Just back, Zenith

[redheadskier]

Wow - I have seen the gammut of comments on Zenith - esp. on the other board - however I am so relieved that everyone here seems to have enjoyed Zenith!

 

We are taking our first cruise on March 6 - 11 on Zenith - I booked the Concierge class room - any comments on that would be helpful!

 

Also, I was looking at Shore Excursions - we are visiting Key West, Cozeumel, and Costa Maya. I was very interested in the Fury Catamaran excursion but I was wondering how that all works as we don't get there til around noon - do they come out to the boat???

 

What was your favorite excursions, and what would you NOT do again

 

What type of clothes should we pack??? How formal is formal? Do I need a evening gown or will a fancy "little black dress" do the trick?

 

We are very excited;) and can't wait!!!!!:p

[masterbaker]

Count us in as another couple that really enjoyed the Zenith (1/28). Service was spot on and the crew had a wonderful attitude. We can overlook minor age related imperfections to see what a jem this small ship is thanks to it's happy crew. We jumped on the ship because of the great rates and got a very pleasant surprise. Service onboard was MUCH better than our 12 night Infinity cruise we took in Sept. 05. We were VERY impressed with our waiter in the dining room and gave him the very best review possible on our post cruise questionaire.

 

Just a note, in case you are interested. Tips were automatically added for our sailing unless you went to guest relations to have them removed for traditional tipping. Very easy for us. We asked our servers and steward which they perfered and they didn't care so we left the tips on our onboard account.

[NextOne]

I hear there are certain night that a "sampler" is offered at the Martini Bar. Does anyone know what nights that is offered?

My DH & I, our best friends, and 4 of our neighbors are going on the May 27 cruise. Can't wait!!

[virgenia]

We were on the cruise 1/28-2/2. No complaints at all. If the illusionist Jamie Allan is doing a show, do not miss it. He is absolutely amazing. He does work close up with a video camera and his hands are projected on a large screen. Just jaw dropping what he can do.

[soccerfootballmom]

Wow - I have seen the gammut of comments on Zenith - esp. on the other board - however I am so relieved that everyone here seems to have enjoyed Zenith!

 

We are taking our first cruise on March 6 - 11 on Zenith - I booked the Concierge class room - any comments on that would be helpful!

 

Also, I was looking at Shore Excursions - we are visiting Key West, Cozeumel, and Costa Maya. I was very interested in the Fury Catamaran excursion but I was wondering how that all works as we don't get there til around noon - do they come out to the boat???

 

What was your favorite excursions, and what would you NOT do again

 

What type of clothes should we pack??? How formal is formal? Do I need a evening gown or will a fancy "little black dress" do the trick?

 

We are very excited;) and can't wait!!!!!:p

 

 

My mom and I were in CC on the Zenith. We were at the port at 10:30 and didn't see any special line for embarkation once they allowed us in the terminal. You have the nice robes, the pillow menu, an extensive breakfast room service order form, individual shampoo and lotion along with canapes in the evening. The bottle of champagne was chilled when we arrived in our room (very nice ;) ) as was the leather card holder (very nice to keep track of your sea pass and room key). The last night a very nice tote bag (1) was waiting for us in our room after dinner. The most wonderful thing about it (imho) is the priority embarkation/debarkation. We went to Grand Cayman where we had to tender. We were told to go to the fleet bar when we were ready to go to shore (which we did). The attendant asked if we were ready to go ashore (we were), and we were told to get on the elevator (which we did). When we arrived on the floor (I believe it was 3), and attendant was there and we were able to get on the tender without having to wait in the line that was, at that point, going up the stairs:D

 

I can't help with formal night...we ate in our room that night (even though I had brought an evening dress as did my mom). From what I saw, the passengers ran the spectrum with how they interpreted the dress code. I didn't however see anything way out of the ballpark (ie jeans, tank tops, etc.)

[soccerfootballmom]

I hear there are certain night that a "sampler" is offered at the Martini Bar. Does anyone know what nights that is offered?

My DH & I, our best friends, and 4 of our neighbors are going on the May 27 cruise. Can't wait!!

 

According the the dailies I have, a "Martini Tasting Seminar" was offered the day we boarded. It was from 7-9 pm, $9.50 per person (+15% gratuity) and it says the price included "Seminar, Martinis & your own CD with Over 8,000 Bar Recipes!!"

 

I did not attend, so can't offer any first hand experience ;)

[slotaddict]

Wow - I have seen the gammut of comments on Zenith - esp. on the other board - however I am so relieved that everyone here seems to have enjoyed Zenith!

 

We are taking our first cruise on March 6 - 11 on Zenith - I booked the Concierge class room - any comments on that would be helpful!

 

Also, I was looking at Shore Excursions - we are visiting Key West, Cozeumel, and Costa Maya. I was very interested in the Fury Catamaran excursion but I was wondering how that all works as we don't get there til around noon - do they come out to the boat???

 

What was your favorite excursions, and what would you NOT do again

 

What type of clothes should we pack??? How formal is formal? Do I need a evening gown or will a fancy "little black dress" do the trick?

 

We are very excited;) and can't wait!!!!!:p

 

we were on the 1/23 sailing. Your fancy little black dress will be fine. I really didn;t see many gowns, although 98% were appropriately dressed.

You will love the Zenith, she is a great ship, perfect for this particular type of cruise.

[redheadskier]

Your comments on the CC and dresswear, as well as assurances that the Zenith is a great ship made me feel LOTS better:p

[jbruder02]

LarryO -

I was wondering if you could let me know the alcohol policy on the Zenith.

Also what were drink prices like in the bars ?

 

I'm booked for a 5 night trip starting on March 6th, i personally can't wait.

 

thanks a lot, hope to hear from you soon

[jessemon]

LarryO -

I was wondering if you could let me know the alcohol policy on the Zenith.

Also what were drink prices like in the bars ?

 

I'm booked for a 5 night trip starting on March 6th, i personally can't wait.

 

thanks a lot, hope to hear from you soon

According to Celebrity: No alcohol may be brought on board for consumption. If you buy alcohol on board in the duty free shop it will be held til the last day and put in your cabin for disembarkation. You must be 21 years of age to drink on board unless a parent signs that is OK for you to drink beer or wine. (A questionable policy:eek: . Should always have to be with the parent to do this.)

To find drink prices try www.cruiseclues.com and look at drink prices or under photos for Celebrity ships alot of times you find photos of drink menues.

From our last cruise. Beer...$3.25...boat drinks...$5.50...Martinis...$7.50...

Hope this helps.

[JoshGrrrr]

I have a few questions.

 

1. Do you have any pictures of the ship? I can't find a picture of the upper pool deck anywhere.

 

2. You wouldn't happen to have one of the daily schedules would you? I've never sailed on Celebrity before. I'm nervous about it.

 

3. Me and my friends like to party somewhat. We remain respectful about it, but we do like to drink a good bit at night and have fun. Is this ship really "classy" or is it more of a party type atmosphere like on Carnival? We are all in our 20's. Do you think we are choosing the wrong ship?

[Ships R Great]

No ship on Celebrity is a "party ship". There are a lot of drinkers however. if you don't go overboard (whoops, bad idiom) you will be fine. Drunks will stand out and be noticed but people having "fun" won't. Remember basic manners, don't wear your bathrobe outside your cabin, remember to tip, dress appropriately in the dining room and you will be fine. None of those things should keep you from having a good time. Enjoy your cruise.

[stefhef]

Thanks for all the info on Zenith. I think my wife is starting to come around. Let us know if there are any other comments/concerns. We are booked in 3 cabins midship - 5th deck. Good location? Hopefully far enough from the engine noises/vibrations. Anyone been on this cruise in the last week of April? Hope the weather is mild enough.

[newmexicoNita]

We enjoyed our cruise on the Zenith very much. The most important thing to remember, all ships and all lines are different and have something special to offer. She is older, in great condition overall. My feelings as stated earlier, don't expect glitz and glamour; you will be disappointed. Otherwise you should have a great time. As for what to wear: little black dress is just fine. We were in long gowns because that is what we had for our granddaughters wedding the day of sailing, but we were overdressed. Drink prices, for beer particularly were a little higher than quoted by someone a few replies back; cheapest beer: $4.50. I am reading this right off the liquor list. Have a good time, all cruises should be fun. NMNita

[Ships R Great]

NMNita---sorry we never hooked up with you in Dec. I did sneak into the library to get a peak at your granddaughter just before she entered Michael's.. She was lovely.

[jessemon]

I have a few questions.

 

1. Do you have any pictures of the ship? I can't find a picture of the upper pool deck anywhere.

 

2. You wouldn't happen to have one of the daily schedules would you? I've never sailed on Celebrity before. I'm nervous about it.

 

3. Me and my friends like to party somewhat. We remain respectful about it, but we do like to drink a good bit at night and have fun. Is this ship really "classy" or is it more of a party type atmosphere like on Carnival? We are all in our 20's. Do you think we are choosing the wrong ship?

Hope this helps.

1. Pics can be found on www.cruiseclues.com. Left column scan down to Zenith click. Scan down to pictures and look at a bunch from alot of people.

2. You might even find a daily schedule there.

3. If you expect this to be a "Carnival" atmosphere...it is not. If you are on one of the 4 or 5 night cruises out of Miami it will probably be a little more lively than their longer cruises. I think though if you have read through this thread (starting from the begining) you will notice it is not a "party" ship. No neon...no super disco...no hairy chest parties...no chug-a-lug contests.

If you wanted an answer on if you are choosing the wrong ship or not...just read this thread. If you want "Carnival" no offense...cruise Carnival" You will probably be happier.

Not matter what...have a great cruise.:D

[JoshGrrrr]

Hope this helps.

1. Pics can be found on www.cruiseclues.com. Left column scan down to Zenith click. Scan down to pictures and look at a bunch from alot of people.

2. You might even find a daily schedule there.

3. If you expect this to be a "Carnival" atmosphere...it is not. If you are on one of the 4 or 5 night cruises out of Miami it will probably be a little more lively than their longer cruises. I think though if you have read through this thread (starting from the begining) you will notice it is not a "party" ship. No neon...no super disco...no hairy chest parties...no chug-a-lug contests.

If you wanted an answer on if you are choosing the wrong ship or not...just read this thread. If you want "Carnival" no offense...cruise Carnival" You will probably be happier.

Not matter what...have a great cruise.:D

 

I never said I wanted carnival. I was just wondering what type of ship it was. There are "party" ships. There are "classy" ships. Over all, I haven't been very happy with Carnival. I prefer RCCL. But, I'd like to try all of the popular lines before writing any off.

 

Thanks for your help.

[redheadskier]

JBruder - looks like we are on the same ship!

[stardest17]

Hello everyone! I'm glad to see that everyone seems to have positive reviews for Zenith. I am (hopefully) getting married on April 2007 on sailing day, NY Port to Bermuda. My original choice was Carnival (because I sailed with them once - cruise to nowhere - and I enjoyed it) but they were already booked.

 

So now I am torn between two places: Norwegian Crown or Celebrity Zenith. I would prefer the Celebrity Zenith because they have the Saturday - Saturday cruise.

Can anyone tell me how the buffet service is? Food quality, efficiency, long lines?

 

How about the casinos?

 

Also, I want to take advantage of their spas/massages. Any advice for me? (In case I should immediately make an appointment if it is booked, etc.)

 

How are the cabins? Does Zenith have private balconies? My fiance and I want to get either the balcony or suite.

 

Thanks to all who answers!

 

PS I am not a big drinker and party/dancing/club person.

[Joanandjoe]

Zenith has no balconies. The Crown is also an older ship; so if it has balconies, it probably doesn't have many. If you want balconies, you may want to consider either another ship to Bermuda, or a ship that sails from the NYC area, has balconies (Princess, Noordam, etc.) and sails some place otehr than Bermuda.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

[jessemon]

JoshGrrr,

If you did not look at that site I gave you yesterday I found something you asked about. daily schedule. http://www.cruiseclues.com. Click on Zenith and go to Photos. About half way down there are pics for "webshots-jimmieand caroline101-bar menus and daily programs.

Must have read your wording wrong. I took from your post you might have wanted something a little more exciting. Zenith is more classy than Carnival. Just to let you know I am the guy you see on the ship with a beer in his hand most of the day. Martini before dinner and wine with dinner After dinner is the show and then the wife turns in. Sounds like it is time to go out for more beers. I am usually one of the last people to close down the Rainbow Room on the Zenith. Bartender always puts one n ice for me to take bck to the cabin.

She is a nice older ship...but again...we do longer cruises. If it is a shorter cruise (4 or 5 nights) it will probably be a little more busy at night. We've done shorter cruises on Carnival, RCCL, Norwegian, Princess and Regal. As opposed to their longer cruses people seemed to party more. Including us. got to spend that beer money. No sense letting it go to waste.:D

Hoped this helped.

[jeffs55]

I did Zenith to Bermuda in 2003 and Crown in 2004.

(And I'm doing Zenith again 2/25). Both have their charms, (sorry, I've never met a ship I didn't like). If you like "ocean liner" type style you want Zenith,

if you want more "informal vacation leisure casual" maybe you'd prefer Norwegian Crown.

Between the 2 I'd pick Zenith but I enjoyed Crown too.

Crown has a few balconies (I think 6).

Crown casino slots paid better I heard. (Not my thing).

Crown has the "Freestyle dining", once again a subjective choice.

Food was fine on both, Zenith a bit better, but Crown OK.

[Ships R Great]

jeffs55---we have a thread going on the Roll Call for Zenith 2/25. why don't you pop over there and join the fun. there are not many of us but we are going to have a great sail!!!!!