Should I Try a Cruise to Bermuda?

[finsupcruiser]

Looking at future cruises after getting off the Elation on Saturday.

 

Who on here has done the 7 day Bermuda cruise? Thoughts, observations, opinions? I kind of like the idea of having three days docked and the ship being my floating hotel...I'm curious what sea days are like weatherwise in terms of temperatures, esp if sailing out of the Northeast in the Spring or Fall...

 

Does the MDR operate as normal while in port for three days? Is there anything majorly different from a regular cruise?

 

I don't particularly like the "fare"...but if I book far enough out I can manage it I think....plus I've never been to Bermuda...looking for opinions.

 

 

We sailed on NCL out of NY to Bermuda in June 2010.Bermuda is wonderful.

 

Yes MDR is open while docked in Bermuda.

 

We had no problem with weather except 3 days we spent in NY. Soooooo hot!!!!!

 

Purchased bus/ferry pass at dock in Bermuda .Had no problems with either.

Food is very expensive in Bermuda.

 

Will return to Bermuda !!!!!

[Kidsgoneletscruise]

Bermuda is one of the most beautiful places we have had the pleasure to travel to! We went on NCL and had a fantastic time; one of my all time favorite cruises. As a matter of fact I wish more ships would "park" over night or for a few days, rather than island hop. Island hopping is fun but when you can get on and off the ship 24hrs a day at YOUR leisure it makes a world of difference. ;)

[ddloml]

Bermuda is a wonderful destination! When booking, make sure you get at least 3 days in the port. You want to stay away from the Carnival cruises that leave from Baltimore or Norfolk that only spend 1.5 days there. Even 3 days isn't enough time to fully explore that island; I can't imagine spending less time than that there.

 

Our cruise last year on Labor Day weekend (early September 2010) was on NCL Dawn from NYC. We just missed Hurricane Earl, and the weather was perfect the entire time. The Dawn was a wonderful ship and sailing from Manhattan was a highlight. The balcony cabin on Dawn was a little smaller than Carnival. The MDR ('free') food & service on Carnival is better than Dawn. The specialty restaurants on Dawn were great, and more variety than just the steakhouse on Carnival. Otherwise the lines are more alike than different.

 

I think that one of the reasons why Bermuda cruises are more expensive is that the casino and gift shops on board are closed while docked. That should be the case no matter what cruise line you choose. All of the dining rooms are open and full evening entertainment is provided on the ship while docked.

[davy jones]

Bermuda is a great place. It is more than just a beach and shopping stop. You need 3 to 4 days to do it justice. The climate is a bit more temperate than the Caribbean. Water temperatures may be a bit cool during April cruises, but air temperatures will very comfortable.

 

It's location is over 24 hours from any other ports, so it is not a good location for island hopping cruises. I have taken cruises from NYC that stop there for a day, but they are not that frequent. Most Bermuda cruises stay for several days.

 

As others have said, your ship is your hotel. You can come and go as you please. Things are pretty much the same onboard as a port day. At night, the casino will be closed and production shows will be limited.

 

Several cruise lines go there on regular spring to fall itineraries. Carnival is a bit more sporadic. Won't get into the relative merits of each line except to say that you will have a good cruise on any of them and that you may find different opinions on each board.

 

I have cruised there many times and I don't find the weather risk to be significantly higher than the Caribbean. Hurricane season always has risks. This season seems to have affected Bermuda more than the Caribbean and Florida, but that could change next year.

[RICKnVICK]

We are cruising to Bermuda for the first time next year last week in May. Got a very reasonable rate for an inside cabin and am thinking we are in good shape as far as hurricane's go since Hurricane Season officially opens Memorial Day weekend. We are cruising RCCL Enchantment of the Seas out of Baltimore. Can't wait!

 

Vicki

[westview1]

We just came back from the 9/27 - 10/5 sailing on the Miracle. We had some rain on the middle day, about 45 minutes. There was talk that the ship was going to leave on the 2nd day due to Hurricane Ophelia, but she moved to the east and we stayed. You just never know when you sail during hurricane season. As long as you realize that this could happen it should be fine.

 

I really like Bermuda and having the 3 days was great. The ship was the best of both worlds, it was a cruise and "land" vacation all in one. We went back to the ship for dinner in the MDR and went back out. The MDR was open for breakfast and dinner, if you wanted lunch on the ship, the buffet was open.

[finsupcruiser]

OK. Then from what I'm gathering from the last hour's worth of research and comments:

 

If you go on an older NCL ship it may well be junk/nasty.

If you go on a newer NCL ship it will likely have smaller cabins than Carnival.

 

So, I'm thinking NCL is probably out of the question and I'm back to between Carnival and RCL...with an outside shot at Princess (I know I'll pay more) IF they offer the right itenerary.

 

I have been on NCL Dawn and Spirit neither of which are junky or nasty!!!

 

We always book a balcony so I have no experience with Inside or OV.

 

I have been on NCL Gem and Jewel --again in balcony and are comparable in size to CCL standard balcony.

[LemurCat]

I have been on NCL Gem and Jewel --again in balcony and are comparable in size to CCL standard balcony.

 

The Gem is beautiful. We took her out of NYC down to the Bahamas a couple of years ago, in her inaugeral season and had a fantastic time.

[micdee]

We recently sailed the Pride to Bermuda on 9/18. I admit we were anxious about the weather prior to the cruise, but everything turned out fine. The first sea day was rocky, but it was smooth sailing the rest of the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed Bermuda, and utilized their transportation system of ferries and busses with no problems. Our two and a half days there was not enough time, and we look foward to visiting this island again. I wrote a review with pictures of what we did there. Please excuse the first page as I don't know what happened and it's kind of chopped up. Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1493661

[finsupcruiser]

The Gem is beautiful. We took her out of NYC down to the Bahamas a couple of years ago, in her inaugeral season and had a fantastic time.

 

We sailed the Med on the Gem in 2009 wonderful ship.

 

Should have done Med when we were younger(60's now)---Lot of walking but a wonderful time had by all:)

[cruisenanny]

OP, after 9 cruises to Bermuda I highly recommend Bermuda for all of the positive reasons stated above... BUT you will have to choose a line other than Carnival, their last Bermuda sailing is April 2012. We have also sailed RCCL Explorer & Celebrity Summit to Bermuda. We have sailed the Dawn twice, but not to Bermuda. NCL will be your most economical option, I have seen their Dawn & Gem prices even cheaper than Carnival sometimes.

[weltz5]

I would go back to Bermuda by ship any day and any time of year! It's beautiful, safe and the people are so nice. The great part about Bermuda is the ability to really enjoy and explore the island at a leisurely pace. The ship is definitely more of a floating hotel when it is docked (not much action besides meals due to local rules) so you need to be prepared to entertain yourself in other ways. We have always enjoyed going back into town (St George or Hamilton) and visiting a local pub. During the day there is a huge array of things you can do on your own. We have rented mopeds, obtained a bus pass (which takes you everywhere on the island), snorkeled, visited caves, shopped, rented a boat and on and on. Can you tell we love it? If you enjoy a safe friendly atmosphere at a leisurely pace, you will love Bermuda! Have fun.:)

[genegri]

I sailed to Bermuda from NY in Oct and had perfect weather. Warm and comfortable. Not hot and humid. Water temperature was close on to 80F.

 

The island is clean and nicely kept. People are polite and friendly. Tours, public transportation and facilities are generally well organized.

 

Horseshoe beach is one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. Crystal clear blue water and soft pink sand. I am normally not a beach person and I loved it.

[fireyankee24]

I had just inquired with Carnival about what is going on with future cruise to Bermuda after that last one i found on the Pride in April of 2012...the response was that they dont think they are going to be scheduling any in the near future and never explained why!!!