Explorer of the Seas: The longest cruise and the greatest variety in ports of call, but probably too many people and the stay in Bermuda seems all too short. 2nd most expensive.

Norwegian Crown: Wouldn't mind the chance to see a smaller ship like Norwegian Crown that will soon be leaving the fleet, but with Freestyle Dining, it seems like she has few public rooms (excluding resturaunts)- even for a ship her size. Plus in the fall of the same year we'll be sailing on Norwegian again aboard Norwegian Gem for her maiden voyage. Cheapest.

Zenith: Another ship that is small by todays standards, seems to have more public rooms than Norwegian Crown and is something new- we haven't gone on a Celebrity cruise before. Don't know how the decor and entertainment/activities are, however. Most expensive as of now, but is very likely to fall in price.

I loved having my time in Hamilton and the in St. GEorge's - it gave me a well balanced "lay of the land".

If you want the CRUISE and the island is only an inceidental - go for Explorer - there was SO much to do (for those that want to do it).

I was on Voyager as part of a conference so I had no choice...my pick - hands down was Horizon. But given your choice is NCL Crown or Zenith - I would suggest Zenith.

Explorer (6 years old).
PRO: Its a stunning ship! Even though I knew what to expect I was amazed at every turn. You may know all of this already but her interiors are impressive and vast. There are two 10 story atriums that is connected by a 4/5 story promanade that is lined with stores, pubs, and a place to grab a quick bite. It reminded me of a mock street. Plus there is Rock climbing wall, mini golf, full size basketball court, rolller blading, ice rink (with great ice shows) a three story theater, three story impressive dining room. I honestly really liked this ship a lot and if you are traveling with kids its an EXCELLENT choice!
CON: Ship leaves from Bayonne. There is nothing like leaving from NYC! Plus she is really big and at times you will feel it. Elevators were slowish and in regards to Bermuda you dont dock in the two convienent ports. you dock on the outskirts. You still can get around by bus and ferry but it could be a bit hectic.

Zenith (14 years old)
PRO: I sailed on her in '98 and saw her last in '05. Great food. Was refurbished in '99 or '00. Spacious ship but small enough to dock at the small ports in Bermuda. She has a small children's center and I think service levels are a little higher then Royal or NCl. I like Celebrity. I enjoy their european modern decor, service and food!
CON: Leaves from Bayonne!!! ERRRR. Ship does not have balconies. I think she looks very worn. On the tour I went on in '05. The rooms I saw (from suite to inside) had large stains on the carpet and furnishings. The bedspeads were the same as they were when she debuted in 1992. Overall the ship looked tired (BUT this could have changed I know they redid the ship in late '05).

NCL Crown (18 years old)
PRO: I toured the ship a few months ago expecting a run down ship. I was very surprised. She is a very charming ship!! Most of her public spaces seemed refreshed and cozy. Carpeting look new through out the ship. I though the food was good on par with NCL. They have decent size kids facilities but no kids pool. The ship is small enough and docks in the small ports plus she leaves from midtown Manhattan and makes for a wonderful departure. I really liked her and would book in a heartbeat. Just keep in mind she is not the newest ship on the block and doesnt have all the bells and whistles of the Explorer.
CON: Some rooms seem a bit worn. Balconies are only in the suites. She runs on freestyle (which is not a negative to me!! I like it but some dont) on a ship her size freestyle MAY be a bit slow. So you may have to wait a bit since she is limited on dining areas. I beleive the Crown has 5 restuarants.

I'm sure Zenith will show her age a bit; but so does a '57 Chevy,.....

I also forgot to mention I was on Mariner of the Seas...which is quite close. I think there are some small differences like Mariner of the Seas having smaller cabins than Explorer but other than that there were not enough differences for me to leave out mentioning it...

[ 08-31-2006: Message edited by: Commodore ]