Family trip to Bermuda? Horizon or Zenith?

[ZAMOST]

Looking for a family cruise July 2005. Celebrity is one of the few cruise lines that allows a 19 year old to have some alcohol and be in the casino. Unfortunately this is a big issue given that the two older siblings are 22,25 and this most responsible 19 year college student would prefer not to be on another cruise which she is segregated from the others.

 

Questions are:

 

1) Are the Philadelphia or NJ cruises to Bermuda popular with families with these age young adults in the summer?

2) Any significant difference between the two ships, Horizon or Zenith? The departure dates are the same and whether we fly to Philadelphia or Newark or wherever wouldn't quite matter.

3) How is Bermuda as a destination point?

 

Thanks for any feedback.

[AnneinSand]

I went on the Zenith to Bermuda in 2000 when I was 19 and and really enjoyed it. I went with a friend and family. There we not many other people our age on the ship but there were some and we had such a great time. The atmosphere was very relaxing and enjoyable and there were plenty of people to socialize with and make friends with, even if they weren't college students. She and I are actually headed back to Bermuda on the Horizon in June so unfortunately I can't make a reccommendation about which ship (yet!!) And for Bermuda.... it is by far my favorite cruise destination. This may have something to do with the fact that you are docked there for an extended time and don't have to rush back to the ship at 5 before it sails with out you. The beaches are amazing and the shops and sights are unbeatable. It's a more relaxed destination than Jamaica or Mexico so if they are looking for a party scene, it might take a little longer to find.

 

As far as the casino goes, it was practically deserted most nights but we did watch a new friend win $4000 in the video poker machine! The bars and lounges were where we spent most of our time and always felt very welcome everywhere on the ship! I think you 19 year old with really enjoy it, especially since they will have the two older ones for company.

[Zigster]

As far as the ships, both are comparable in size. We've been on both to Bermuda and what influences our decision is if we docked in port or had to be tendered in. We would rather just be able to walk on and off the ship and not have to worry about the tender. Bermuda is really beautiful and the beaches are wonderful. I agree w/the previous poster that it's nice being in port for a few days. Whichever ship you choose I'm sure you'll have a wonderful cruise!

[wallie5446]

While we have not Cruised to Bermuda, we have Cruised on both the Zenith and Horizon! Both are wonderful Ships! They are twin Ships. They are very laid back and relaxing Ships to cruise on. They will not have the activities that the larger newer mega Ship's have for the young adults that other lines offer, even Celebrity. Our DD, now 22, has gone on 4 celb cruises with us and has enjoyed them very much.

 

All lines now allow an 18 yr old to partake in beer and wine when out of US waters, and leave their $$$ in the casino. When you check in at the pier, you have to give your OK for their account to be opened to hard liquor drink charges when under 21.

[ZAMOST]

Thanks for the input. Royal Caribbean's website states alcohol and casino age are 21 and doesn't comment on any flexibility in that 18-20 age group.

 

Anybody know where the NJ departure site is? Is Newark the usual place to fly into?

[wallie5446]

Thanks for the input. Royal Caribbean's website states alcohol and casino age are 21 and doesn't comment on any flexibility in that 18-20 age group.QUOTE]

 

Our last RCI was in Sept/03 on Rhapsody, and DD was 20 at the time. When we checked in at the pier is where they asked the same questions, and put a beer/wine only sticker on her Sea Pass card. And she did make a daily deposit in the Casino.

[moai]

Yes Newark is the place to fly into. And here is the link for the pier.

http://www.cityofbayonne.org/royal.htm :D

[pboedeker]

 

All lines now allow an 18 yr old to partake in beer and wine when out of US waters, and leave their $$$ in the casino. When you check in at the pier, you have to give your OK for their account to be opened to hard liquor drink charges when under 21.

 

We've cruised 30 times and the only ship we've ever been on that let 18-20 drink was RCCL and then it was only beer or wine?

[ZAMOST]

After direct phone calls to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, both indeed allow beer and wine for 18-20 year olds with parents' permission, as well as casino use.

This applies nearly everywhere except Alaska where everything is 21.

[ZAMOST]

Back to the original question...any substantive differences between Horizon or Zenith or leaving from Philadelphia or New Jersey for Bermuda?

[friarfan]

We have been on both Zenith and Horizon, although it was several years ago. I do not recall any substantive differences between the two ships. Most of the differences were cosmetic only at that time. Both were wonderful experiences, although I would have to vote for Horizon. We have since sailed Horizon again and enjoyed it very much. As for Bermuda, there is no place better! We have been to many islands on many trips, but have yet to find one that is as nice as Bermuda. It's beautifully maintained, the people are very polite, there is no crime or begging to worry about, and the beaches in Southhampton (Horshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Jobson's Cove, etc...) are among the best we've ever seen. Have a great time!

[debjac]

Bermuda is absolutely beautiful - we have sailed Horizon and Zenith 2 times each. They are sister ships as mentioned with the Horizon being only a year or 2 older. I haven't checked recently but I know last year the Zenith seemed to have more time in Hamilton than the Horizon. That would be the deciding factor for me - docked at Hamilton is the greatest thing. Much more to do and freedom to do it.

[bailey2004]

I've left out of both philly and NY (just across the river from the NJ port) and I strongly prefer NY or NJ. I just love sailing thru NY harbor, under the Verranzano Bridge. It is just such moving sight to see the Statue of Liberty, former world trade center (ground zero sight), Empire State, etc.

[ZAMOST]

Thanks for the response thus far. Both the Horizon and the Zenith spend 3 days in Hamilton and two in St. Georges so no difference there. Sounds like the issue may simply be cabin availability, pricing, flights, etc.

 

Have been on two Caribbean cruises in the past, but never in Bermuda. People seem to rave about their experiences there.

[bailey2004]

Bermuda is unlike any other carribean port. Its more like Key West - you can get off the ship, walk around, spend time on the beach, and not have anyone hassling you. The Islanders are very friendly, they have a very low unemployment, and know where their bread is buttered (tourism). The island is beautiful, homes are manicured, beaches are gorgeous. I've been there 4 times and can't wait to go back.