Stephen J. Masterson

Age: 56
Occupation: Engineer
Number of Cruises: First Cruise
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Zenith
Sailing Date: August 17th, 2002
Itinerary: Bermuda

I belong to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. We do many safety patrols in New York Harbor. I've seen the Harbor View from Patrol level many times but the view from the 9th or 10th Deck of the Zenith is fantastic. The Manhattan Sky line, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Going under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge on a big ship is fun. You feel like you can almost touch it. Once we past the Ambrose light we were out to sea. The Zenith rode a little rougher then I expected. When I was in the Navy the ship I was on was a lot smaller. (An Attack Cargo Ship)

The Zenith Sailed on Saturday, 4:30PM. Sunday was a day at Sea. There was a lot of food and things to do. Especially food. On Deck twelve is the SPA and salt Water Pools. One small Pool and another larger. When the ship rocked and rolled, the pools became wave pools.

At night the Celebrity singers and dancers put on a show called Broadway Lights in a small theatre called the Celebrity Show Lounge. It was one of three shows the did while at Sea. They are not allowed to stage their shows while tied up in Bermuda. All three shows were very well done. The Second show was "Nightclub life". My favorite was "The World goes "round. I would pay to see it if they were to do it on Broadway.

Monday we arrive in Hamilton, Bermuda. My wife Lois, and I went on a 3Hr driven Car tour. The driver gave us a run down of the Sights. Bermuda is a beautiful place. You really need to see pictures or be there to enjoy it's beauty. The people we met on the ship and the ones in Bermuda were all friendly.

At 6:15 P.M. we had a five course meal each night on the ship. Two Formal dress nights were at 6:00 P.M. Our Waiter, Behan, and asst. Waiter Luka, were great. The service was fast and the food delicious.

After dinner on Tuesday night, two of the Celebrity Dancers posed with my wife Lois and I for a picture, taken by the Ships Photographer. About a hour later, we got the picture and asked the dancers, Rachael Keighley and Nicky Griffiths, if they would autograph it for us. They were happy to do it. To my surprise, they said I was the first to ask them. The Photographer said some day the autographs might be worth a lot when they become stars. Believe me, I never met nicer people and the autographs are worth a lot to me right now. Rachael and Nicky, you are stars.

When we left Hamilton, Wednesday morning and Docked in St. George, Nicky Griffiths, was a hostess at the gangway, giving everyone directions as they left the ship. We took a glass bottom boat ride, and a carriage ride.

Finally, when our cruise was over in New York, Rachael Keighley, was a hostess, at the Gangway wishing everyone a safe trip and hoping they had a great cruise. I thanked her again for signing the picture for me and my wife. She told us not to forget her. Like we could! I told her to become a star. I was wrong. She is a star!

If you get the chance, I would recommend taking a cruise on the Zenith. I was surprised how much fun it was. If I get the chance I will go again. Just be ready to gain a few pounds. The food is nonstop and delicious!

The crew and staff are friendly and helpful. The service is great!

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