley.  Our cabin steward and assistant were amazing.  Just pick up the phone and they were there in minutes...really...minutes, to tend to you every whim.  Really wonderful.  I must train my husband better. ha,ha,ha.  We truly enjoyed our cruise and are already planning our next.A few very important items:  (1) PACK LIGHT!  I am a clothes horse and found you do NOT need all that stuff.  Also, It cost 180-Euro for each bag that was over weight, in total 360-Euro in extra baggage charge at the airport.  Pack light...you can purchase a lot of things for 360-Euro!  (2) Use your ATM-Debit Card or Credit Card to buy Euro.  Do not use Travelers Checks, they are not easy to to use and most businesses will not accept them. (3) If you are traveling in Venice, Italy on a cruise.  You will need travel accommodations from the ship to the airport or to a hotel if you are staying on for a few more days on your own. There are no cars in Venice.  You MUST book a reservation with a Watertaxi.  As you exit the ship, you will be directed to the "Security Building" and there, at the end of the building is a "WaterTaxi Reservation Booth".  Make a reservation immediately.  You will be given a numbered ticket and then procede to the dock.  If you do not get the reservation, you will not get to the airport or hotel.  Cost about 50-80 Euro, depending upon where you are traveling.You are welcome to email me for more detail and photos.  cmndiva@msn.comThis is a superb travel ship and I would travel on her again.