HELP! New to NCL, Leaving 4-25 - What Do I Absolutely Need to Know/Do?

[kath1210]

My DH and I just booked a (last-minute) 5-night cruise to Bermuda out of Philly. It was a spur of the moment decision and now I am panicking! We have never cruised on NCL before, in fact our only cruise was a 4-night on DCL.

 

I have read up a little and realize that NCL has Freestyle Dining and that dress is mainly resort casual. Those both sound great to me!

 

We are only in Bermuda for 1 1/2 days, so what are a couple of must-do things there?

 

We are in a Junior Suite, I think :), on Deck 9.

 

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

TIA!

[Cruizer_J]

Can't help with many specifics myself, but wanted to remind you to check this site's Ports of Call - Bermuda board. Several experienced Bermuda cruisers there.

[newmexicoNita]

Checking the ports a call is a must. As for dress, a 5 nighter will even be more casual than a 7 night cruise. You do not have to even worry about formal wear of any kind. You may want to take a cute sun dress and DH a sports jacket. That should be plenty.

 

I don't want to put any kind of damper on your trip, but do remember the weather may not be quite as nice as you would get if you were cruising the Caribbean. It is still early in the season. The seas may be a little rough as well. I am say all this so you won't come back disappointed and let it affect your overall view of NCL. Cabins on NCL will be smaller than on DCL and the ship, being older won't have the glitz. This doesn't mean the service won't be outstanding. Having a mini suite will give you more room.

 

I would recommend you eat at Le Bistro. It certainly is worth the few extra bucks. Other than that I can't give you much more advice except go expecting to have a good time; remember every cruise experience is different and you will get out of any vacation what you want to get out of it. Have a wonderful time and please report back: good, bad or inbetween. NMnita

[kataiga]

Relax............... enjoy!!!.................:D

[Chuckie]

kath1210,

Just a few suggestions. In Bermuda, my favorite place, you can buy a bus pass that allows you to travel anywhere on the bus or water taxi. You can get off the bus if something interests you, and just catch the next one in either direction. You can use them to go to the beach , etc. The water taxis are the easiest way to get to St George or to fort. Bermuda is lovely, the people are wonderful, it is safe, so have fun exploring. It can be expensive to eat there, so you can either take lunch or go back to the ship if you are near. The beaches are perfect!!

I don't know what ship you are on, but if it has a Bistro it is worth going just for the chocolate fondue alone. The food is excellent but the fondue is to die for. Worth every calorie. Also the Blue Lagoon (24 hr casual) has the best tomato soup I have ever tasted. Just relax and enjoy everything.

Arlene

[Cosmopolitan]

Bermuda is BEAUTIFUL....you will love it.

 

We were there years ago (we flew) and loved talking to the locals and school kids on the buses.

The beaches are beautiful.

 

I believe the NCL ships all have the "dine ashore" program where you purchase tickets on the ship to dine ashore at a discount.

We haven't cruised to Bermuda but have read some good reports regarding the dine ashore program.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

Don't worry...relax and enjoy as it goes very fast:)

[kath1210]

Thanks, everyone! DH and I are just thrilled to be able to get away w/o kids for only the 2nd time in our 16-year marriage! :)

 

I have remembered a few more questions:

 

How much cash do I need to bring? Is the ship mainly a cashless system like DCL? Can I buy most things in Bermuda (souvenirs, bus passes) with credit cards? How are reservations made for the restaurants? Can I make them in advance or do I need to wait until I am on the ship?

 

Thanks again!

[kd6183]

Hi Kath,

Here is a link to my CC Review of NCL Crown to Bermuda from Philly in October. DH and I are sailing back from Philly again this September loved it so much. Fabulous shopping and yes you can use your credit cards all over Bermuda. The ship however is all charged to the room you only need cash for tips or the casino. You can't make reservations ahead of time for the ship specialty restaurants but book them as soon as you embark. If you are also sailing on the Crown Le Bistro is the only surcharge specialty restaurant and well worth it! Have a wonderful time I am sure you will. Also a great gift we bought several of was the Chocolate Rum cake sold all over Bermuda. Not a fan of liquor in cakes but you don't taste it, if anything it makes the cake ever so moist. Comes in plenty of flavors but the chocolate is amazing. Told DH we are sailing back just to bring home more cakes LOL! Enjoy and have a wonderful trip!

Kathy

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=13206

[Surfgirl]

The NCL Crown has become our favorite cruise ship. We love it because it's a lot smaller than most of the others, and more "personal."

 

There are pros and cons about freestyle dining. It simply means that you can select any restaurant (there are a few that you have to pay extra for) and eat whenever is convenient (within their dining room times) for you.

 

I would suggest you go earlier for dinner, as there tends to be a wait if you go in later.

 

The only con is that you really don't get to sit with the same people everyday. I used to enjoy getting to know the other couples at our meals and sharing our days. You also will get different wait staff, so if you have an allergy or food preferences, you will have to let each person know at each meal.

 

You will only get a "teaser" of Bermuda. It's a shame you won't have more time.

 

I would suggest you take a bus to the Crystal Caverns. Get there first thing, right when they open up, and you're have the caves all to yourselves. Then-- go to Horseshoe beach-- it's world famous, and for good reason. Take a walk and you will find little hidden coves. It's really gorgeous. That will fill up one day-- between the two things.

 

I would spend your half day at the Snorkel Park. I loved it. You can rent a snorkel and fins, but be sure to pack aqua socks.

 

Don't worry too much about what to pack. Cruising has gotten much less formal. Bring lots of shorts and t-shirts, a light jacket or sweater for evenings (and for the ship, as the airconditioning can get to be a bit much), sun lotion, a hat, two or three swim suits, a beach coverup, your camera, lots of film (film is expensive in Bermuda), a few nice outfits for the Captain's formal dinner and any other night you feel like dressing a bit, flip flops for the shower, good comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, a sweatshirt for the beach if it's chilly, your passport, credit card, and some cash. Bring what you feel comfortable with... no more than three hundred dollars-- but be sure to lock it in your room's safe.

 

I also brought a lot of bottled water in my suitcase. It's great to bring to the beach, and, if you're picky about the water you drink, you'll be glad you brought it. Some people bring water filters. The water is safe to drink on board the ship, but I'm a bit fussy. Water is very expensive (as is everything) on most islands, including Bermuda.

 

You'll have a fantastic time!

[kath1210]

Thanks, everyone for your tips. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to respond, but I haven't been on this site since April 1. We're just going to be laid back and take things as they come on this trip. I tend to be an obsessive overplanner, so I guess I'll just see how the "other half" lives for this trip! :)

[slcinoz]

Hi Kathy,

We were on that cruise. Boy was it ever rocky!!!!:( felt yucky except for the days in Bermuda. Lots of fun though despite the seasickness and feeling like the ship was going to tip over. :eek: Hope you had fun!!!

[kath1210]

Hi Kathy,

We were on that cruise. Boy was it ever rocky!!!!:( felt yucky except for the days in Bermuda. Lots of fun though despite the seasickness and feeling like the ship was going to tip over. :eek: Hope you had fun!!!

 

Hi - You are so right! What a wild ride! My Bonine worked like a charm, though, and I never did feel sick. It was a workout just trying to get around without falling, though!

 

I'm so glad you had a good time in spite of the weather. It sure makes for a good story. I took some videos, but they just don't give the feeling that we had being there!

 

I loved the shows! The magician was awesome, and Dave Heenan, the comedian, made me laugh so hard I was actually crying!

 

Take care!

[4crazycruisers]

Hi Kathy,

We were on that cruise. Boy was it ever rocky!!!!:( felt yucky except for the days in Bermuda. Lots of fun though despite the seasickness and feeling like the ship was going to tip over. :eek: Hope you had fun!!!

Hi Slcinoz,

Was it last May that you cruised to Bermuda? How rocky is rocky...so bad that you can't go out on deck?

[Jeepers385]

Hi Slcinoz,

Was it last May that you cruised to Bermuda? How rocky is rocky...so bad that you can't go out on deck?

 

I think everyone's talking about last week, I saw other reports where people said the ride was rocky. We're leaving this Saturday, I hope it calms down a little but if not I've got my bonine.:D

Debbie