review - Zenith to Bermuda 6/25 (a bit long)

njcruisingmom · July 8, 2005

Hi everyone. I thought I'd post a review of our recent trip to Bermuda on the Zenith. I got so much good information on these boards in the time leading up to our trip, that I wanted to give something back.

Let me start by saying that I traveled with DH and two DD's 9 and 5. We are not particularly pick -- not gourmet foodies, don't get upset if we have to call for extra towels.

Overall, we had a fabulous trip. We loved the Zenith (yes, it's one of the older ships, but you forget that after the first hour.) Service and food were excellent, and we adored Bermuda, especially being able to dock right in at St. George and Hamilton. Let me get a little more specific.

Embarkation. Getting on in Bayonne was a breeze. We arrived about 11, in our own car since we only live about half an hour away. We drove up to the terminal to drop off our bags and then drove around again to park. It was $84 up front, and we were able to walk back to the terminal to check in (but they did have small courtesty buses, too.) We waited less than 5 minutes in line, checked in very quickly (The lady even let our girls add their signatures to the paperwork -- they loved that!) Then we boarded a Rutgers bus for a quick ride to the shp (As a proud alum, I thought this was a very auspicious beginning to our trip). We boarded quickly, and there were stewards there who took my very heavy carry-on and helped me get it aboard. There was champagne and orange juice on boarding. We were told our rooms wouldn't be ready til one, so we wandered around and had lunch in the Windsurf Cafe. Our rooms were available at 1 on the dot, and we were able to drop off our carry-ons and explore the ship a bit more. We left about an hour late -- at 5:30 -- but we were able to be on deck to see the ship leave and be in the dining room for our early seating dinner.

Cabin. We found our cabin to be very functional -- not luxurious, but we weren't expecting that. We were in 5139, and felt very little motion, just some vibration, especially when coming into port. This cabin has a good harbor view in Hamilton and a port view in St. George, that would have been very charming if we'd docked in the other berth -- this time we had a view of a parking lot, but if you looked up there were all those charming Bermuda houses. Ours was a quad, with the two bunks. We had more than enough storage space -- there were 8 drawers in the desk, two in the night table and eight in the bureau in the first closet. The second closet had no bureau, but we used the floor space to store some luggage. The rest went under the beds. The desk area was well-lit (good for makeup application, etc, ) and had one outlet. It you have lots of electrical appliances (we didn't) you might want to bring a power strip. We thought the beds were very comfy, and our cabin attendant, Vincey, was wonderul. I don't know when he slept! He always seemed to be there. The bathroom was adequate, with a handheld shower head that we really appreciated when helping our DD's to shower.

Food. We ate breakfast and lunch in the Windsurf and dinner in the dining room. We loved the food. There's lots of it (of course) and a great deal of variety at breakfast and lunch. At breakfast, there was a buffet line with hot food, fruit, hot cereals, etc. A whole table set up with bread, rolls, pastries and such. A waffle and omelet station. And the waiters circulated with coffee and danish. Our girls loved getting their own trays, and there was always a waiter to help them. At lunch, there was the grill -- burgers, hotdogs, french fries (my 9-year old's fave!) and a chicken specialty, a buffet line, pasta and pizza stations, usually a sandwich station, and of course desserts. Only two minor items we didn't care for -- the donuts (when they had them) were greasy. And the pizza wasn't like my pizzeria's at home. But then, it was like pizza I've had outside the NY/NJ metro area, so it may be a regional thing. The pasta was great -- not soggy like you sometimes get at these stations -- and usually with a choice of 4 or 5 sauces.

The dining rooms was wonderful. Kalo, our waiter, and Aldo, his assistant, were fabulous. The first night, things were a little slow, but that was understandable since everyone was introducing themselves, finding their tables and so forth. For the remainder of the week our service was efficient (I think they realized that we weren't the 'lingering' types) I thought the selections were good, the quality was excellent, and the service was exceptional. When we asked the maitre d if we could get chicken nuggets for our older DD (our picky eater) they were available every night. (And she said they were the best she ever had!) They don't do a lot of 'waiter entertainment' which is fine with us -- but they did do the Baked Alaska parade and we liked that -- especially the kids.

Service. The service was exceptional -- not just 'our' steward, waiter and busboy, but everywhere we went. The waiters would play little games with our daughters, and many remembered their names and got them fruit punch (even at breakfast when it technically isn't available.) This was truly five-star service.)

Entertainment. This is one category where the ratings falls below excellent. I enjoyed the shows but my DH (who plays drums and guitar and used to be in bands in high school and college, and who has a much higher standard than I said it was only fair. The Celebrity singers and dancers were very, very good. We went to the Broadway show andthe 60's show and were blown away. The comedian on the last night was good, but not exceptional. The rest of the lounge acts were only OK. The lounge act we enjoyed the most was a jazz ensemble in the Fleet bar one night -- actually the Celebrity orchestra playing some jazz sets, but that was great. My DH feels they need a dynamite Top 40 band. I can't comment on the DJ -- we never got to the disco.

Children''s Program. My DD's really, really enjoyed the children's program. The Children's playroom is small, but they compensate by having activities in other venues on the ships and I think they really liked that. There was a Sponge Bob night, a dinosaur night, Carnival night (with face painting and T shirt decorating) and their science program. We used the program at night -- during the day the girls were with us at the pool and ashore. But they loved playing with the kids in the evening, and we got to see the shows. They also have family events like Bingo and trivia which were lots of fun (we missed family disco because I think we wert ashore.) They also participated in the junior cruisers talent show on the last day and that was lots of fun too. The program ends at 10, but there is 'slumber party' from 10 to 1, which is $6 per hour, per child except for the first formal night when it's free. They have lower key activities like videos (which was find with me since they didn't watch TV all week) They had mats and blankets if any of them get tired. We didn't have many late nights -- we're all fairly early risers, and we really wanted to see Bermuda, so by 11 or 12, we were all tuckered out!

Bermuda. I loved Bermuda. We all loved Bermuda. And we loved being right on Front Street in Hamilton and right near the town square in St. George. In Hamilton we did a glass bottom boat ride (a ship excursion) I know we could have booked this on our own, but we did get into Hamilton a little late and since this was a ship's excursion, we got right on and were on our way. Our tour guide was fabulous, and the kids got to feed the fish, which they thought was cool. We also looked for turtles, and had fun watching for the little heads to bob up out of the water.

We visited Horseshoe Bay the first day -- this is a great beach for familes. There's a cove off to one side that's perfect for younger kids (my 5 year old saw it and said 'look mommy, a baby pool!" But there's also the beach with waves that my 9 year old liked to jump.l If you want to snorkel here (it's a good spot) bring your own snorkel gear since they only sell, they don't rent the equipment. But there are facilities, snacks, umbrella rentals and so forth. The second Hamilton Day we went to Warwick Long Bay Beach and it was gorgeous. Some of the 'pinkest' pink sand. They also rent snorkel equipment, but don't try if you're not a good swimmer. The bottom drops off quickly, there are waves, and a strong current, so if you're just learning, try a calmer beach. There are bathrooms there, and the man who rents snorkel equipment will also sell snacks. Not as many taxi's here as at the other beachs, but we went up to the road and was able to hail one.

In Hamilton, we also visited the Bermuda Aquariums and Zoo (can't remember it's formal name. It's one of the prettiest zoo's I've ever been to. The aquarium is fascinating and the different areas of the zoo are linked by charming paths. Dont' miss the charming sculptures, and if you have kids, see the Discovery Room and the Sand Pit. It all overlooks a beautiful sound. It's worth a couple of hours.

In St. George, we booked a carriage ride and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a wonderful way to see that part of the island. We visited Tobacco Bay Beach those two days. It's a beautful spot and great for beginning snorkelers (my 9 year old snorkeled for the first time there.) But i t's a small beach and it gets crowded. After a morning at the beach, we walked to Fort St. Catherines. It's worth it just for the lovely views. We also walked around the town square, saw the town crier and the stocks.

Disembarkation. This went smoothly too. Breakfast was available in both the dining room and Windsurf (A little more limited selection, but just fine.) We were into Bayonne very early (about 6, I believe but I wasn't up!) After breakfast we took pictures and just hung out -- since we didn't have a flight to catch, our disembarkation time was around 10, and they stuck to it. We gathered in the show lounge, were off the ship at about 10, took our bus ride to the terminal, gathered out luggage, and were on the road before 11 -- and this with another ship leaving Bayonne as well.

We had a fabulous time. If this review doesn't answer a question you have on the Zenith to Bermuda, just post it and I'll try to respond. The cruisecritic board was such a big help to me and I so enjoyed reading everyone's resonses. We did have a Cruise Critic gathering -- it went very quickly because everyone wanted to get out to the pool or to family stuff, but it was wonderful to put face and names to screen names. Thank you to eveyrone who posted info and who asked questions. It really helped make this trip a success.

Polydonald · July 8, 2005

We're sailing tomorrow, so this review was great.

Thanks for posting it!

OTTER · July 8, 2005

Very good review!!! We look forward to going on July 30th. And it wasn't all that long, but very informative.

BrooklynGirl2 · July 8, 2005

njcruisingmom...we were on the Zenith on the June 4th sailing to Bermuda and our experience sounds almost exactly like yours...we even did the same things although we only went to the beach once. I have a 5 year old son who loved the children's program too. He had dinner in the dining room with us 4 nights and with the kids on the other 3 nights. I felt the staff were really outstanding and they treated my son especially nice. Our "own" waiters, Melwyn and Keith, did magic tricks for him, made animals out of napkins and generally made him feel special. One day my son wore a dinosaur t-shirt and a waiter we didn't even know (Andrei as we later found out) made an adorable origami paper dinosuar for him (we have saved it).

The ship was very clean and comfortable. We loved the Broadway and 60's show and enjoyed the Los Amigos Trio in the Cova Cafe. I liked the more intimate size of the Zenith and found it easy to get around. My son said this was the best vacation ever (he was in Europe last year!) and he now wants to live on a cruise ship :D We are actually looking at another cruise as soon as we can manage it. Celebrity was wonderful and is now our cruise line of choice. I can't imagine having a better experience any place else.

richsea · July 8, 2005

Thanks for the great review!

We're on the July 23 sailing & especially appreciate the info on the childrens programs. Sounds like our 2 grandkids, 4 & 7, will have a great time. This will be our 4th cruise to Bermuda, our favorite island! Can't wait!

Cruise or Lose! · July 8, 2005

Was your weather as sunny and HOT as it was on our sailing the week before? Also, what did you think of Karen and Carl in the Rendez-Vous (not their ability to play instruments, but vocal range and overall performance) I am no musician, and can't carry a tune, lol, but I thought they were wonderful.

njcruisingmom · July 8, 2005

We had near pe rfect weather while in Bermuda -- one day was a little humid, but the other days were warm with a little breeze.l Just great! Out sea day coming back startedout very rough -- it was raining and there were whitecaps on the ocean. Both dd's got seasick :mad: But they recovered quickly enough to have a late breakfast, participate in the talent show,and get one last swim!

I liked Karen and Carl, my DH (musician/used to be in a band that played local gigs) thought they were only fair. But we did go to see them a couple of times. DH has a much more critical musical ear than I do -- I was just glad to be out and hearing live music!

old bag · July 8, 2005

Thank you NJ Cruisin Mom. I saw your questions prior to your trip and was hoping you would post a review.

My children are about the same age as your children.

A couple of questions ... my children love seeing shows on the ship, but they also want me to book a couple of evening excursion ... so, what nights are the shows "child" appropriate?

Also, what night was the science night for the children?

I'm happy to hear that the waiters sped things along in the dining room. We have had 2 cruises where waiters tended our desire to eat and get out of there (before the children began to behave like ... well, children) and 2 cruises where they didn't. The former really cuts down on "mommy stress" which cuts down on family stress!

I recall you name from last year ... did you cruise on the Voyager? and if so, how did your daughter's handle the difference? My children have already said they will miss the ice skating ring and the ability to get their own ice cream cones ... is there anything else I should prepare them for regarding differences? Are there any places on the Zenith (beyond the obvious) that children aren't permitted?

slotaddict · July 8, 2005

I was on the Voyager in May and have the Zenith booked for January. I was a little apprehensive since the ship is so old, but your review makes me feel much better. We are going on a 5 night to key west and the caymans.:D

moai · July 9, 2005

Thanks so much for your review. We can't wait for our cruise in August. :D

kath816 · July 9, 2005

I was also on the trip with njcruisin mom. In fact we met at the cc party. Her girls were adorable in the talent show!

To answer the ice cream question, there is soft serve frozen yogurt in the Windsurf cafe every afternoon. There are also toppings there. There was vanilla every day, and then either chocolate or strawberry. At lunchtime, on the opposite side, there was someone serving ice cream, though I didn't have any. This was back by the juice & coffee machines, kind of tucked in a corner by the doors by the pool.

I can't answer the kids' comparison question, as mine are older and used the casino for entertainment. I'm sure my sister or njcruisinmom can though.

njcruisingmom · July 9, 2005

Hi. Zenith was our first famiy cruise, so I can't compare to any other ships. (We were supposed to cruise the Empress last year, but had to cancel) I believe that the children's program had a science activity every night (although one night, my daughter said they didn't do it.) It was often the first thing they did -- 7 to 8 or 8 to 9. My two really liked them.

We saw the opening night show (sort of a preview of things to come with the magician/comedian) the Broadway show, the 60s show and the comedian. I wouldn't say there was anything inappropriate about any of them but I guess it depends on your kids' temperaments as to whether they'd enjoy them. The musical shows are 55 minutes and fast paced, so in that way they're good for kids. Older kids might enjoy them, and at least with the Broadway show, you can meet some of the cast members after.

The only place kids are not permitted is the the 'mommy and daddy playroom' -- the casino! Also, the disco is 18 or older after 11 or 12.

mahdnc · July 9, 2005

Terrific review!! We are trying to figure out how to fit in a Zenith/Bermuda cruise this summer......

Didn't realize that you have to be bus shuttled between the terminal and the ship at Bayonne.

How smooth was the sailing back and forth across the Atlantic for your trip?

DENNAS · July 9, 2005

LOVED the magician, so did we....

The musical shows- singers/dancers were actually very good and child appropriate. Lots of upbeat music and colorful costumes. The comedian was good, not great. We saw the second show, not the first, (I had my husband go to the first to check it out, he said it was fine, so we took her to his 2nd show), but quite honestly this type of show IS geared toward adults, in my honest opinion, and because of this my daughter ended up falling asleep. It was boring for her.

Oh, don't miss the FAMILY fun nights, each night about 8 p.m. there is family trivia (disney) or family bingo (we LOVED that!!) or family disco. We enjoyed them all. They are held in the Rainbow room.

The weather in Bermuda was PERFECT. I thought the last day in St. George was pretty hot and humid, and very sunny. My DD also got seasick coming home on Friday, due to sailing home through a storm. Oh well, but she did end up eating lunch (since she felt much better by then!)

Travelling to and from Bermuda: going was perfect, coming home is when we went through a 5 hour storm (it woke me up around 6 ish... and we "got through the worst of it by 11 a.m. or so....) So that wasn't too bad.

Hope you all enjoy your trip as much as we did !

glo · July 9, 2005

QUOTE=njcruisingmom]Hi everyone. I thought I'd post a review of our recent trip to Bermuda on the Zenith. I got so much good information on these boards in the time leading up to our trip, that I wanted to give something back.