Veendam bermuda gambling

[c5chaps]

Thinking of booking the veendam to bermuda whats the story with gambling ,:confused: is it allowed while in port?? is there some issue going on with the goverment of bermuda and HAL on this issue???

[sail7seas]

It has been posted here that HAL is trying to get Bermuda Government to agree to permitting the casino to open evenings while the ship is in Bermuda ports. Last I read, the government has failed to make that agreement. There seems to be some question whether HAL will commit to scheduling cruises to Bermuda in 2011 unless that agreement is made.

 

[ziggypup]

That really stinks. So on my 7 night cruise to Bermuda next June on the Veendam, the casino is only going to be open during the 2 sea days? Is this for all ships docked in Bermuda, or just Holland America ships?

[goldengreeke]

So why would you want to be sitting in the ship's casino gambling instead of enjoying Bermuda??:rolleyes: If all you want to do is be in the casino, then book a cruse that has more days at sea.

[sail7seas]

That really stinks. So on my 7 night cruise to Bermuda next June on the Veendam, the casino is only going to be open during the 2 sea days? Is this for all ships docked in Bermuda, or just Holland America ships?

 

All ships..... It isn't just HAL.

[ziggypup]

All ships..... It isn't just HAL.

 

Thanks Sail7Seas

[Copper10-8]

The Bermudian government are a bunch of tough cookies with strict rules for cruise lines! Tough to get in there - only a certain number of lines get access and those that do play by their (the government's rules) - They don't want their little piece of paradise to turn into a St. Thomas - Can't say I blame them

[sail7seas]

In theory, that is great, Copper, and I agree.

In practicallity, the fact is few ships sail today that can visit Bermuda so the decision they have to make is do they want to stop regular cruise ship calls.

 

None of the huge behemoths can come to Bermuda (and Bermuda doesn't want them) so if they want ships to bring visitors/revenue, they may have to be a little more flexible. These are not the best of times for any travel destination and some conciliations might be found to be in order. Few locations that depend upon visitor revenue are being flooded with too many guests these days.

 

In this instance, maybe HAL has the best bargaining position they have ever had. The question will be how much Bermuda wants the travel and tourism dollars....and which, if any ships, are competing for privileges to come to Bermuda. There are fewer that are small enough. How much does HAL want to keep Bermuda in the intineraries for 2011. I may be mistaken but don't think there is a firm committment yet made.

 

[gregdude]

I believe the issue is much bigger than you think. To my knowledge Bermuda does not allow any gambling at all on the island. You will also discover, like most ports, all the shops on the ship will be closed while in Bermuda. Bermuda cruises are not about the ship, but about spending four days in Bermuda. The ship provides food and a place to sleep while in Bermuda and not a whole lot more.

 

This is a great island, don't try spending all your time on the Veendam.

[peaches from georgia]

I can't imagine cruising to Bermuda and worrying about anything the ship has to offer during your time in Bermuda ports. Breakfast, maybe one or 2 dinners, and a bed. Enjoy the island!

[ziggypup]

I can't imagine cruising to Bermuda and worrying about anything the ship has to offer during your time in Bermuda ports. Breakfast, maybe one or 2 dinners, and a bed. Enjoy the island!

 

Well the issue for me is not what Bermuda has to offer. I'll be off the ship all day enjoying the island. I might even enjoy a dinner or two while in port. But at night I do enjoy playing Blackjack and throwing the dice a little. It is just one of the things that I enjoy doing with a few of my family members.

[AlexandNessa]

Well, I certainly hope that Bermuda and HAL can work something out. HAL has the best intinerary, being among the only (if not the only) line that stops both at St. George's and Hamilton. We considered Celebrity briefly, but they only go to King's Wharf, and we'd rather be in the center of things and not have to ferry anywhere.

That said, Veendam May 2010, here we come. :)

[lettienets]

I just went to Bermuda on the new Carnival Dream and a big Royal Caribbean ship was also in port at the King's Wharf, both stayed overnight. I found the island to be very pretty, went to both towns and the caves. To me this island doesn't offer that much to do. So unless you are into snorkelling or the beach, a week there is a long time for puttering around town and eating out. Some people played golf and it was very expensive.

What kind of things do you all want to do who are going to Bermuda for a week? I would like to know how you intend to spend your time? thanks

[RuthC]

What kind of things do you all want to do who are going to Bermuda for a week? I would like to know how you intend to spend your time? thanks

Welcome home, Lettie. Hope you had a great time.

 

Remember that a 1-week cruise to Bermuda gives you only 3 1/2 days on the island; the remaining time is commuting from/to NYC.

It's the one island on which I like to do a little shopping. There's historical things to see in St. George, some sites in Hamilton, the beach. It's easy to fill that time.

I've done two 1-week cruises there and still haven't been to some of the attractions.

[sail7seas]

I believe the issue is much bigger than you think. To my knowledge Bermuda does not allow any gambling at all on the island. You will also discover, like most ports, all the shops on the ship will be closed while in Bermuda. Bermuda cruises are not about the ship, but about spending four days in Bermuda. The ship provides food and a place to sleep while in Bermuda and not a whole lot more.

 

This is a great island, don't try spending all your time on the Veendam.

 

 

Bermuda may be about no gambling and beaches etc but HAL is about making a profit. They cannot continue itineraries where they do not make a profit.

 

Bermuda, for years, was able to set stringent standards about what they wanted, didn't want, how many ships, how many cruise passengers etc but they have lost much of that now.

 

As the ships got bigger, Bermuda lost any chance of those ships wanting to come as they can't fit.

 

As the economy got worse, Bermuda very high prices on island started to reduce their tourism same as so many other 'vacation spots'.

 

If Bermuda wants the business, they just may have to change their thinking.

 

It is absolutely their perogative to permit whatever they wish on their island and to bar what they wish and it is HAL's choice whether to continue making agreements to bring their 'perfectly sized' ship to make port calls there.

 

Not like there are a ton of them around that (a) want that itinerary and (b) are sized correctly.

 

We did resort stay vacation in Bermuda at least 4+ times and hardly ever were lucky with the weather. We stopped going as it was just too risky. When it's nice, it's beautiful but Bermuda in the rain is very boring.

 

We sailed once and I think maybe twice from New York to Bermuda. It was okay but not thrilling enough that we have made a booking to return. We were more lucky with with weather our last time there but we remember being more than ready to leave..... We didn't find all that much we wanted to do.

 

[foodsvcmgr]

I'm surprised that gambling while in port is considered such a potential dealbreaker for HAL to return or not in 2011.

 

The New York - Bermuda run has traditionally been very profitable for

those involved, a combination of minimal sea time for fuel savings and

per diem fares much higher than many other markets, i.e. Caribbean

sailings from Pt. Everglades.:confused:

[lettienets]

.........As the ships got bigger, Bermuda lost any chance of those ships wanting to come as they can't fit.

...

I don't think it is about big ships not fitting. Believe me, the new Carnival Dream is huge and holds 3500 and the RCI one in port was just as big. They fit just fine.

The island does not have the infrastructure for huge crowds. The lineup to get the ferry from King's Wharf was huge and there were only 2 booths of 2 people selling tickets! ferries can't accommodate the crowds fast enough. Although the island has great bus service, there are not enough busses to carry all the people who arrive.

No car rental allowed and scooters are not a great idea.

 

Even the caves that are lovely to see cannot handle crowds. Steep stairs and narrow paths, single file, maybe one bus load at a time and the place is full. We went late in the day on our own and saw what a difficulty it could be.

 

We went to two bars, the White House in St George's and the Swizzle half way along the way. Prices were high as things are on this island. For example, since it is lobster season in Oct, lobster thermidor was $45 and lobster $65. Luckily we got both on the ship. And in the pay restaurant Chef's Art on the Dream the lobster tail was huge. So didn't need to pay those prices.

 

Yes it is a pretty place but unless it was hot and I was beachfront, it is no big deal for me not to return. And now that Veendam has no seaview pool I am even less interested.

[sail7seas]

I don't think it is about big ships not fitting. Believe me, the new Carnival Dream is huge and holds 3500 and the RCI one in port was just as big. They fit just fine.

.

 

 

In Hamilton?

 

King's Wharf and Hamilton docking, IMO, are the huge benefit of the smaller ship.

Not to mention, it being an HAL ship......... :) ;)

[lettienets]

In Hamilton?

 

King's Wharf and Hamilton docking, IMO, are the huge benefit of the smaller ship.

Not to mention, it being an HAL ship......... :) ;)

I realise being docked in the port of Hamilton or St George's would be wonderful on a smaller ship.

I am still asking here, what does everybody do there for a few days? Besides getting off the ship and wandering around a few shops here and there.

 

I don't want to be on Veendam with no seaview pool.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Bermuda is one of the most beautiful islands I've ever seen. I have spent many vacations there as well as sailed there on 3 cruises out of New York. I don't think there is a square inch of the island that people wouldn't enjoy.

 

The last thing that would cross my mind is worrying about whether the casino is open. It's possible things may have changed, but the casino and shops have always been closed in all ports we've visited even when staying overnight which we have in a few ports in the Mediterranean and Tahiti. Why should Bermuda be any different?

 

If the island is looking for revenue the last thing they'll want passengers to be doing is staying on the ship gambling !! They'll want people ashore enjoying their restaurants and entertainment.

 

It's a wonderful island. It's about the safest island I can think of. I sincerely hope they deny HAL and other lines this request and stick to their guns on this one

 

Also, it's much better to be docked at St. Georges or Hamilton .... not King's Wharf which is way out at one end with not a whole lot going on (unless they've added an awful lot since the last time I was there ... it has been awhile)..

[Flyingfish]

Lettienets, boy am I with you! I booked the Veendam before the aft pool fiasco. I'm looking for other alternatives in Sept. for Bermuda. If nothing else works, I'll keep the booking but am soooo sorry "my" aft pool will not be there. Loved that area...

[earl_m]

We have a cruise book on the Veendam for 2011 to Bermuda.

I am happy that the Casino is close, I will be saving lots of money

[LoraJ]

Any updated word on this? My parents want to book the family on this trip in 2011 and DH is saddened about the lack of gambling.

[SailBadtheSinner]

Gambling on cruise ships while in Bermuda is still not allowed; and no word of any upcoming votes to change that. You can still gamble on sea days. JMHO, but you don't need gambling to enjoy Bermuda.

 

 

SBtS

 

[LoraJ]

Gambling on cruise ships while in Bermuda is still not allowed; and no word of any upcoming votes to change that. You can still gamble on sea days. JMHO, but you don't need gambling to enjoy Bermuda.

 

 

SBtS

 

 

 

 

Tell that to my DH. ;)