25th wedding Anniversary cruise to Bermuda

[twin43]

We will be traveling June 2012 with our 4 children to celebrate our 25th (a 22yo, 19 yo twins , and a 12 yo. We've taken one cruise prior on a large Carnival ship.Husband really wants to go to Bermuda. I'm leaning toward RCI 6 night from Baltimore because of the surf simulator, rock wall etc. We live in CT. It means a drive and one less night at sea. Any suggestions?

[Turtles06]

First, many congratulations on your anniversary! It's great that your kids will all be able to go along on this trip to celebrate.

 

As to thoughts about your plan -- what is important to your family? Time on the ship/at sea? Time in Bermuda itself? The RCL itinerary doesn't give you all that much time in Bermuda-- a late afternoon/evening on Bermuda Day 1, one full day in Bermuda, and then, with a noon departure on Day 3, not much time that final morning.

 

You'd be docked at the Dockyard, pretty much dependent on ferries and buses to get around, so the more time you have, the more you'll be able to do and see.

 

Particularly since you live in CT, is there a reason you have ruled out a 7-night cruise to Bermuda on NCL out of NY or Boston, which would give you nearly three full days in Bermuda, as well as an additional day at sea?

 

I guess what I'm saying is that all this really depends on which factors are the most important to you in picking a cruise. For me, a rock wall on a ship couldn't begin to take the place of a day in Bermuda... But that's just me. :)

 

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[twin43]

Thanks Turtle 06. I didn't even notice the times. I was thinking we had 3 full days. Absolutely more time on Bermuda is better. Would prefer NY or Boston departure anyway. We love shows and some gambling. Will be a new experience for my twins as Foxwoods is 21. We love sunbathing and Dancing. Son needs a sports minded program to keep him active while we gamble or grab a show. We need healthy foods ie salads, fruit etc so that is not our main concern. We 'd love tennis and/or basketball courts and possibly golf instructions etc. My girls love to shop and dance. I think we are be where the action is as far as docking. So...between the NCL Dawn, Veedham, and Celebrity Summit now. Based on above which is best?

[Host Caroline]

Casinos onboard ship are closed while ships are docked in Bermuda and no casinos on the island. NCL ship from Boston (Dawn?) would be my first choice with your age group. We went on Summit last JUne and the ship was a little "dead" for our taste.. we are in early 60s and there just didn't seem to be much going on at sea or in port on the ship. Both will berth at Dockyard. Veendam does dock in Hamilton which is more central location and there are clubs, restaurants nearby ie. more to do. I don't dislike HAL but there shipos are just to "quiet" for us.

[Turtles06]

So...between the NCL Dawn, Veedham, and Celebrity Summit now. Based on above which is best?

 

I haven't sailed on those ships, but if you are seriously considering HAL, you should do a good bit of research on that. From what I can gather, I think HAL caters to a far older demographic. I suspect your kids, if not you and your DH, might not find it fun. Again, I don't say this from personal experience, just from spending too much time on CC!

[twin43]

I am leaning toward the Dawn out of Boston. Very concerned that we would be bored on the Veendam or Summit during sea nights. Gambling is not an issue as we live less than 30 minutes from Foxwoods and only go 1-2x/year. We only want to do a little gambling. Should where we dock be an important issue? That's the only plus I see with the Veendam. Otherwise Norwegian Dawn it is!

[ragtiki2004]

Try to pick a ship that stays in Bermuda for a period of time greater than one day. So much to see there, you are going all of that distance to get there so you should enjoy and see what it has to offer. Been there twice and can't wait to go back again. Bob:)