Zenith experts...looking for advice!

[GiniB]

As George Jefferson would say, "We're movin' on up!" DH and I are going on Zenith's 10-night Western trip February 9th. This will be our first trip on Celebrity (formerly only having been on RCCL or Princess). We're looking forward to the trip for many reasons, not the least of which is our love for the small ships (RCCL's Empress is a favorite). I've been scouring these boards for tips and information about Zenith and our ports of call.

 

I loved Gail's daily diary of her recent trip. We will definitely be looking into Oscar Brown's tours in Costa Rica. I'll look up information on contacting him on the ports of call pages.

 

Does anyone have any other information or advice about the ship, the line, the ports of call, shore excursions, etc? Any and all input will be devoured, processed and appreciated!

 

Thanks!

Gini

 

PS. Am actively trying to teach one of my dogs (Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs) how to do anything that could remotely be construed as useful so they can go with us! So far to no avail. I don't think being able to con strangers out of tidbits counts as a "service!"

[jessemon]

As George Jefferson would say, "We're movin' on up!" DH and I are going on Zenith's 10-night Western trip February 9th. This will be our first trip on Celebrity (formerly only having been on RCCL or Princess). We're looking forward to the trip for many reasons, not the least of which is our love for the small ships (RCCL's Empress is a favorite). I've been scouring these boards for tips and information about Zenith and our ports of call.

 

I loved Gail's daily diary of her recent trip. We will definitely be looking into Oscar Brown's tours in Costa Rica. I'll look up information on contacting him on the ports of call pages.

 

Does anyone have any other information or advice about the ship, the line, the ports of call, shore excursions, etc? Any and all input will be devoured, processed and appreciated!

 

Thanks!

Gini

 

PS. Am actively trying to teach one of my dogs (Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs) how to do anything that could remotely be construed as useful so they can go with us! So far to no avail. I don't think being able to con strangers out of tidbits counts as a "service!"

I would go the the Celebrity Roll Call board click on Zenith and go through there. You will find people (like myself) who have cruised on this ship. You will find lots of ins and outs. You will also here from people that keep talking there after their cruise. Works great.

[GiniB]

Great idea, I signed up under the trip I'm going on, but hadn't thought about reading others'. Thanks!

[espmass]

It also depends on what you want to know. I was on the Zenith, have been to the western Caribbean, and have cruised Celebrity many times but don't know what you'd specifically like to know. You will love the Zenith and Celebrity! I think conning people out of tidbits could be construed as a service. I mean, the dogs would be keeping people from gaining weight, right?

[GiniB]

Yes, they're my WWA (weight watching assistance) dogs! I could just picture them on a cruise ship! They are over 100 pounds each and think every human was put on earth to pet and adore them! (Their photo is on my website under "About Us").

 

I've been to all of the ports of call on this itinerary except for Panama and Costa Rica. We'll probably do the zipline thing in CR, would appreciate suggestions for Panama.

 

I know that every cruise ship has specific "secrets," such as, where the best place on the boat is to watch the sunset or go for sailaway, which bar has the most friendly bartenders, etc. Just interested in those sorts of tips and tricks.

 

Not interested in learning any tricks to gyp the cruiseline out of money. I won't "sneak" into anywhere I could pay to walk into or such things. They are a business and have a right to make money. There's nothing in the world I need enough to make it worth stealing or cheating to get it.

[ecslady]

Definitely do Oscar Brown in Costa Rica! The Zenith is a great ship - not too big!!!

[LeftcoastBC]

Z is a veery nice ship and there are lots of secrets. One that I like to give out is...

 

It's middle elevator does not go all the way to the top..... :)

 

Enjoy planning and then the cruise.

[FastFreddie]

We did a similar cruise on the Zenith. Oscar Brown is really an interesting guy. He takes you to places you normally wouldn't see. The Banana Platation is interesting, and have him take you to the restaurant on top of the hill in Puerto Limon. The food is great, very inexpensive. They take donations for the band (which is just working for tips). You actually get to see a lot. In Colon Panama, We took the Inberra Indian Village tour. Had a great time, very educational!.

 

In Roatan we did the "Salt N Pepper" beach break. The beach was fabulous, the food was edible. The host was a bit obnoxious (Salt) and the guy who owns the place was in a hammock all day. The water was fantastic. My DW went on a snorkle trip there and some 14 yo kid took her and others out to sea in a 16 foot boat. There was no escort. Getting on and off the boat caused some superficial bruises, nothing serious. The ride back was the worst. All we heard from our tour guide is how those "damn Americans" were buying up all the property blah blah blah.

 

I looked them up and it seems their out of business ....

 

 

HTH

 

FF

[jessemon]

I know that every cruise ship has specific "secrets," such as, where the best place on the boat is to watch the sunset or go for sailaway, which bar has the most friendly bartenders, etc. Just interested in those sorts of tips and tricks.

.

Here we go Gini....

Here in Tampa in Feb. it can be cold...so I would plan on doing sail away in the Fleet Bar. If it is nice...plan to stand on the aft deck to start and then move foward after they do their turn.

Leaving from the port of Tampa is a long proccess. Narrow cannal when you first start and then two hours or so through the channel in Tampa Bay. About two hours after you leave the ship will go under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge before you get to the Gulf. This is a must see for many people.

All the bartenders are friendly. At night though before dinner I love the small but great Martini Bar. Great bartender. If you go there the first night or two and stake out a table...usually it is yours for the cruise. The last time sailed the bartender made napkin roses for the ladies and even brought red ones to the diningroor one night for all the ladies. His name was Michael.

By the way..if you are a vodka drinker they carry about 4 or 5 potato vodkas from Poland and Russia. Makes a great Vodka Gibson...:D

Jeff

[GiniB]

Great tips guys, keep 'em coming!