which cruise line for family cruise?

[watchung hills]

We are considering a "reunion cruise" to Bermuda next June-August to celebrate our dad's 80th birthday. He's in great health, so we don't need to worry about handicap access. We'll have all age groups (youngest grandchild is 4-oldest is 26). There will be about 15 of us on the cruise.

We've never sailed on Norwegian, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. (Only Oceania, which we know is not geared toward kids).

 

We would be most grateful for any suggestions from others that have cruised to Bermuda.

 

We don't want formal nights, and would like open seating. What about the smoking policies. Most of the group is non-smoking, but we do have 2 smokers.

The cabins looked pretty small--can 3 or 4 actually fit in a cabin?

 

RCCL docks at Kings Wharf , while the other 2 dock in Hamilton or St George. Is that enough of a disadvantage to rule them out?

 

We want this to be really special, so all suggestions are most welcome

[Laurie12820]

I have been on the Empress of the Seas (RCCL) once and am going on her again this July on my Honeymoon. She is a wonderful ship, not to large in size which makes it easier to find your party on the boat. I really like her, as for docking, RCCL's Empress docks at both the Royal Naval Dockyard and Hamilton (I believe). It helps being on both sides of the island, but it is nothing a bus ride can't handle. The bus system in Bermuda is great, goes all over the island and is reasonably priced. HTH! :)

[captNcrunch]

We would be most grateful for any suggestions from others that have cruised to Bermuda.

 

We don't want formal nights, and would like open seating. What about the smoking policies. Most of the group is non-smoking, but we do have 2 smokers.

 

This would only leave NCL. Free-style is what you are looking for, dine when you want where you want with who you want. In addition in Bermuda they also have discount certificates for on shore dining, lunch or dinner.

[smeyer418]

If you use NCL's crown have one if the group spluge on an AA or AC. That way you all get the benefits of the Butler and a really awesome suite.

 

All cruise lines(except Oceania's) smoking policy are similar. No smoking in the resturants. Some smoking in the bars and casino and smoking cigarettes is allowed in your own stateroom.

[watchung hills]

Thanks so much for the information you provided.

 

Are there any no smoking staterooms or no smoking floors? if you get a stateroom that was used by a smoker previously, can you still smell the smoke or are they able to clear the air?

 

If people are allowed to smoke in their staterooms, and you happen to be between two cabins with smokers, can you smell the smoke in your stateroom?

 

Cigarette smoke will trigger an asthma attack for one family member, so we need to figure out how to get him in a smoke free area.

[smeyer418]

Thanks so much for the information you provided.

 

Are there any no smoking staterooms or no smoking floors? if you get a stateroom that was used by a smoker previously, can you still smell the smoke or are they able to clear the air?

 

If people are allowed to smoke in their staterooms, and you happen to be between two cabins with smokers, can you smell the smoke in your stateroom?

 

Cigarette smoke will trigger an asthma attack for one family member, so we need to figure out how to get him in a smoke free area.

 

On NCL every stateroom is smoking and so is every floor as is every ship except Oceania(which doesn't go to Bermuda)...but they clear it very well. If there is any ligering smell tell them they will ozone it out. If you are between two smokers you probably will get some of it.