This will be our first cruise and what a better place to go than Bermuda. I have been reading the posts, looking at brochures and internet sites - but would love the opinion of you "seasoned cruisers". My choices are the Norwegian Crown or the Celebrity Zenith (leaving from NYC on 6/19, or 6/18). We would like a nice ocenview cabin on a pretty ship. Most of the comments have been more favorable for the Celebrity Zenith. My question: is the Zenith that much nicer to warrant such a difference in price for a similar cabin? Also, I am being told by some that I should book very soon, as the regular cabins sell out first. And one last question for now - some of the cabins that are available on both ships are in the back - is this a good or a bad thing. Any advise/info/help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

I would sail on Zenith -- you won't be disappointed. You should have good weather in June, so I wouldn't worry about being in the "back." One good thing, you will take the elevator directly to the dining room.

Message to Budman:

Thank you for your prompt response. I am leaning toward the "Zenith". Do you think it's too early to book? Should I hold out a little longer to see if any of the cruises go "on sale". I am getting quotes (from 5 different sources) for an oceanview cabin with unobstructed views for 1850 pp. Seems to be the going rate right now. Thanks again.

Celebrity no longer discounts their cruises with agents. Every agent will have the same price. I would book with Celebrity, and if the price goes down (you have to check), they will honor the lower price.

Bermuda cruises tend to cost more because there's less competition, but even considering that, I think $1850pp for an obstructed view cabin is way too high. In checking your date I see that the Zenith appears to be fairly full, hence the high price (which probably won't go down), but my point is I wouldn't sail on a mainstream line in that type of cabin for that price unless I had absolutely no other choices. Do you have any flexibility with dates at all?

The Zenith is a very nice medium sized ship (I sailed on her in 1997) but keep in mind that both of the 2 ships that you're considering are older and won't have all the bells and whistles of the newer ships (that's the case with almost all vessels sailing in Bermuda though). I don't know what the cost difference is but I wouldn't pay a huge difference in price to sail on the Zenith.

Cabins that are very aft or forward tend to have more rocking motion versus mid-ship cabins, but we've never noticed that it was enough of a difference to make the ride uncomfortable.

Sorry, I see that you said unobstructed not obstructed. I still think it's too high unless you're decided on the Zenith and that's the only date you can travel.

M family (22 of us) cruised to Bermuda on the Zenith and were very dissapointed. We cruise every year and have been on Royal Carribean and Carnival. The ship, activites, and food were not that great compared to the other 2 lines. This was 3-4 years ago so maybe things have changed but I would not reccommend Celebrity.

I cruised to Bermuda on the Horizon (sister ship to Zenith). What a wonderful time - great crew - excellent food and service. Great choice for a first cruise. However, $1850 per person is exorbitant! We went over Labor Day and paid $900 per person for an inside cabin and were upgraded to an obstructed view cabin. June is prime time for Bermuda cruising - if you can alter your dates you should find a better price. Even August should get you better prices.

Labor Day (Sept/Oct) is hurricane season -- that's why the rates are lower. You have to take your chances if you book during that timeframe.

We took an Oct repositioning cruise, and the staff told us that the prior week was "the week from hell" with regards to seasickness on board returning to port (NY).

Thank you all for your input. As far as changing the dates that's "no go" due to the other couple that is travelling with us - they are obligated to those dates. I might just bite the bullet and put a deposit on two of the cabins within our budget and watch to see whether Celebrity puts them on sale. Also, has anyone gambled with the "Guarantee" option (at least that's what I think they call it). Again, thanks. It's snowing here in NJ right now and the thought of being on a cruise to Bermuda is looking better and better....

Helen

Go with the Zenith. I've been on both the Zenith and the Horizon many times. The only time I found it to be inexpensive was right after 9-11 when they had to ship out of Philly. I've only been on ONE Norwegian cruise -- for a reason. I can still remember saying to my husband, "You take the last tomatoe and I'll take the last piece of bread." It was disgusting.
REMEMBER...when in Bermuda (my favorite place on earth) buy a bus pass. For a set price you can travel all you want, anywhere you want. It also includes the water taxis which is a wonderful ride in itself. Enjoy..I'm jealous.