Which cruise to Bermuda?

[PawlingCruiser]

Hi all -

 

First post. I'm just back from a holiday cruise of the Southern Caribbean on the Legend of the Seas and am considering trying to do another cruise this year, in August, to Bermuda. I only have one week when I can travel - the last week of August - and there are four sailings from the Northeast that would work for us. I will be traveling with my wife and two kids, aged 12 and 14.

 

The first option is a five-day cruise from Port Liberty on the Explorer of the Seas. We've done three cruises with RCI previously so I think I'd know what to expect here in terms of dining, entertainment, etc. My only concern is the length of the cruise. Ideally we'd like 7 days.

 

The three other options, all seven day cruises are:

 

-Norwegian Breakaway from New York

-Celebrity Summit from Port Liberty

-Norwegian Dawn from Boston

 

Having never sailed on a NCL ship before I am not sure that I would like the freestyle dining style as much as RCI's more traditional approach, but there may be more to do for the kids on the NCL ships. Of the two NCL ships the Dawn would be far cheaper. Celebrity looks to be fairly close in style to RCI but is there enough for the kids to do?

 

One other consideration is that we are just five points from moving up a level on RCI so maybe we should think about that as well. Is there enough stuff to do in Bermuda for three full days?

 

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[mresend]

I would suggest going on the Breakaway out of NYC. The Explorer of the Seas is a great ship -A older one and will be retired by the end of the year and be replaced with their new one. Also the 5 days sailing to Bermuda only gives you two days in Bermuda- just not enough- its really beautiful there. I had a group go last year and most told me they needed more time. The breakaway shows and entertainment is really good plus there are plenty of things for the kids to do. They will like the ropes course, slides and kids clubs. There are a lot of extra pay dining options on the Breakaway but you don't have to do them because there is plenty of places to eat. I guess you have to figure out the costs between the options you have and see what works for you and your family. If flexible with dates- make sure you check the rates each week since they may be different.

[njhorseman]

The 7 day NCL and Celebrity itineraries are preferable to the 5 day EoS itinerary...the more time in Bermuda the better, IMO.

 

There are a couple of threads discussing and comparing these ships a few lines below your post. I'd suggest reading them and then coming back with any specific questions you may have after digesting that information.

[PawlingCruiser]

Thank you both!

[DragonOfTheSeas]

The Explorer of the Seas is a great ship -A older one and will be retired by the end of the year and be replaced with their new one.

 

The Explorer will move to Florida and is going through a regularly scheduled refurbishment. It is not being retired.

[bingo3]

The Explorer will move to Florida and is going through a regularly scheduled refurbishment. It is not being retired.

 

Thanks, I did not think it was old enough for retirement!

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Thanks, I did not think it was old enough for retirement!

 

Yes, there are other older ships in the fleet that will likely retire before the Explorer. :D

[marco]

Of the choices available for a 7 day Bermuda from NY/NJ, I'd choose Celebrity.

[margie1221]

I would suggest going on the Breakaway out of NYC. The Explorer of the Seas is a great ship -A older one and will be retired by the end of the year and be replaced with their new one. Also the 5 days sailing to Bermuda only gives you two days in Bermuda- just not enough- its really beautiful there. I had a group go last year and most told me they needed more time. The breakaway shows and entertainment is really good plus there are plenty of things for the kids to do. They will like the ropes course, slides and kids clubs. There are a lot of extra pay dining options on the Breakaway but you don't have to do them because there is plenty of places to eat. I guess you have to figure out the costs between the options you have and see what works for you and your family. If flexible with dates- make sure you check the rates each week since they may be different.

 

I would agree with this poster's recommendation - just off the Breakaway for NYE cruise - great ship, newer and bigger than the Dawn - tons for kids to do (and grown ups!). NCL crew are SOO friendly - we'll be on the Dawn in May because the group would prefer a Boston departure. Was on the Explorer several years ago - loved that ship too...

 

Either way, lucky you and your family to be taking a summer cruise :) Happy sailing!!

[Charles4515]

Hi all -

 

First post. I'm just back from a holiday cruise of the Southern Caribbean on the Legend of the Seas and am considering trying to do another cruise this year, in August, to Bermuda. I only have one week when I can travel - the last week of August - and there are four sailings from the Northeast that would work for us. I will be traveling with my wife and two kids, aged 12 and 14.

 

The first option is a five-day cruise from Port Liberty on the Explorer of the Seas. We've done three cruises with RCI previously so I think I'd know what to expect here in terms of dining, entertainment, etc. My only concern is the length of the cruise. Ideally we'd like 7 days.

 

The three other options, all seven day cruises are:

 

-Norwegian Breakaway from New York

-Celebrity Summit from Port Liberty

-Norwegian Dawn from Boston

 

Having never sailed on a NCL ship before I am not sure that I would like the freestyle dining style as much as RCI's more traditional approach, but there may be more to do for the kids on the NCL ships. Of the two NCL ships the Dawn would be far cheaper. Celebrity looks to be fairly close in style to RCI but is there enough for the kids to do?

 

One other consideration is that we are just five points from moving up a level on RCI so maybe we should think about that as well. Is there enough stuff to do in Bermuda for three full days?

 

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

I was on the Breakaway in December and can't recommend it. It is densely crowded. The casino in the center of the public area leaks second hand smoke out to the other public areas. The food quality and service were less than what I have experienced on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. My pick would be Celebrity because it is seven days.

[sbbquilter]

How about driving to Baltimore for the GOS - we had a great time last August on that itinerary.

[Winston Wolf]

I was on the Breakaway in December and can't recommend it. It is densely crowded. The casino in the center of the public area leaks second hand smoke out to the other public areas. The food quality and service were less than what I have experienced on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. My pick would be Celebrity because it is seven days.

 

I've never been on Celebrity Summit, but friends who have say there isn't much for kids on there. I think in general Celebrity caters much more towards adults.

[tymike]

I've sailed to Bermuda on both the Dawn and the Breakaway. They are remarkably different. I sailed the Dawn with just myself and bf and it was my first cruise. Everything was so much fun...a great adventure....a new experience etc. The service on the Dawn was flawless and very personal compared to the Breakaway.

 

Having said that, I sailed with a party of 8 on the Breakaway, including five younger people ages 12, 16, 16, 18, and 20. The 'young ones' had a great time even without the teens using the teen club. There was so much to do on the Breakaway for them; probably much more than what is available on the Dawn.

 

I honestly think that either ship will be great for you trip, but I think your teen will probably have more choices on the Breakaway.

 

Whatever you decide, have a great time! Bermuda is wonderful, and so easy to navigate once on the island. :)

[Charles4515]

I've never been on Celebrity Summit, but friends who have say there isn't much for kids on there. I think in general Celebrity caters much more towards adults.

 

I would say there is a lot for kids to do on Summit but there is a lot more for kids on Breakaway. On Breakaway there are water slides and the Ropes for example. There is also Nickolodean stuff. If the kids are the total priority and you don't care about crowds, second hand smoke, mediocre food and poor service, then choose Breakaway.

[Iliveinbermuda]

Celebrity cruises have youth programs and X Box stations for gamers. There is also a feature called the fun factory, where kids could play sports and games, watch movies, sing karaoke and more.

The Celebrity web site will tell you all about it.

http://www.celebritycruises.com/

[Meatonabun]

Hoping it is ok to ask this question here, rather than starting a new thread. My wife and I have been to Bermuda and are excited to bring the kids (14 and 13 yr old girls) there this summer.

 

Last April we did 7 days on the Caribbean Princess to Curacao and Aruba and had a great time. The wife and kids enjoyed hanging at the pool and using the spa on sea days. Loved the service at dinner in the MDR and everywhere else on the ship. Had fun meals at the Horizon's court buffet and before dinner, the kids had fun drinking mocktails with Mom and Dad at the bar. We used the room to shower and sleep. All three ladies liked having two formal nights. We just relaxed on the ship and hit the ports really hard. We would like a similar week on this coming cruise but we do not want the exact same either :o)

 

Boston, NY/NJ or Baltimore, departure port does not matter. From what we have read the Breakaway has a crowded feel and for us that would overshadow the benefit of the slides and playground. Explorer of the Seas, may be just a little more than we want to spend and a day or two longer then we can really take away from the business.

 

We have a great time just being together and we will have a great time no matter which cruise we pick.

 

Just hoping to see some opinions on which ship some of you fine experienced cruisers might think we should choose.

[luv2cruise523]

We personally would not cruise NCL Breakaway to Bermuda, because there is just so much to do off the ship it's not worth the extra dollars to sail them to this port. Have to agree with the other poster that the 5 day is just not long enough. We have sailed on the Summit a few years ago to Bermuda with our kids and are going back again in May. DS is 13 and DD is 11 (12 in July) and they had a great time.

 

We have sailed RCL Explorer of the Seas as well, also a great ship, but like I said to short.

 

You will have a wonderful time no matter which you choose. :)

[Winston Wolf]

Look at what each ship offers. I think Breakaway is a perfect ship for your kids ages with all the stuff that's on there. But each of those ships you mentioned has their own pros and cons.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Winston Wolf

[runner15km]

Meatonabun -

 

I think the Dawn out of Boston would be a good choice, a little something for everyone. One night is set aside to dress up or you can wear a suit every night if you like. Right now pricing is the lowest of all ships heading to Bermuda.

 

Freestyle worked well for us since we returned to the ship at different times.

Edited April 4, 2014 by runner15km

[Meatonabun]

Thanks for the help. Great community, appreciate the time and opinions.

 

Runner15km - that was spot on. We were leaning towards the Dawn before I posted. A little bit for everyone and lower priced - winner. Thanks

[negc]

I would suggest going on the Breakaway out of NYC. The Explorer of the Seas is a great ship -A older one and will be retired by the end of the year and be replaced with their new one. Also the 5 days sailing to Bermuda only gives you two days in Bermuda- just not enough- its really beautiful there. I had a group go last year and most told me they needed more time. The breakaway shows and entertainment is really good plus there are plenty of things for the kids to do. They will like the ropes course, slides and kids clubs. There are a lot of extra pay dining options on the Breakaway but you don't have to do them because there is plenty of places to eat. I guess you have to figure out the costs between the options you have and see what works for you and your family. If flexible with dates- make sure you check the rates each week since they may be different.

 

Explorer will be replaced by the Quantum this Fall, but it will hardly be "retired", simply moved to another port and placed on different itineraries. I agree that a 7 night cruise is automatically, IMO, preferable to a 5 night one but, if price is significantly lower, it might be an acceptable option.

 

Bermuda is a great destination. Take into consideration all factors that are important to you and then decide. You probably can't go wrong.

[t_car]

We were faced with the same dilemma. Which ship from an east coast port.

We have been on the NCL Gem and liked it, so decided on the Dawn out of Boston.

Any of the choices is good. But with 3 days in Bermuda and the pricing, for us the Dawn was an easy choice.

[lah66]

The only problem that I see on the Dawn is that it is a Fri-Fri cruise, which means I need to use 7 days of vacation time. Your first day in Bermuda is a Sunday where a lot of shops are closed and the ferry runs are limited (not personal experience, just what I have read here). The Breakaway is Sunday thru Sunday so just 5 vacation days needed and your Bermuda days are the middle of the week. Boston is two hours further than NYC for us to drive from MI. Not worth it to us to save $260 on an inside room!

Decision made! It will be fun to cruise on a new ship!

Lauri

[t_car]

The only problem that I see on the Dawn is that it is a Fri-Fri cruise, which means I need to use 7 days of vacation time. Your first day in Bermuda is a Sunday where a lot of shops are closed and the ferry runs are limited (not personal experience, just what I have read here).

Lauri

 

As per my post, Sunday can be the Horseshoe Bay beach day (we are the only ship in port). And the shops at the dockyards are open then, 9am to 6pm 7 days a week as per website for Clocktower mall.

Yes, two more vacation days, but for people that fly, airfares are generally cheaper, and 2 more days away from work - Is that really a bad thing? LOL :D

 

We are flying out of Buffalo to Boston. Inexpensive, save 16 hours of driving time (8 each way from Buffalo). Inexpensive airport hotel night before, and leave car there for the week. Parking at the pier is $112 alone. I look forward to enjoying my vacation instead of that long a drive. The drive home is always the worst.

Edited April 14, 2014 by t_car
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[lah66]

t car..You are right! Sunday will be a great Horseshoe Bay beach day with only one ship in port! I certainly agree with you..the drive is the worst! It is very pretty with all the fall colors in the mountains, but yes, 11 hours in a car is really long, especially on the way home! This is really the only way we can afford to cruise twice a year with two college tuitions to pay..drive to port and stay in an inside room! We are taking an 11 day in February..that is when I really need a break from the winter..so I am trying to bank some vacation hours! Glad you found cheap airfare...I will have to keep checking prices! Have a wonderful time in Bermuda!

Lauri