Which Cruise Line to take?

[karen116]

Hi ~ We are a group (all family) interested in a cruise to Bermuda (summer 2010). We are in the NYC area so leaving out of Bayone or NYC works best for us. We range in age from 10 to 87 and there are 16 of us.

 

We were on RCI EOS this past August and spend a day in Bermuda and we would all like to cruise to Bermuda again to spend more time on the Island. The 5 day cruise is not for us as it's not long enough.

 

Any suggestions ~ Kids ages are 10, 12, 18, 20, 22. Thanks for your input and suggestions.

[iheartbda]

HAL Veendam will be leaving out of NY. Everyone seems to swear HAL is for the nearly dead but if you're going in the summer, there should be other kids on board. The Veendam will also dock in both Hamilton and St. George which, IMO, is the best docking option.

 

Celebrity Summit will be going out of Bayonne and docking at Dockyard. Not my favorite place but others like it just fine. Transportation is cheap and easy plus Bermuda is small so it's not really a problen being at one far end of the island.

 

We have not been on HAL but have been on Celebrity. People will say almost the same thing about Celebrity(mostly older people) but we did not find that to be true at all. There were families with children and it was in Oct. so summer will have even more families.

 

These two lines are our choices for next year and it's going to be a tough choice to make for us. I've looked at the actual time on the island and Hal will be the most. The Veendam gets in at 8:00 so you have the whole day whereas Celebrity gets in several hours later and half the day is shot. Same way with leaving. HAL leaves in the afternoon so you still have time to do something that day. Celebrity leaves earlier so it's best not to go too far from the ship.

[karen116]

HAL Veendam will be leaving out of NY. Everyone seems to swear HAL is for the nearly dead but if you're going in the summer, there should be other kids on board. The Veendam will also dock in both Hamilton and St. George which, IMO, is the best docking option.

 

Celebrity Summit will be going out of Bayonne and docking at Dockyard. Not my favorite place but others like it just fine. Transportation is cheap and easy plus Bermuda is small so it's not really a problen being at one far end of the island.

 

We have not been on HAL but have been on Celebrity. People will say almost the same thing about Celebrity(mostly older people) but we did not find that to be true at all. There were families with children and it was in Oct. so summer will have even more families.

 

These two lines are our choices for next year and it's going to be a tough choice to make for us. I've looked at the actual time on the island and Hal will be the most. The Veendam gets in at 8:00 so you have the whole day whereas Celebrity gets in several hours later and half the day is shot. Same way with leaving. HAL leaves in the afternoon so you still have time to do something that day. Celebrity leaves earlier so it's best not to go too far from the ship.

 

Thank you so much for your quick response....i'm thinking that the most time in bermuda would be a great thing :)

[njhorseman]

HAL Veendam will be leaving out of NY. Everyone seems to swear HAL is for the nearly dead but if you're going in the summer, there should be other kids on board. The Veendam will also dock in both Hamilton and St. George which, IMO, is the best docking option.

 

Celebrity Summit will be going out of Bayonne and docking at Dockyard. Not my favorite place but others like it just fine. Transportation is cheap and easy plus Bermuda is small so it's not really a problen being at one far end of the island.

 

We have not been on HAL but have been on Celebrity. People will say almost the same thing about Celebrity(mostly older people) but we did not find that to be true at all. There were families with children and it was in Oct. so summer will have even more families.

 

These two lines are our choices for next year and it's going to be a tough choice to make for us. I've looked at the actual time on the island and Hal will be the most. The Veendam gets in at 8:00 so you have the whole day whereas Celebrity gets in several hours later and half the day is shot. Same way with leaving. HAL leaves in the afternoon so you still have time to do something that day. Celebrity leaves earlier so it's best not to go too far from the ship.

 

In addition to HAL and Celebrity, NCL cruises to Bermuda (Dockyard) from NY. (Colette...I'm surprised you didn't mention this!)

 

To the OP:

 

NCL is far less formal than either HAL or Celebrity. There are no mandatory formal nights, for example. In my opinion, having cruised on all three, that NCL will be more appealing to the younger members of your group (the children).

 

You may want to start by pricing the three options, just to see how they fit in your budget.

[NextOne]

I have to chime in with my support for HAL. Contrary to rumors, HAL passengers tend to be quite lively and nowhere "nearly dead"! We count ourselves (late-50s) in the "quite lively" category!:p Pax ages range from infants to 90s and as heart mentioned, during the summer there should be a goodly number of kids onboard.

We love HAL for the attentiveness of the staff and their friendliness. We've also sailed other lines to BDA, but were extremely happy to hear that HAL will start this itinerary again. Allowing the most time in BDA is a major factor for us, plus the docking locations. I think you'll like them.

[iheartbda]

In addition to HAL and Celebrity, NCL cruises to Bermuda (Dockyard) from NY. (Colette...I'm surprised you didn't mention this!)

Just a completely different mind set since Her Majesty is gone.:(:D

Also, we do love Celebrity, have standing with them to get a few perks and I would like to try HAL.:)

[njhorseman]

Just a completely different mind set since Her Majesty is gone.:(:D

Also, we do love Celebrity, have standing with them to get a few perks and I would like to try HAL.:)

 

 

I made my comment in the interest of giving the OP a complete list of options.

[iheartbda]

NCL is far less formal than either HAL or Celebrity. There are no mandatory formal nights, for example.

Even though formal nights are listed, I have never seen anyone turned away from the MDR who was not in full formal mode. Mandatory is a bit strong.

 

In my opinion, having cruised on all three, that NCL will be more appealing to the younger members of your group (the children).

Yes, your opinion, but will be? How about may be? One never knows about someone else's kids.;)

 

You may want to start by pricing the three options, just to see how they fit in your budget.

At first blush, Hal seems much more expensive but if you look at the actual time on the island as opposed to the other two, you're getting much more. Just pointing out to the OP which line will give them the most time in Bermuda.:)

[njhorseman]

Even though formal nights are listed, I have never seen anyone turned away from the MDR who was not in full formal mode. Mandatory is a bit strong.

 

Can't say for sure on HAL because it's been years since I sailed on that line, but last I recall, X's nightly dress code applies everywhere on the ship, not just in the dining room, so you can't just dress up for dinner and then change into casual wear for the casino. I wasn't suggesting that you had to dress in "full formal mode" either, because they clearly permit suits for men...but the fact is they do have formal nights during which virtually 100% of passengers will be dressed up. They used to dispatch you to the buffet if you weren't...and X's dinner buffet doesn't have the choices that most other cruise lines do.

 

 

Yes, your opinion, but will be? How about may be? One never knows about someone else's kids.;)

I believe using the words "in my opinion" covers that.

 

 

At first blush, Hal seems much more expensive but if you look at the actual time on the island as opposed to the other two, you're getting much more. Just pointing out to the OP which line will give them the most time in Bermuda.

 

I make no assumptions about anyone else's budget or preferences. I'm just trying to lay out all the options based on my experience, having cruised often on NCL and X, and once on HAL.

 

:)

 

See the red comments.

[karen116]

Thank you again everyone - I did know that NCL also sailed to Bermuda (my now 17 year old sailed on her last summer with a friend and the friend's mom). I've also read that Princess will be doing cruises in August and September to Bermuda.

[iheartbda]

See the red comments.

I did and this comment is completely NOT true.

"Can't say for sure on HAL because it's been years since I sailed on that line, but last I recall, X's nightly dress code applies everywhere on the ship, not just in the dining room, so you can't just dress up for dinner and then change into casual wear for the casino. I wasn't suggesting that you had to dress in "full formal mode" either, because they clearly permit suits for men...but the fact is they do have formal nights during which virtually 100% of passengers will be dressed up. They used to dispatch you to the buffet if you weren't...and X's dinner buffet doesn't have the choices that most other cruise lines do."

First of all, I will say that it's been 3 years since we've been on X so unless they're changed since then, which I HIGHLY doubt, if anything dress codes are being relaxed not tightened.

I wasn't necessarily suggesting that people dress in full formal either because suits are acceptable under their guidelines. But to say 100% of the passengers will be dressed up is so far out in left field. DH and I always did the whole formal thing but we were not in the majority. There were far more people who were dressed nicely, meaning sans sloppy jeans, tee shirts, etc. but by no means close to formal or business attire for that matter.

Yes, they ask that people remain formally dressed everywhere. But did they? No. Many did not dress up at all, for instance the couple who were seated next to us at a show in shorts and tee shirts, and they were not the only ones. Once again, we were th minority. Same thing in the casinos and all over the ship for that matter. We met many people who did change after dinner.

Banish people to the buffet? WHEN was that? One delightful young lady I met was dressed in jeans, sneakers and a dirty white sweater, into the dining room the same time we did. The only thing I ever witnessed was a fellow being asked to remove his baseball cap.

There was also a dining option for those who did not want to dress up but still have the same food. They could eat in the Wind Surf Cafe in casual clothes but be served your choice from the same menu offered in the MDR. It was not a buffet. All one had to do was let them know you would be eating there and pay a nominal $2 tip since those servers were not tipped otherwise. Most were "in training" before assignment to the MDR.

Sorry Paul, but you're just not correct this time.

[njhorseman]

I did and this comment is completely NOT true.

"Can't say for sure on HAL because it's been years since I sailed on that line, but last I recall, X's nightly dress code applies everywhere on the ship, not just in the dining room, so you can't just dress up for dinner and then change into casual wear for the casino. I wasn't suggesting that you had to dress in "full formal mode" either, because they clearly permit suits for men...but the fact is they do have formal nights during which virtually 100% of passengers will be dressed up. They used to dispatch you to the buffet if you weren't...and X's dinner buffet doesn't have the choices that most other cruise lines do."

 

First of all, I will say that it's been 3 years since we've been on X so unless they're changed since then, which I HIGHLY doubt, if anything dress codes are being relaxed not tightened.

 

I wasn't necessarily suggesting that people dress in full formal either because suits are acceptable under their guidelines. But to say 100% of the passengers will be dressed up is so far out in left field. DH and I always did the whole formal thing but we were not in the majority. There were far more people who were dressed nicely, meaning sans sloppy jeans, tee shirts, etc. but by no means close to formal or business attire for that matter.

 

Yes, they ask that people remain formally dressed everywhere. But did they? No. Many did not dress up at all, for instance the couple who were seated next to us at a show in shorts and tee shirts, and they were not the only ones. Once again, we were th minority. Same thing in the casinos and all over the ship for that matter. We met many people who did change after dinner.

 

Banish people to the buffet? WHEN was that? One delightful young lady I met was dressed in jeans, sneakers and a dirty white sweater, into the dining room the same time we did. The only thing I ever witnessed was a fellow being asked to remove his baseball cap.

 

There was also a dining option for those who did not want to dress up but still have the same food. They could eat in the Wind Surf Cafe in casual clothes but be served your choice from the same menu offered in the MDR. It was not a buffet. All one had to do was let them know you would be eating there and pay a nominal $2 tip since those servers were not tipped otherwise. Most were "in training" before assignment to the MDR.

 

Sorry Paul, but you're just not correct this time.

 

Colette:

 

Perhaps I'm thinking about how things were even more than 3 years ago, but I absolutely do remember Celebrity maitre d's not permitting inappropriately attired passengers into the dining room on formal nights.

 

As I recall the informal cafe required reservations, and if you had not made them, and you unexpectedly got tossed from the dining room on formal night, there was a good chance you might not be accomodated because those who had planned to eat there, i.e. those who knew the rules and did not want to get dressed up for the dining room had the informal cafe booked up. In that case you were relegated to the buffet...which in Celebrity's case meant pizza, pasta and salads rather than the regular menu.

 

I pulled this from Celebrity's FAQs: Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip flops are not allowed in the evening hours. Additionally, guests are asked to follow the "Smart Casual and Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

 

While my recollection of having to maintain formal dress for the remainder of the night is apparently wrong, there is this rule that prohibits dress less than "Smart Casual and Above" at any time in the Theater. So, while I can't speak to how strictly rules are actually enforced, I can say they do exist.

[iheartbda]

Colette:

 

Perhaps I'm thinking about how things were even more than 3 years ago, but I absolutely do remember Celebrity maitre d's not permitting inappropriately attired passengers into the dining room on formal nights.

 

As I recall the informal cafe required reservations, and if you had not made them, and you unexpectedly got tossed from the dining room on formal night, there was a good chance you might not be accomodated because those who had planned to eat there, i.e. those who knew the rules and did not want to get dressed up for the dining room had the informal cafe booked up. In that case you were relegated to the buffet...which in Celebrity's case meant pizza, pasta and salads rather than the regular menu.

 

I pulled this from Celebrity's FAQs: Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip flops are not allowed in the evening hours. Additionally, guests are asked to follow the "Smart Casual and Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

 

While my recollection of having to maintain formal dress for the remainder of the night is apparently wrong, there is this rule that prohibits dress less than "Smart Casual and Above" at any time in the Theater. So, while I can't speak to how strictly rules are actually enforced, I can say they do exist.

From the time we started cruising with x which was 1991, everything was as I said it was that far back. Yes, what you highlighted above was indeed in the nice sprial information booklet we got and the dress for the night was also listed in the dailey. Many people either did not read or were of the ilk that "it's my vacation and I'll dress the way I want.

 

Shorts were permitted in the MDR for breakfast and lunch but not for dinner, unless of course they were proper Bermuda shorts with proper knee socks which a friend of ours wore to dinner.Jeans supposedly were not permitted at dinner and I did see some turned away but also saw some who were not. I believe that Celebrity now allows jeans in the MDR.

 

Once again, there were plenty of people in the theater who followed no rules so they were not enforcing them even though they do exist. It's a whole change in society as to how people dress and the crew is not going to get into a p!ssing match with someone to cause a scence so they give in on somethings.

 

If anyone was unexpectedly tossed for inappropriate dress....but how could it be unexpected, it was in the info book and the dress for the day was always posted. For our first cruise and knowing nothing and not even knowing about CC, both of us read through that book at least five times each so we knew what was exoected. I don't have any sympathy for people who don't bother to read so maybe the buffet was their just reward for not reading.:p.

 

There were less tuxedos on RCCL but the majority were dressed nicely, not suits, more sports coats and closer to smart casual. NCL had the least amount of tuxedos, with a few suits and maybe some sports coats here and there. It seems to be the men who don't want to dress up. Saw many couples where the ladies had on nice cocktail dresses but the man was in slacks and a collared shirt on NCL.

 

All this being said about dress codes, we can and have adjusted to whatever it is on whatever line and what other people wore did not affect our dining experience.:)

[karen116]

PEACE ~ why do we need to argue on the boards. Everyone is intitled to their own opinion. Honestly i was almost afraid to log into this thread today. I appreciate the information everyone has given, thanks for your responses, you two need to move on.

[iheartbda]

PEACE ~ why do we need to argue on the boards. Everyone is intitled to their own opinion. Honestly i was almost afraid to log into this thread today. I appreciate the information everyone has given, thanks for your responses, you two need to move on.

Karen,

Not really arguing, just trying to set the record straight so you are not turned off by a line thinking it is totally formal.:)

 

Actually, njhorseman and I are friends of sorts and there's no war.;)

 

Whichever line you decide on will have the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.....Bermuda.:)

[njhorseman]

Karen,

Not really arguing, just trying to set the record straight so you are not turned off by a line thinking it is totally formal.:)

 

Actually, njhorseman and I are friends of sorts and there's no war.;)

 

Whichever line you decide on will have the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.....Bermuda.:)

 

 

Only "friends of sorts"? ;)

 

Karen..."iheartbda" is correct. We're not arguing, I can assure you. We've each been on a lot a Bermuda cruises, on a number of different cruise lines.

[karen116]

Whew - thanks for the update, glad you two are friends of sorts :)

 

I've been on the boards and on the cruise line sites trying to put some information together from my family. Pretty much we've all decided that the only place we want to go to is Bermuda, now we need to figure out the dates and the cruise line. I'm on a hold with that as my daughter has applied to colleges and we are just waiting to see where she's been accepted to. That also holds us up with picking a cruise date as i'm not sure when she'll need to be at school. We usually cruise mid to late August, which may not be a choice this coming August depending on where she'll be attending school. However, we've talked about the beginning of July which may work for most of us.

 

thanks again for all your help.

[iheartbda]

Only "friends of sorts"? ;)

 

 

LOL. Well it's not like you live down the street and we get together for cocktails.:D

 

Whew - thanks for the update, glad you two are friends of sorts :)

 

.

Can you imagine if we were enemies?:eek:

When you finally do decide on a date, be sure to check in here for info on Bermuda itself. There are lots of knowledgeable people around, as well as Bermuda residents, who can help with most any question.

[mailbroad]

LOL. Well it's not like you live down the street and we get together for cocktails.:D

 

a little OT: nj horseman sounds like a good name for a cocktail!

[karen116]

I'll be sure to check in here when we have finally decided on a ship and a date. We've all been to Bermuda and we all love it (i've been on three cruises and have stayed on the Island several times). It's my favorite Island, aside from Long Island (where we live).

[jestley]

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in a 6night cruise to Bermuda from New York on Carnival Miracle sailing on 14th April 2011, we are a family of three, my daughter will be 11 at the time. RCCL are sailing around the same time, can any one give me any advice, NCL at that time is calling at the Bahamas. I'm quite keen to go to Bermuda, is April to early?

Thanks in advance

Jo:)

[iheartbda]

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in a 6night cruise to Bermuda from New York on Carnival Miracle sailing on 14th April 2011, we are a family of three, my daughter will be 11 at the time. RCCL are sailing around the same time, can any one give me any advice, NCL at that time is calling at the Bahamas. I'm quite keen to go to Bermuda, is April to early?

Thanks in advance

Jo:)

There's lots to see and do but if you're hoping to go to the beaches to swim, the average air temp is 72F and water temp is 69F in April. If you're locked into that date I guess you'll have to decide if the weather would be warm enough for you. :)

[jestley]

There's lots to see and do but if you're hoping to go to the beaches to swim, the average air temp is 72F and water temp is 69F in April. If you're locked into that date I guess you'll have to decide if the weather would be warm enough for you. :)

 

Being from the UK, the air temp will be fine( we are lucky to get that in the height of summer) and I'm more of a paddler on the beach than a swimmer. Temperature wise when is best to go?

Thanks

Jo:)

[jdarch]

Hi.... Just my 2 cents. My dh and I have been to Bermuda 4 times and our fifth is in June..:D I love Bermuda no matter how I get there. So, Explorer of the Seas..no..too short of a stay..although we wouldn't mind trying a bigger ship. We have been on Celebrity, Azamara and Ncl. All of course, to Bermuda. Celebrity Zenith is probably my favorite, because it was my first cruise and I waited a LONG time to go to Bermuda. It docked in Hamilton and St. George's. I loved it. The second one we were booked on Celebrity and were bumped to the Azamara Journey. What can I say....we were bumped up to a balcony at half the price...:)So now, we love our balconies. So, the next summer our choices were very limited. We were leary of the NCL Dawn. It was bigger and docked at the Dockyard. Well, we went and yes, they are all different. But, that's a good thing. We had a great time. Next year we are going on the NCL Dawn to Bermuda again . We just love docking there now, because, there is so much to do there. We love taking the ferry to Hamilton and St. George's. It's relaxing and fun and the scenery is beautiful. Have fun deciding what to do. I like doing that part, too. Ha Ha :)

[ziggypup]

We are going to give HAL a try since we are tired of Royal Caribbean. So we are booked for 7 nights on board the Veendam in June. I've never been to Bermuda, and the HAL itinerary looks the best compared the other cruise lines. Finally a cruise that we don't need to fly to. Yippee