Please help ~ HAL vs NCL ~ NY/Bermuda

[Gee2010]

Hi everyone!
I need help deciding which cruise to book for my honeymoon. I have never cruised with Holland America or Norwegian and I have the choice between 2 lines departing out of NYC on June 27, 2010 to Bermuda.

Both lines are priced at $1049/pp for the interior stateroom which I think is a little expensive.

Holland's ship is the Veendam.
Norwegian's ship is the Dawn.

NCL cruises ONLY to Kings Wharf whereas, HAL stops at both St. Georges and Hamilton.

Some questions:
1. Is there anything to do at King's Wharf? How much would we be spending on taxis to go to the touristy spots on the island?
2. What is the age population like between these 2 cruise lines?
3. The only cruise I have taken was a Royal Caribbean one and I loved it! Which cruise line is similar to RC, HAL or NCL?
4. I noticed that some cruise ships now have specialty restaurants and extras that you would pay for -- do the HAL and NCL fleet offer a good amount of inclusive restaurants? What are the drink (alcoholic) packages like?
5. Is there a good time to book where I can save money rather than spend $1049 pp?
6. In comparing the onboard activities which cruise line do you recommend for a young couple into comedy shows and rock music?

Thank you everyone! I appreciate your help!
Gee

[deepnite10]

never been Bermuda..but, the the pricing does seem high for a interior..even for a OV or balcony for a 7 day cruise..

Spending 3 day s at Kings Wharf without a balcony would just be torturous for us..

it s the time of yr your choosing to cruise..the only way id see you paying less is at a time closer to sailing..they might offer some incentives to fill the ship..or reserve a cabin now and make final payment at the last moment to take advantage of any price declines..

the price would reflect that this is the high season for cruising..pick a time in April and you ll find the pricing nearly half..

do you have to sail our of NY? the fares out of the many ports in FL are cheaper though the sailing might be shorter cuz you ll have fewer sea days..yet you ll find everything will cost more during peak periods..from hotel accomodations and airfares..

Id only prefer the Dawn..i ve sailed her sister ship the Star and it was fabulous..also, NCL tends to be less on the formal side..its just personal preferance..

as for activities ashore..you ll need to go thru the the excursion s and see if anything seems interesting..we tend to take city tours first if we have nt visited a destination befor..afterwards we ll explore on our own..you can also google your destination to find interesting spots and private tours..3day will give you plenty of time to see whatever you might want to experience..

[Cuizer2]

Originally Posted by Gee2010

Some questions:
1. Is there anything to do at King's Wharf? How much would we be spending on taxis to go to the touristy spots on the island?
2. What is the age population like between these 2 cruise lines?
3. The only cruise I have taken was a Royal Caribbean one and I loved it! Which cruise line is similar to RC, HAL or NCL?
4. I noticed that some cruise ships now have specialty restaurants and extras that you would pay for -- do the HAL and NCL fleet offer a good amount of inclusive restaurants? What are the drink (alcoholic) packages like?
5. Is there a good time to book where I can save money rather than spend $1049 pp?
6. In comparing the onboard activities which cruise line do you recommend for a young couple into comedy shows and rock music?

Thank you everyone! I appreciate your help!
Gee

Well first of all, given the questions you are asking, you will have more luck posting on the HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean forums then you will here in the blog forum. That said ...

1) I can't answer this question. I haven't been to Bermuda yet.

2) NCL is much more geared to the young active crowd vs. HAL, which caters to a more mature and sedate group of passengers.

3) NCL is more like NCL than HAL is.

4) All of the cruise ships have restaurants that are free (included in the cost of the cruise). HAL's main restaurant and buffet are included. If the HAL ship has a specialty restaurant, it is an optional extra.

NCL also has four restaurants that are included (two main restaurants, one what I call sit down fast food and the buffet). It also has about six specialty restaurants that cost anywhere from $5 to $25 extra. These specialty restaurants include Italian, Tex-Mex, Asian, French and a steakhouse. You should have no trouble finding a meal at one of the free restaurants.

5) I have always booked early, and then watch the prices. If there is a price reduction before final payment, you should be able to request the new lower price. However, if you wait and the price goes up, you cannot ask for the old lower price.

6) For young active people I would recommend NCL over HAL.

[poppabear]

{Some questions:
1. Is there anything to do at King's Wharf? How much would we be spending on taxis to go to the touristy spots on the island?
2. What is the age population like between these 2 cruise lines?
3. The only cruise I have taken was a Royal Caribbean one and I loved it! Which cruise line is similar to RC, HAL or NCL?
4. I noticed that some cruise ships now have specialty restaurants and extras that you would pay for -- do the HAL and NCL fleet offer a good amount of inclusive restaurants? What are the drink (alcoholic) packages like?
5. Is there a good time to book where I can save money rather than spend $1049 pp?
6. In comparing the onboard activities which cruise line do you recommend for a young couple into comedy shows and rock music?}

Hope this helps:
1) Kings wharf is a nice 1/2 day visit but it certainly not what Bermuda is all about. Seeing the 3 ports in Bermuda is like seeing 3 different countries. St George is the OLD bermuda will lots of forts, hilly cobblestoned roads and beautiful beaches and sightseeing. Hamilton (the capital) is much more modern where you'll be doing most of your shopping. Kings Wharf (the Dockyard) once offered very little other than the fort, the glass blowing factory and the rum cake factory but it has slowly developed over the last few years, with a man made beach and snorkle park additional shopping areas but for the most part it can still be seen in 1/2 day or less.
As for getting around, you'll need to buy a bus/ferry pass ($20, two days) for unlimited use of the bus or ferry. From Kings Wharf to Hamilton (25 minutes by ferry, 1 hour by bus), Kings Wharf to St George (45 by ferry, 1 1/2 hours by bus). Obviously ferry is faster but bus is much more scenic. I suggest take the ferry one way and the bus the other.

#2 HAL is older, more refined. NCL, younger. The benefit of HAL is that it will dock right in Hamilton & St George so you're mere steps away from everything. In my opinion, although HAL does tend to draw a slightly older croud, it is a great cruise line and knowing Bermuda the way I do, it is a hands down winner just because of where it docks.

#3, Neither one is like RCCL but NCL will be closest. Can't beat the RCCL Promenade or rock climbing walls.

#4 Similar on both. All ships have the free main dining rooms and buffet courts. Most have the specialty restaurants as an extra. Some (such as NCL) also have other extra cuisine options for $$ (sushi as an example).

#5 I have some contacts that could help you but I can't post them on the boards due to restrictive guidelines. If you'd like to contact me direct let me know in a response here and I'll get you my contact info so I can give you insights as to ways to save.

#6 I'd have to go with NCL having more evening activities for the younger at heart. That's what makes this one a tough choice. NCL is probably better suited to your age group but HAL has the best itinerary by far.

Hope this helps.

[cruizinforever]

1st time reply: please ignor poor spelling.
My wife and I have cruised 5 times to Bermuda.(Ages 62 & 64)
Twice we stayed in St Georges for 3 1/2 days then sailled home .
Twice we spent one day in St Georges then 2 days in Hamilton .
Hamilton is so much better , you dock right downtown , everything is a 2 minute walk .
I usually rent a Moped and ride all over the island , beaches are awsome,
Snorkelling and swimming is so nice , loads of fish .
People in Bermuda are so friendly and polite, it is a pleasure to stop there.
Hamilton usually holds a big street craft and merchandise market while the ship is in town , great bargins.
We will be going back to Bermuda we prefer September as prices go way down on ship cabins ( we usually pay $ 600-700 US for an outsidecabin ).
Hope this helps you .

[2Cruise4Ever]

We've never sailed HAL, but we've sailed the Dawn 4 times (3 times to Bermuda with another one booked for next June). They have built up Kings Wharf a lot. Definitely not enough for all three days. But, you can take the ferry over to St. George's and to Hamilton. We usually spend a day in each area. While in port, the Dawn has awesome parties at night.

The Dawn has 2 main dining rooms, the buffet, and Blue Lagoon (open 24 hours) with no cover charge. Plenty of other options for a per person fee that vary by restaurant.

We prefer the Dawn because of the ship and Freestyle. It's bigger than the Veendam. We love Freestyle because we don't want to be tied down to a specific schedule. If we want to stay at the beach a little longer we can and not have to worry about missing our dinner time.

[138east]

Another option would be Celebrity Summit, which sails to Bermuda from Bayonne on June 27. If you're getting married on June 26, you may be ready for the 2 days at sea before getting to King's Wharf for 3 days.

[138east]

Also the Carnival Pride sails from Baltimore to the Bahamas on June 27. That would be doable from NJ, you would get 3 ports, and it might be a younger crowd. I am seeing balconies for about $1000.

[startraveler]

Having been to King's Wharf (also known as West End, or the Dockyard) I'd rather have preferred to have gone to Hamilton instead. We wound up doing two excursions - the horse-drawn carriage tour and the glass bottom boat - and while both were nice, and there are other things to do, we'd rather prefer the "metropolitan" of Hamilton. It's like the difference between going to Manhattan and going to any of the other boroughs: it's all New York City, and they all have their merits, but Manhattan is more NYC to me.

[iheartbda]

Originally Posted by Gee2010

1. Is there anything to do at King's Wharf? How much would we be spending on taxis to go to the touristy spots on the island?

There are a number of things to do at King's Wharf. The Bermuda Glassworks and Rum Cake Factory, the Maritime Museum, the Clocktower Mall with branches of the more popular Bermuda stores, a Craft Market with items by local artist, Bermuda Arts Center, Snorkel Park (not the best place to snorkel, just OK IMO), Frog and Onion Pub. The ferries and busses are the best option for getting around as opposed to expensive taxis. The South Shore beaches, which are the most beautiful, are about 15 minutes away. Not my favorite place to dock, but OK.

2. What is the age population like between these 2 cruise lines?
Everyone seems to think HAL is older. Have not been on them but many people said the same thing about Celebrity and we always found a nice mix. June will likely have families so it will not be all "old" people.

3. The only cruise I have taken was a Royal Caribbean one and I loved it! Which cruise line is similar to RC, HAL or NCL?
Once again, can't comment on HAL but we did not see much difference between NCL and RCCL except for the freestyle dining and the dress code. We never found like we had to rush back to the ship for dinner on RCCL. Both styles of dining worked equally well for us, as well as a bit more formal dressing as opposed to the more casual. Most lines are more alike than different.

4. I noticed that some cruise ships now have specialty restaurants and extras that you would pay for -- do the HAL and NCL fleet offer a good amount of inclusive restaurants? What are the drink (alcoholic) packages like?
You don't have to worry about spending extra money for the any surcharge restaurants on any line. All offer enough in the MDR and buffet that you will not starve although a specialty restaurant would be a nice splurge since you're on your honeymoon, totally not necessary though.
Depending on how much you drink, NCL offers a bar setup that seems expensive but is cheaper than the per drink cost. There is not a package to use in the bars during the cruise but there is a soda package. Don't know what HAL might offer.
5. Is there a good time to book where I can save money rather than spend $1049 pp?

We got the best price by booking on NCL early as the cost only went up except very close to sailing when there was not much cabin choice left. If you don't care what kind of cabin and where it is you can book late but you run the risk of not getting anything since Bermuda is a popular destination and there are not all that many sailings. Bermuda has always been more expensive than other destinations and IMO worth it. One thing to note is NCL will give you price drops if there are any before final payment and if it is not for "new bookings only". HAL may do the same thing.
6. In comparing the onboard activities which cruise line do you recommend for a young couple into comedy shows and rock music?
You might want to ask on the HAL board for specifics about their entertainment.

Thank you everyone! I appreciate your help!
Gee

Having been to Bermuda numerous times, docking in St. George and Hamilton is the best of both worlds and HAL also gives you the most time on the island. I have not been on the Dawn but know people who have. They love the ship and it probably does have more activities geared toward a younger couple. Sometimes you have to decide if the ship or the itinerary is more important.

[barante]

You can't miss on a Bermuda cruise. The destination is the island, totally different from the Caribbean, rather than the ship.
Aren't/weren't both of these cruises included in the sale both lines just had/are having? (Don't worry, there will be more sales. I just booked and paid for a Christmas/New Year's cruise out of Baltimore that is so empty that it is selling for less than January cruises. These are hard economic times. While I believe that we are turning around, joblessness may still increasing further.)
First: There is nothing wrong with an inside cabin. Absolutely nothing. We have done them all and have come to the conclusion that unless the difference is negligible, there is no money justification for a balcony. Instead worrying about OV or balcony, study deck plans and grab a well-located inside. An example: For our Christmas cruise we were able to get an inside on the Sky Deck on the Mercury. We are just steps awway from the sunning/running activities and both an inside and outside staircase takes us to the pool and cafeteria. Now in my book that nearly equals a balcony, except for privacy.
Go with whoever gives you the best price. And go through an internet agent that throws in some goodies, such as free insurance or gratuities. Such agents exist, including some big ones that advertise on CC.
Second: I happen to be partial to HAL, but everyone has his/hers opinion. In fact, my cruise to Bermuda was on the Norwegian Crown, on an old ship since sold and in the cheapest cabin possible (turned out not to be an inside but an outside with portholes). We did both St. George and Hamilton. Both are terrific places; I like Hamilton particularly because the ship parks right along the Main Street. The Veendam is HAL's smaller ships because navigation into Hamilton is too tricky. That's why the Dawn cannot go there; it's too big.
Third: There is no reason to throw away money in Bermuda. The island's public bus and ferry systems are wonderful and reasonably cheap. They are particularly recommended because on an extended stay like yours you don't have to constantly look at your watch and worry about missing the ship. It's that relaxed feeling and Bermuda itself which make a voyage there so enjoyable.

[BonnieVA]

Regardless of where you dock in Bermuda, you will be out exploring the entire island. You won't be hanging out near the ship. Bermuda is beautiful & you'll want to explore as much as you can. The bus/ferry system is easy to use & pretty efficient (just don't be late because they do NOT wait for you!).

Bermuda cruises are always more expensive. Not sure if it's supply & demand, port fees, etc (probably a combo of several things) but you will pay more to go to Bermuda than to the Caribbean, Bahamas, etc. Stick w/ the interior cabin since you'll hardly ever be in there! When we went to Bermuda we considered the ship our means of transportation ... we slept & then hit the island, returning for lunch, heading out again, returning for dinner & then back out!

I would choose whichever gives you more time in Bermuda. If all things are equal I'd probably go w/ the Dawn since I've heard good things about it.

[navybankerteacher]

Kings Wharf is a tourist trap - pure and simple -- just a lot of kitschy shops, some demonstrations such as pottery and glass-blowing - but miles from any decent beach. Its one plus is the Frog and Onion - a great pub for lunch. Norwegian is "free-style" - which means zero dress-code (baseball caps worn backwards, jeans, etc. making formal dining room look like a McDonalds) and often long waits if you want to eat at a popular time.

HAL is more classic cruising - much better service, better food (fresh orange juice vs. canned for breakfast is a typical example) generally better prepared and served, a bit quieter because of more grown-up crowd -- fewer loud drunks - but still a reasonable mix of passengers. The biggest difference is the destinations --St. Georges is a beautiful old small town with fantastic beaches nearby, and Hamilton is major town -with all sorts of activities in and near.

You should check with people who know the island fairly well -- also with people who know a bit about both HAL and NCL -- people who only know one are most likely to be biased in favor of the one they know and totally unaware concerning the other.

Hopefully this will be your only honeymoon -- do not try too hard to save a few dollars .

Congratulations and best wishes.

[momofmeg]

Originally Posted by 2Cruise4Ever

We've never sailed HAL, but we've sailed the Dawn 4 times (3 times to Bermuda with another one booked for next June). They have built up Kings Wharf a lot. Definitely not enough for all three days. But, you can take the ferry over to St. George's and to Hamilton. We usually spend a day in each area. While in port, the Dawn has awesome parties at night.

The Dawn has 2 main dining rooms, the buffet, and Blue Lagoon (open 24 hours) with no cover charge. Plenty of other options for a per person fee that vary by restaurant.

We prefer the Dawn because of the ship and Freestyle. It's bigger than the Veendam. We love Freestyle because we don't want to be tied down to a specific schedule. If we want to stay at the beach a little longer we can and not have to worry about missing our dinner time.

I am not sure about the Veendam, but I know the HAL vista class offer "As You Wish" dinning.

I loved the craft fair in Hamilton, and as it is in the evening, to attend that would mean an expensive taxi fare-as the ferry closes at 6 pm. Also Hamilton is only a short bus ride from the beaches which makes it nice.

When we cruised the old Pacific Princess in 2002, we were fortunate enough to go to all 3 ports, every day around noon our ship would change to the next port. The dock yard is the port we liked the least.

[kayhil3]

Originally Posted by navybankerteacher

Kings Wharf is a tourist trap - pure and simple -- just a lot of kitschy shops, some demonstrations such as pottery and glass-blowing - but miles from any decent beach. Its one plus is the Frog and Onion - a great pub for lunch. Norwegian is "free-style" - which means zero dress-code (baseball caps worn backwards, jeans, etc. making formal dining room look like a McDonalds) and often long waits if you want to eat at a popular time.

HAL is more classic cruising - much better service, better food (fresh orange juice vs. canned for breakfast is a typical example) generally better prepared and served, a bit quieter because of more grown-up crowd -- fewer loud drunks - but still a reasonable mix of passengers. The biggest difference is the destinations --St. Georges is a beautiful old small town with fantastic beaches nearby, and Hamilton is major town -with all sorts of activities in and near.

You should check with people who know the island fairly well -- also with people who know a bit about both HAL and NCL -- people who only know one are most likely to be biased in favor of the one they know and totally unaware concerning the other.

Hopefully this will be your only honeymoon -- do not try too hard to save a few dollars .

Congratulations and best wishes.

We sailed on the Dawn in August to Bermuda from New York and it was great. We had a balcony room but to be honest we didn't use it a lot in Bermuda. Friends had a ov and it was just fine for them. We ate in the main dining rooms and it DID NOT have the atmosphere of a McDonald's. Everyone was dressed casual but neat and no one was wearing baseball caps. The night time entertainment was very good and the bars and lounges were rock-en all night. No loud drunks that we saw. Docking at the wharf was fine. As soon as you left the ship the stand to buy the bus and ferry passes was to the right. and the busses and ferries were only a short walk away or they had a tram to take you to them for free. We never had to worry about getting back to the ship to eat at a certain time with the free style eating plan they have. When the ship is at sea they also offer 2 for 1 dinning in the pay restaurants, some were only $5.00 each. The ship is very large and clean. NCL also offers a honeymoon package, for a fee. It is a great deal. This was our first cruise with NCL and we were very happy with it and would do it again. Check out the NCL website for pricing . It changes all the time and as long as you have not payed in full they will adjust the price for you . Good luck and have a great time.

[BonnieVA]

Originally Posted by kayhil3

We ate in the main dining rooms and it DID NOT have the atmosphere of a McDonald's. Everyone was dressed casual but neat and no one was wearing baseball caps.

I have to second this point. I'm relatively new to cruising & do not have a fav cruise line ... I'd like to try all the lines that sail to where I want to go & are in my price range. But, after 2 weeks on 2 different NCL ships, I never thought it felt like a McD's in the MDR!

[iheartbda]

Originally Posted by navybankerteacher

Kings Wharf is a tourist trap - pure and simple -- just a lot of kitschy shops, some demonstrations such as pottery and glass-blowing - but miles from any decent beach............
The biggest difference is the destinations --St. Georges is a beautiful old small town with fantastic beaches nearby, and Hamilton is major town -with all sorts of activities in and near.

You should check with people who know the island fairly well......
Hopefully this will be your only honeymoon -- do not try too hard to save a few dollars .

In my post I admitted I was not familiar with HAL. However, I think I know just a bit about the island having been there 12 times so I beg to differ you on a few things.

I would hardly describe King's Wharf as being a tourist trap, pure and simple. Like I said in my previous post, there are a number of well-known Bermuda shops there, Crisson Jewellers and AS cooper, for instance and a number of other nice store. Yes, there are some touristy type store with things made in China but the Craft Market also has things made by locals with materials found only in Bermuda....sea glass jewelry and Bermuda cedar items. The Maritime Museum and Commisioner's House as well as the Bermuda Arts Center are not "trourist traps" either.

I LOVE St. George but the beaches there do not compare to those on the South Shore which, are not much more than a 15 minute ride from King's Wharf. Many more to choose from than on east end of the island. Tobacco Bay and St. Catherine's beach are within walking distance of St. George but once again, do not compare. Clearwater Beach is very nice but it is just as far away as the beaches from King's Wharf.

All in all, our favorite docking is Hamilton and St. George. There are any number of posts by people who actually prefer docking at King's Wharf so it can't be all that bad.

[Kidsgoneletscruise]

We are looking at the same cruise, well ours will be just a little later in the year. With that being said...we just returned from a wonderful cruise with NCL to Bermuda. This was our first NCL cruise and we were happy overall BUT we like HAL's itinerary over what NCL is offering; five full days in Bermuda.

Our thoughts on Bermuda; St. George was fantastic but it is very small and central whereas Hamilton is a little larger of a "city" with more options for visitors. Again, traveling with HAL you get the best of both worlds.

Good luck!