Breakaway to Bermuda

[bbryan5]

So we have been on 3 cruises (all NCL from NYC) but have never done the Breakaway to Bermuda (or any ship to Bermuda, for that matter." We are booking it this Monday for the May 4th 2014 sailing. So whose done this run? Any input, advice, information, tips, ect..??? I have never done a cruise that goes to just 1 destination, pros and cons???.. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

 

Oh, one last ?... there's no reason why the UBP would't be offered for this sailing, correct?

Edited March 30, 2014 by bbryan5

[Tommyg74]

I love the Bermuda trip. I like that it is 3 days at one place where you come and go as you please. It is a bit more relaxing!!!

Althoug early May is still not a great time in Bermuda. The high temps might reach mid 70's and water temp is still far from enjoyable.

[bbryan5]

^ Thanks for the info.. So I guess it won't be good beach weather?

[MCAT48]

We've been to Bermuda in early may and weather was great both times.

There is lots to do in Bermuda just depends on what you are looking for. If you want beach, there are plenty to chose from. We usually would goto Jobsons cove, husband likes to do minimal snorkeling (he thinks he's an expert :p). The water is pretty calm there it's right next to Warwick long beach, that beach was always too strong of waves to swim and there's no lifeguards there.

 

Horseshoe beCh is nice also but it does get crowded. What's nice though is they have rental chairs and a food stand and I believe life guards.

 

There is a walking trail from horseshoe beach to Warwick long beach, in between you can see smaller beaches along the way however we never did find a way down to those beaches :/!

[grobma]

What we liked about this cruise was that the ship was part of the destination, so having 3 days in port worked for us. We enjoyed Bermuda, due in part to the fact that a good friend was in Rock of Ages, so having been there every week for a few months, he knew where to take us and tell us where to go. One of the best day trips we took was the fast ferry to St. George, walked around there for a couple of hours (incredibly charming town that is so different than Hamilton) before taking the bus to Hamilton. Lunch and walking around in Hamilton was great, followed by the ferry back to Kings Wharf.

[bbryan5]

MCAT48, and GROBMA

 

Thanks so much for the info! MCAT, glad to hear that the weather was good in May. I really appreciate the input, it's extremely helpful!

[Casino Comp Chick]

So we have been on 3 cruises (all NCL from NYC) but have never done the Breakaway to Bermuda (or any ship to Bermuda, for that matter." We are booking it this Monday for the May 4th 2014 sailing. So whose done this run? Any input, advice, information, tips, ect..??? I have never done a cruise that goes to just 1 destination, pros and cons???.. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

 

Oh, one last ?... there's no reason why the UBP would't be offered for this sailing, correct?

 

Buy the unlimited ferry/bus pass right by the dock, it will get you everywhere you want to go.

[mking8288]

Sailing NCL from NYC is always a win-win for us "locals" with more money to spend on and off the ship once it's docked. Your pier is at Naval Dockyard at the western end of the islands for 2.5 days until the return trip, with up to 3 bigger/mega ships that cannot sail into downtown Hamilton (harbor size/depth restrictions ... ditto, same for St. George on the eastern end)

 

There is plenty to do & relax, that includes doing nothing at all - there are usually nightly parties onboard as it's far from nearby residential homes to disturb anyone with the music & dancing, etc. For internet/WiFi "addicts" that wanted to stay connect, the Dockyard has decent unlimited 1 or 2 or 3/7 day WiFi pass for purchase at inexpensive rates compared to NCL's MTN carrier at sea - coverage is somewhat marginal on the ship as the routers/antenna repeaters have range or distance limitations.

 

As noted, buy the daily unlimited Visitors' Transport Pass for 1, 2 or 3 days that's good for both the buses & ferries - without worrying about exact change for different zones & transfers, etc. The ferries are the best way to get around faster. It's visitor's friendly and locals are very helpful, and vendors aren't pushy - expect to pay more for in-town dining as standard of living is higher on the islands as almost everything are shipped/flown in.

 

Downtown Hamilton usually do a weekly harbor-festival with music on Wednesday evening, 2 blocks from the ferry terminal with the designer shops across the street - check the latest local gov listing for details.

[sebas030]

Bermuda Day is May 24th this year. And typically all activities for tourist start then. It is also the date that marks the beginning of swimming season for the "locals".

 

When I went the first time it was during the Bermuda day week and my snorkelling guide was laughing at us for getting in this "cold" water ( 78f ).

 

Weather was very nice, sunny, hot but not over the top hot ( a good thing ) and less tourist on the island then.

 

Went also early September and it was hot, almost too hot.

 

Going back this October...can't wait...Bermuda is wonderful.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[spidybabe]

We were very nervous about going to Bermuda last year, but a free trip from CET decided it for us. We were afraid one port would be boring, but we LOVED it. Bermuda is one of the nicest islands we have been to, with hands down the friendliest people we have ever met. The island is very easy to get around with bus/ferry passes. Tons of stuff to do port side ( fort, dolphins, glass blowing factory, pottery, stores, mini gold, beach...) Take the 7 bus two stops (just ask bus driver) to the glass beach... most unbelievable thing I have seen, and the swizzle Inn for drinks. Don't worry about the one port, it is a great cruise/island

Safe sailing

[bbryan5]

^ All you guys are awesome! Thanks so much for all the tips, I'm writing them down as you guys post. I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply, and help me out!

[tymike]

I sailed to Bermuda on the Dawn and the Breakaway. Loved the island both times!!

 

Visited Sea Glass Beach, snorkeled at Tobacco Bay, enjoyed Horseshoe Bay, snorkeled with an excursion, did a catameran excursion, shopped the Dockyard, visited the fort and the church, and enjoyed everything...with the relaxation that comes with not having to rush back to the ship after several hours.

 

Have the best time! Bermuda is wonderful! Clean, safe, polite, no vendors etc.

 

Enjoy!

[sebas030]

Go to the Bermuda port of call here on CC, plenty of ideas and some very knowledgeable people to help you.

 

You can plan 2 of the days and leave day 3 open for you to return to the place/activity/store/town/etc... you liked the most.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[BrPanthers99]

Bermuda is fantastic. Get the bus/ferry pass and make sure you visit horseshoe bay!! Crystal caves is great also

 

Have fun!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[peg013]

I sailed to Bermuda on the Dawn and the Breakaway. Loved the island both times!!

 

Visited Sea Glass Beach, snorkeled at Tobacco Bay, enjoyed Horseshoe Bay, snorkeled with an excursion, did a catameran excursion, shopped the Dockyard, visited the fort and the church, and enjoyed everything...with the relaxation that comes with not having to rush back to the ship after several hours.

 

Have the best time! Bermuda is wonderful! Clean, safe, polite, no vendors etc.

 

Enjoy!

 

Who did you do your catamaran excursion with? How much was it and did you feel it was worth it? TIA. :)

[bobg529]

One of the nice things about being there for 3 days was the feeling that you could just relax and wander around the island. There was no need to rush back to the ship, you have plenty of time. I was there in early May, on the inaugural voyage out of NY and the weather was very nice. By the way, they have a very nice sunset cruise on a catamaran that comes with free rum Swizzles. Beautiful trip, enjoy!

[Budget Queen]

I go to Bermuda every year. But for me, I never go prior to Memorial day, the water is just too cold before then. My priority is some extended snorkeling time. Bermuda has plenty to see and do. The bus/ferry pass can be a good deal, if you have plans needing the travel. There is also the option to buy a pack of tickets for about half the price, I've used the 15 ticket pack, that worked out excellent due to a foul weather day. :)

[jlyn1216]

So we have been on 3 cruises (all NCL from NYC) but have never done the Breakaway to Bermuda (or any ship to Bermuda, for that matter." We are booking it this Monday for the May 4th 2014 sailing. So whose done this run? Any input, advice, information, tips, ect..??? I have never done a cruise that goes to just 1 destination, pros and cons???.. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

 

Oh, one last ?... there's no reason why the UBP would't be offered for this sailing, correct?

 

 

If u haven't already come join our roll call! We have a meet and mingle, cabin crawl, and slot pull scheduled!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Edited April 1, 2014 by jlyn1216

[Coastalbreezes]

I was on Breakaway to Bermuda twice in 2013 and will also be on this May 4th. I loved being in port for the three days; there was so much to do. This year my understanding is that, due to a recent law passed in Bermuda, the ship's casino will now be open while in port beginning at 9:00 p.m. :)

 

Tracy

[sailingnut]

I been to Bermuda four times and would consider a fifth time! I think I saw everything in those four trips~~I have been on different ships~~of course~~my favorite~~The "Breakaway"~~went last October and spent a day at a private resort~~booked it through them and it was the most beautiful day~~just sitting on a rock and letting the ocean wash over me~~I even feel asleep and almost missed my taxi and ferry back to the ship! Have fun! I went in April, May, July and October and the two best were May and October! Happy Sailing!:)

[fridaythe13th]

If you eat or drink anywhere the tips are usually added to the bill, so check before you pay and throw another tip on the table!

 

Dont wait in line right as you get off the ship to buy your bus/ferry pass. There are a couple of other places, one at the end of the pier and the other just as you walk past where you catch the ferry.

 

One must always go to The Swizzle Inn if you visit Bermuda. Just one of those things....

[meatball_nyc]

Thanks for the tips!

We will be going in 96 days :)

 

 

 

 

Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

[spidybabe]

You can also buy the bus/ferry passes at shore excursions desk. They sell a limited number for only .99 more than dockside

Safe sailing

Def go to the swizzle inn

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[SJ]

Where can I can buy the pack of tickets for the buses? Are they available at the dockyard?

 

Thank you!

[bbryan5]

You all are so helpful, thanks! We will definitely hit the swizzle inn.. sounds like my kinda place! :D