Just off Zenith

[SAD]

This was the first Celebrity sailing for my DH and I. I had read many things about this ship, both good and bad. I have to say that there nice things about this cruise but many bad things that may keep me from ever sailing Celebrity again.

Getting on the ship went very quickly. No hassels at all. The ship is very small in comparison to what I am used to sailing and also very old. I did sail on the Sovereign of the Seas this past spring and I have to say that the Zenith was taken care of much better than the Sovereign. You could see the age of the ship in our bathroom as many people had said but I never felt as though it was not clean. Our cabin was always nice with a comfortable mattress and nice sheets. The comforter was old but clean with no holes. Our room steward did a good job.

Our dinners were very nice also. Our wait staff was excellent and our tablemates were very interesting. We had a good time at dinner usually being some of the last people to leave the dining room. We very much enjoyed the shows that we saw in the show lounge. The singers and dancers did a very good job. We really enjoyed the show with all of the Broadway tunes. We did not go to the comedian or the illusionist but heard that they were very good, also. The alternated the times of the shows. We had late seating for dinner so some of the shows were before dinner at 7:00 and others were after at 10:45. We preferred the later ones. Otherwise we did not find that there was a whole lot to do after dinner and just went back to the room and went to bed on a full stomach.

Our ports of call were all moved around on us once we set sail. They made the announcement that there had been a miscommunication with the Coast Guard so our first day was a sea day instead of Key West which was switched to our last day and Costa Maya and Cozumel switched days. We really wanted the sea day to be at the end of the cruise to unwind on the last day but oh well. We had reservations with a private tour in Costa Maya to go to the ruins so we were worried that that would cause us to miss the tour but the Concierge was nice enough to let us use the ship's phone to call David and Ivan to reschedule so we would not miss it. That was a great tour that I would suggest to anyone. It was much cheaper than the ship's excursion there and David and Ivan grew up right there playing on the ruins as children and they really have a passion for the place.

Cozumel was an over cast day and our ship excursion to Palancar reef was cancelled due to lack of interest so we just tendered in to walk around. It was very depressing and the people are very desperate to sell their goods so it was somewhat uncomfortable to be there. I do feel sorry for them but we really did not enjoy our time there. The highlight of our time there was our visit to Pancho's Backyard. Really strong Margaritas. It was a great time with great atomosphere.

Because our itiniary changed we were supposed to be in Key West from 2-9 but when we arrived there everyone on the ship had to go through immigation before anyone could get off of the ship. They anticipated this to take about and hour or so. Well, there were people who either did not understand that everyone had to go through immigration whether they were getting off the ship or not or they just didn't care because they kept making announcements to get the last of the people to please report for their inspection. This went on for quite some time until they finally started announcing the cabin numbers of the people who needed to report to immigaration. We did not get off of the ship until 5:00 when we should have been off around 3. That did not leave a whole lot of time in Key West. Especially if you wanted to be back for dinner. This was the last night of the cruise so people wanted to attend dinner on the ship for tipping their waiters and to say good-bye to table mates. What a fiasco. When they announced the cabin numbers of the people who did not go through immigration there were some irrate passangers who stormed down to these cabins and pounded on their doors. There were staff members that were threatened by the irrate passangers who were interrupted in their cabins. It was awful.

The next morning waiting for disembarkation in the Rendevous Lounge there were some gentlemen(using that word lightly) who were upset because there color was not called on time so they were giving one of the activities staff members a hard time and then she was yelling at them and then the Activities Manager got on the microphone and yelled at everyone in the room saying that he would not stand for is staff to be threatened and that he would put people on report if it happened again.

I have read that people feel as though they have had excellent customer service on this ship but I have to say that they have a long way to go. As I said we had great service from our cabin steward and our waiters but I saw staff members reprimanded in front of passangers twice in the buffet and buffet staff acting as though it was an inconveince to help us with handing out our trays and silverware. I was afraid to ask for a new fork. It was not good. And I also feel as though the staff needs to really have some lessons in stress management so they don't yell at the passangers. They need to learn that when a passanger is complaining about something that a big smile can get you much further.

All and all it was a nice time but from my experiance Celebrity has some work to do.

Sheryl

[newmexicoNita]

Sheryl, we will be on the Zenith in 2 weeks so enjoyed reading your version of the ship and the cruise overall. As for not much to do after a 10:45 show, normally there isn't much to do after the show or after late seating for that matter. I guess that's why there are bars open and a casino. It was nice to the ship was clean which is about all we expect when cruising an older vessel. Of course the smaller the ship the less variety of activities.

 

Everyone looks for something different to make their criuse experience a positive one. It sounds like your complaints are pretty minor, but put together it made for less than the best cruise. The shock, of course, is the lack of good customer service. This may be one of the few times I have read anything negative about Celebrity and customer service. I will say, which maybe falls under what you call customer service we found, on our first cruise those in charge of activities were lacking. Overall they were not as pro active with the passengers and didn't seem to really enjoy their jobs as much as on other ships. I hope we have a better experience then you. thanks for your review. NMnita

[momofmeg]

I read a post from a guy named Doug R. who posted over on cruisemates- on Dec. 1-that Zenith had now upgraded their bedding and there were no "holy" blankets and sheets or uncomfortable beds-so I guess the rest of us will enjoy our Zenith cruises much better.

 

Now I woun't have to bring my aero bed-(LOL)

[Islandbuoy]

I'll bet while the staff was having 'stress' the guys with stripes were no where to be seen, as was the case on the 11/10 cruise.What's with the greeks???

[mef38]

I will be on the Zenith Dec. 12-17, 2005. I have been reading conflicting stories about this newly refurbished ship. I have taken quite a few cruises and usually there is always good and bad in every cruise. Having just come off the Seabourn Pride (very rocky) I just hope to have a relaxing trip, with a good book, a fun barman and to meet some interesting people. After all we are on vacation, time to chill. Every cruise vacation is what we make it. Good or bad. I have not been to Cozumel yet and am wondering if the Cozumel highlights and shopping is the way to go. Want to see the island as much as possible (with mom who is 70) and get in some shopping.Also info on Costa Maya would be welcomed.Once back in Miami, it's off to the Fort Lauderdale Pier to embark on the MSC Lirica from Dec. 17-27. First back to back. Any info on Cozumel and Costa Maya would be appreciated.

Thanks

[newmexicoNita]

I will be on the Zenith Dec. 12-17, 2005. I have been reading conflicting stories about this newly refurbished ship. I have taken quite a few cruises and usually there is always good and bad in every cruise. Having just come off the Seabourn Pride (very rocky) I just hope to have a relaxing trip, with a good book, a fun barman and to meet some interesting people. After all we are on vacation, time to chill. Every cruise vacation is what we make it. Good or bad. I have not been to Cozumel yet and am wondering if the Cozumel highlights and shopping is the way to go. Want to see the island as much as possible (with mom who is 70) and get in some shopping.Also info on Costa Maya would be welcomed.Once back in Miami, it's off to the Fort Lauderdale Pier to embark on the MSC Lirica from Dec. 17-27. First back to back. Any info on Cozumel and Costa Maya would be appreciated.

Thanks

my understanding is; newly refurbished pertains mostly to the top 2 or 3 decks. The rest are being done slowly. NMnita

[alpal1993]

I will be cruising on Zenith to Bermuda in May,Does anyone know if there is a waffle station at breakfast?I sure do love those waffles.

[cohengm]

Two great ports. I heard the Cozumel got damaged by the hurricanes. We rented a car for about $50 and drove the island. Stopped at National Park at the southern point and then the ruins mid-island. Costa Maya is where you want to get that beach massage. Look for the white canopy near the beach. In Costa Maya they have this great public swimming pool with a swim-up bar. This port was built just for the cruise ships. You can shop, use the internet (very reasonable), drink, swim in the pool or on the beach. They also provided entertainment (free) in a small amphitheater near the pool. ALL excursions beyond the port require bus transportation but you'll see many just taking advantage of all the "free stuff". And they even provide a free shuttle "down the long pier" from the ship to the shore.

[momofmeg]

my understanding is; newly refurbished pertains mostly to the top 2 or 3 decks. The rest are being done slowly. NMnita

 

Our cabin is on the Bahamas deck. we have an obstructed oceanview 9077 I think. Is that in the top 3 decks?

[Luckyroot]

I will be on the Zenith Dec. 12-17, 2005. I just hope to have a relaxing trip, with a good book, a fun barman Thanks

 

Then go to the Martini bar and look for Kenroy! OMG he was the best! After my 3rd visit there for a Martini Limon, he came looking for ME before dinner to see if I wanted "my drink" (I did, I just hadn't gotten over to the Martini bar yet lol)

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy your cruise. You have a positive attitude, and that's really all it takes to have a good time.

[Luckyroot]

Our cabin is on the Bahamas deck. we have an obstructed oceanview 9077 I think. Is that in the top 3 decks?

 

Yes that would be in the top 3 decks. However, we were on the Europa deck (5th deck) the first sailing out of drydock and there had been work done on deck 5 as well. All the hallway carpeting had been replaced. I suspect there were some new linens (the bedspread was clean but didn't have a "new" feel to it). Sheets were definitely new. They were replacing carpeting in cabins while in port (2 doors down was replaced while we were docked in Key West and another cabin was being started at 9am on disembarkation day).

 

My suggestion is to go with a positive attitude and you'll have a wonderful time. If a spot on the carpet is going to ruin your cruise........well sounds to me like nothing could make that kind of person happy.

[newmexicoNita]

Our cabin is on the Bahamas deck. we have an obstructed oceanview 9077 I think. Is that in the top 3 decks?

It is; are you getting as excited as we are? I have no doubt we will have an awesome time. Reading the dailies has really gotten us in the mood, sounds like there are lots of day time activities compared to RCI. The 4 day cruises we have taken usually don't have much to do so this sounds like fun. We think it would be cool if our granddaughter and her new husband could be on the newly wed game and we could as well. think that would be fun and funny. NMnita

[momofmeg]

It is; are you getting as excited as we are? I have no doubt we will have an awesome time. Reading the dailies has really gotten us in the mood, sounds like there are lots of day time activities compared to RCI. The 4 day cruises we have taken usually don't have much to do so this sounds like fun. We think it would be cool if our granddaughter and her new husband could be on the newly wed game and we could as well. think that would be fun and funny. NMnita

 

Yes we are going with 2 other middle-aged couples. All of us are in our fifities-except for my hubby who will be the "baby" at 46. One couple it is their first cruise and we have been trying to get them to cruise with us for 2 years. The other couple has done one cruise but they are more into deep-sea fishing for vacations, they have a boat and a motorhome and they spend evry free day they can get in FL deep sea fishing. Their last cruise was Carnival- which did not impress them-so I am sure they will like this cruise much better.

 

We are thinking of renting a van in Grand Cayman so we can site-see on our own. We can do that for $90-so it would only be $30 a couple.

 

Hey I will have a good time even if the beds are rotten-just being with my friends will make it great.

[Luckyroot]

[quote name=momofmeg

We are thinking of renting a van in Grand Cayman so we can site-see on our own. We can do that for $90-so it would only be $30 a couple.

quote]

 

Just so you know..........they drive on the "wrong" side of the street in GC. We were tempted to rent mopeds till I saw that. I just can't figure out that "wrong" side of the street driving. Especially TURNS!

[tbelian]

People who didnt report for immigration (passengers), and unruly guests (again passengers) who copped an attitude with the staff were two of the main issues for you on this cruise (the way I read it), and you won't cruise Celebrity again because of what again??? The passengers?

 

I realize you had some other complaints, but these two items can only be blamed on your fellow cruisers.

 

Okthen.

[momofmeg]

[quote name=momofmeg

We are thinking of renting a van in Grand Cayman so we can site-see on our own. We can do that for $90-so it would only be $30 a couple.

quote]

 

Just so you know..........they drive on the "wrong" side of the street in GC. We were tempted to rent mopeds till I saw that. I just can't figure out that "wrong" side of the street driving. Especially TURNS!

 

Hubby drove in England so we will be okay I guess.

 

One thing though guys? Can anyone tell me what the time for second or late dinner seating is? We just booked about 2 weeks ago and that was all that was left. I don't find that a biggie-may even be nicer for port days but hubby wants to know the time on late seating.

[Luckyroot]

 

Hubby drove in England so we will be okay I guess.

 

One thing though guys? Can anyone tell me what the time for second or late dinner seating is? We just booked about 2 weeks ago and that was all that was left. I don't find that a biggie-may even be nicer for port days but hubby wants to know the time on late seating.

 

Late seating is 8:30

[Barry ATL]

I am sitting on the Zenith as I type this. They are really working on these cabins. We ahve compared notes with other cruisers and most have refurbed cabines. When they replace the cpartet, they are changing the color scheme and that is when the new soft goods go in the room. The old spreads are solid color and the new are more pastel checkered. They don't feel new, but that is because they are designed to feel "homey".

[patnjohn]

Yes, alpal1993, there is a waffle station on the Zenith. It is near the omlette station. It was yummy.

[Telluride]

Barry - thanks for the update. We leave on the Zenith next week. Safe travels!

[slotaddict]

I am sitting on the Zenith as I type this. They are really working on these cabins. We ahve compared notes with other cruisers and most have refurbed cabines. When they replace the cpartet, they are changing the color scheme and that is when the new soft goods go in the room. The old spreads are solid color and the new are more pastel checkered. They don't feel new, but that is because they are designed to feel "homey".

 

Woo Hoo

What deck are you on. We are on the 6th floor, cruise departs 1/23. I hope you having a great time.

[BrooklynGirl2]

Thanks for the update Barry. I am hoping to be back on Zenith next year, late Spring. I hope you are enjoying the cruise. I am quite fond of this ship and I'm glad to hear that she is getting new soft goods as this seems to be what most people have complained about. We look forward to your review when you get back.

[Barry ATL]

Ken and I are in 5049. We are about to loose my data card signal, so I will make this short. I am sorry about the spelling in my earlier post. I was sitting on the couches next to guest relations and talking to the hotel director at the same time. :)

[alpal1993]

Thanks PatnJohn I can already smell those waffles.Just one of the many things I love about cruising.

[Outlanderssc]

I am sitting on the Zenith as I type this.

 

Barry,

Thanks for the update!

 

Hope you and your partner have a great cruise -