http://blogabond.com/GoGoTraveler en-US Copyright © 2026, GoGoTraveler daily 1 1 Key West, Progresso, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. The islands were great. Overall we enjoyed the cruise very much.]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=179 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=947 0 32.58 -115.5838889 Key West. I could go on and on, but I assure you that if you travel on Zenith, you'll not be disappointed. PS - purchase one of their high-end robes. I guarantee you'll look forward to getting in it every night. In fact, we walked around the ship one evening in our elegant, plush robes - simply because we could...and because it made people laugh. This ship is full of good humored crew and passengers!!!! I went to www.SmartCruiser.com and got a great deal which inxcluded Free Trip Insurance and $400 Shipboard credits.]]> Sat, 03 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=178 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=946 0 24.55528 -81.78278 Aruba and snorkeling in Grand Cayman. We will definitely choose Celebrity again on one of their Millennium class ships. My wife has already booked our next cruise on www.SmartCruiser.com with Free trip insurance. She booked the cruise on the Infinity to United States in September. ]]> Sat, 12 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=177 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=945 0 19.3 -81.3833333 Aruba, we took a local taxi for $10 bucks and got an island tour. Costa Rica was the ski lift tram thru the rain forest. We were fortunate to get a guide that loved his job. He pointed out everything to us. The meal at the park was very good. In Cozumel we took the Passion Island escape and walked around on our own in Grand Cayman. Key West was lots of fun, and what a treat! But the best part was the cruise itself. We felt everything was perfect. This was our first time to have a balcony. Although we thoroughly enjoyed it...we didn't use it as much as I thought we would. We like to rise early and get our coffee on our own and watch the Sunrise on the decks. You never saw any dirty dishes laying around anywhere! (Carnival, trays lay around outside cabins all day. You saw room service trays in the hallways all the time.) Everything was immaculate all the time on Celebrity. On the last sea day, the waiters served lobster and baked United States and they did a big presentation. We found the waiters were very proud, and ours told us that Celebrity treats them well. This was important to us because we had heard that some cruise ships do not treat their staff too well. Tips are done on the last day and not added to your bill. I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not; but the service was fabulous. We are definitely travel on Celebrity the next time. It felt like being back home again. In fact we have already booked our next cruise on www.SmartCruiser.com and got a $300 Shipboard credit and Free Trip Insurance. I love that site. they are the best.]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=176 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=944 0 20.5083333 -86.9458333 Sun, 04 Feb 2001 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=175 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=943 0 17.3 -62.7166667 Croatia to Indonesia, France, Germany, the Philippines and so on. Secondly, the ship was very clean, well maintained and extremely comfortable with many places on board where you did not feel crowded and could just stretch out and relax. Lots of deck space and indoor venues. The food was very good but with that I recommend both a dinner at the Olympic restaurant.. better then any dinner I have had at an expensive New York City restaurant...and in contrast the low calories breakfast and lunches at the Aqua Spa were delicious.. you won't go wrong there and it is not crowded! Moving along the salt water pool for adults only in the huge glass enclosed aqua spa area was a treat. The water was like a huge hot tub and as you float you can feel the months of stress float away. It was my favorite spot on the ship. The entertainment led by an a very energetic, seasoned director by the name of Simon provided fun with enough varied shows and contests ("name that tune", "newly weds and not so newly weds") as well as musicals, comics and a wonderful violinist Dominique) to meet many tastes. Other little touches such as little snacks served by waiters carrying trays around the ship later in the evening, having your cabin spruced up at least three times a day when you are out for example leave one with a distinct feeling of being pampered. Now that I have been to the Caribbean on this ship I am saving for my next trip (I figure in two years) to the Mediterranean on the Millennium! When you get a chance take some time to go and look www.SmartCruiser.com and see their specials. They are very good.]]> Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=174 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=942 0 13.1 -59.6166667 Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with a day at the Hubbard Glacier (beautiful). Juneau was like a Caribbean port, all the same shops, etc. We took the tram to the top of Mount Roberts for a scenic view and took a bus out to Mendenhall Glacier. No need to book these through the ship, they can easily be obtained at the dock for a much lesser cost. In Skagway we did take the White Pass Railway excursion which was a great trip. In Ketchikan we didn't book any excursions and just wandered the town. Great shopping and had lunch in town at the New York Cafe. Very good lunch and reasonable price! Save all your shopping for Ketchikan. Very scenic and good prices. The service was always excellent. Asst. Matre'd Martin took good care of us. Had dinner in the SS United States the last night for $25 extra per person which was well worth it. For a little something special, that is the place to go. Entertainment was great! We had an outside cabin with a balcony. Nicest cabin we've had and the cabin was a nice plus, especially for viewing the passing scenery. We were in cabin 7129, Vista Deck, mid-ship. Most activities seemed geared toward the "main" seating guests. We were at the late seating and many times there was nothing going on while the main seating people were having dinner. Almost every day in the martini bar we were the only one's in there before dinner, but Rose Marie took good care of us! We actually had to hunt down photographers to take our formal pictures since most of them shut down when the main seating was started. ll in all this was a great cruise and we're ready to go again. I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend that you go to www.SmartCruiser.com and take a look at some of their incredible deals like an Auqa Spa experience for free.]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=173 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=941 0 59.45833 -135.31389 Sat, 27 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=172 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=940 0 25.0833333 -77.35 Based on our experience, we would cruise with Celebrity again. The embarkation process was flawless, and took about 5 minutes. This is in sharp contrast to the hours it took on our first cruise. Our room (outside, 9th deck) was spacious and well laid out. The food was excellent---the highlight was that there were always options. Breakfast--the formal dining room, buffet, an omelet bar and a waffle bar. Each evening there was a sushi bar that was not well-attended, but was very, very good! For dinner, there was always pizza and pasta available, informal dining in the sky bar as well as the Grand dining room. Also, room service was available 24 hours, and items on the dining room menu could be included in room service. On 2 nights there was a midnight buffet, which we couldn't even consider----who could be hungry after eating all day! The size of the ship suited us well--big enough. I don't know that we would want it any bigger or we would forever be making long walks to and from places. We enjoyed the activities on board and took part in as many as we could. The staff was consistently courteous and did an excellent job. For those who complained about not enough on TV---who goes on a cruise to watch TV? It was so nice to turn it off for a week. There were so many other things to do, that we didn't miss TV at all. Overall, I highly recommend Celebrity--they do a great job of meeting the interests of everyone. We went to www.SmartCruiser.com and found a deal that included $500 Shipboard credits and Free trip insurance as a packaged special. It was very useful. ]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=167 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=910 0 41.3833333 2.1833333 My wife and I were part of a large group (60) for a Marriage Enrichment Seminar featuring Dr. Alan Zimmerman. As we arrived at Port Everglades by private charter bus as we were coming from Bonita Springs Florida, we were processed by customs in what I thought to be the most efficient and polite bunch of people. The total time from bus to cabin to lunch buffet was a mere 30 minutes. Free Champaign was given to us as we entered the vessel Upon entering our stateroom which was on the 8th floor cabin 8135 with ocean view out a large but somewhat fogged window we discovered that the water was running in the bathroom sink which was virtually black with filth. We were with our cabin Stewart and he immediately notified the plumber who advised us that it was common while at port all water is turned on and flushed with a Chlorine solution to purify all onboard lines. The cabin was small but adequate with plenty of storage. It is important that you try to bring luggage aboard that will fit inside each other we did this by accident but even accidents can be good. Oh! I forgot midship cabins are great. They are usually smoother more on that later, also very convenient to all onboard facilities. After moving nearly everything out of the mini bar and replacing the items with water we brought with us (1) case plus some sodas which probably saved us nearly $100.00 and freed up a suitcase for future shopping. Now off to the lunch buffet. This was our first cruise but boy were we impressed, presentation service and good quality awaited us. Did I mention the Free Champaign? well, from now on forget the word free did you hear me? Bahamas Mamas were flying off the trays everywhere in the dinning room and after the waiter asked for your onboard charge card smiles quickly were replaced by puzzlement. The Century is now 11 years old and it shows, the sinks are stained, the showers show mildew and the toilets are defiantly worn however, the rest of the ship although used was always immaculate I don't think I ever saw a napkin blowing on the deck nor trash in the common areas and nearly no fingerprints anywhere. The staff is friendly and professional. At no time did I ever have to wait on any service it was always offered before you could request it. Bruce the Cruise director was amazing and very personable Celebrity was everything we had heard it would be. The onboard activities were relevant and plentiful and the onboard entertainment out of this world. We visited Ocho Rios on our first stop the weather was lawful and the seas were very rough. The people of Jamaica were very aggressive and annoying, everyone is trying to get your money and they care how they get it. This is a place where bartering is a must. Shore excursions are cheaper on land and you can see the island quite cheap. Make sure you negotiate a price before entering a RED TAG TAXI. We were late leaving port by two hours because the waves were so strong the ships engines weren't strong enough to push us away from the dock. We did arrive at our second port Grand Caymans on time however we were 3 hours getting ashore because apparently the weather also like the CENTURY and followed us there we used onboard tenders (boat taxi's) as the port tenders refused to operate because the seas were to rough. I must say that we had a great Captain he ran several empty vessels back and forth to the pier before allowing the guest to leave the vessel, had it been deemed unsafe we would only be able to say we saw the coastline because he was sincerely concerned of our safety and I'm sure his job. Shopping was great no pesky sales people no cabbies trying to shanghais you. Next was Cozumel beautiful weather wonderful shops, bartering encouraged. We used tenders here also very efficient and timely. Last stop Key West, wonderful America is Great. Beautiful shops, great excursions and very affordable. The return trip to Ft Lauderdale was even smoother than the embarkation. In April the CENTURY goes in for Dry Docking and I can't wait to sail on her again and see how she looks. I give this Ship, Crew, and food 5*****'s. I went to www.SmartCruiser.com and got Free Trip Insurance and Onboard credits.]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=166 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=908 0 23.5 -75.7666667 Costa Rica we went river rafting, the best time we had on the trip by far. Anyone that is up for a little adventure should try this without a doubt. We enjoyed the Canal and did the train over to the other side to the Pacific. This was nice and relaxing as it was the 4th port day in a row, opting for the deluxe one as opposed to the regular one was nothing special. In Jamaica we did the canopy tour. For those wanting to adventure out but are afraid, try it. It was not as 'extreme' as you think it would be...quit slow, easy, safe, and fun. We had very few complaints on our trip of any significance and we would do this same itenerary on this same ship all over again...and try other fun excursions at the port that we didn't get to do. If you are young and looking for a buise cruise, this one is not for you. But if you are looking for a relaxing, fun, older crowd, dressing up 'every night', and great food...then give this one a try! Do your self a favor and go to www.SmartCruiser.com and take look at their deals that include Free Trip Insurance and Onboard credits(up to $500!!!!).]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=159 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=888 0 20.5083333 -86.9458333 The Bahamas, all eyes seem to be drawn to the Wonder. We actually booked 4 days at Disney's Pop Century Resort prior and drove to the terminal the morning we salad. It took less than an hour and parking cost $10 a day. The lot is right across the street from the terminal (we actually carried all of our bags when we disembarked). If you book the land/sea vacation combo through Disney you sail 1st, then go to Disneyworld. Plus, they automatically book you in a moderate priced hotel. We proffered to save the cruise for last and stay at the Pop Century and that worked out well by booking separately. While at sea, the shows were fantastic and the rooms impressive too. Make sure you get a room with a veranda. It's the best investment you will make on the cruise. There were nice surprises throughout, such as the fireworks display at sea! The restaurants we nice as well with varied menus and great service. My only complaint about the whole cruise is that only 1 location (deck 9) serves the free food and drinks. So even if you just thirsty you have to schlep there to get a drink no matter where you are on the ship. Finally, disembarking was much easier than I could have imagined. To get an early start we skipped the restaurant service and ate at the buffet at 6:30 am. We were allowed to leave the ship 7:30 and was loading the car by 7:45. Start saving you pennies, quarters and twenties now and why not plan a cruise. Oh, and a little advice is to go to www.SmartCruiser.com(They have really great deals like Free Trip insurance).]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=158 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=887 0 25.0833333 -77.35 Nassau. Those activities can and should be reserved prior to boarding. That way you will avoid the possibility of some functions such as the Dolphin Encounter being booked up. I found the Disney maintenance staff to be amazing. Castaway Cay is so relaxing. Part of that comes from splitting the island up into sections, thereby allowing adults to be alone. There are numerous activities available for a fee, but the beauty of the island can best be enjoyed by simply floating in the water or basking in the sun with a cool tropical drink close at hand. Like many cruise ships, the Wonder offers a soda mug program. For $15 on the 3 night cruise you get unlimited refills. To me you really have to drink a lot of soda to make it pay off. The other option is to buy one soda at a time for $1.50. Bottom line is this is a great ship that is part of a great company. Our December 2002 trip to United States was our 28th trip to Disney World and our second cruise. We returned to United States and have greeted with 10 inches of snow. So we are already planning trip #29 to Orlando and probably cruise #3. Bon Voyage. P.S. www.SmartCruiser.com is the place to go to buy your cruise tickets. They have great deals(I got Free Trip Insurance).]]> Thu, 05 Dec 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=157 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=886 0 25.0833333 -77.35 France and Marvin from Honduras, became part of our family before the week was out. How we still smile and miss them! My expectations were for fairly patronizing, tip hungry, servers and room attendants . . FAR FROM IT! These people aim to please. I never sensed for a moment any wrongful motives, though they worked so very hard and were certainly most deserving of our gratuities. The shows were incredible, worthy of Broadway. Not one night was I disappointed. The food was equally pleasing, from the posh Palo to our regular 3 dining room choices. Topsiders is a great choice for breakfast, but don't waste your time (settling for ho-hum) at other mealtimes. Our trip was only the 2nd time the Magic visited the port of San Juan. Hurricanes prevented us from taking our planned itinerary. Many were disappointed, but we credit Captain Tom for taking us to pretty, sunny weather . .wherever that might be. And how could we complain about enjoying not 1, but 2 days at Disney's wonderful Castaway Cay where I swam with Sting Ray and held a starfish, sea urchin and sand dollar that I'd found on the ocean floor. By the way, if you have not visited the Caribbean and wonder if that water could be as wonderful as it looks, IT IS! Soft sand, warm, turquoise colored water! It was heavenly and time stood still. I could write so much more, but will conclude now. We cannot wait to return. After 12 yrs. of being a SAHM, I've started a part-time job just so we can cruise again some day. Thanks for reading this far and if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try to help. P.S. Get a verandah room, it is worth it!!!! P.S.(2) Go to www.SmartCruiser.com when you purchase your cruise. They have the best deals. I got Free Trip insurance and Onboard credits with my purchase.]]> Sat, 28 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=156 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=885 0 25.0833333 -77.35 Cayman Islands, as well as the mandatory stop at Castaway Cay in The Bahamas. I have only one major complaint about Disney cruise ships– for God’s sake, add a casino! The ESPN sports bar on the top deck was deserted for the entire cruise; convert it into a small casino. I understand Disney’s desire to present a wholesome family image, but c’mon, it’s 2002 – gambling isn’t exactly a sin anymore. On a final note, Disney has the best service in the hospitality industry. No request is unreasonable, everyone is ready to help at any time. They really do make a traveler feel as though he was the only one on board. I have to go to www.SmartCruiser.com to book my next cruise and get Free Trip Insurance again.]]> Sat, 03 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=155 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=884 0 25.0833333 -77.35 Las Vegas show!). The teen center (Common Grounds) was teens only (I was met at the door and an employee went and got my teen; no adults allowed). My youngest was always up in the kids center and made Flubber, helped in other science projects and we always knew when to find him. We only walked around Nasau for about an hour (we've been there before) and then hurried back to the ship for more fun. It rained and thundered when we docked on Disney's island the next day, but the sun came out and we played in the water until the storm came. The barbecue was a feast and we sampled a little of everything. Snorkeling was fun and the man-made reefs attracted a lot of fish. The sunken ship (Seaworthy Sue) was great, including the Mickey figurehead (you'll need an underwater camera). The two hour wait to disembark the ship....forget it! Once we cleared immigration, you could get off at your leisure. Looking for your suitcases....Disney lines them up so you can find them quickly. We were off the ship and on the bus in 15 minutes. Other cruise lines, take note! We're already talking about taking the 7-day cruise that starts in August 2000. Thank you, Thank You Disney for making this the best cruise ever!!!!! P.S. If we do go on another , we book our cruises on www.SmartCruiser.com. they have the best deals. I got Free Trip Insurance with my purchase.]]> Wed, 14 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=154 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=883 0 25.0833333 -77.35 Wed, 26 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=149 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=828 0 40.8333333 14.25 Fri, 30 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=148 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=827 0 41.3833333 2.1833333 Boston, Portland, Sidney and Halifax. We had a great time in all ports but Sidney. The weather was drizzly and this port really does not have alot of attractions. We took the trolly bus in Boston. We did this trip on our own. It was a great way to see a great city. In Portland, we again opted to not take any tours. We could see alot just walking. Halifax is a great place and I would highly recommend the Halifax/Peggy's Cove tour. It is 3 hours but you see everything!!! One great thing about this cruise is that at the end, you can opt to carry off your luggage yourself rather than going through the mob scene in the NY terminal. We were off the ship by 8:15AM. Debarkation, carrying your own luggage was a breeze!! Embarkation was terrible but that was because the hurricane caused rough seas and the Victory was late getting into NY. I will not fault Carnival for this. The ship arrived safely and that is the main thing. Another plus side was that we got a good price with www.SmartCruiser.com which included free Trip Insurance and an Auqa Spa experience which was incredible. Thanks www.SmartCruiser.com.]]> Sat, 20 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=147 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=826 0 44.65 -63.6 Mon, 30 Apr 2001 00:00:00 GMT http://www.blogabond.com/TripView.aspx?tripID=146 http://www.blogabond.com/CommentView.aspx?commentID=825 0 13.1 -59.6166667