Need Help Deciding between Star/Gem = Bermuda/Bahamas

[FEckeT]

We want to take advantage of the Undercover Boss OBC credit for 2012, but cannot decide between two cruises.

 

We know there are many NCL cruisers out there willing to share their experiences with us (please). Here goes:

 

We want to leave out of New York next May/June, 2012. We have only sailed on NCL twice, both times on the Jewel out of New York. The first time we went to Florida/Bahamas and the last time we went to the Caribbean.

 

We are not big excursion people. We tend to like just walking around the port a bit and then spending relaxing time on the (less crowded) ship.

 

We would like to go to Bermuda because we have never been there, nor have we been on the Star. Two of our friends that went years ago (not on NCL) said they would never go out of New York to Bermuda again, because the water was so rough.

 

Our concern is what is there to do for 3 days in port because we are not beach people, nor do we like to do a great deal of shopping. (My husband will only golf one of the 3 days and I will be on my own.) Are the casinos open on the ship while in port in Bermuda? Does the ship still have shows performing? Would we enjoy our balcony while in port? Is the AFT balcony larger on the 10th deck of the Star than on the 8th or 9th deck, like on the Jewel, or does one of the other decks have the larger balcony on the Star?

 

On the other hand, neither have we ever been on the Gem. I am sure we will not be rock climbing and doubtful that we will spend money to go "bowling". We found this itinerary on the Jewel to be relaxing and enjoyed our AFT balcony very much.

 

Would being on an older, smaller ship, justify spending about $500 more for the same amount of time?

 

I guess what I am really asking "Is Bermuda worth an extra $500"?

 

Thank you all very much for your help.

 

:) :confused::)

[jaja]

I can answer a few questions...no..casino is not open while docked in Bermuda..

I have done both intineraries...and loved Bermuda..everyone should cruise there at least once. We do the Bahamas cruise..to just relax and enjoy doing nothing...last time we did not get off the ship. And in my opinion..yes-Bermuda is worth the extra$.

Been on the Gem...nice...have not been on the Star..

[cruise pup]

If the ship is more important I'd go with the Gem. If the destination is more important I'd go with Bermuda.

[emcelh]

We're not beach people either but we love Bermuda. Since you'd be there a couple of days you can explore easily on your own. It's a beautiful place and local transportation is easy to use. As for rough seas, that could happen on either ship but I don't think it's a given. I've sailed to Bermuda 4 times on ships much smaller than the Star and rough seas were never an issue. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

[family cruisers]

This will be our 6th cruise to Bermuda from NYC.

 

Only once have we had rough seas.

 

Nothing stops us from NY to Bermuda.

 

It's a must see. Bermuda , the Island and the people are wonderful !!!

[GSLMOM]

There are a lot of things to do in Bermuda besides going to the beach and shopping. Way too many to list here. You can google Bermuda or go to the ports section of CC. You can get a book about Bermuda from your library (or buy one). I took out a FODORS book for Bermuda. I love Bermuda. We sailed the Dawn last year to Bermuda and are going on the Gem this Sunday. I have also been on the Jewel to Florida/Bahamas. I loved the Jewel but wasn't crazy about the itinerary. Would do that itinerary again just to go to GSC and by 2012 all the renovations should be complete (although I am not a big fan of the tender!!). In Flordia and Nassau I would probably stay on the ship. I have been on the Star as well (to Alaska) and can't really remember too much about the ship because you are so busy in Alaska. We had a great time and I would go on the Star again.

 

In my opinion, Bermuda is worth the $500, especially if you've never been there!!

[Dare2Believe]

Bermuda is definitely worth it. There are great little restaurants and shops (I know you said you don't do a lot of shopping, but they were fun to look around!). There is a rum cake factory that was interesting. Someone I was with took a short boat ride down to another city in Bermuda (Hamilton? Its been a few years) and loved it. I was only there for one day, and we did the beach route. But I definitely think there would be enough to keep you occupied. I would absolutely recommend it before the Bahamas.

 

Regarding the rough water, we sailed from Bermuda back to NY (had sailed from the Bahamas up to Bermuda) and had no trouble with rocky water. This was in August, so I'm not sure if the water is more rocky at other times of the year.

[erichepler]

I've been on the Ft. Lauderdale, GSC, Bahamas trip. It was nice, and our first cruise, but we are going to Bermuda on the Gem in Sept and I'm really looking forward to that. Haven't heard really any negatives from anyone. Someone even reported encountering 20 foot waves on a recent review on this site, but still rated the cruise 5 stars.

[Laszlo]

Went to Bermuda a month ago on the Gem and loved them both. Beaches were great, very little wave action at HS Bay. We planned to do it again until we realized the Gem is doing the Florida Bahamas run next year.

[FEckeT]

Thanks for your help.

 

So far, I used our cruise certificate for the Star/Bermuda cruise (I think that may end up being the one) only because we have never been to Bermuda nor on the Star and it was just refurbished.

 

I used a credit card to reserve the Gem, which we have never been on either, but we have done the Florida/Bahamas itinerary on the Jewel.

 

Has anybody been on the Star or the Dawn in cabin 10230? Is the balcony covered, or at least partially covered? What is the room like? Will it be worth it to sit out there while in port?

 

The Star will cost us about $450 more than the Gem, so the decision is not only the itinerary, but the money as well.

 

Can use that $450 at the Spa or on drinks :D

 

:):confused::)

 

 

[scrinchy]

I would definitley pick Bermuda over the Bahamas especially if you like to walk around and just relax. You can take the ferry to St George and Hamilton and just walk all over Bermuda. Rough seas can happen anytime.

[zookiebird]

Another vote for Bermuda!!!!

[newmexicoNita]

We want to take advantage of the Undercover Boss OBC credit for 2012, but cannot decide between two cruises.

 

We know there are many NCL cruisers out there willing to share their experiences with us (please). Here goes:

 

We want to leave out of New York next May/June, 2012. We have only sailed on NCL twice, both times on the Jewel out of New York. The first time we went to Florida/Bahamas and the last time we went to the Caribbean.

 

We are not big excursion people. We tend to like just walking around the port a bit and then spending relaxing time on the (less crowded) ship.

 

We would like to go to Bermuda because we have never been there, nor have we been on the Star. Two of our friends that went years ago (not on NCL) said they would never go out of New York to Bermuda again, because the water was so rough.

 

Our concern is what is there to do for 3 days in port because we are not beach people, nor do we like to do a great deal of shopping. (My husband will only golf one of the 3 days and I will be on my own.) Are the casinos open on the ship while in port in Bermuda? Does the ship still have shows performing? Would we enjoy our balcony while in port? Is the AFT balcony larger on the 10th deck of the Star than on the 8th or 9th deck, like on the Jewel, or does one of the other decks have the larger balcony on the Star?

 

On the other hand, neither have we ever been on the Gem. I am sure we will not be rock climbing and doubtful that we will spend money to go "bowling". We found this itinerary on the Jewel to be relaxing and enjoyed our AFT balcony very much.

 

Would being on an older, smaller ship, justify spending about $500 more for the same amount of time?

 

I guess what I am really asking "Is Bermuda worth an extra $500"?

 

Thank you all very much for your help.

 

:) :confused::)

 

These decisions almost always lie with what the individaul expects to get out of the cruise. I am a lover of the Jewel class ships, so that is what I would choose. It also sounds to me like, if you are not port tour people, not beachy people and have been told about the rough sea, you might not be the Bermuda type of cruisers.

 

Nita

[yoyocruiser]

Bermuda is wonderful. Although you may not be "beach people" the beaches in Bermuda are wonderful explorations--you don't have to lay out in the sun--it is like a relaxing excursion you arrange for yourself at no charge. You can take a ferry to St. George and then walk up the hill (and explore the beautiful church) to Tobacco Bay--there is a great little bar/food place to sit and watch, you can hike way up through the cliffs by the water, you can watch the kids making these daring dives into the water off the cliffs. . .our trip to another beach we walked, sat in the shade, waded in the tidal pools. . .had a picnic lunch that we had bought along the way. . .beautiful beyond belief--the beaches in Bermuda are not like regular beaches. . .they take the concept of "beach" up to a totally different level. We also spent a day wondering through the museums and watching the "swim with the dolphins"--we didn't do it but you could watch it all day if you wanted and it was fascinating. The ferry system itself is like an excursion. For the flat 3 day fee you can ride the ferries all you wish, and they take you all around the islands. We bought a map so we could navigate and get a good sense of the islands and how they are laid out. Even riding the funny little buses was exciting--never been on such exciting bus rides and everything is simply georgeous.

 

A couple of great things about the Bermuda crusie. You really don't need to plan any excursions--everything you want to do you can arrange on your own because you are not racing back to board the ship like on most cruises. Secondly, it is just totally relaxing. Even your self planned day trips in Bermuda are low key and simply amazingly beautiful experiences.

[fiftyguy]

Bermuda is wonderful. Although you may not be "beach people" the beaches in Bermuda are wonderful explorations--you don't have to lay out in the sun--it is like a relaxing excursion you arrange for yourself at no charge. You can take a ferry to St. George and then walk up the hill (and explore the beautiful church) to Tobacco Bay--there is a great little bar/food place to sit and watch, you can hike way up through the cliffs by the water, you can watch the kids making these daring dives into the water off the cliffs. . .our trip to another beach we walked, sat in the shade, waded in the tidal pools. . .had a picnic lunch that we had bought along the way. . .beautiful beyond belief--the beaches in Bermuda are not like regular beaches. . .they take the concept of "beach" up to a totally different level. We also spent a day wondering through the museums and watching the "swim with the dolphins"--we didn't do it but you could watch it all day if you wanted and it was fascinating. The ferry system itself is like an excursion. For the flat 3 day fee you can ride the ferries all you wish, and they take you all around the islands. We bought a map so we could navigate and get a good sense of the islands and how they are laid out. Even riding the funny little buses was exciting--never been on such exciting bus rides and everything is simply georgeous.

 

A couple of great things about the Bermuda crusie. You really don't need to plan any excursions--everything you want to do you can arrange on your own because you are not racing back to board the ship like on most cruises. Secondly, it is just totally relaxing. Even your self planned day trips in Bermuda are low key and simply amazingly beautiful experiences.

 

I think yoyo has summed it up best - you can do as little or as much as you want in Bermuda and it will be a new desination you can add to places visited. I firmly believe you will be pleasantly surprised with how much you'll enjoy Bermuda.

Have a great cruise whatever you decide.

[Cubechick]

I can't answer your cabin specific question, but I thoroughly enjoyed my balcony when docked in Bermuda. You'll enjoy either a view of King's Wharf, which is pleasant, or the bay. Really a win/win.

 

Oh, so yes, that's another vote for Bermuda...so much nicer/cleaner than the Bahamas! Looking forward to going back for the 10th time next year!

[fiftyguy]

I'm sorry I didn't see your aft balcony question when I read your post. Yes the deck 10 balconies are larger than balconies on 8 & 9 - quite a bit larger. You will be surrounded by aft suites and the area is very quiet with very little foot traffic.

[FEckeT]

I knew I could count on everybody to help us decide. From what it appears, sounds like we should spend the extra money and go to Bermuda :)

 

As far as rough sailing, we are aware that it could be smooth or not. On our way back from the Bahamas last year it was a bit wavy, nothing I would complain about, thought the entire trip was smooth sailing and perfect weather. Was a little cautious when we were going out of New York to the Caribbean. As it turned out it was like glass. Never even felt the ship move. Weather on the other hand had some fog and clouds now and then, you would think that the water would have been rough.

 

I was more concerned about being in port with nothing to do, but it seems from everybody here, that we may actually have more to do on our own. Yes, since we do not do excursions, and we like to walk around on our own, when we have to be back, we do tend to watch the clock too much, so this could be just as relaxing as staying on the ship. I will have to make a Spa appointment when husband decides to play golf. He said he always wanted to go to Bermuda, and how can he not play golf there, at least once :D

 

So, can anybody tell me what the Star is like now that it has been refurbished? From the NCL website, it appears to have less bars and dining places than the Dawn (we were never on) or the Jewel, which is the only NCL ship we have been on to compare to.

 

This is the earliest we ever booked a cruise, so it will be fun to get excited.

 

Thanks for all your help, it is greatly appreciated. If anybody thinks of anything else they would like to share with us, we would be more than happy to listen.

 

These boards make cruising like one big family :)

 

Thanks again.

 

[saltmom1]

A word of caution- unless you are VERY experienced motorcycle riders, don't attempt the mopeds. Roads are narrow and the cars go really fast. You will not be allowed to rent a car in Bermuda and they drive on the " wrong" side of the road, being British.

You might try the Swizzle Inn. Do check out the Bermuda board under ports of call on this forum. There are many experienced and very helpful people who can answer all of your questions. You can also order a free packet of things to do in Bermuda. Just search Bermuda tourism.

BTW, if there were a choice between Bermuda and the Bahamas, DEFINITELY pick Bermuda. I wouldn't even bother to get off the ship in the Bahamas. You will not be bored in Bermuda for the time that you are there. You will dock at the Royal Dockyard and there is a very large area to explore.

Hope you enjoy yourself no matter which cruise you choose.

[FEckeT]

A word of caution- unless you are VERY experienced motorcycle riders, don't attempt the mopeds. Roads are narrow and the cars go really fast. You will not be allowed to rent a car in Bermuda and they drive on the " wrong" side of the road, being British.

You might try the Swizzle Inn. Do check out the Bermuda board under ports of call on this forum. There are many experienced and very helpful people who can answer all of your questions. You can also order a free packet of things to do in Bermuda. Just search Bermuda tourism.

BTW, if there were a choice between Bermuda and the Bahamas, DEFINITELY pick Bermuda. I wouldn't even bother to get off the ship in the Bahamas. You will not be bored in Bermuda for the time that you are there. You will dock at the Royal Dockyard and there is a very large area to explore.

Hope you enjoy yourself no matter which cruise you choose.

 

You do NOT have to worry, I would NEVER ride a motorcycle even when I was in my prime :eek: They scare me :o

 

My husband will laugh, because he knows that the last time I rode a bike it was before I got my drivers license and I was still a teenager.

We would consider doing a ferry, taxi or even a public bus, but walking is our preference. From everybody's posts it sounds like we will have a good time for the extra $450 plus golf fees :confused: (we always have a good time on a cruise, even if we do nothing, just being away from phones and email (we turn our cell phones off nor check email while on a cruise -- mainly because of the money -- but we cruise to relax -- our "adult" children have the ship's number in case of an emergency).

 

Thank you again for your concern and vote for Bermuda. We booked our cabin (mainly because we know we can change our mind up until almost March of 2012) and are starting to get excited. We like the idea one poster said that we can go watch "other people" ride the dolphins, sometimes "watching" can be better than doing ;)

 

Thanks to these boards, everybody's cruise experiences are stepped up a notch from being informed.

 

[laurenb0380]

Bermuda for sure! I'm going there again this October. I've done many islands in the caribbean and bermuda is the best in my opinion. I'm not a beach person either. But I do love Tobacco Bay in St. Georges. It's just beautiful! You can walk around St. Georges or Hamilton. Visit Flatts Inlet and go to the Aquarium/Zoo, then go to the caves. You have to go to the Swizzle Inn and get a Rum Swizzle! They're strong though so be careful:). You can spend a day walking around the dockyard shops and checking out the glass blowing studio and the place that makes the rum cakes, yum! I went on a small ship there once and the water was a little rough but not enough to bother me. The gem is twice the size of the ship I was on.