Tips and Tricks for NCL- STAR -recommendations/suggestions/anything to avoid?

[BDA631]

We are a group of 5 single women ranging from 43 - 55 yrs - celebrating a "trip-of-a-lifetime" memory!

 

We depart NYC for Bermuda in May. I would appreciate any and all insights as to the ship, the events on board, restaurants/buffets to visit (and avoid) any must do things on board or when we dock at Bermuda.

 

We are a fun-loving group. We enjoy socializing and pampering! Some of us enjoy working out, while others just want to see the sunrise from the casino!

 

Some of us are on a tight budget, but that won't stop us from trying anything to make this a great trip!

 

All suggestions, inquiries and comments are welcome!

 

Thanks!

[Kim2629]

Hi there! Sounds like a blast! I can't speak to the Star as I haven't traveled on her yet (going in Feb 2013) but I can give you a few NCL pointers and some suggestions about Bermuda (I've traveled there twice, both times by an NCL cruise).

 

It sounds like you ladies are looking for fun and pampering, so here are some tips about that with regard to NCL ships (I look for similar things in my cruises) in case you've never traveled NCL. Take advantage of one of their "dress up or not nights" if you want to get a little fancy, make a reservation at a specialty restaurant and treat yourselves. I travel with a group of friends a lot and we love to do this. Purchase a spa pass (well worth the $100 or so for a week). This gives you access to hydrotherapy-type pools, sauna, steam room, etc. Don't miss the Martini Clinic/Tasting. You get more than your $$ worth, trust me :). Check out the Quest game show (usually late night, one of the last nights of the cruise). My group had the best time doing this on our cruise on the Dawn this past summer.

 

Bermuda -

 

Don't spend $$ on expensive excursions - Bermuda is a beautiful and safe island that is easy to navigate using their public transportation system. I assume you are docking at the Navy Dockyard. Right off the ship there are a couple locations that sell a public transportation pass for like $20 that gets you ferry and bus use. You can get to all the places you'll want to go using public transportation.

Horeshoe Bay is a must if you've never been. It's beautiful. It's a good 30 minute busride I'd say from the port though, so plan accordingly. Church Bay is a hidden gem in my opinion. Not a lot of flat sand, but you have to climb down quite a bit of stairs to get to it and it's a little cove-type spot. Not ideal for sunbathing and they don't have much for facilities or food/beverage (so pack something), but for a unique beach experience and if you have anybody that enjoys snorkeling (bring your own equipment), it's fantastic.

I also recommend taking a day and taking the ferry over to Hamilton and/or St. George's. The Swizzle Inn is a great tourist spot and the rum swizzle is yummy!! The Crystal Caves was Ok in my opinion, but others in my group loved it, so that might be worth checking out too.

Final tip, right near the dock there's a seafood restaurant and a pub called the Frog & Onion. We've enjoyed both of these places greatly (prices are pretty comparable to the ships though, so you're not really getting a "deal" on drinks or anything), especially around the dinnertime hours when they're busier. We had great conversation with the bartender and some locals one evening at the Seafood restaurant and found the atmosphere to be fun and friendly.

 

Enjoy your cruise! Hope these are a few helpful tips to get you started! Any questions at all about cruising to Bermuda or about Bermuda itself let me know, I'd be happy to give you more details of my experiences :)

[jdarch]

As you can see I love Bermuda...I have been several times and always manage to find new things to do...At the Dockyard across from where you dock is a mall..it's ok..but a nice walk over or you can take the free train that picks you up at the ship....some good stores. The Frog and Onion is a good place to get a drink..My dh and I went to the caves..I found them ok..loved the zoo and aquarium..we also went to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute in Hamilton...loved it... There is also some shopping there and some pubs..my favorite thing to do is take the ferry to St. George's...it's a beautiful and relaxing ride and you get to see some of the island..We did a carriage ride in St.George's and for 6 people it was $10 per person. It is a historical city with lots to see while enjoying a walk around. You can have a drink at the White Horse tavern and do some shopping. There are less shops here, but a few unique shops...one is my favorite where they sell hand made items...just a beautiful place to see. We usually do 1 beach day...Horseshoe bay is beautiful and I love Tobacco Bay...Last year we went to Gibb's lighthouse...alot of walking but so beautiful...it's just a breathtaking view..ok I guess that's enough for now:D

[PorkChopKid]

We were in Bermuda aboard Carnival Miracle this past September. Check out our images and write-up of things to see in Bermuda. You will see an image of the dockyard area to give you some perspective on where thngs are. Some of the images have additional notes on them that you can see if you click on the picture. http://pasqualehome.com/Miracle2011/Miracle_9-11-11_Cruise.htm

Bermuda was a great place... looking forward to getting back there. BTW, be sure and join the Roll Call, if you haven't already, for your cruise where you will most likely find a wealth of information and meet people you will be cruising with.

[spacewoman]

Bermuda is my favorite island so far. I'm hoping to be able to do the Star to it this year.

 

 

While my DH disagrees, I like being at one place for a few days. You can explore at your leisure with no pressure to get back on board at a certain time except for your departing day.

 

For me the ferry ride is an excursion in itself. It's a lovely ride from King's Wharf to Hamilton. As many times as we've been to Bermuda I have yet to see the St. George area.

 

As others have said, Bermuda is one of the safest islands. The public transportation is great and the residents are more than happy to assist you if you need some advice.

 

With NCL's freestyle you can do what you want when you want. You have no set dining times. If you pick a peak period and have a large group you may have to wait a little bit for a table, but the 5 of us traveling last September never had a wait. You can dress to the 9's for dinner or dress casual. You can spend a few extra bucks and eat in the specialty restaurants - or not. While food is highly subjective (especially on these boards:eek:), I did not eat in any of the specialty restaurants (DH fussy eater) and didn't come home any lighter.

 

Best bang for the buck is the liquor tastings. 4 - 5 drinks for $15. I did a martini, mojito and margarita tasting. Best deal going. If it's too much liquor, bring one of your friends and share each drink. My SIL did that one martini tasting. One was more than enough for her so I gave her one of her favorites that was in the tasting.

 

Look at your freestyle daily each morning to see what the day's activities are. If you are late nighters Spinnaker always has something going on.

 

Keep checking the boards here, look at reviews for Bermuda and the Star, take from them what you feel was the best and the worst and just get plain old GIDDY about your upcoming trip!

 

Kathy

[RareBird]

Been too many times to Bermuda... agree with all replies, it's beautiful.

 

About Star - same questions. We booked for May, and want to know more about the ship.