Zenith to Bermuda Review (8/12 -8/19)

[mmoot]

Just returned from Bermuda 8-12 thru 8-19, 2006. First Celebrity cruise. Driving to the pier was a relief from flying. Check-in was a breeze when you do the Express Check-in online. Pay attention to details with your documents (have them handy and all in one place) and you’ll be onboard in no time. We parked at the Cape Liberty lot ($105) and they do take cards. Do the on-ship credit online, too, and passby the ruckous onboard.

 

Zenith is small and aging as anyone will attest to and it's runored that she will be sold or docked or refurbished. We were upgraded to Concierge Class and still don’t know why. First I thought there were cancellations due to the Heathrow bomb scare which had just happened on Wednesday before we sailed, but was told by a reservationist that there were not a lot of cancellations. I now have suspicions: Either because we were a childless couple on our first Celebrity cruise -- an attempt to sell if anything as we have cruised with HAL before -- or that this was an undesirable location on the ship due to the traffic and noise one deck above in the Café --and according to these message boards, Celebrity junkies really lay it out about everything on these ships.

 

But, Not a single full night’s sleep. Also you can hear every creak and door slam in the entire ship, plus the thrusting of the engines. I’m guessing it’s a sound wave concept that the sound travels up and out, getting louder as it moves. Get yourself some earplugs if you want some rest.

 

Concierge Class gave us a sail-away bottle of champagne (nice Brut), fresh fruit, flowers and every evening we had a small plate of canapés and hors d ‘oevres (nice, caviar, etc) pre-dinner. Our towels were changed whether or not we re-racked them. Supposedly there is a nicer showerhead in these cabins. It was powerful, however, I was alarmed that salt water replaced fresh water by the last day. Some shower. The toilet is high-set and not unlike sitting on a bar stool to void. The beds are obviously old, but the comforters are very nice. Choose what kind of pillows you want: down, foam or therapeutic. That was nice. The artwork on the walls is hideous as is the general color scheme of the cabins. The piped music in the room was mostly annoying techno-musak. Not much variety in the way of TV or movies. At sea, and in Bermuda they lose their satellite feed for decent TV (but who cares?). Plenty of drawer and closet space, but with two or more in a cabin, forget about moving around freely. Too tight. One has to sit on the bed for other to get around, etc. Cabin attendants are wonderful.

 

Food everywhere as with all cruises. 24-hour room service is pretty swift and varietal, except most food came luke warm. Selection pretty standard and the same everyday in the buffets. Grill in aft deck for gorging on burgers and dogs; pasta, pizza station, sandwiches. Salad bar seemed to be guarded all the time and they insist on tossing your salad of the day for you. And I hate those small plastic cups. The juice bar seemed to be in disrepair most of the time as well as other areas of the ship (cordoned off for repairs). Great sushi bar in the evenings. The cafe grill (for burgers et al) stays open until midnight. Breakfast in the main dining room is really quite nice and it beats dodging the crowd at the buffet. We missed the Grand Buffet because we were exhausted (and I don’t know how some people our age hop until dawn after all that eating and drinking.)

 

I thought Caribbean Night was a joke in the food selection. How much fruit and cookies can one eat without getting the ****s? We chose late seating in the DR. Menu pretty nice nightly, good flavor, but one can sense food recycling as the week progressed. The last formal night of Prime Rib and Lobster pales in comparison to HAL. The lobster was tough, the beef thin, but done to order correctly.

 

Our dining service, although I appreciate their efforts, was very disjointed. Long waits between certain courses, and the tables were left unchecked for S/P, butter, etc. Staff too busy for sincere personalized service. Plates were practically thrown down by waiters and then they were off again before you could address, or ask about something. The wine sommolier we had was very sweet and attentive, though.

 

The pools are relatively small with two pools, one for kiddies. It’s sea water and wavy when the sea is wavy. They refill it every other day or so, so it’s usually chilly. There are three hot tubs on the Sky deck, also usually filled with people unless you get there early morning. Forget about getting a lounge chair unless you conform to the greedy chair “reservers” with their towels and paperbacks. We never had a chair the whole week and sat mostly in the smoking sections or near the bar. This is a terrible problem. The crowd was hardly pleasing to look at anyway -- lots of fat trashy people. All the chairs were uncomfortable poolside and in the lounges. The afternoon poolside band is great (Phoenix), but the lounge performers are very ho-hum especially the guy-gal duo in the lounge: nasal, no-range. Entertainment on the main stage isn’t even status quo except for the Broadway dancers and singers (that’s 2 nights) -- they were great -- the rest was pretty mundane. The comedian was not funny at all: sideways, sexist jokes at best. The Casino is really the only other source of entertainment on this ship and you can drop a lot of money in there with little winnings.

 

The shops are few and everything says “Celebrity” on it. The jewelry -- same gouging as with everywhere, with phony mark-downs on low quality stuff. The perfume store reminded me of those discount stores at Malls.

 

We did not participate in the art or wine auctions (been there, done that mistake in the past). As with all cruises, over-solicitousness of their alcohol is unpleasant and can really stack a bill at the end of the voyage. Weak, expensive drinks, tip added, but you can give more if your service is consistent. We did manage to bring our own, but pack it good and deep in your checked luggage. We also bought on shore and transferred to water bottles without notice, but booze in Bermuda is pricey. They’re in cahoots with the ships, too, in Hamilton. If you buy for delivery to your cabin, it’s cheaper. But, Buy to take with you, however, is double the price.

 

We did the Food and Wine pairing (at a fee) and although educational, the wines for tasting were pretty nasty and the food was like what you put down for the cat. Other gripes: no self-laundry. Our formal clothes were ripe by night #2 as well as the rest of our clothes, and the laundry service was outrageously priced.

 

Water was icky. Buy bottles on shore, it’s cheaper. Our mini-bar was enclosed in a cabinet and the heat from the fridge’s condenser made for a warm inner fridge. I was wary to use any of the stuff in there. Be prepared for any technical problem on board -- seems pipes were blowing and areas were always being maintenanced.

 

BERMUDA on the other hand, and our reason for doing this cruise, is the most beautiful place on Earth I have seen so far. The water, the land, the people…it’s like walking into a storybook. The flowers and the pastel-colored buildings are incredible. Transportation: choose your method early. First we did a three-day pass (bus and ferry inclusive), but by mid-week when three other cruise ships docked, the busses got crowded and often passed your stop especially when everyone is coming off the beaches. We spent a good part of one day on bus transfers and walking in the heat. Ugh. We rented scooters on the last day which was better and more time-efficient. They’re easy to get used to, or get a double-seater with your mate. Lots of FUN!

 

When we docked in Hamilton we were smart and went to St. George first. No crowds, and St. George is just breath-taking. So, we didn’t see too much of Hamilton, but it was like any other small city but cleaner and more visually appealing. The visuals all along the shore roads are spectacular. Best beaches: (btw, check the guides for beaches with changing rooms -- although most are smelly and nasty, it’s better than chafing from the brine water in your crotch). Horseshoe Bay is like the Riviera and crowded but very nice; Tobacco Bay is a cess-pool of kids snorkeling; St. Catherine’s is okay, but also too touristy -- see the Unfinished Cathedral, though -- very mystical, and St. Peter‘s churchyard -- creepy and fun. Chaplain’s Bay and Stonehole Bay are the Must-see to experience the coves and cliff and rock formations along the yucca-studded paths of the shoreline.

 

Dining in town is expensive but pleasing. Bermuda chowder, yum. Fish and chips, the best. We tried fare at Gia’s Café (okay - server was an airhead), the Frog and Onion at the Dockyard and the Swizzle Inn, which has good drink and large portion platters. We visited the Dockyards (fascinating), The Aquarium, (lots to see with museum, aviaries and seaside garden paths) and this is in The Flatts which is so charming to walk through. The Botanical Gardens, not so great and too hot to amble through. We also scootered over to St. David’s which is where the military housing used to be and Clearwater Beach (not so great). You will want to taxi or scooter if you’re not into a lot of walking. Trust me on this. Taxis can be expensive for stop and go unless you prefer brief meaningless tours. Best bet: scooter all over the island and stop and go as you please. The gentry is friendly and courteous and laid back. Motorists are traffic-friendly and either will slow down for you or pass you gently.

 

My review may sound snobbish regarding Zenith. Holland America has spoiled us in the past. I found myself just getting so angry with the inefficiencies throughout our sail. Celebrity is an okay vehicle to a destination like Bermuda, but to enjoy what this ship has to offer, you would be better off traveling with a large party or with all the kids in tow. For a mature couple as us, we expected more pomp, less circumstance, more uniformity in the professionalism they seem to boast -- and you can only eat so much. If anyone has a question or comment, feel free to blast me

[grandsix]

We love Celebrity and Holland America and can adjust to all their ships. You picked the oldest ship in the fleet to do your first Celebrity cruise. This ship is not for everyone, however, the Zenith still has a strong following because of its size. We like it and are booked again in Oct. 06. Not everyone can adjust to a smaller, older and more quaint ship. Try one of the newer ships next time, we believe you will like Celebrity also.

[hisfirstm8]

mmoot,

What room were you in?

 

Barbara

[HurricaneSally]

I thought I was going to enjoy your review, but then you started to sound like a real snob when you started talking about the fat trashy people by the pool. After that, I discredited the rest of your review.

[DeltaOne]

I thought I was going to enjoy your review, but then you started to sound like a real snob when you started talking about the fat trashy people by the pool. After that, I discredited the rest of your review.

Other notable quotes:

 

"How much fruit and cookies can one eat without getting the ****s?"

 

"...and the food was like what you put down for the cat."

 

Worst review I've read in a long time. Someone needs to take a chill pill and/or find another type of vacation...

[cat616]

... We also bought on shore and transferred to water bottles without notice, but booze in Bermuda is pricey. They’re in cahoots with the ships, too, in Hamilton. If you buy for delivery to your cabin, it’s cheaper. But, Buy to take with you, however, is double the price. ...

 

The Liquor Merchants are not in "cahoots with the ships". The Price difference is because booze you buy on shore and carry yourself has the Duty (Import Taxes) added to the price. Booze you buy on shore and have delivered to the ship is "Duty Free" because it is not going to be consumed in Bermuda. It must be delivered to the ship in order to ensure that it is not consumed on Island. That is the Bermuda Law. You should have understood this in the Liquor Stores as the lower prices are clearly marked "DUTY FREE".

 

I am glad that you enjoyed your time in our island. There are newer ships that also serve the Bermuda market. You may want to give them a try if you are thinking of cruising back.

 

Happy Travels

 

Cindy

[signman]

The one thing NOT to do in Bermuda is rent a scooter. Yes, it seems attractive and harmless, but you better have experience riding these unbalanced small tired vehicles, and you better have experience driving on the left side of the road with jagged cliffs to the left. And you better have good insurance, and you better not mind ruining your vacation with a spill, or worse.

[rianvi]

It was our fourth cruise and my parents' first on Celebrity. We all had a wonderful time. The dining room staff were very attentive and courteous always checking on us. And never once was a plate thrown down. I found the staff on this ship very polite and trying to do whatever they could for us. It is the job of the bar staff to sell drinks...we got asked often but didn't find it a real pain. Yes...the chair hogs were out on our cruise as well, but the pool butlers will try to find chairs even bringing them down from deck 12. I wasn't there to observe others nor what they wore. But those that I did meet were dressed fine and really not a concern of mine. I just like meeting people. I struggle with weight but I swam daily and felt others were too busy having fun to care about what I was wearing. Island night was fun, the ice sculptures were beautiful and chicken/ribs were also served. My parents did the food and wine paring..didn't enjoy all the wines but enjoyed themselves and meeting fellow passengers. And my Mum assures me the food was for human consumption{lol}. We had ocean view cabins on Deck 4...three in ours and managed well. Our cabin steward was also wonderful and accommodating. These cruises that we take are our yearly vacations from work. A time where I don't have to cook, clean or work. I am there to enjoy myself and I can't and won't let little things hamper my cruise. We used these boards to provide us with information about the ship, laundry service etc., so they weren't really any surprises. That is what is nice about this site Cruise Critics...it gives all of us a chance to share pertinent info. so everyone benefits. Not every ship or cruise line is for everyone. Take Care.

Peace, Anna:)

[watchdiva]

What's your point in mentioning fat, trashy people?? What constitutes trashy and what constitutes fat? Your credibility was lost (for me) when I began to read comments like that and comments like "food you put down for the cat". Can you substantiate that "liquor stores are in cahoots with the cruise lines" or is this just another of your opinions?

 

What were your expectations for this cruise anyway? Doing one's homework before booking a cruise is always a good thing and maybe the lack of research on your part contributed to your dissatisfaction with this trip.

[bauerdogs]

Well said Cindy and Anna :) Sept. 23rd we are on the Zenith for the 7th time. We have never had a bad cruise on the Zenith. Overall, this will be our 17th cruise, and we have always have been treated well by the crew of the Zenith. The food has been the best we've ever had. Your on vacation--enjoy yourself. Don't let the little things become a pain. :) Ron

[BratDet]

Yesterday husband & I tried to get to bike path at Sandy Hook in time to see the Zenith sailing back to port.

missed it. So sad.

Today husband said, "I want to go back to Bermuda."

I had partially written a much better review but never posted it.

I think it is time to finish it.

I can't believe you said that the filtered water on board was icky-

our table of 6 drank it like it was free champagne- it was crisp, cold, and delicious without aftertaste.

Except for the Dom Perignon we cracked open for our tablemates one night- none of us ordered soda or a mixed drink. The water was THAT Good.

NEVER used our Brita water filtering bottles once on the trip.

So many funny thing you mention critically- like onboard shopping.

My husband got a gorgeous watch and it is not labeled "Celebrity" hahaha

Also, I purchased a bracelet while onboard and was given free reign yesterday at a large jewelry display to buy whatever took my fancy. I walked away from it and said to my husband, "Nothing is as nice as the bracelet I bought on the Zenith."

Heck, I had brought evening bags with me, but would have preferred a red one for my red dress. Saw a 10$ beaded one- both husband & I agreed I should get it...Cheap, but damned cute.

I wanna go back now, but putting it off till next year-

builds a lot of wonderful anticipation.

I loved my first cruise. As did my husband...

Was at the Island party- never ate a thing..but since you are full from dinner- most people might be drawn to fruit/cookies as a party treat. Grand buffet. We went. We saw. We took pics and ate nothing.

It was great they had a spread at parties and the Grand Buffet, but our 5 course dinners which were delicious kept us too full to want or need more than a small treat later...if at all...

BTW- we are a mature couple too....

and we never felt the need to denigrate how anyones body weight or disabilities made them look.

Maybe you need a few more years to fully mature. :)

Bernadette

[BratDet]

2007 & 2008-

cruises.

 

Bernadette

[HELENROSE]

Have to add my 2 cents worth. In Oct. 2004, we were in conceierge class cabin 1082. Slept like a baby,can't remember noise. We will be sailing in Jan. on the Zenith again for 11 days, can't wait. We also sailed on the Horizon 4 times (Sister ships) Holand American is a good cruise line and I am not going to trash it, but we prefer Celebrity and Princess for our cruises. #43 coming up. #44 in March on Millennium. LOVE smaller ships.We are in our late 60's, and enjoy everything going on all the ships. Try and enjoy your cruise. You are missing out on a lot by so negative.

[lisiamc]

Just returned from Bermuda 8-12 thru 8-19, 2006.

Supposedly there is a nicer showerhead in these cabins. It was powerful, however, I was alarmed that salt water replaced fresh water by the last day. Some shower.

 

I know I'm being nitpicky, but I really don't think this can happen. The water for the shower is, I believe, carried by the same pipes as the water for the sink. I am pretty sure that it must always be fresh water, never salt.

 

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm confused (and it wouldn't be the first time!)

 

Lisa

[Lois R]

2007 & 2008-

cruises.

 

Bernadette

 

I just put a deposit down for Oct 2007..why don't you join me?

[blambition]

Having sailed on close to seventy sailings I can say I have never met a ship I didn't like. I certainly have my favorite cruises and might have enjoyed one cruise a bit more than another but I guess it has a lot to do with your attitude. If you go looking for everything that you can find wrong you probably will. Knowing that Zenith is a much older ship you shoud expect that your cabin might sweak and that you might hear the people talking as they come down the halls. You would hear that on any older ship. I haven't sailed on Celebrity since 1990 (Horizon) but am booked on the Zenith of 10/1/06 and still can't wait to set sail.Still think of that sailing as the best food I've ever had on a cruise including Crystal. My likes are the bigger the better and the newer the better but in this case I know what I booked and I will not be dissappointed as I realize Zenith is of the older generation ship.

I really lost it when you referred to your fellow passengers in a negative manner. They may not have liked all of your complaining either as that can really be a depressing thing when you are having fun and there is someone who cannot find joy in their vacation. I agree with the poster who said maybe you find another kind of vacation and have to say I'm feel sorry for your T/A.

[Cathy Maneri]

I have to agree with Mmoot, the Zenith definately needs a facelift but Celebrity has the best itinerary to Bermuda.

 

The Zenith was my first Celebrity cruise and even though I didn't care for the ship, very bland and oldish (I had been on my first cruise on the new Explorer of the Seas just before the Zenith so I was comparing), but Celebrity's food and service was very good on the Zenith.

 

I did not give up on Celebrity after this cruise. I then went on the Summit on it's 10-night Ultimate Southern Caribbean and was sold on Celebrity.

 

Mmoot....please give Celebrity another try on it's Millenium-Class ships, there's a big difference.

 

I, too, loved Bermuda (I've cruised the Caribbean many times and Bermuda is a must see at least once).

 

I have not tried Holland and might in the future, but for now I'm happy with Celebrity.

[Cathy Maneri]

Oops....it must be late, I meant to say I was on the sister ship the Horizon to Bermuda not the Zenith, but it's the same itinerary and the ship was built about the same time.

 

Personally, I prefer the newer ships or recently refurbished.

 

I was hoping with Celebrity's three newbuilds that one of them would have been a small ship like the Zenith to do Bermuda.

 

I would like to see Bermuda again but the next time it will be on the Constellation's repositioning cruise in November when it leaves New England and comes back to Ft. Lauderdale for the winter.

[Longboysfan]

What most posters have to realize is that each cruiser has a different way of looking at a cruise.

 

This cruiser is a HAL loyalist. They like the way things are done on the ship.

 

You can't take them off that track.

You can't change their mind. No matter if the Captain invited them to his table and they had all the free goodies the ship could provide.

 

My friend just came off working the Zenith - now on the Galaxy.

 

Look at the number of posts also.

This was most likely replicated in the HAL forum and everyone ober there would be saying... Same thing I saw when I was on that one Celebrity cruise.

 

Each line draws a different age and type of cruiser.

[rianvi]

What most posters have to realize is that each cruiser has a different way of looking at a cruise.

 

This cruiser is a HAL loyalist. They like the way things are done on the ship.

 

You can't take them off that track.

You can't change their mind. No matter if the Captain invited them to his table and they had all the free goodies the ship could provide.

 

My friend just came off working the Zenith - now on the Galaxy.

 

Look at the number of posts also.

This was most likely replicated in the HAL forum and everyone ober there would be saying... Same thing I saw when I was on that one Celebrity cruise.

 

Each line draws a different age and type of cruiser.

 

....it was how it was said. I am the first one to support anyone expressing their views/opinions. However, I really don't think it is necessary to make comments about fellow passengers, etc. An honest opinion whether negative or positive is of value if expressed properly. This is what I think people are commenting about.

 

We can't wait to go again.

 

Peace, Anna:)

[bilgeboyPa]

I was on Zenith in June this year and I was impressed with the staff and the food. Yes the ship isn't like a shiny new penny, but it was still in nice shape. I was in Stateroom 5140, an inside aft and didn't hear a bit of noise except for when we pulled in and out of port.

The service aboard was better than I got on Century which was excellant as well. I NEVER had a bad dinner in the Dining room.

Bermuda was the thing I wasn't impressed with. Very crowded, expensive and on more than one instance, very rude bus drivers. The beaches were beautiful, but so is St Thomas and St Marteen which I prefer.

 

Zenith..would I sail her again..You bet..Bermuda..probably not again.

Everyone has their own preferences. But one thing we can all agree on....A cruise is the best vacation on earth:D

 

Jeff

[crazybus]

Darn!!!:mad: I wanted to read the review and they took it off!! I don't think I would have liked mmoot's review since I love Celebrity!!:D A cruise is what you make of it. Things don't always go smoothly but you get past it and go on. I am going on the Zenith for 13 nights in October and I know I will have a fantastic time!!!

[Nibby1]

crazybus, it's still there. Go back to Page 1 of this thread.

[Cachecara]

Jeff, I was in Bermuda last Sept after Labor Day. It was super, no crowds and no kids. I wonder if that has much to do with it? Anyway, for most part the weather was super.

Zenith was my first cruise by X and first cruise on a smaller/older ship. I personally loved the cruise. Was it different than my other cruises on Voyager class--of course! But I loved that cruise nonetheless and will be back on her this Sept to Bermuda. Comparing the 2 --you can't. Like Apples vs Oranges. I wish X would keep Zenith updated like her newer sisters, but I found the food excellent, the service excellent and it sparkling 90% of the time.

There is definitely a place for this smaller ship in the fleet and giving her less than preferential treatment in my estimation is a disservice by X to X.

[Lois R]

I am sorry the OP had such a terrible time but I am another

cruiser who sailed Zenith twice earlier this year and both times

were excellent:)

 

I also think it either sounds like you would prefer to just fly

to Bermuda for the week and not be on a ship or I guess

you just prefer HAL and that is your perogative too.

 

My food on Zenith was wonderful and out of all my cruises

I look back and say the service I received on that ship

was unmatched. And that is saying alot because

the service on my other cruises was outstanding too.

 

As for the size of people, there are different sizes, shapes

and colors on every sailing. Well, there have been on the

cruises on I have been on anyway. Thin, heavy, dark, light,

Jewish, Gentile, clean shaven, bearded...

Met lots of different people from around the world. Part

of the reason I love to cruise.

 

Oh..but this is about Zenith...I love the ship!