Review of Zenith 7/1/o6

[Sammy Sails]

This was our 3rd time on Zenith to Bremuda. Our adult "kids" got married on the ship. The ceremony was preformed by a retired Captain whos words were very inspirational. They had a small (75 guests) reception in the Fleet Bar. The wedding planner was ok, but there were delays and she (WP) seemed overwhelmed at times. CC hostess Liesel was wonderful , helpful and always smiling.

The drinks were generous and strong and the food was sprcially prepared for DIL's gluten free diet. The DJ was ok, not my taste, but not my wedding. Joseph,the mairte'd at the reception was also our Maitre'd for the cruise. The food was wonderful, trays and drinks were promtly refilled. Non- sailing guests left the ship at 3:30. All said that the boarding although delayed ( we were told to arrive at 10:30 and did not board until 11:30) was orderly and the guests who needed an assist were very happy with the staff.

Life boat drills are all the same, however for those in wheel chairs, elevators were held, and special places were reserved at the life baot stations. Crew helpful.

PA system is still garbeled, and one of of us was always sticking our head ouththe cabin door to hear the announcemets. Some things never change.

Our cabin was ok, some nicks in the bathroom sink made no differance, the old girl is still a beauty.The Bedspread was a bit worn, but after a talk with our room steward, it was replaced with a brand new one, just out of the original wrapper. 8 Extra pillows and many extra hangers and towels were delivered promptly. An extension cord and a humidifier were already in place in the cabin. The cabin had been specially cleaned prior to boarding for my asthma. My electric scooter was plugged in and was stationed outside our cabin throughout the cruise.

Late seating, adult children's choice, was bad for the girls (9 & 13) because of the hour, but our waiter was good and his assistant got +++++ from us. We spoke to Joseph, the Maitre'd and the assistant will get the next waiter position. Joseph came to our table daily so that DIL & I could order our special meals prepared the way we needed it for our dietary needs. We ordered the night before so there no extra wait the following night at dinner. Variety was nice. fish, pasta, vegetarion, beef and cherf's special daily. Buffet was presented nicely and the choices many. The Grill made nice burgers and chicken, and kabkobas well as franks.There was a sandwich station and Sushi bar,too. Breakfast fresh made waffles were a big hit, as were the omlettes. All the wait staff was attentive. They helped me each and every time I was at a meal.

The girls & I got "soda" cards and we did not have any trouble getting refills, at any bar, poolside or in the theater. Bar Waiters were friendly and did not have a problem with the soda cards at all.

Cruise director Jeff was right on the ball. Port talks, Bingo, trivia are as on every ship. Informative, but if you have the cabin TV on, they become BORING after the 5th time.

The mucical entertainment in the varoius bars and lounges was good. The Cova cafe served those chocolate crossants and really good coffee.

I opted to skip the Art auction, however those in attendance liked the free champaign and some even bought "art".

The shops on board had the necessary sundries and some ship's merchandise as well as jewelry,perfume and booze. Cigars were good, but pricey. Sales of "by the inch" seemed to be doing well, as did the 2 for $20 tee shirts.

Entertainment has always been X's low spot, it was plesant, but we had seen almost identical shows on Century in Jan.06. In my opinion,the Magician was BAD, Juggler right with him. Singers and dancers were on key.....not broadway, but X has always been behind here.

Tours were the usual. Lost of different venues, so everyone had a choice. We had a lovely horse & carriage ride, girls swam with the Dolphins and were thrilled.

Elbow Beach & Hosreshoe Bay were nice. Swimming & snorkeling at Ft. St. Catherine Beach was great, warm water and lots of fish for the girls to see. They also rode the Banana Boat and Matthew rented a Jet Ski. Lot's of beach glass at Alexander Battery. Kyra wants to make jewelry.

 

Saw the Dunking chair, Molly got a photo sitting in it with the constabel and Town Cryer at her side. Matthew helped with the dunking pole chair.

Wed. night Molly & I ventured out to see " Beat The Retreat" at King's Square. It's sort of Bermuda's Changing of the Guard. Drum & Bugle corps and Pipers and sword dancers. The Mayor was in attendance. Molly met the Mayor, and got a photo.

The weather was great, some clouds but nothing to stop the fun. Rain on the last day at sea.

All in all, it was a great cruise. The ship is starting to show her age, but aren't we all?????? I missed the Cruise Critic party. I hope that you all had fun.

[newmexicoNita]

Our granddaughter got married on the Zenith last December, same place. Actually the coordinator was outstanding in our case, but the cruise had a few hitches. Overall we had a great time, the ship offered lots of very nice nick and crannies and was quite well maintained. Our biggest complaint was the service in the dining room and the lack of sound proofing between our cabins. Most of us had CC catagory and could on conversations with those next to us. For us it was ok as we were all family and friends, but I wouldn't have been terribly happy if the neighbors were strangers.

 

Glad all went well and you had a good cruise. It's an awesome way to celebrat the beginning of a new chapter in life huh?

 

NMNita

[Nana G]

Nice to hear good things! Congrats to you new in-laws! We are sailing to Bermuda on Zenith 7-15, sooooooon! I wonder where your cabins were that the sound proofing needs work. We are on deck 6, 6046 and I wonder if I should catch up on sleep before I go do to neighbors talking?

[rianvi]

I understand that the shops and casinos are closed while in port. What activities are there to do on ship for those who stay on board. My mum uses a walker and may not venutre out much. Thanks.

Peace, Anna

[masha99]

They have activities throughout the day, workshops and such. Also keep in mind since they dock right in town there isn't that much walking involved, and the taxis are right there to take you around. If you want to avoid walking altogether, there are people waiting right at the exit to offer taxi tours. The local drivers are very chatty, so even taking a regular taxi without the tour is entertaining.

Just a warning, the elevators on the ship are terribly slow, so prepare to be extra patient if you need to use them regularly. :)

[ecslady]

What were the names of the entertainers, party band, etc?

[masha99]

Party band is Phoenix. Don't remember the names of the entertainers, but in my opinion the comedy magician was very good, the musician (Bucket Man) was boring. We didn't see the juggler or most of the shows. I'd say the quality of entertainment is what you'd see in the Poconos or the Catskills when big-draw performers aren't in town.

If you have kids, don't miss the talent show, it's adorable :)

[rianvi]

Thank you for the quick response. Just another question. How steep are the ramps getting off ship at the two ports? I have read another post stating that it was very difficult getting off ship especially in St. George.

Thanks again. Peace, Anna:)

[Eager Cruiser]

Thanks for the review, Sammy Sails! I noticed you used an Electric Scooter. We are sailing the Zenith and we have a Handicapped Room scheduled as one person uses a wheelchair. Did you have a handicapped room? What number? What was it like? How did they help with the Life Boat Drill? How was the accessibility on the Zenith? Any tips will be appreciated!! :)

[masha99]

Exit ramps are pretty steep on Zenith. In St. George they actually held everyone up one morning trying to improve the ramp, but in my opinion they just made it worse. We had a stroller, and it was pretty tough to stay in control. However, ther's always at least a couple of crew members to help you out so I wouldn't worry too much.

My biggest complaint on accessibility is that the elevators are so slow, and with a stroller/scooter/wheelchair you have to depend on people to be kind enough to let you into a crowded space. We never, had a problem, though. Some people would actually get out and walk to give us space with the stroller :); I'm sure they would do the same for a disabled person.

[dougnewmanatsea]

ZENITH has pretty awful elevators. Small, slow, don't necessarily come when you call them, etc.

 

I have been spoiled by the ones on the HAL ships which are huge and very, very fast!

[mef38]

Sammy Sails, thanks for the review. I will be on the Zenith Sept.23-30. Second time on this lovely ship. Your maitre'd Joseph, do you know what country he was from. I made friends on my last Zenith cruise with a waiter named Joseph (a very big guy) and am wondering if it is him.

[Eager Cruiser]

Thanks for the tips on the slow elevators and steep exit ramps. I'll be sure to bring good sneakers for traction. Someone on another thread said to get on any elevator that comes even if it's going in another direction than your choice. That way at least you'll get in and get to your destination eventually. :)

[mrdorbert]

Sammy Sails, thanks for the review. I will be on the Zenith Sept.23-30. Second time on this lovely ship. Your maitre'd Joseph, do you know what country he was from. I made friends on my last Zenith cruise with a waiter named Joseph (a very big guy) and am wondering if it is him.

 

mef38-

We will also be on the 9/23 cruise... We have a great roll call going, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=304132 and we also have 24 people signed up for the connections party. If you're up for it, please join the roll-call and the connections party.

 

Michelle