Live from Zenith - Aug 5th Bermuda

[Longboysfan]

Did you get a chance to see Melanie????

[pablopbb]

I'm looking forward to my upcoming Sept 23rd Bermuda cruise on Zenith (we'll be checking out the secret aft decks in lieu of balconied cabins). I was wondering if you thought you might be able to scan any of the 'dailies'/"Celebrity Today" that they leave in your cabin after the cruise is over. I know that on previous cruises I found it immensely helpful to view advanced copies (since they tend to be similar), and know things like when the theme nights are, and when are formal nights and special menus, entertainment plans, and even onboard activities while in port, etc.

I hope you're enjoying your cruise, I know we're all enjoying your posts!

[dougnewmanatsea]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise, and I hope you have a smooth disembarkation tomorrow.

I agree with you about the shows. The performers seemed genuinely talented - it's just a pity that the shows themselves were the usual cruise ship crap. The performers were too good for the shows themselves, I'm afraid.

[blambition]

Laura,
Thank you for all your wonderful tips and reports from the ship. We are counting the days until our Bermuda trip sails. One question we had is which side of the ship is facing the port when you are docked?
Thanks,
Vicki

[Cachecara]

Thanks for a wonderful review. We will be there in less than a month! Yay!

We booked an aft on deck 9 just for that reason you described regarding aft deck 10 (we didn't want to be right below the buffet), so I hope it ends up being what we expected. :)

I think starboard faced the city of Hamiltion, while port faced St. Georges.

Anyway, you got my anticipation meter on countdown!

[Eager Cruiser]

Laura, thanks for all the information. We'll be sailing on the Zenith in two weeks. How's the temperature in the staterooms and in the Caravelle Restaurant? I'm wondering if the air conditioning is cool and we need to bring sweaters to wear to dinner. Also, do you know if all staterooms have an ice bucket? We're on deck 5 and I need to keep a container of milk in an ice bucket for my daughter to drink anytime she wants.

[blambition]

Thank you Cachecara we are on the port side.
Vicki;)

[LauraS]

[quote name='10splyr']Maybe you should tell Celebrity that as the agent I spoke with said we would sail right next to it! Shows you what she knows:confused: . It's not the first time we have been in NYC, and we have been to the Statue, but I thought it is was going to be a "Kodak moment," I wanted the best vantage point. I'll just look at whatever scenery presents itself as we sail away.[/quote]

IMHO it *is* a Kodak moment. You can clearly see Lady Liberty, and if your camera even has limited zoom capabilities, it should make for a very nice photo - especially with downtown Manhattan in the background.

We got some good shots of the NCL Dawn and Spirit as they sailed passed lower Manhattan as well. Zenith pulled out in front of the Spirit and all three ships sailed one right after the other under the Verazanno Narrows bridge!

Laura

[LauraS]

[quote name='Eager Cruiser']Laura, thanks for all the information. We'll be sailing on the Zenith in two weeks. How's the temperature in the staterooms and in the Caravelle Restaurant? I'm wondering if the air conditioning is cool and we need to bring sweaters to wear to dinner. Also, do you know if all staterooms have an ice bucket? We're on deck 5 and I need to keep a container of milk in an ice bucket for my daughter to drink anytime she wants.[/quote]

I found the air conditioning in the public areas to be quite chilly, although I like it that way! Many carried light sweaters with them to dinner and shows.

We did call guest services twice -- along with others on Deck 10, to try and get the A/C to cool our staterooms off. The difference between the frigid lower levels and *at least Deck 10* (cannot speak to 9 and other decks) was very large. We had our thermostate down to 60 in the cabin, and we'd break out in a sweat from time to time -- especially at night. Mid-cruise they were fixing things and we had cooler temps by Thurs.

I know our stateroom -- CC on Deck 10 (1043) had an ice bucket plus a mini-fridge (mini-bar setup). I'm sure your stateroom attendant will make sure you have an ice bucket if you need one. I think the theme on Zenith was "just ask" and you'll be pleasantly surprised!



Laura

[LauraS]

[quote name='pablopbb']I'm looking forward to my upcoming Sept 23rd Bermuda cruise on Zenith (we'll be checking out the secret aft decks in lieu of balconied cabins). I was wondering if you thought you might be able to scan any of the 'dailies'/"Celebrity Today" that they leave in your cabin after the cruise is over. I know that on previous cruises I found it immensely helpful to view advanced copies (since they tend to be similar), and know things like when the theme nights are, and when are formal nights and special menus, entertainment plans, and even onboard activities while in port, etc.

I hope you're enjoying your cruise, I know we're all enjoying your posts![/quote]

Hi there!

I do plan on scanning the "activities" portion of the week's dailies -- that would be 12 sheets in all -- and will post a link in a few days. I myself tried to find these online, and now can see why someone hasn't already done it! The "daily" delivered to your stateroom -- if you scanned the whole day without the additonal papers added - would be 6 pages long!

Laura

[LauraS]

[quote name='blambition']Laura,
Thank you for all your wonderful tips and reports from the ship. We are counting the days until our Bermuda trip sails. One question we had is which side of the ship is facing the port when you are docked?
Thanks,
Vicki[/quote]

I have to share, it really doesn't matter as you are in small harbor areas and both sides of the ship -- in both Hamilton and St. Georges, have spectaculor views!

Laura

[DeltaOne]

[quote name='Eager Cruiser']I'm wondering if the air conditioning is cool and we need to bring sweaters to wear to dinner.[/QUOTE]
Our room A/C was set as low as it would go (two weeks ago on the Zenith), and it kept the room at an acceptable temperature. Good thing we didn't want it any cooler...we'd have been out of luck. We like the room pretty cool, and it was fine.

[LauraS]

[quote name='LauraS']

Signing off for now, here's hoping for as smooth a disembarkation as embarkation! I don't think Celebrity will drop the ball, the service has been wonderful and we've had a great time!

Laura

PS: Al - They're letting us off at 9:45 am![/quote]

I wanted to jump on and chat a bit about disembarkation. Celebrity -- and Cape Liberty -- didn't let us down!

Now, granted we were in the first group to debark -- "lavender" tags assigned to all Concierge Class and Elite Capt Club members. We were to meet in the Fleet Bar at 9:20, where there was a special "continential breakfast" for us. At 9:45 we were scheduled to be escorted to the gangway on deck 5.

Like clockwork....even a bit earlier, we were lead down and off the ship -- right onto the shuttle buses over the to terminal. While locating our luggage called hubby waiting in the parking lot. He then was able to drive around to the pickup area (where he estimates there are about 50 spaces - give or take). We walked went through customs, there he was! (Funny guy playing tour director "My group this way".....folks were looking at him as if he knew something :) ) After the obligatory "stop that now", we loaded the car and were on the road -- I swear by 9:55am.

Perfect. Probably the quickest, most convienent, smoothest disembarkation I've ever experienced.

I did share with both the cruise director and hotel director my opinon on embarkation -- and we agreed it was a combination of both Cape Liberty's facility and the "Celebrity way" that ensured excellence. And it was excellent.

Whew....sitting here at home at my desk I still feel the ship sway. Ah!

Laura

[LauraS]

[quote name='Longboysfan']Did you get a chance to see Melanie????[/quote]

I did see Melanie (she gave us the tour) but sorry, no, I didn't pass along your greeting. We spoke a bit about the Summit accident, which she didn't know about yet!

Laura

[LauraS]

[quote name='Cachecara']T

We booked an aft on deck 9 just for that reason you described regarding aft deck 10 (we didn't want to be right below the buffet), so I hope it ends up being what we expected. :)
n![/quote]

Just an FYI: there are no chaises or chairs of any kind for that matter on Deck 9's Aft Deck. There are three full sized ping pong tables, one half ping pong table, and two dart boards. There is also some kind of "game grid" painted on the floor, but it looked too small for basket ball and there were no hoops! We took my niece down to play pingpong and we had to "stand" to watch her!

[LauraS]

I'm a New Yawka born and bred. I grew up in Queens and worked in Manhattan for many years. I'm comfortable with folks from the Tri-state area -- CT and New Jersey. I know how we "are" and can be, lets say.

There were folks from other areas -- met some nice Cruise Critic members from Canada, North Carolina, Cleveland and Maryland. But, the majority of the folks on board are from the tri-state area.

It isn't that we aren't friendly types -- it is just that we usually don't walk down streets and say "hi" to one another for no reason! It just isn't the way things are!

Contrast to my Grand Princess cruise in January out of Galveston. Most on that sailing were from the Mid-West and Texas. I've never met a more friendly great LARGE group of people. Everyone said hello as they passed you. It was very nice.

It isn't that way on Zenith. Now, it isn't bad, mind you. It is just that way "we are". So, if you aren't from the Tri-state area, and you walk passed someone and they don't make eye contact and don't say hi -- don't take it personally.

By the end of the cruise, though, I think we were loosening up a bit -- with smiles for others as we walked the ship! lol Takes us a bit of time...

Kids on Board

There were many family groups on board. I cannot remember which day it was -- I believe it was on Monday morning -- a note was delivered to each stateroom that had registered children inside stating that much noise was being reported to management and, in the best interest of the entire ship, they asked that children be supervised, not allowed to run in the hallways and on decks, that they be quiet when walking passed staterooms, etc etc. My sister was a bit miffed, as I'm sure parents of other quiet children were, but they did include a softenining paragraph that said "we apologize if this doesn't apply to your family". I think they handled it well and quickly.

Lots of deck chairs being reserved I'm afraid. I heard there was a bit of a yelling match on Friday morning by the pool. I still stay if folks wouldn't "reserve" chairs there would never be a problem obtaining one!

[SheilaNC]

Laura,
My DH insists that I tell you that he was born and raised in New Yawk and he says hello to everyone!! I say it's because we've lived and worked in NC for the past 35 years!! My experience is much like yours...I've just learned to give my 'home boys and girls' a break and smile first. Usually they don't run for cover :) and most times, they even smile and say hello!!

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed your posts. We are booked for next May and are so looking forward to our first trip to Bermuda armed with your commentary and hints and suggestions from other CCers. Thanks so much

[dougnewmanatsea]

[quote name='LauraS']I know our stateroom -- CC on Deck 10 (1043) had an ice bucket plus a mini-fridge (mini-bar setup).[/quote]
There are certainly ice buckets in all cabins but I should point out that the fridges are only in the suite and CC grades, not in standard inside and outside cabins.

[cruisingirl8]

I"m a nine year old who just came off the Zenith this morning. This was my second cruise. On the first night there is a kids club orientation where you meet all the counselors. Each day there is one game you could play with your family at the kids club. We played games, had a scavenger hunt, and even had a kids talent show. The food was good, but there is not that many things to eat on the childrens menu at the Carvelle resturant. The whole vacation I ate cheeseburgers except one day when I had veal parmagian. The buffet food was great and I always ate at the pasta station.You should definetly try the casual dining. The steak on the childrens menu , at casual dining was perfect! The children are allowed to play bingo but if they win they have to give the money to an adult.There is alot to do on shore. Like go on a glass bottom boat tour and go to the crystal caves. I really enjoyed the Bermuda cruise on the Zenith!

[hcat]

Glad everyone is enjoying Zenith--we have a mini cruise (4 nights to Mexico) -- booked for 08 from Tampa. We took a CC cabin but will have to make it without a balcony. To me that will be worse than the smaller cabin size. Does anyone know if this ship will be in drydock or refurbished before 08? --seems like alot of cruising will be done before then & hope it will get a fresh look! Laura--your description of crystal Caves reminded me of our trip there many yrs ago--I made it through but would not do caves again--too confining. BTW--it rained our entire 5 days of land based vacation--I suspect it rains there more than they let on--but we still had a great time!
Hope you'l keep us posted on more info abt the trip & this ship. Thanks

[Cachecara]

Hi Laura and thanks again for so much info in your review.
I went Zenith to Bermuda last Sept after Labor Day and there were very few children at all. When we were on 9 aft there were a few chairs there as there were little to no people ever on that portion of ship. Perhaps the people using that area brought them down, I don't know.
My question to you is (and I realize it is still a heavy vacation time with families), was that area utilized a lot? I think you see where my mind is going. I am just wondering if it seems to be a secluded area, without the kids and people using the pingpong tables, if a chair or two(not lounge) could be placed there--like for a sunset cocktail. If not, I remember a few steps up on 10 you could certainly sit or use the hottub.
Thanks.:)

[Wasasalad]

[quote name='LauraS']I did see Melanie (she gave us the tour) but sorry, no, I didn't pass along your greeting. We spoke a bit about the Summit accident, which she didn't know about yet!

Laura[/QUOTE]
What is the Summitt accident?

[Eager Cruiser]

Thanks for the information on the air conditioning and the ice buckets in each cabin. One more question . . Should I bring my own hair dryer? Also, will the outlet accept a polarized plug? I'm bringing an extension cord and a nightlight. :)

[cruisingirl8]

There is a hairdryer in the bathroom but its kinda old.We brought our own...

[cruisingirl8]

There is a hairdryer in the bathroom but its kinda old.We brought our own...