"Kids" first cruise advice please

[beckzay]

We were all set to book the Getaway for the 5 of us and then decided to check a departure port closer to home just to compare prices. It turns out that we could book the Breakaway for less money (because of no airfare) to Bermuda.

 

So, what would you choose for a first cruise? The "kids" will be 21,21 and 14. They have never cruised before. They are easy to please though :) Do you think a 7 day caribbean (St. Thomas, Tortolla, Nassau) on the getaway or a 7 day Bermuda on the Breakaway would be better?

 

I'm worried about being somewhere for 3 days straight. I kind of like the idea of "port hopping" on a caribbean/bahamas cruise but honestly that's the only thing I know.

[52marv]

I've done both of these cruises with teens. They loved both.

 

When are you going?

 

If in the summer, pick the Breakaway and save your money. The three days in Bermuda fly by and there is so much to do there, that you won't be able to do it all. The ability to get on and off the ship is very nice. You aren't rushed and you come home very relaxed. Your kids can sleep in and your older family members can come and go as they please.

 

If you are going in the early spring or winter, pick the Getaway, so that your entire cruise is in warm weather. It's fun seeing different islands, but one thing you haven't mentioned is how you feel about getting up at 8:00 am on your vacation. My family is off the ship on port days as soon as the gang ways open. Sometimes, that means I have grumbly teens who want to sleep in, but fall asleep on the beach instead. There is the reverse rush to make sure you don't miss the boat at the end of the day. We almost missed the boat in Jamaica, due to a negligent tour operator and it is highly stressful being a pier runner with everyone on their balcony shouting at you :)

 

Either way, you'll have a great time and you are going to want to take both cruises.

 

Have fun!

[beckzay]

I've done both of these cruises with teens. They loved both.

 

When are you going?

 

If in the summer, pick the Breakaway and save your money. The three days in Bermuda fly by and there is so much to do there, that you won't be able to do it all. The ability to get on and off the ship is very nice. You aren't rushed and you come home very relaxed. Your kids can sleep in and your older family members can come and go as they please.

 

If you are going in the early spring or winter, pick the Getaway, so that your entire cruise is in warm weather. It's fun seeing different islands, but one thing you haven't mentioned is how you feel about getting up at 8:00 am on your vacation. My family is off the ship on port days as soon as the gang ways open. Sometimes, that means I have grumbly teens who want to sleep in, but fall asleep on the beach instead. There is the reverse rush to make sure you don't miss the boat at the end of the day. We almost missed the boat in Jamaica, due to a negligent tour operator and it is highly stressful being a pier runner with everyone on their balcony shouting at you :)

 

Either way, you'll have a great time and you are going to want to take both cruises.

 

Have fun!

 

 

Thank you. We're thinking the last week of May for both

 

We're definitely beach people and don't really want to spend a TON of money on excursions on either choice. The kids would be happy to do some sightseeing and beach since they have never been to the tropics.

Edited February 7, 2015 by beckzay

[darwinsrule]

Honestly Bermuda is one of those places that once you go you will want to get back to. Our girls were 8 and 4 when we went in 2012 and they still ask when we are going back. We were looking at it for 2016, but the combination of a great deal on Alaska and the anticipated construction in the dockyards due to the America's Cup being there in 2017 made us think twice. They haven't announced a construction schedule but based upon the concept/promotional videos show a lot of new build in the area. It is going to look incredible afterwards but I would rather avoid it during. We are thinking summer 2017 after the America's Cup.

[aquarianne11]

We were all set to book the Getaway for the 5 of us and then decided to check a departure port closer to home just to compare prices. It turns out that we could book the Breakaway for less money (because of no airfare) to Bermuda.

 

So, what would you choose for a first cruise? The "kids" will be 21,21 and 14. They have never cruised before. They are easy to please though :) Do you think a 7 day caribbean (St. Thomas, Tortolla, Nassau) on the getaway or a 7 day Bermuda on the Breakaway would be better?

 

I'm worried about being somewhere for 3 days straight. I kind of like the idea of "port hopping" on a caribbean/bahamas cruise but honestly that's the only thing I know.

 

Since the Breakaway and Getaway are almost identical, I would go with the Breakaway.

 

We went on the Breakaway to Bermuda last summer and had a great time. We saved money since we live close to NYC so we didn't have to pay for airfare.

 

Bermuda is great and there are so many things do to. We didn't even get to do everything we wanted. We need to plan another trip.

 

We were able to take public buses and ferries and we didn't have to book any excursion from NCL.

 

It was very relaxing to be on the beach and not to worry about the time since the ship is going to be there for the next 2 days.

 

The Eastern Caribbean itinerary is also great and we are doing one this year.

Either way, I'm sure your family will have a great time! :)

[chrisc71]

I am cruising to Bermuda this summer for my 5th time. Should be sixth but Hurricane Cristobal sent us to FL last year.

 

Bermuda is a great place with lots to do. People are friendly. Island is clean and you do not get hassled like some islands. Transportation is easy. Check the Bermuda port board for lots of great tips.

 

Being in port overnight is great since you can explore the island and not have to worry about missing the ship.

Edited February 7, 2015 by chrisc71

[newmexicoNita]

We were all set to book the Getaway for the 5 of us and then decided to check a departure port closer to home just to compare prices. It turns out that we could book the Breakaway for less money (because of no airfare) to Bermuda.

 

So, what would you choose for a first cruise? The "kids" will be 21,21 and 14. They have never cruised before. They are easy to please though :) Do you think a 7 day caribbean (St. Thomas, Tortolla, Nassau) on the getaway or a 7 day Bermuda on the Breakaway would be better?

 

I'm worried about being somewhere for 3 days straight. I kind of like the idea of "port hopping" on a caribbean/bahamas cruise but honestly that's the only thing I know.

 

My guess, as soon as the kids get on the ship they will disappear and you will hardly see them. To be honest, I would choose the Getaway, but either way the kids will have a blast. Our greanddauthters frist cruise was when they were about 10 and 14. They still love everything there is about cruising.

[LrgPizza]

I'd do Getaway, simply because I want to see as much of the world as possible, and it offers 3 places instead of just 1. BUT the ships are a toss up and are basically identical. Since BA is cheaper, you don't have to worry about screwing around with flight schedules and shuttles and such, and since Bermuda is awesome, you should do that. Hope that confused opinion helps. haha

[Valen9]

Bermuda is a great place with lots to do. I also though it would be strange to be in one place so long, but it was really nice to be able to go explore the other end of the island and not worry about missing the ship.

 

Both trips will be fun so I don't think you can go wrong.

[FireEater]

I vote for the multiple port trip. Would be a good way for the young adults to see different cultures....

[bearette]

If you have not done it before I would sail closer to home. The flight etc is no fun. This way you can hook another sooner.

.

 

 

 

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[justcake]

Bermuda is by far my favourite place to go on a cruise BUT if you are beach people May weather in Bermuda can't be guaranteed. Well then again no weather can be guaranteed but it will be cooler in Bermuda than in the Caribbean in May.

[Turtles06]

I vote for the multiple port trip. Would be a good way for the young adults to see different cultures....

 

Well, it's not exactly like they'd be exploring Europe for days. St. Thomas is part of the United States, and the other two port calls are just one-day stops (and not even entire days). If getting a feel for another culture is important, having several days in Bermuda would do that as well if not better.

[meatball_nyc]

Breakaway to Bermuda.

Went last summer with my 19 year old son and it was our best cruise so far.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Warwick Bay Beach and the surrounding coves and beaches were just amazing. Go go go.

Average water temp for May is about 72* which isn't bad.

Have fun whichever you choose.

http://www.bermuda-online.org/climateweather.htm

[beckzay]

Wow, thank you everyone for your advice so far. Definitely a lot to think about. Looking at airfare prices right now and I think that's going to be the deciding factor. It's going to end up being a lot less expensive to do Breakaway since airfare is looking like it's going to run us over $1500.

Bermuda is sounding better and better :)

And, like I mentioned before, the kids will be happy with anything since we don't travel much. They'll be in awe with either ship!

[lolavix]

Are you in NH? Did you look at the Dawn to Bermuda? Granted, the Breakaway is a newer/bigger ship with a lot more bells and whistles than the Dawn. I looked at both when we were booking our first cruise ever last year and I figured we wouldn't know what we were missing if we saved the money and travel time and just sailed on the Dawn for our first cruise.

 

I will echo the others that you can't go wrong with Bermuda, though. You will love it! :D

[beckzay]

Are you in NH? Did you look at the Dawn to Bermuda? Granted, the Breakaway is a newer/bigger ship with a lot more bells and whistles than the Dawn. I looked at both when we were booking our first cruise ever last year and I figured we wouldn't know what we were missing if we saved the money and travel time and just sailed on the Dawn for our first cruise.

 

I will echo the others that you can't go wrong with Bermuda, though. You will love it! :D

 

I did, but she doesn't start sailing to Bermuda until the first week in June. The latest we can cruise is the 3rd week of May.

[beckzay]

I did, but she doesn't start sailing to Bermuda until the first week in June. The latest we can cruise is the 3rd week of May.

 

I take that back, the Dawn DOES go to Bermuda in May...I don't know what I was thinking. I'll have to price out two rooms.

[cb at sea]

Bermuda is nowhere near the Caribbean....it is in the Atlantic....if beaches are important, you cannot beat the island off the coast of St. Thomas....St.Johns.....so gorgeous!!!!

Edited February 8, 2015 by cb at sea

[beckzay]

Bermuda is nowhere near the Caribbean....it is in the Atlantic....

 

Yes, I'm aware. I don't think anyone said it was near the Caribbean.

[apmecruise]

My friend and I took our teenage daughters out of New York to Bermuda in September! It was glorious totally loved being in one spot for 3 days. We wandered off and on the ship so we ate meals on the he ship and rested then Toured then came back and went back out, we also did multiple port days on an earlier cruise. Which is as fabulous but exhausting. We loved Bermuda and I loved that we had enough time to all do what each person wanted while in port! The only negative if it matters to you, is they close the casino when you are docked in Bermuda so you get less time there.

[SuiteCruisin14]

I see that you are from NH. The money you save by doing Bermuda from Boston will go a long way. We did Bermuda from NYC to save air and it was awesome. Having the ship as your "hotel" for 3 days is a big plus.

 

There is so much to do in Bermuda they won't miss Island hopping, especially if they are on their first cruise. Lots of snorkeling, swimming and shopping and back to the ship for food and entertainment.

 

Since you will probably drive to Boston from NH, look at buying some snorkel gear before you go. No baggage to pay and no line to stand in to get the gear.

 

Have an awesome cruise.

 

Lynda

[beckzay]

I see that you are from NH. The money you save by doing Bermuda from Boston will go a long way. We did Bermuda from NYC to save air and it was awesome. Having the ship as your "hotel" for 3 days is a big plus.

 

There is so much to do in Bermuda they won't miss Island hopping, especially if they are on their first cruise. Lots of snorkeling, swimming and shopping and back to the ship for food and entertainment.

 

Since you will probably drive to Boston from NH, look at buying some snorkel gear before you go. No baggage to pay and no line to stand in to get the gear.

 

Have an awesome cruise.

 

Lynda

 

Yes, the idea of not having to fly in a day ahead of time, get a hotel, get a shuttle to the port, etc. is VERY appealing. Unfortunately, it looks like the price of Dawn for us would be about $900 more expensive than the Breakaway since we would get 2 rooms on the Dawn (1 family ocean view on the Breakaway...with all 3 kids sailing free).

[chrisc71]

My friend and I took our teenage daughters out of New York to Bermuda in September! It was glorious totally loved being in one spot for 3 days. We wandered off and on the ship so we ate meals on the he ship and rested then Toured then came back and went back out, we also did multiple port days on an earlier cruise. Which is as fabulous but exhausting. We loved Bermuda and I loved that we had enough time to all do what each person wanted while in port! The only negative if it matters to you, is they close the casino when you are docked in Bermuda so you get less time there.

 

Casinos are now allowed to open from 9pm to 5am on the ship while in Bermuda.

[52marv]

Beckzay,

 

I think you'll like the Breakaway better than the Dawn, so the price savings and a newer ship is a win!

 

We sailed in a 2 bedroom/2bath family suite in the Haven on the Getaway and it was perfect for us.