Name: George Hall
Email: georgeny@ix.netcom.com
Age: 46
Occupation: Jail Warden - retired
NumberOfCruises: 18
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: June 95
Itinerary: Eastern
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 70
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 75
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 70
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Aug 1996
Time: 18:49:24
Remote Name: 206.217.144.70
Remote User:

Comments

July 1,1995 Tonnage 47,255 length 682 feet beam 95 feet draught
24, pass.cap approx. 1,550
Our age group GEORGE 45, LINDA 40

REVIEW of Celebrity MV Zenith sailing - June 24th through Prestay - This being our 3rd sailing on Zenith we elected to stay at Comfort Suites versus Pier 66 though previously very happy with Pier 66. We flew into Miami and were greeted by a Celebrity rep. We then went to get our luggage. NOTE: you have two options here. Put Celebrity tags on and your bags will be transported to ship so you must have an overnight bag with all your needs. Or you can leave Celebrity tags off and grab your luggage taking same to hotel. We like to keep our bags near so did latter. Celebrity rep got us a porter and even tipped same. We went to a very comfortable large 26 pass bus/van and were driven to Ft.Lauderdale, a trip of approx 24 miles, about 30 minutes or so. We were the only passengers. The Comfort Inn has a very nice lobby where you are also treated to free buffet breakfast in the morning. No shops like in Pier 66 but there is an Italian resturant. We went there and had a wonderful buffet lunch for 6.95 each. Food was very good and included ceasar salad, pizza, chicken and fish items, salad bar. A very good value. The suite was two rooms both with color TV's. Wet sink. coffee machine with coffee, decaf or regular, tea bags, a refrig. very handy. We purchased a small container of milk since they provide powder lightener. You get HBO included but BE CAREFUL, there are PAID movies on living room TV and your charged IMMEDIATELY if you go through the menus and start movies! We were joined by friends that evening and had dinner again in the Italian rest. at the hotel. Food was excellent and reasonable. I had a petit Filet Mignon and shrimp, 14.95 (6oz). Pasta dishes less expensive. Full filet mignon 19.95, salad was alacarte, veggies came with. We ordered an appetizer some sort of pasta and you could have easily had that as a meal. SALUT'E was the resturant's name I believe. Only one in hotel. PIER 66 for a nice walk around the marina and some high class shops and resturants. Comfort Inn Suites for a great place to stay and much more economical food without sacrificing any real ambiance. They also have a heated outdoor pool. Center area is done in nice tropical atmosphere. Pier 66 if you have the $$$ and don't mind spending extra. Comfort for just a great stay!

EMBARKATION - You are scheduled to be picked up at 1 PM for pier. TOO LATE! We know that from experience. When you arrive at pier you are given a number. Last year we were number 14. We left hotel via taxi and arrived before noon, 1 pm is embarkation time, we were number 4. The other reason for arriving early is that they set up beauty appointment in lounge while your waiting. Since my wife uses many of their services she was chagrined last year too find some of them already booked solid. Do yourself a favor, take a cab to the pier around 11:30 it will cost you $5 and is less than a 4 minute ride! Embarkation started about 12:50 and went smoothly enough. We were onboard by 1:30 pm.

CABINS: As has been noted here many times, all Zenith cabins are virtually identical in size. We had cabin 9015 which was a cat 4. A traveling companion had 9058 a cat 7. The only difference was her window was more obstructed, there was no hair dryer in her bathroom. Beds were twins that we had placed together making a queen size or so. Double closets and 12 drawers in cabin not counting nightstand make for PLENTY of storage space. I have never had better storage and clsoet space on any other ship. Cabin is equipped with TV which offers CNN, movies, video tapings of cruise talks, some local programming depending on area your in (color with remote control). Radio built in to room and controlled through nightstand control. Cabin lights can also be contrlled through nightstand. There was a hair dryer in bathroom but as I often remark, this unit will not satisfy a lady who requires power in her machine, bring your own anyway. What it is good for is men's hair and eleviates "borrowing" the ladies. There is a razor outlet in bathroom and a regular outlet in living area by makeup mirror/cosmetic table area. I differentiate because although a plug will fit into both 110-outlets, the one in the bathroom must be rated as a lower voltage for safety or some thing. You will find that electrical items will not run at proper speed in bathroom though will be fine in living area. This has been in every cabin I have had on Zenith so it supposed to be that way I presume. As many know toilets are operated by vacuum on a ship. I don't know if it was because of upper deck level, or what, but the toilets on our deck didn't flush immediately as I am used to. Response time ranged from 3 seconds to 2 minutes. HINT: Once you have lifted the flush control you do not have to hold it up or juggle it etc. Just lift and walk away. I spent the first two days standing over the thing for a minute each time waiting. Extra blankets and pillows were located in closet. Our stewardess, Yummi, was effcient, and courteous. Our cabin was keep in proper order with no complaints.

DINING: Upon arrival in cabin you should find a card indicating your seating and table number. IF YOU DO NOT you must head to Rainbow Showroom and see the Matri-Dee. On this particular cruise I do not think that anyone had that card. A combination of Celebrity's new computer system and the last minute inclusion of passengers from the out of service Carnival Celebration, caused some confusion. Short version is that me and mine (4 cabins total) were improperly assigned Main seating. This is near disastrous for me and my little tummy as second seating is my extremely desired preference. Computer sheet indicated no preference given. Since I am my own agen I KNOW that this is thier error NOT my agents. Having been told by Matri-Dee that he would attempt to rectify I was forced to mosey on. It was enough of an issue with me that I sought out the Resturant Manager, Mr. Suppi (I hope I spelled it right but doubt it and can't find my notes as usual), and laid out my long and sad tale. He simply looked at me and stated " I'm sure we can make you happy". Within a short time a second seating placement was delivered to my cabin. This demonstrates, in my humble opinion, Celebrity's attitude and why they have become so popular. They simply WANT TO MAKE YOU HAPPY! Also in the cabin you will find your Celebrity signature account cards. Sign the back and carry with you at all times since this is the only way you can pay for anything in cashless operation. Don't drive yourself nuts rushing down to validate your account via offering up your credit card. This can be done anytime up till wednsday afternoon. Hence why fight the line that usually occurs during first hours. Simply head down in next day or two and handle it. Best thing to do now is Head to Windsurf cafe for the welcome buffet, rest your weary travelers feet and enjoy the view and food. You will find long lines that move somewhat well.

The buffet lines are long that first welcome day but you soon learn that the time to do the cafe is about an hour after opening. There is no helping the long lines at the first welcome buffet though. Simply everyone on board wants to eat and everyone is astonished at the wonderful offerings, decorative carvings, etc, so it just diesn't move too fast. Not an extreme wait though, maybe 10 minutes on average. Two things you will notice on Celebrity. You will be personally ushered to your cabin upon entry through the gangway (sometimes depending on arrival time you might miss this simply because everyone is guiding someone) and there are usually staff at end of buffet line to assist you in carrying your tray and finding a seat. Also there are staff walking around with coffee fillups, another pleasant service. All these SMALL things add up to making for a great staff and hence a great crew dedicated to service. Of course while sailing you have the option of going to the dining room for breakfast and lunch as well though I think most prefer the buffet area during the day. The breakfast buffet features madeup omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham. Cereals, variety of fruits, bagels, crossaints, toast, french toast, pancakes, etc, etc. You will not lack selection. If you wish eggs benedict or to be waited on the dining room is available. You are seated at you regular table with regular waiter. Lunch buffet also features a grill located outside serving hamburgers, hotdogs, frenchfries, sometimes chicken or other selections. Milk, ice tea, water and juice are available and included at no charge. Alcohol and soda are purchased through bar waiters. HINT: bring along you own LARGE cup if you like to drink coffee or juice in large quanity. Celebrity has the smallest glasses and cups I ever saw though, of course you can fill several or go up and refill as much as you would like. Tables were bussed promptly and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. Lunch buffet offers several salads, carved meat, and several hot entrees and wonderful bread and rolls. Not to forget the greatest desserts!

BAR SERVICE: Bar waiters are readily available throughout ship and pool area. All transactions are signed for with signature account card. A nice touch is that often at poll area bar waiters with carts are moving about, Said carts loaded with iced down beer. Nothing like an ice cold beer when you want, no wait. I presume there is soda in there but I wouldn't know :) Of course the pool is serviced by a bar right there and bar waiter will get you what ever you require with little wait. Drinks are not inexpensive. A drink of the day is offered each day for (I think) $2.95 and is your best deal for the day. A Corona is classed an imported beer and with 15% grat. added is something like $3.85, considering you could drink them all day for a buck in Mexico there must be a pretty good profit margin in there for them. Have to make up for all those cruise discounts somewhere. Speciality coffees are great but also not cheap, I think, about $4.95 All in all though my bar bill for week was just under $100 and that included two bottle of wine at $17 each (white Zinfindel), picking up a few rounds with traveling companionsm, and many a Corona.

ACCOUNT: You can get a print out of your ongoing account anytime in lobby area. A printout will automatically be placed under your door on Wed or Thurs. Another one on the last day will also be provided. Our account came to $500.95 and we didn't hesitate to use it. This included over $250 in special beauty items such as io-thermy, hair appointments on formal nights, bingo tickets, couple of Zenith sweatshirts, 3 packs of sov. menus for travelking companions. You can spend as much or as little as you desire. One thing that does save us money is that we don't generally do any ships excursion tours. We have seen the islands and we cab it to Magens Bay etc. More later!

DRESS: Celebrity list three modes of attire. Each evening a daily schedule is placed under your cabin door for the next day and includes the next evenings dress code.

FORMAL: Ladies- A dressy outfit, Gentleman- Dark suit, dinner jacket, Tux.

INFORMAL: Ladies- Informal dress or pants and blouse, Gentlman- Jacket and tie, slacks.

CASUAL: Ladies- Pants suit or sporty outfit, Gentleman- Sports shirt and slacks.

The first and last nights are typically casual as the first night is a travel day the last a packing day. The 2nd and 2nd to last are typically formal. The other days Informal. I would estimate approx. 20% in Tux this trip. 99% followed called for dress codes during dinner tough many now change aftre dining. I did have one table near us wear jeans the entire trip. They were not barred from the dining room but did look severely out of place during dinner. We wore Jackets and ties on one casual night in error and felt extremely out of place. We doffed ties and jackets immediately after dinner. I had rented a tuxedo for the cruise, a first for me. I will do it every time from now on. Extremely convenient and saves the pain of packing another suit. Tux was ordered via 800 number from brochure provided in Celebrity documents. Tuxedos at Sea is the company and I will be happy to provide the number via E-Mail requests. Cost are $65 Blk Tux, $65 White dinner Jacket, $100 Both Tux and Dinner Jacket, $10 shoes. Tux comes with two shirts, cufflinks, studs, tie, cumberbun. It is delivered right to your cabin by your room steward. As I said, I thought it VERY convenient. And I must add, I am great looking in a tux. :) Clothes make the man? Daily poolside attire is bathing suits, shorts, etc. Did see one or two risque thong bikini's I LOVE EM myself ;) Sadly I look no where as good in a bathing suit as I do in a tux :( oh well.

CASINO: I'll let Jeff provide indepth coverage for this area as he took personal care to get to know each dealers nationality and opinions on life :) Jeff and I spent many hours together trying to beat the house. Unlike last year when I hit that Royal Flush, this year I walked away a loser but fairly happy for many hours of play at reasonable expense. I'm sure Jeff can tell the tale of the Oriental Roulette/Blackjack player doing BIG bucks. Casino staff has changed, now Hungarian and Russian. Though pleasant I think, perhaps do to language difficulties, they are no where near as jovial as past dealers. Also house odds have gone down. Where Carib. poker last year on this ship featured 250 to 1 for Royal flush, now 100 to 1. Slots were not profitable for anyone I saw. Stick with nickle slots for excitment at less cost!

9:00am Fourth of July - enough for this morning - I'm out of here till another day. Have a Happy and Safe Holiday.

Two small corrections. Sherri has rightfully pointed out two areas I goofed on. One I referred to Comfort Suites when indeed I should have said CROWN STERLING SUITES. This is the alternative to Pier 66 pre trip as desribed in the Celebrity brochure. I claim early alzheimers and ask for dispensation :) Two, dress nights go as follows: Sat-casual, Sun-formal, Mon-informal, Tue-informal, Wed-casual/tropical (that's the day we went informal so I thought the line should change wed for me ;), Thurs-formal, Fri-casual, Saturday-GET OFF THE SHIP hope you saved some sort of clothes to get off with. Your luggage already on dock :) The Carib. band on board the Zenith is called FANTASY and are very good but no where near as good as ONYX on the Horizon. ONYX is just so versatile and the leader so amiable that it is perhaps unfair to compare them. Entertainment was very good. More as time permits :) I'll cover disembarkation next and if I can work up the typing strength give you an example of the Zenith Daily activity list. Hopefully I will have left some areas open for Jeff and Mike to cover. I will also be happy to address any questions via board or E-mail that anyone may have.

Name: Derek & Peg Caldwell-Ott
Email: caldwellott@usa.pipeline.com
Age: 31/39
Occupation: travel wholesale/teacher
NumberOfCruises: 5/22
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: August 19, 1995
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 97
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Sep 1996
Time: 23:39:39
Remote Name: 38.8.141.4
Remote User:


Comments

This was our third cruise with Celebrity, and we adored just about every minute! We were accompanied by two senior family members, who also had a wonderful time. However, the Meridian has the better program for small children.

As always, one of the main reasons to sail with Celebrity is the food--not enough superlatives in the dictionary to cover it! The service in the Dining Room (our favorite waiter, Cemal, who was also with us on the Meridian in 93), cabin and lounges were equally outstanding! Peter Conaghan, our Maitre D' also deserves special mention for his extra attention to all the passengers in his section of the Caravelle Restaurant.

The Cruise Director was a bit slick and not as friendly as others we have encountered on Celebrity, but his Staff was superb, especially offering special attention to Peg's mother, who had been recently widowed at the time of our voyage.

As we have observed on every Celebrity cruise, the crew kept the ship in immaculate condition, polishing, wiping, vacuuming any and every fixture on board. The Zenith is also beautifully stabilized, even in some slightly large swells that we encountered coming in to San Juan.

Shore excursion variety was excellent, but they seemed a bit over priced. We gave a lower number to the Ports of Call as well, since we prefer the Celebrity Itineraries to Bermuda--a nicer place and more days at sea to get to and from it! In fact, the reason we chose this trip as opposed to the Western loop was the fact of three days at sea!

Entertainment on board was superb, especially in the Show Lounge, but we thought the poolside group was too limited--Reggae only. Our favorite spot was in the Fleet Bar (third table towards amidships on the Port Side--should have a commemorative plaque to us), where we could sit, drink, dance and listen to the Celebrity Duo for hours!

Embarkation and disembarkation in FLL was a mess, but they have now finished the new terminal for the Celebrity ships which should have improved these matters considerably. As Captain's Club members, our priority status helped substantially!

Overall, Celebrity offers a superb cruise experience for one's dollar; relaxing with top level service that is attentive, but never intrusive. Our expectations were very high given that we have sailed with them before, and once again, they exceeded them! Thank you Captain Fokion Ardavanis! Peg and Derek

Name: Cristina Bejarano
Email: cbejaran@turbo.kean.edu
Age: 18
Occupation: Full-time college student
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 08/10/96
Itinerary:
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 99
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 88
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 93
ShoreExcValue: 88
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 99
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 96
LoungeService: 99
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 94
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 88
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 88
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 87
CruiseActivities: 98
Casino: 99
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 99
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 97
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Nov 1996
Time: 08:35:24
Remote Name: 131.125.1.205
Remote User:


Comments

I went this past August with my family and we all pretty much enjoyed it. It wasn't bad for my first cruise and everyone on board was very friendly (especially the staff). If i ever go on a cruise again, which I probably will, I would definately go on Zenith again, but not with my family ever again.

Name: Rick Schindler
Email: rick.sch@worldnet.att.net
Age: 55
Occupation: Sales
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 7/94 & 7/95
Itinerary: Western & Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Jan 1997
Time: 01:34:52
Remote Name: 207.146.220.91
Remote User:


Comments

We sailed on the Zenith twice and loved it each time. While I don't think that she is a prety ship from the outside she sure makes up for it on the inside. This ship is spotless. Constantly being polished and vacumed. The food was outstanding. It looked great and tasted even better. Food service, both in the dining room and buffet was very profetional. The band on the pool deck was better on the 1st cruise. My favorite place on the ship was the Fleet Bar. There is nothing as wonderful as having a pre dinner cocktail there while watching the sunset or a tropical shower. She is a great ship and Celebrity is an outstanding cruise line.

Name: Debbi Sammons
Email: puffy@tricon.net
Age: 37
Occupation: Restaurant owner
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: June 6,1996
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 99
CruiseDirector: 99
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 99
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 89
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Jan 1997
Time: 19:21:17
Remote Name: 205.230.80.32
Remote User:


Comments

I have thoroughly enjoyed every cruise I've taken. The attention to detail is evident in Celebrity ships. We traveled in TERRIBLE weather conditions , as a result , well over 50% of the passengers for at least one evening (the captains party nonetheless) were quite ill and confined to their cabins. My partner and I had the run of the ship. There werent a lot of young people on this ship , mostly retired folks- most of the activities were for younger people (like us) and didnt stir up much interest with everyone else- very little part- icipation- some even were cancelled because no one showed up for them. The casino was rather boring, although I managed to lose most of my money just the same! Room service was not very impressive, and the midnight buffets offered no non-alchoholic bev- erages to accompany them. The ship was still outstanding and Bermuda was fabulous!!!

Name: Bruce Powell
Email: Powell_Bruce@Promina.org
Age: 37
Occupation: Safety Director-Healthcare System
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 08 July 1995
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Jan 1997
Time: 17:11:34
Remote Name: 162.41.149.111
Remote User:


Comments

I was first exposed to the joy of a cruise in 1983 when my wife and I booked our honeymoon. I have been hooked ever since.

We chose the Zenith on the recommendation of our long-time Travel Agent and at the urging of family members who have sailed the Celebrity Line and Zenith particularly. This is a choice we have never regretted!!

Embarkation from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale leaves a little to be desired. Accommodations in the terminal waiting area are not very comfortable if you are not one of the fortunate to have gotten a seat. We stood for nearly 90 minutes waiting for our number to be called. We felt like a herd of cattle waiting to be put on a train. The good thing about this is, you really don't care where you are standing, because you know what is waiting for you for the next seven days. This thought makes the wait a little more bearable.

The maitre d' did an excellent job in pairing us with a delightful couple from our age group. We were not able to get a table for two since those had gone to the early birds with good travel agents. The presentation and taste of the food was superb, although the portions were sometimes meager at best. We sometimes left the main course a little hungry! The deserts, although very tasty and appealing to the eye, were almost a tease as they were near "sample" sized. This condition extended to the deserts and pastries on the buffet tables as well.

The two theme nights on the midnight buffet were beyond compare, especially the Caribbean fruit night. The melon carvings and fruit bouqets that decorated the buffet tables were magnificent!! What an art form.

The coup de grace was the Grand Buffet in the main dining room. Words would not do justice to this event. You have to see it to believe it. It was a shame to eat the handcrafted goodies of the talented chefs.

Our Cruise Director "Scott" and his staff were truly energetic, talented and eager to please. They made you feel right at home from the minute you boarded the ship. The organized activities while at sea were first-rate. People who were strangers only a day before were hugging one an other and having a great time mingling.

There is always a stand-out in every crowd. One of the deck bar waiters was always very entertaining. He was always dancing, singing, rattling off tongue twisters identifying the special of the day and always smiling. His motto was "Service with a simle, Mon."

St. Thomas and St. Martin were picturesque as always. While comparing notes at the end of the day with our table-mates, we found that we did not sign up for an excursion to Magen's Bay, but just paid for taxi fare for two. When asked what they got for their 20.00 per person versus our 3.00 per person, they got a taxi ride with a speaking tour of the sights along the mountain road. We told them we got the same commentary but for a lot less. The trip could have done without a stop at San Juan. We arrived on schedule at 6:00pm and were able to get off the ship by 7:15. There is not much to see at night other than the casinos and shows. We prefer to be at sea instead of this stop.

The only blemish on an otherwise spotless ship was the Scorpio Disco. There seemed to be an inordinate number of teenagers in the Disco that were drinking, and the majority were underage. The DJ seemed to cater to that generation's musical tastes even though they were not in the majority of the crowd. By 1:00am all the music played was hip-hop and completely foreign to most of us. This act in effect, cleared the Disco.

It would have appeared that our Cabin Steward was a magician. He took excellent care of our cabin and we never saw him do it. After the first night he saw that my wife liked to sleep under a second blanket on her side of the bed only, he made it a point to turn the bed down and put the extra blanket, folded double, on her side of the bed.

All in all, the Zenith lives up to the high standards of the Celebrity Line. We had a remarkable vacation and were discussing next year's curise on the Century before we got off the ship!

Name: Kenneth Berg
Email: ken@valrico.com
Age: 44
Occupation: Travel Agent
NumberOfCruises: 10
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 2/15/97
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 93
FoodMidnightBuffets: 89
CabinSteward: 94
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 86
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 94
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 89
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 86
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 89
CruiseActivities: 87
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities: 100
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 88
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Mar 1997
Time: 14:42:43
Remote Name: 204.215.227.52
Remote User:


Comments

Although not Celebritys newest ship, the Zenith could pass for under one year old. The cuisine and dining room service is the best that I have ever experienced. All the amenities of its larger cousins the Galaxy and Century, but in a more manageable size. Between the three, I like the Zenith the best. Of the ports of call, Aruba, Curacas, and St. Thomas were great. I could have done without Guadeloupe. Grenada was also interesting.

One great point, although very port intensive (only one day just at sea), all docking was at pier side, no tenders. Not true for many of the other ships that were in port at the same time.

Name: Patrick Dunn
Email: patdunn@digital.net
Age: 31
Occupation: Engineering Manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 3/22/97
Itinerary: Southern Caribean
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Apr 1997
Time: 23:07:31
Remote Name: 198.69.106.15
Remote User:

Comments

What an excellent experience! This was our first cruise. After a great deal of research (primarily over the internet) we
chose the Celebrity's Zenith. My wife & I had a great time celebrating our 10th anniversary. Having not cruised before
we don't have anything to compare this to, but I could not imagine how it could have been made much better.

Embarking & disembarking was smooth as glass. The only line was encountered getting our baggage checked by the
airlines for the return flight home.

The ports were all lovely. We did not venture far into LaGuara, Venezuela, but had a great time on the ship that day.
The excursions were not cheap, but we enjoyed all that we took (two snorkeling trips & one hike to a waterfall). A
couple trips were booked by the first evening on the ship, but were had a form turned in just as the shore excursion desk
opened. We did a day trip on our own to a private beach in Grenada which was about as peaceful & relaxing as you
can imagine (the Captain & his family showed up at the same beach in one of the ship's tenders).

The food and service was excellent. We had heard this mentioned by so many others in the reviews we had read, I was
honestly expecting to be let down. This was definitely not the case!! The only problem the whole week was one NY
strip steak improperly cooked that the waiter swept away prior to us even pointing out the problem.

There was a very broad cross-section of passengers on the ship, including international passengers - French, German, &
South American. As it was around spring-break, we feared there would be many children. This was not the case, and
the ones that were there were very well behaved (and well occupied by the cruise staff). The vast majority were couples
from their late 20's to their 70's (50% in the 40-50 range; 25% in the 20-30 range & 25% in the 60-70 range).

We will definitely cruise with Celebrity again!!!

Name: Walt Rucinski
Email: wcrucin@worldnet.att.net
Age: 53
Occupation: Production Assistant
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: May 3,1997
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 70
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 70
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 75
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 May 1997
Time: 01:00:01
Remote Name: 207.116.100.165
Remote User:

Comments

We began the boarding processing in New York City's main terminal, there were four lines to handle the mounting line.
Our agent left abruptly with some passengers and left the terminal with them with no explanation or word to any of us in
his line. After ten minutes I asked one of the other agents if he was coming back, he offered no help at all, the agent did
return in about thirteen minutes, no apology, no explanation, no consideration. When we boarded the ship, we were
escorted to our cabin but when I went to get some ice from the ice bucket, I found the bucket had no ice, instead warm,
dirty water. I reported it to an officer who greeted us when we first boarded, he apologized and took care of it. On the
subject of service, we also had the cabin steward forget to replenish soap on one day, failed to fully replace the toilet bowl
brush in its holde on another day, not major tragedies, but it was annoying and not the service I expected or experienced
with Royal Carribean on a prior cruise. The bar waiters and waitresses constantly pestered you with attempted sales. A
perfect example occurred during the Welcoming Buffet, where in twenty minutes, the same waiter approached me eight
times with 'come on man, buy a drink, you're going to Bermuda, it's tropical, buy a tropical drink, come on man!' It was
cold, gray, bitter and raining, hot coffee or tea was more on the order of the day. When we sailed on Royal Carribean, the
bar waiters would ask you if you wanted to order something, if you refused they would place a little napkin by you to
alert the others that you were asked and you never got the feeling that you were being hounded to buy drinks. Ironically,
when we ordered drinks, the lounge was practically empty, the waitress forgot the order, it happened on two different
occasions. With the weather being as terrible as it was, I asked several crew memebers what kind of seas we could
expect to sail in that night-I could not get a straight answer from any of them, I therefore assumed the worst, and had my
wife and I load up on Bonine. We hit a gale storm that night, several people fell down staircases, woman in high heels
stumbled and bounced from wall to wall before warnings came over the loudspeaker to wear flats and hold on to the hand
rails-at that point it was obvious and it was too late to warn many people. The next day the Captain said that we sailed
through a gale storm but he didn't want to scare anyone, a big mistake, some people not realizing just how bad it was
getting, went out on deck and were scared silly.

Service on the buffet lines was horrendous, and that includes breakfast, lunch and midnite buffets and snacks ( several
nights they did not have full buffets, instead something they called 'gourmet bites') the only disappointment regarding the
cuisine. Back to service, hardly anyone on the buffet service lines spoke English and much of the food was not labeled -
the result was you had to taste it to find out what it was. One day my wife asked the server what kind of soup was being
served, there was a sign that said 'Potage Parisiene' but you could not tell what the soup was comprised of. The server
gave her an annoyed look, smacked the sign and walked away. At the end of the lunch buffet lines, they had a sign that
said 'sugar free' and in this area they would have one or two desserts, such as a pie or cake. A passenger in front of me
asked an officer standing behind the counter what kind of pie was being served (it was in the sugar free section and uncut
as well as unlabeled). The man was later identified as an Assistant Managerof that department, he simply pointed at the
sign and snapped 'sugar free!' When I asked the same question he became obviously annoyed, tapped the sign and
grunted "sugar free!' When I asked 'sugar free what' he paused and said apple. I took a piece and it was pumpkin. I found
out he did the same thing and wrongly identified a pastry for one of our friends the day before. I could go on with other
examples, the worst being at a midnite Oriental Buffet, the waiters would seat you, the bar waiter would come to try to
sell you a drink, but no one came to offer you coffe, tea, etc. When such buffets were held in the Dining Room there
weren't any coffee or beverage dispensers to help yourself. My wife stopped a waiter who was walking past our table and
asked for coffee, he ignored her and continued to walk away when another woman tugged on his sleeve and said that not
only did my wife ask for coffee, but she would like some also. The waiter then changed direction, walked towards a
counter where there were large pitchers of coffee, stopped, picked up a towel, slammed it down on the counter, kicked
the counter and proceeded to walk out of the Dining Room. Just as he was about to pass through the door, he bumped
into a busboy and apparently instructed him to serve us. He approached us, with anger on his face and grudgingly poured
coffee, some to the people who wanted tea, or decaf coffee were too itimidated to make their request. I could go on, but
I think I justified my low Service rating.

The Cruise Director and his staff would come out and do their thing, whether it as dancing, collecting bets, running
contests, etc. The smiles seemed pasted on, and when their 'thing' was over, the smiles came off and they disappeared.
There didn't seem to be any genuine socializing by them as I experienced on my other cruise. My wife commented that
the crew seemed very unhappy and made it seem obvious that they did not want to be part of the cruise; it was a feeling
that was shared by myself and others. We tried not to let these things ruin the cruise, but just when you would get over
one disappointment, you would get hit with another.

Now for the positifve side, the ship is quite attractive, the cabins were very nice appointed and quite spacious. We had a
inside cabin two decks from the bottom, amidships, in an attempt to get the most stable and affordable accomodations.
The main part of the cabin was well sound proofed, however in the bathroom you had the feeling that the people next
door were in the room with you. The pool area, sun deck, lounges and theaters were spacious and you did not feel
cramped. In fact the only crowd problem we encountered was when we tried to see some of our pictures taken by the
ship's photographer in his Photo Gallery, it was so crowded at times you just could not get in.

The entertainment was good, the singers and dancers performed quite well in some very trying circumstances. The waiter
and busboy we had in the Dining Room were excellant, if only the service and quality exhibited in this room was extended
throughout the ship, this would have been one great cruise. It was here that Celebrity earned their reputation for great
cuisine and service. The food was beautifully presented, delicious and plentiful. The desserts, ahhh the pastry chef must
have been trained by the gods, they were extrodinarily good. I must also mention that the menu included the best soups I
have ever tasted anywhere.

Other staff that deserve kudos are the health/spa/gym and casino employees, friendly, courteous, helpful and professional.

Other disappointments: Celebrity's highly touted Interactive TV System was temporarily out of service for the first 5 of
the 7 day cruise. Hot food on the Breakfast Buffet was cold (they didn't use heat lamps). Disembarking, we had a difficult
time finding our luggage, that part of the trip needs better organizing.

Would I sail the Zenith again, a different time, a different crew and a different captain - maybe!

Understand that not everyone had a bad experience (except for the storm), some had no problems whatsoever, others had
one or two instances of annoyance or disappointment but like us, there were those who at times felt like we were on a
Cruise From Hell!

Name: Charlie and kathy banks
Email: ckbanks@netpci.com
Age: 26,28
Occupation: military medicine
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 10-01-95
Itinerary: Upper carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 100
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 May 1997
Time: 08:11:59
Remote Name: 207.220.21.137
Remote User:

Comments

This was our second cruise, and by far it out weighed our first experience. The staff was extremely profesional and
entertaining in every aspect. They all made us feel very welcome and with their variety of nationalities, they kept our
interests as well. We did not encounter anyone who was not willing to chat for a minute and relay personal service. The
ship,itself, was also impecable,aside from the jacuzzi being inoperable during our cruise, we could find no faults. The ship
did not rock at all and having experienced sea sickness before, I was very impressed. The ports that we visited were
exciting as well as beautiful. We went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Key West. All the
spots were beautiful and it seemed as if they created great weather in every spot. Embarkation was probably the only
drawback to the entire experience as it was slow and very crowded, however the staff wa svery couteous and helpful.
Overall, it was an outstanding vacation with a classy yet relaxing atmosphere. We would recommend the ship to anyone.
Name: Dawn Klein
Email: dawnmklein@woldnet.att.net
Age: 27
Occupation: Technical Mgr
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 05/17/97
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService: 88
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets: n/a
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: n/a
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: n/a
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: n/a
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: n/a
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff: n/a
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: n/a
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: n/a
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: n/a
MedicalFacilities: n/a
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 May 1997
Time: 14:24:47
Remote Name: 192.128.133.42
Remote User:

Comments

My husband and I just returned from a cruise to Bermuda on the Zenith. Let me preface this by saying I had very high
expectations of Celebrity Cruise Lines. In the past I have sailed on Carnival and twice on NCL.

The ship was a let down, the decor was very plain and the deck plan was not well thought out. The furniture and decor
was cheap looking, the deck chairs and the floor covering by the pool area need to be restored. The elevators are
extremely slow and due to the constant cleaning of the ship, there are times when the stairs are roped off due to carpet
cleaning . I was extremely selective in picking out the appropriate cabin. We were in 5091 which is an outside room mid
ship and there were cabins above us and below us. While at sea there was a tremendous amount of noise in the cabin a lot
of creeking.

The food in the dining room and especially at dinner was very good. We always looked forward to enjoying a great dinner
and we were never let down. Our waiter Joseph and busboy Augustine were fantastic, the service we received from them
was extraordinary. The buffets were the usual, nothing outstanding. I was also disappointed with the breads and pastry
they were mediocre at best.

Bermuda was absolutely beautiful, we golfed two days and had a great time. I would recommend making reservations in
advance and taking a cab to the golf course, it worked out very well for us and we did not incur a service fee by booking
through the ship.

All in all we had a great time, we sailed the Dreamward to Bermuda two years ago and she is a much prettier ship, no
cabin noise and easy to get around. Celebrity does get credit for great food in the dining room along with great dining
room service.

Name: Alan Green
Email: agreen@idesign.com
Age: 43
Occupation: Software Company Manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: June 14, 1997
Itinerary: NYC-Bermuda-NYC
FoodDiningRoom: 91
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 92
DiningRoomService: 86
CabinQuietness: 94
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 88
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 92
BeautySalonStaff: 96
EntertainmentLounges: 86
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 88
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 88
CruiseActivities: 92
Casino: 92
AirSeaProgram: 92
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 92
DiscoNightclubs: 92
DeckSpace: 96
Stabilization: 94
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 94
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Jun 1997
Time: 16:38:59
Remote Name: 199.99.209.6
Remote User:

Comments

This was the first cruise for both my wife and me and also marked our first visit to Bermuda. We are reasonably experienced
travellers, however, having worked in the industry at one time. We typically enjoy more laid-back vacations where we set our
own pace, determine our own itinerary, and explore the local culture. This was our first attempt at something different.

HIGHLIGHTS: The ship, M/V Zenith, was in superb condition -- as good as many first-class resort hotels in which we have
stayed. The housekeeping staff were cleaning and polishing constantly. And everything worked! The destination, Bermuda -- a
paradise which should earn higher marks from the snobby travel trade press. The people are very warm and friendly and the
islands are uniformly tidy and clean. We felt safe everywhere we went although we did not travel on the island after dark for
no particular reason. The snorkeling here was excellent and easy. The beaches were beautiful and uncrowded even on a
national holiday. The exception being Horseshoe Bay which it appears is the tourist favorite. Buy a photograph but go to
Jobson's Cove next door! The food -- I was aware that many lines have altered their menus to match the changing times but I
was still very pleasantly surprised to see to what degree. Yes, you can still eat all you want at every meal time including the
infamous midnight buffet! But the selections are more intelligent with each meal offering lighter and more health-conscious
options for those who care about such things. While we may have tried and disliked a particular sauce or soup, it was purely a
matter of taste. Nothing was carelessly prepared or presented. The pace -- Between the reputation created by television and the
action-packed ads of certain cruise lines, we have long harboured an expectation that we would find cruising a cross between
a 1980 Club Med and a fraternity house. Short on relaxation and long on hyperactivity. We were wrong. At least on this cruise
with this line. The 40 hours at-sea each way was a tonic that effectively got two stressed out professionals out of the fast lane
and kept us there. Disembarkation in NYC -- Having organized and led group tours, I was impressed! Immigration and
Customs kept us all onboard longer than anticipated, even Celebrity I am sure. But once it got going, it was well-organized,
efficient and fast! We were on a clearly marked bus to LGA in minutes -- early enough to get on an earlier flight home. Well
done. Beverage prices onboard -- We were geared for being gouged but that was not the case at all. We paid maybe a 10%
premium over prices at home.

LOWLIGHTS: The bus boy -- a very nice Turkish lad who, while well-intentioned, needs to learn to stay in the background
and do his job. Too often our conversations were interrupted, sometimes in mid-sentence. All at our table would also apply that
advice to the wait staff in general who we found intrusive from time-to-time. The best service is rarely seen and even more
rarely heard. They perform their minor miracles stealthily allowing us to focus on each other and to savor the fare. The spa
and fitness center -- We loved the massages. We loved the personal training. We thought the equipment was fine. Heck, I even
lost 6 pounds! On a cruise!! So why did they have to go and ruin my positive impressions by pushing the salon's outrageously
priced aromatherapy line of products so hard? The Housekeeping Director -- who we trailed down a hallway only to find him
spraying a Lysol-like freshener before us. It was a pretty nasty cloud! This should have been done at night not during prime
port hours. Other than that he ran a tight ship and was a very personable professional who cared about our quarters.
Embarkation -- It sure would have been thoughtful for Celebrity to have provided tables or counters and pens for all 1400 of
us to complete the embarkation paperwork while waiting to board. It would have been even better if they had mailed it ahead.
Otherwise, embarkation went smoothly and quickly.

In summary, we enjoyed Bermuda immensely and plan to return more than once. We recommend this particular method of
getting there too. With the Celebrity Zenith you avoid two of the higher ticket expenses on the islands, meals and lodging. And
it puts you right in the center of things to boot! Do it!

You are welcome to contact me if you have any followup questions. I can't promise an immediate response but usually within
2-3 days. Bon Voyage!

Name: Beth Veraldo
Email: edenavia@warwick.net
Age: 43
Occupation: Postmaster
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 06/22/97
Itinerary: Bermuda 7 day
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 50
DiningRoomService:
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 75
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Jul 1997
Time: 21:17:04
Remote Name: 208.199.17.198
Remote User:

Comments

We just got back from a really good vacation to Bermuda aboard the Zenith. I will attempt to give you the good and the bad of
this trip. We have been on 3 Celebrity Cruises -- 2 on Horizon and now this one on Zenith. Let me begin by saying the Zenith is
not the Horizon. Everyone will tell you it is the same ship, etc. but it isn't -- no where near the experience I had on Horizon.

First let me make something very clear -- this ship, as was the Horizon, is immaculate, well maintained and comfortable. Our
cabin stewardess, Jolanta, was exceptional. No matter what I asked for, she provided. My mother travelled with us and she is
physically challenged, in a wheelchair with a considerable amount of equipment, etc. Jolanta handled everything not only with a
smile but with a true sense of joy. She is a credit to this company.

As I said we had my mother along and waiting for an elevator was really very bad. I think the ship should dedicate one elevator
to wheelchairs only. I would certainly be agreeable to use only one elevator if I knew it was being used only for these people
instead of waiting 15 or more minutes for an empty car or cramming the chair into a car with others on board.

The food in the dining room was excellent. I cannot say a thing negative about this experience. Our waiter, Nelson Horacio and
busboy were wonderful. But we were booked a whole year ago into a 4 person table as we had an 8 year old child in our party
and we found ourselves assigned to a table for 8. We felt it was unfair for others to dine with a child and requested a table for
4. We were promised same for the following night by the Matri d' but he failed to keep his promise. We felt it was just unfair
to ask others who were paying so much for a wonderful time to be subjected to a child. The food at the buffets left alot to be
desired. The breakfast food was cold and tasteless -- lunches not much better. The desserts were dull.

The Entertainment Staff and shows were really excellent. I cannot say anything but praise here. They really put out their all. As
I said, my nephew was on board and I couldn't believe how attentive they were with him. At times I would watch from a
distance and they were always patient with him, something I must admit I am not. In regard to this rather mischevious lad, the
day we were departing from Bermuda we boarded the ship and he took off on us. We searched the ship for one and one half
hours and still could not find him. We asked the Guest Relations desk to page him and was told they don't do that and that we
had better find him as we were sailing in 15 minutes. This was quite harrowing. Not more than 30 minutes later we heard the
Guest Relations Desk paging another couple. What's up with that. I thought they don't page.

We are members of the Captain's Club. I think it is down right stupid that I must register as a member of the Club. The ship
staff know who is on board. Why must I register to be invited to a party. I think they should take to the time to remember I'm
on board and invite me to something. Why do I pay to be a member?

One last gripe -- why must I pay for soda. I understand other ships provide lots of soda free. Hey if not to everyone, how
about to Captain's Club memebers?

Name: Michael Marshall
Email: Mrniceguye@aol.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Research Manager
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 7/19/97
Itinerary: New York to Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 86
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: 98
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 86
FoodLidoDeck: 83
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 65
FoodMidnightBuffets: 83
CabinSteward: 87
ShoreExcVariety: 70
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 73
GoodForHoneymoon: 40
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 88
LoungeService: 96
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 87
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 91
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 87
CruiseActivities: 88
Casino: 76
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 86
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs: 88
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 70
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Jul 1997
Time: 13:54:26
Remote Name: 152.163.213.169
Remote User:

Comments

We cruised as a family of four, two adults with our kids (our daughter, who is 3 and a half and our son who is 5 and half months old).

Pluses:

- Level of service in general, and from dining room staff in particular: superb - at buffets, waiters appeared out of nowhere to assist us in carrying trays,
pushing our baby’s stroller, etc. Our waiter and busboy were excellent. The busboy cut up our daughter's food for her, and waiters in the lounges got to
know us very early (when you have a baby and a toddler with you, you stand out) and were wonderful, bringing the kids little gifts and taking them the
baby for walks, etc.

- Entertainment: despite Celebrity having a 'so-so' reputation for their shows, the ones we saw were quite good, well-produced and were O.K. for young
children to watch. Lounge music also generally very good. Prodigy, the band that played by the pool and in the Rainbow Room Lounge was very slick and
professional (I know, I’m played in slick, professional bands) but seemed a bit bored at times (then again, if I did this seven days a week, I’d probably be,
too).

- Food: the food was very good, but what I expected in the dining room at dinner -- 5 star material -- rarely appeared. Instead, we got solid,
Hyatt-Regency level stuff (good, reasonably tasty, well-presented, but not at the level of something like the Four Seasons Restaurant, which from some of
the comments posted about Celebrity, one might expect). Vegetables were the generally least impressive part of most dinners. Meat was usually O.K.,
occasionally very good, particularly the seafood. There was a children's menu which was well done with a good range of selections. Given the number of
people being fed, I would not complain, but again, if your are expecting 5 star dining, lower your expectations a notch and you’ll be happier. We did the
Windsurf Cafe buffets for breakfast and lunch, and both were great, plenty of choices -- simple, straightforward food, but a lot of it -- and everything was
well presented and tasty.

- Housekeeping: generally very good, other than one complaint I get into below. Towels constantly replaced, room kept clean, fresh water and ice all the
time. Staff is constantly cleaning and polishing everything everywhere on the ship, including the ceilings! Is the Zenith completely, 100% spotless? No, but
probably as clean as one can get a ship with this many people aboard.

Minuses:

Hard-core complaints: only two. First, when we made our reservation for this cruise seven months in advance, we requested a crib for our room, which we
needed given we would be sailing with a five and a half month old baby. Celebrity told us then 'a crib has been requested.' I called back Celebrity twice
before the cruise to check on various reservation details, each time again asking whether their database had our crib request. Both times, they said 'yes.'
When we boarded and got to our room, no crib. I immediately asked the Butler 'where is the crib I asked for seven months ago and was told three times
was on your 'request' list?' His response: 'I didn’t know you needed a crib.' My response: 'The people who take reservations for your line did seven
months ago, if they didn’t bother telling your housekeeping manager, or if he didn’t bother telling you, that isn’t an excuse. Your reservation staff made a
promise. Keep it.' Bottom line: after several hours and more discussions, we got a final response from Celebrity: 'there are no cribs available.' So Baby
ends up sleeping on our bed.

Second complaint: smoking. This probably isn’t just a Zenith or Celebrity problem, but I want to forewarn people: while Celebrity tells passengers in
advance and when they board that 'smoking sections are located on the portside of designated public areas,' many -- not all, but many -- of the smokers
onboard seem to take this to mean 'I can light up wherever the heck I want.' The biggest problem was by the pool and in outside eating areas: many
smokers -- for some reason, most of the screamingly impolite ones were female -- were puffing away on the port and starboard sides of the ship, ignoring
the signs telling them where the smoking section was. Areas outside elevators on the restaurant deck were also bad, as were the Rendez-Vous lounge,
Harry’s Tavern and the Scorpio Disco. Ashtrays were only placed on the port sides of these rooms, but that didn’t stop smokers from doing their thing
everywhere in these rooms. People also insisted on smoking in the embarkation line in the New York Passenger Ship Terminal, which given the number of
small children who were also waiting to board in this enclosed space was to say the least incredibly rude and inconsiderate. One other nit-picky complaint:
the Zenith desperately needs a place for teenagers to hang out. They have no room of their own, and the disco throws out everyone under 18 at 11pm,
so teens end up hanging out in corridors and stairwells at night and become a noisy, annoying nuisance.

One other 'boat note': on the last full day of our cruise (7/25/97), while sailing back to New York the Zenith encountered the 'back side' of Tropical Strorm
Danny. I don't know exactly how big the seas were that day, but the ship was rocking and rolling up a storm. The Zenith is around 47,000 tons, and
whatever stabilization system it has was incapable of keeping the boating from pitching quite a bit. It didn't bother me or my kids, but my wife was quite
sick, and the ship was full of people that day swearing they would never take another cruise again (as they turned green and ran for the nearest
restroom). The seas were so bad that they song and dance revue planned for that evening was cancelled (Dave, the Cruise Director, announced that 'we
are worried that the dancers might get some broken ankles given the conditions'). The Captain came on the P.A. in the late morning annoucing that he
expected the weather to improve by the afternoon, but it never did.

Bermuda -

Beaches: Horseshoe Bay (the best known and most popular beach on Bermuda). Yes, it’s wonderful. Unbelievably clean, and the little coves down the
beach are beautiful. However, given the size of the surf, it is not the best beach for small children. Tobacco Bay, another popular tourist spot outside of
St. George is overrated. I’d give the snorkeling there a B-/C+ (my grade comes from the fact I’ve snorkeled in places like St. John and Little Cayman and
Cayman Brac, which blow away just about anything else), and the beach was horribly crowded the day we were there, which the locals say is typical
whenever ships are in town. For these reasons, don’t bother with Tobacco, go to Achilles Bay (which is nearby) which (a) is much less crowded, (b) has
calmer, clearer water and much better fish life and (c) is right next to Fort St. Catherine, which you can walk up and see when you want a break from the
water and sun. Achilles is an unbelievable beach for small children; they can stand in a foot of warm, calm, crystal clear water and have beautiful fish swim
around their feet; I have never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world. We also went to Shelley Bay, a medium sized beach (by Bermuda
standards) in a cove with calm water and a playground and a snack bar. For the latter reasons, it is popular with families with children. Shelley is pleasant,
but windy and the beach was noticeably dirty (trash and cigarette butts everywhere), so given the choice, I'd skip it and take your family to Achilles
instead. Water temperature at all beaches averaged in low 80s - very comfortable. A general recommendation: anywhere in Bermuda, go to the beach in
the morning, particularly if you have small kids with you. The light for photography is better then (maybe not important to you, but it was to me), and the
heat hasn’t built up yet. They are also less crowded before 11am.

As one would expect with kids, we did the aquarium and zoo. It was cute, small, nothing amazing (again, we’re spoiled, used to aquariums like the ones in
Boston and Baltimore, and zoos like the ones in New York) but a nice break from the beach. We did the 3-day bus pass, but found that the bus was a
so-so option. O.K. if (a) air-conditioned (some are) and not packed. Not O.K. if no AC and packed. So after the first day and a half, cabs became our
choice, and for the short trips we took not that expensive (average fare for four of us: $12).

We liked St. George better than Hamilton. The latter does have more shopping, if that’s your thing, but St. George is calmer, prettier and has nicer outdoor
places to dine, which we liked. It is also a more interesting place to take small kids, there is more for them to see there. We talked to a number of people
from the Royal Majesty -- which docks only in St. George -- and they seemed a bit bored with the town after a few days, however, so it was probably good
that we got to dock in both places.

Name: Suzanne Schimatz
Email: rschima@ibm.net
Age: 22
Occupation: Full time student
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 7-19-97
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Aug 1997
Time: 20:48:46
Remote Name: 166.72.219.172
Remote User:

Comments

Background

This trip was both my first cruise and my first trip to Bermuda. Since it was my first cruise, I can't really make any comparisons from one ship to another, or
one cruise line to another, but I can say that I had a lot of fun and was very impressed with the Zenith and its excellent staff.

Embarkation\The Ship

We arrived early for embarkation, which went very smoothly once the line got started. The Zenith is a very pretty ship--open, spacious and immaculately
kept. Our stateroom was bright and cheery and our cabin steward was extremely attentive to its care. I was very happy to find that we had 2 large closets
in the cabin.

Food

The food was excellent-every meal delicious. There was a good selection of food, and it was all presented well. We had the second seating and every
night I was expecting that they would run out of something by the time that we got in, but it never happened, which was impressive considering the
number of people that they are serving. Our charming waiter, Pavol, was definitely one of the best parts of our dining experience.

Shops\Lounges\Other facilities

There were several shops on board which sold perfume, clothing, jewelry etc. The lounges and bars were spacious and uncrowded.

Bermuda

Bermuda was great--beautiful beaches, great shopping in Hamilton. Bermudians were all very friendly to us. ***Bermuda seemed to be very much
geared for daytime activity--going to the beach, browsing in shops etc. At night, there really wasn't much to do, which made being on a cruise ship a
definite plus, because there was always something to do there.

Other thoughts--The Zenith is a great ship and the crew and staff were wonderful. The only unfortunate occurence was that we hit the residual effects of
tropical storm Danny on our last day, returning home to New York. Many people, including me, were feeling very bad in the morning, but the situation
improved in the early afternoon (and gradually worsened again towards dinner.) Nevertheless, the dining room was relatively full at dinner and the public
rooms were far from deserted after dinner. Overall, it was a great cruise, and I'd definitely go again.

Name: Malcolm Fitzgerald
Email: mmms4@ix.netcom.com
Age: 48
Occupation: salesman
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 05/17/97
Itinerary: New York - Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 99
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 96
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 88
Casino: 88
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 50
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 13 Aug 1997
Time: 21:19:55
Remote Name: 207.94.107.133
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I have been on the Zenith twice. The first was to the Carribean, this last time was to Bermuda. We felt both trips were
wonderful. The ship was clean. The room was fairly quiet. The food was terrific. In Bermuda we did not take any of the ship's excursions,
we just left the ship in the morning and winged it. We had a great time. The only bad part was New York. First we waited about an hour
before we left the airport. Then another hour to get to the ship. We were greeted by a dock worker who was collecting two dollars per
person for removing your bags from the bus. The trip went great. Then back to New York. We sat in port for about two hours before we
could leave the ship. Then to the buses. Another one hour wait before we headed out to the airport. So naturally we missed our flight. We
would sail the Zenith again but never from New York!

Name: J. Lawson GaMarsh
Email: jgamarsh@iname.com
Age: 60
Occupation: Clinical Laboratory Scientist
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: September 1996
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 89
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 89
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 87
DiningRoomService: 88
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 84
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 89
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 87
CruiseActivities: 89
Casino: 86
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 88
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 92
ShopsOnBoard: 87
SpaceRatio: 87
OverallCruiseValue: 91
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Sep 1997
Time: 15:53:27
Remote Name: 206.138.132.13
Remote User:

Comments

This was my first cruise and I have to say it has me hooked on cruising for life. Six months later we took a two week cruise on the Med. The
Zenith is a new and beautiful ship (rather large at 47,000 tons). It has the feeling of a large ship but never threatens one with being lost.
The expansive decks give the athletically inclined lots of room for walking or just lounging. Although the dining room is pitched by the line
as being an epicurean experience courtesy of Micheal Roux, we found the food on several occasions to be more style than substance.
The dining room and the presentations were gorgeous but often the food seemed a little less than soul food. The breakfast and lunch
buffets on the Lido deck were marvelous. The setting for the entire cruise was definitely upscale with a staff which couldn't do enough for
the passengers. Celebrity lines is definitely a candidate for a repeat cruise. One of the more memorable experiences was enjoying a caviar
and champagne afternoon break in the huge Lido forward lounge. It is large enough to have huge circular bar and a dance floor. The
view forward over the bow was magnificent. We returned during hurricane season and the Captain did a great job skirting rough weather.
Overall, we would have to say that Celebrity must rank near the top of the cruise experience because it doesn't get much better than this!

Name: Lynda Anderson
Email: Kenyat@AOL.COM
Age: 48
Occupation: Project Manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: August 30, 1997 - September 6, 1997
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 89
CabinComfort: 89
FoodRoomService: 89
CruiseStaff: 89
CabinAmenities: 89
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 89
CabinSteward: 89
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService: 89
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 89
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 89
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 89
EntertShowLounge: 89
OverallPortsofCall: 89
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 89
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Sep 1997
Time: 14:42:41
Remote Name: 152.163.195.89
Remote User:

Comments

Positive: the dining staff, particularly Jose, Romeo, Zekai,Carla. The cleaning staff who were more thorough than any maid
service one could hire. Your room is cleaned thoroughly at least three times a day..each time you leave your cabin to dine ie:
after breakfast, lunch, dinner. If your a slob, not to worry, they literally pick up, fold and replace everything in such orderly
fashion, i was embarrassed. You couldn'd dine better if you ate at the four seasons. you knew the staff loved their job and
loved serving you. My boyfriend and I really felt special. As soon as we walked into our cabin we were more than pleased by
the cleanliness, newness and modernness. A bottle of wine with both our names on it was on our dresser when we arrived
compliments of our travel agency. The ship is thoroughly cleaned and vacumed every morning. We were happy with the
variety of people traveling...all ages, races and nationalities. My boyfriend met some hometown people (philadelphia) and new
friendships were made. Negatives. Can't think of any. Our only disappointment was into our third day when we were to set sail
for St George and It rained. For some legal reason, our ship could not dock at St George because another ship had not left
that particular port, so we had to dock at sea and ferry to shore. But the rain prevented that so we said on board. But there
was enough activity to keep us occupied. Just remembered on thing my boyfriend found bothersome. We attended a wine
tasting and paid five dollars each to attend. It was fun and we got to keep a souviner wine cup. However, when bill time came
at the end of the cruise, we discovered that there was a tip/gratuity charge. We couldn't understand why we would be hit with
this type of charge if we were required to pay a fee to attend in the first place. Other than that, there is very little to complain
about. My boyfriend liked it so much that he wants to send his parents on this very same cruise line next year as a fiftieth
wedding anniversary gift to them. I wish we could go to. But we are planning another cruise for ourselves in the future.
Probable on this line. We called our travel agent to thank her and repeated to her everything mentioned here. We weren't
disappointed, and we trust you will not either. We were also lucky because we left out of New York. Checking on board an
airplane should be as easy as checking on board a ship. No confusion, no hastles, no long lines, no stress. Just get on board
and to. Also, encountered one rainy, rough night that kept a lot of people in their cabins with seasickness. We did not get sick
though. Periodic announcements kept us and everyone else at ease. Health spa really nice, we went every morning. No wall
to wall people crunching. Room was large, and accomodating, with a great view to exercise by and great music. the more I
think about it, the more happy I remember the vacation to be. It was really that good, and the staff was really that nice.

Name: Auspaker Family
Email: auspaker@erols.com
Age: 41,41,15,13,7
Occupation: Unlisted
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 8-23-97
Itinerary: 7 Day Bermuda from New York
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 94
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 94
FoodLidoDeck: 96
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 98
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 94
DeckService: 94
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 91
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 92
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 97
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 89
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 96
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 97
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Oct 1997
Time: 22:56:01
Remote Name: 207.172.195.149
Remote User:

Comments

This was our first cruise with the entire family. We had a wonderful experience aboard the Zenith. The embarkation went quickly and smoothly.
Although the cruise pamplet said that embarkation began at 2:00 pm, they started to board at 12:24 pm. We were then escorted to our room.
Although there was five of us in the inside room on the Europa Deck, we had plenty of room. Our room was constantly cleaned by our maitre'de
and steward.

The Bon Voyage party out in the pool deck was complete with a live band. Don't worry about getting out of your seat on the deck
to have to get a drink-the waiters and waitresses constantly make rounds around the deck to serve drinks. However, we were a little
disappointed that they charged for soda although ice tea, lemonade, and punch were free.

The food on the ship was superb. Every night there
was something for everyone. The food always came within a couple minutes of ordering it and was always creatively prepared. Our waiter and
busboy were also excelent. The ship rocked slightly but the resturant was comletely filled so we figured that no one aboard had gotten
sea-sickness. Although we were on the ship for 2 1/2 days, there was always something for everyone to do. When the ship began to rock
slightly, the pools became 'wave' pools which everyone enjoyed. Despite all of the people on the ship, there was always lots of room in the
large pool or the smaller shallow pool.

There was a large variety of activities for children 3-17. However, we were disappointed that there
weren't more pool activities. We pulled into Bermuda exactly on time at 7:00 am. Although it is rather early, this is an experience that you don't
want to miss. However, due to the air conditioning in the ship and the warm air outside, you have to let the camera sit for about 15 minutes
because the lens gets fogged. One other thing about cameras and video recorders-what ever you do, DON'T put them through the metal
detecters when in embarkation and when leaving and coming onto the ship in Bermuda. When we put our cameras through them and the did
not work correctly during the vacation-rewinding of film in the middle of the roll and the video camera would not record. So just ask them to
inspect them manually.

Bermuda was beautiful. Hamilton is a great place to go shopping but we rarely found bargains as talking to a Bermuda
resident. Since you can take the buses all over the island, we decided to get a Three Day Bus pass. This was the best idea because it gives you
umlimited use on the buses and ferries. It was only $20 for adults and $10 for children. When in Hamilton, be sure to take the ferry to Kings
Wharf to see the fort and lots of other places. There is also an excelent snorkeling area right next to the fort called the Royal Naval Dockyard
Snokeling preserve. It has an area for experienced and an area for non experienced snorkelers so be sure to bring your snorkels or rent
them at the fort. Also, while in Hamilton, go to Horseshoe Bay for swimming and snorkeling. Jobson's Cove is right over the hill by Horseshoe
Bay and is completely enclosed by rock so it is calm and warm-good for children and snorkeling as well. The other beach, Church Bay is
spetacular for snorkeling. If you swim out about a mile-by the rock, there is a big drop and is beautiful to see the coral formations. St.George is
also a nice but is more residential. Here, we went on the East End Snorkeling Tour which was excelent and you can book right on the cruise
ship. The best beach is Tobacco Bay but is about a 20 minute walk from the ship. Crystal Caves is also here and is defintely worth a look. The
midnight buffets on the ship were great. The two best were the Island Nite Buffet which is on Thursday and the Grand Buffet on Friday.

The
Island Buffet is on the pool deck and is something to see. The Grand Buffet is in the resturant and is the biggest buffet of all. The shows on the
ship were also good. The only complaint that we had was that the show on Friday night had a little to much dancing. Otherwise, the other shows
were great and good for children. Really, the only complaint we had was disembarkation. It was a comlete mess and pieces of luggage were all
over the terminal. One last thing- the ship was spotless because of the constant vacuuming and polishing. They were extremely attentive to
detail. This cruise was indeed an excelent one and we recomend it to anyone.

Name: sandy tobin
Email: sandyk@bellatlantic.com
Age: 21+
Occupation: realtor
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: 10/4/97
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 85
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Oct 1997
Time: 22:43:28
Remote Name: 151.198.117.20
Remote User:

Comments

the cruise to bermuda was fabulous. the ship was exceptionally clean.one of the small problems we had in this department is that they did paint touch up
work in the corridors while the ship was sailing which made us a bit queasy. the room steward peter and assistant were excellent as was the waiter and
busboy for our table. the cruise director and his staff were perpetual motion. they were helpful, interesting, and informative. The dining rooms was
tastefully decorated and while the food was superb the soups were mediocre. beverages are included with the exception of alcohol and soda. food was
abundant virtually around the clock. the midnite buffets each night were done with great artistry so bring your camera. planned shore excursions were a
bit expensive and would be less so on your own. you can use public transportation very easily and it is worthwhile to get a three day pass for 21 to use on
either the bus or ferry. the schedules are simple to follow. the hospital is only open certain hours so if you need a shot for seasickness (works in 1/2 hr) it
is less expensive($16.) if you go during business hours. seasick pills are dispensed for free. Before going on much longer, the bottom line is..it was the
best vacation we have had.!!

Name: Ed & Roe Wynn
Email: edwynn@prodigy.net
Age: 63 - 58
Occupation: Consultant - New Home Sales
NumberOfCruises: 25
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: September 13, 1997
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 94
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 96
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 98
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 99
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Nov 1997
Time: 21:25:30
Remote Name: 207.115.1.173
Remote User:

Comments

This was our fourth time aboard the Zenith, so it is obvious that we love this ship. However, this time, it was
Bermuda that caused us to book this sailing. We had never been to this beautiful island and when we checke
which ships were sailing there and found the Zenith, our decision was made!

We were among the fortunate group who sailed on the Inaguaral Voyage of this ship and I must say she looks
as good today as she did on that first voyage! Captain Papanikolau and his officers and crew are doing a
fantastic job of keeping her looking great. In fact I told the Captain that she was aging like a beauiful woman,
looking better all the time!

Boarding was a breeze, as members of the Captain's Club, we were in our stateroom less that ten minutes
after we stepped out of our cab at the curb. Disembarkation was also a snap. Waiting for the bus to depart for
LaGuardia was a drag (almost an hour), but we had plenty of time to make our flight.

The island of Bermuda is not to be missed. We bought a bus and ferry 3-day pass and roamed on our own all
over the island. Snorkling was a little disappointing when compared to some of the other islands we have
been to, but not bad. Just loved this island and we will return again one day, no doubt.

We found the food to be excellent, as usual on Celebrity. We are vegitarians and they have an excellent
vegigerian menu. Even have Boca Burgers grilled on deck! Buffets were excellent however, we never did make
any of the midnight buffets so can't comment on them. Some evenings the served Gourmet Bites in the
various lounges instead of having a full buffet.

The Cruise Staff was terriffic. Hats off to Carylon Bass the Social Hostess who did a great job. The last time we
had seen her she was a dancer on the Century. She promised to come visit us in Las Vegas, we'll see!

Had dinner with the Master of the Zenith, Captain I. Papanikolau and found him to be most charming and
entertaining. He is a true credit to Celebrity (or should I say RCI)? We also enjoyed a by invitation only tour of
the bridge.

Cruise Director David Graham did an outstanding job. His Mom was on board for this trip and he seemed very
pleased with that. The musical duo Jan & Paul in the Fleet Bar are not to be missed. It became sort of a late
evening hangout for many of us.

There is no doubt we will be back on board Celebrity many more times.

Name: Arthur Steuer
Email: arthur@globalbiz.net
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Zenith
SailingDate: November 14,1997
Itinerary: Trans canal
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 10
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 10
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 70
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 60
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 70
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 Jan 1998
Time: 20:03:51
Remote Name: 206.62.167.67
Remote User:

Comments

Although I gave this ship and cruise very high ratings in many categories, I recommend avoiding this cruise and cruise line
if at all possible. And with all the cruise ships available plying the same routes, I think it is possible. Now, why such a strong
statement when I have given the ship such high marks in so many categories? This trip was a huge disappointment for me
and many of the other passengers who expressed their displeasure and disgust continually throughout the cruise. I will list
some of the major issues.

First, I believe that the passengers' safety was severely endangered. At Costa Rica, the passengers were tendered from the
ship to the dock and back again. The driver of the tender that I was on drove in a dangerous and reckless manner, as if he
were drunk, drugged or had never handled a tender before. At the dock at the port, the driver had trouble getting the
tender close enough to the dock for the shore crew to catch the lines and at one point hit the dock so hard that I thought
he had done structural damage to the tender. Upon returning to the ship, he had to make three passes before the ship's
crew could get the lines from the tender. Each time he made a pass at the ship and missed, he backed off at full throttle
creating such waves that it made it impossible to get close enough to the ship on the next try for the crew to get the
tender's lines. During this operation in which passengers were being transferred from the dock to the tender and then from
the tender to the ship, there were no senior officers in evidence.

Second, the ship missed one port completely and was late arriving in two ports, one by eight hours. This was not due to
weather or anything beyond the control of the captain, crew, or cruise line. It appears to result from incompetence, or
maybe just not caring. I conclude this from the fact that there were few explanations and no apologies. I selected this
particular cruise because of the stops it was scheduled to make where I could snorkel. The ship cancelled its stop at
Huatulco, where I had planned to snorkel. The ship arrived in Aruba at 4:00pm instead of the scheduled 8:00am, resulting in
the cancellation of the snorkeling trip there, for which I had signed up.

Third, the crew was neither honest with nor informative to the passengers. Passengers taking the ground tour in Costa Rica
were requested to gather in the Show Lounge at 7:00am on the day of the trip. This meant getting up very early. Slipped
under the door during the night was a notice that the time had been moved to 7:30am. We were kept captive in the Show
Lounge with no information until 9:30am. That is not my idea of how to graciously treat passengers.

Forth, the crew was disorganized and rude. A five star ship should not be disorganized and no crew member should ever be
rude to any passenger. Because the ship was so late arriving In Costa Rica, the tours returned to the ship after the time for
the main dinner seating. No dinner arrangements had been made for the main seating passengers on the tour. The dining
room personnel and the main desk personnel were rude to me when I requested information on what arrangements had
been made for the main seating dining room passengers returning from the ground tour.

Fifth, there were many other disappointments, such as the unkept promise that there would be continual comments over
the ship's loudspeakers as we traveled through the Panama Canal. In addition, as we traveled through the canal, there was
little viewing space at the ship's railings because that is where the lounge chairs were lashed. Obviously, the lounge chairs
had priority over the passengers.

Sixth, the cruise line really doesn't care about the passengers. This is apparent from the lack of information and the lack of
any apology for their lapses of safety, lack of competence, and errors in judgment during the cruise. When I returned from
this cruise, I wrote to the senior officers of both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity expressing my concern over safety, the
missing of a major port, the lateness in arriving at other ports, the rudeness of some crew members, and some other
details. After too long a time I received a cold, unresponsive form letter of apology from one of the people to whom I wrote.

In summary, I would avoid Celebrity Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and advise you to do the same.

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