Crown to Bermuda 6/19 LOVED IT!!!!

[Surfgirl]

The following is a very long and detailed review of the Crown and Bermuda. I will also be including tips and explanations which I hope will assist first time cruisers and those who've never been to Bermuda before.

 

This is my fourth cruise (my second with NCL). I will preface this by saying that I almost gave up on cruising after going on the Dawn last year. It was too big and too crowded for my taste. I do not believe "Bigger is Better," and much prefer the intimacy of a smaller ship like the Crown. I would never sail Dawn again, but I'd go back on Crown tomorrow!

 

SUNDAY

Arrived at the NY Pier and found the Lattitudes desk. (You automatically become a lattitudes member after you have completed your first cruise). There was no line... just one person ahead of us. After we had our documents and passport examined, a credit card swiped (this is for all on-board purchases like drinks and gift shop items) and our pictures taken, we were sent to the table to pick up our ship card.

TIP: Bring MasterCard or Visa. Discover is not accepted in the Bahamas.

 

After having our picture taken by the photographer, we boarded the ship. A porter took our bags to our room and showed us our cabin. We were on the fifth deck with a large picture window.

 

There was plenty of closet and drawer space.. much more than you could ever use! I liked the fact that there were plenty of hangers-- including skirt hangers. No need to bring a hair dryer-- they're in the bathrooms.

 

I enjoyed the console which included four channels of music. It's even piped in to your bathroom so you can enjoy showering to Bach!

 

After unpacking, we set out to explore the ship. You can join up with a tour if you like, but we just ventured out on our own. Unlike the Dawn, I never got lost. The ship is so easy to get around. You won't find the bells and whistles of a larger ship, but the Crown had everything we needed and then some!

 

Every crew member we passed had a smile on their face, and each one was tripping over themselves trying to be friendly and helpful. These are people who truly enjoy their jobs, and it shows!

 

We had our first meal in the Seven Seas Restaurant. The ambiance is "early 1970's cruise-ship"-- which we got a kick out of. It was mirrored and kind of cheesy, but it added to the fun. The person I was with had special dietary needs-- she's allergic to wheat and flour and needed a gluten free diet. No sooner did she mention that, than gluten-free bread appeared on the table! One of the head waiters came over and told her that he would go through the next day's menus with her to pre-order gluten free meals. Wow, were we impressed!

 

The food was delicious! I never had a bad meal on board.

TIP: the menus are posted at the entrances to the restaurants. Look at them before you decide where to eat. We had one of our best meals in "The Yacht Club"-- which is the buffet!

 

Later that evening, we attended the Shore Excursion talk. Don't miss it! It will help you sort through all of your options. In the end, we decided to explore Bermuda on our own-- but next time, we'll take a few of the excursions.

 

Check out the tables in front of the gift shop each day. They usually have great specials. I bought three really pretty evening bags for $15 dollars a piece! They're only open when the ship is at sea.

 

The show was great. The dancers did the best they could, but I think appealed more towards the older crowd. Sharkbait was fabulous. These are two former clowns who met each other in the circus and came up with a comedy juggling act. What was funny is that we ran in to them on the beach later in the week. They were trying to play frisbee, but these expert jugglers couldn't catch the darned thing!

 

TIP: Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before show-time or you may find yourself standing in the back of the room. You can usually find seats to the extreme right of the theater near the stage.

 

 

We were bushed, so we went right to bed.

 

MONDAY:

All day at sea. It was pretty rocky, and a lot of people got seasick. Waves don't bother me, and I quite enjoyed the rocking and rolling.

 

TIP: If you get seasick, check out the over-the-counter medication Bonine. That's what the Navy uses. It's very effective, although it tends to make you sleepy.

 

We had breakfast in the restaurant. Once again.. yummy!

 

It was kind of grey and rainy out, so we didn't get much outdoor time... but there was plenty to do on the ship.

 

We went to the Lattitude's party at the Top of the Crown. It was very well done. Lots of nice door prizes, but... <sigh!> we didn't win anything.

 

I don't know why, but I love going to the Art Auction. The paintings are all pretty bad, but it's fun to watch the bidding frenzy. I also like to enter the free raffle, but once again, we haven't won yet!

 

That evening, they gave a talk on the islands. GO! It's very useful information to help you plan where to go and what to do. They give you information on taxis and buses (buses are the way to go.... you can either buy tokens or a three day pass).

 

Got all dressed up for formal night. Dinner, as usual, was fabulous.

 

We went to the gift shop and talked to the ladies at the counter and lost all track of time and missed the show. (It was the dancers again, so I wasn't heart broken). Be sure to talk to the crew-- it's a virtual United Nations, and you'll learn so much about their countries and culture.

 

We made it to the Stardust Lounge just in time for the Newlywed Game which was hilarious. Our cruise director Julie (how cliche is that!) was very, very funny.

 

TUESDAY: ST. GEORGES

 

TIP: Get up early to watch the ship sail in to St. Georges. This is not to be missed! The ship sqeezes through a tiny passageway, and you find yourself inhaling in an effort to help her get through without scraping her sides! The town crier is there firing a canon at you, and in full uniform, greeting you with "WELCOME TO BERMUDA!" Have your camera ready!

 

After breakfast, we wandered around St. George's (not much to see other than the really pretty architecture) and took a bus to Crystal Caves.

TIP: You need to buy tokens in advance. We got ours in a liquor store up the hill.

 

TIP: If you take the excursion, you'll only get to see one cave. Do it on your own-- less people, (there was only one other couple there when the guide took us down) AND you'll have the opportunity to tour BOTH caves. The FANTASY cave was even better than the Crystal Cave-- and that's the one that is NOT on the excursion.

 

We went back to the ship for lunch, and then got our snorkeling gear and headed for Tobacco Bay. It's a LONG walk up the hill-- about 20 minutes.. but you get to go by the unfinished church, which is worth a look and a photo opportunity. I think next time, I would take a taxi up, and walk back!

 

Tobacco Bay would have been nice, had it not been so crowded. The Majesty was in port with us, so there were wall-to-wall people. There was also some broken glass in the water, so be sure to wear aqua socks if you go there. I kind of wish we had gone to St. Catherine's instead.

 

The show featured Rodney Johnson. He was so funny, I was literally in pain from laughing. I have never enjoyed a comedian more, and I've been to comedy showcases in New York City. This guy is GOOD!

 

WEDNESDAY: Hamilton

 

Arm yourself with your credit card and CHARGE! We headed straight to Trimingham's. This is a British owned department store which is going out of business after more than 100 years. Everything was 50 percent off. I bought Baccarat candlesticks, 14K jewelry, and Burberry clothes and accessories. The store has Lenox, Lladro, Wedgewood, and Waterford, plus every type of perfume imaginable. You won't see bargains like this again!

 

I'm told by the locals that Trimingham's is saving up some of their best merchandise for their final blowout sale in July. Hmmmm... what a great excuse to go back on another cruise!

 

After lunch we took a bus to Horseshoe Bay beach. DO NOT MISS THIS BEACH! The sand is a beautiful pink, and the water a robins egg blue. Bring your camera and walk to the left to explore all of the rock formations and little coves.

TIP: walk up the hill in Hamilton to the bus depot to buy your tokens.

 

The show featured George Solomon. Being younger than the average cruiser on board, I didn't like him at all, although a lot of the older set did. I found his show to be very cheesy, and his dancing awful. But he put his heart and soul in to the show-- gotta give him credit for trying.

 

THURSDAY: KINGS WHARF

 

Spent the morning exploring the shops at the Clock Tower. Saw the glass blowing (a bit disappointing) and the ceramic shop (also disappointing.) Went to the Maritime Museum and saw the fort, etc. I was a little upset while watching the Dolphin Experience there. The pens are very small, although I'm told they're expanding them. If you want to swim with the Dolphins, I recommend you pass this up and go to the one in Nassau instead. The conditions were much, much better there as the dolphins had a whole lagoon to swim in.

 

Get your snorkel and do not miss the new snorkel park. It is the best snorkeling I have done so far! You can rent snorkeling equipment there, as well as a plastic paddle boat. The park is clean with so many gorgeous fish.

 

TIP: Go early in the morning or after 3 in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.

 

The show was the Variety Special. We got to see Sharkbait, Rodney Johnson, the dancers and (ugh!) George Solomon again. It was an excellent show.

 

FRIDAY: KINGS WHARF and AT SEA

 

Got in one more snorkel trip to the park.

TIP: Grab a small box of cornflakes and a waterproof container, and feed the fish while you snorkel. You'll attract literally hundreds of fish! Bring your waterproof camera!

 

The Chocoholic Buffet: do not miss this, and bring your camera. Every kind of chocolate dessert imaginable. Yum, yum!

 

TIP: Begin lining up 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time, or you will have a REALLY, REALLY long wait to get in.

 

SATURDAY and SUNDAY: At sea, and disembarking

 

Overall impressions:

LOVED IT! The crew couldn't have been nicer or friendlier. Take the time to talk to them and get to know them.... everybody from the housekeeping staff to the waiters. They truly made the cruise feel like home. An interesting fact-- we were told that all of the crew have college degrees... so that woman serving you coffee could have an accounting degree back in her country.

 

The food was very good. I was never hungry... infact, that was a problem because the food was so good, that sometimes I wasn't hungry enough to sample everything! We didn't do any of the special restaurants. The Chopsticks restaurant was just a walled off part of the Buffet, and didn't have much of a menu. We didn't even look at the Italian restaurant, or Le Bistro-- I don't even know where they are! We were happy enough with the food at the Seven Seas and the Yacht Club. (Don't miss the Oriental Buffett at the Yacht Club!)

 

I appreciated the hand sanitizers at the restaurants. I sure wish ALL restaurants on land had them!

 

TIP: Eat early for dinner or you may end up waiting on a long line to get in. Best time is between 5:30 and 6:15. Also.. don't be shy about sharing a table... you meet more people that way!

 

Needs improvement (these are minor points) :

I didn't go near the Casino because of the smoke. I truly wish there was room walled off for the smokers, because us non-smokers couldn't gamble.

 

They need a new pastry chef. The desserts were pretty disappointing to a chocoholic like me. If you like tarts and rubbery mousse-- then you'll be happy... but I need my chocolate! One night I was so desparate, I begged the kid's counselor to let me have a brownie and chocolate chip cookie that the kids had for dinner! They really should have these for adults.

 

Icecream is available in the buffet, but there are no toppings available. On the Dawn, they always had butterscotch and chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. Nothing on the Crown, unless you ate at the sit-down restaurant.

 

Random comments:

The gym is large enough to get in your basic work out.

I didn't do the spa because I got Impetego (a nasty skin infection) from a facial when I was on the Dawn, and now am afraid of their spas.

If you're a lap swimmer like me, you won't use the pool-- it's too small. But, who cares, when you have the whole ocean!

People tended to dress better on the Crown than on the Dawn. Everyone looked nice for dinner at the Seven Seas restaurant.

The average age was 60's and 70's... although there were a lot of honeymooners and some young families. The kids and teen clubs, I'm told were excellent.

I'm younger and single-- but wasn't looking to meet anyone on this trip. If that's your goal, this isn't the ship for you.

 

I had a wonderful time, and would definately go back again!

 

Any questions? I'll be happy to help.

[southerntraveler]

Surf girl,

Enjoyed your review. I am allergic to wheat and would like to know if your friend informed NCL of this before the cruise. My husband and I are taking our first cruise next month and I would appreicate any suggestions you or anyone else reading this has on dealing with this problemn on the ship.

Thank you for any advice.:)

[bermudashorts]

Very nice review, and Im glad you had a great time.

Is there theme nights on the Crown?

 

We go in Sept and cant wait.

[Surfgirl]

No need to call in advance for special dietary needs... just be sure to see the host/hostess, or inform you waiter during your first meal. They will send someone over to go over the menu with you, and will bring the next day's menus so you can order your meals in advance.

 

Be careful though-- whenever you order icecream, they always put a wafer made with wheat in it! Be sure to remind your waiter when you order dessert.

 

If you go to the buffet, you're on your own.. so you'll have to stick to basics-- like the grilled fish, fruit, vegetables, etc.

[Surfgirl]

There were no "theme nights" at dinner... however, they did have a Caribbean Night at the pool, a sock hop, and a 70's/80's party. I was a party-pooper and was in bed by then. I'm usually up late, but the ocean and the sea air makes me very sleepy, and sometimes I could barely make it to the show.

 

Of course, now that I'm home, I'm back to my old insomniac ways!

[steph8564]

I am going on the Crown on the 31st and am interested in the room service menu.. I understand it is limited. Can you give me an idea what is on it. In the morning, can you order lunch food? If you can, can you give me some examples (ie. sandwiches, burgers,) anything you give me would be great.

[Surfgirl]

Sorry, I didn't use room service, so I can't be of any help. Maybe someone else can chime in here?

[southerntraveler]

No need to call in advance for special dietary needs... just be sure to see the host/hostess, or inform you waiter during your first meal. They will send someone over to go over the menu with you, and will bring the next day's menus so you can order your meals in advance.

 

Be careful though-- whenever you order icecream, they always put a wafer made with wheat in it! Be sure to remind your waiter when you order dessert.

 

If you go to the buffet, you're on your own.. so you'll have to stick to basics-- like the grilled fish, fruit, vegetables, etc.

 

Thank you so much for the info. Will watch out for the wafer! I didn't know that the menu's would change in the resturants. Is this a big change or just the specials?

[Island Gem]

Hi Surfgirl, thanks for the review. Did you do Harbor nights in either Hamilton or St. George's? I understand this festival runs from end of May to October each year. Thanks for letting us know if they've started.

[Surfgirl]

Thank you so much for the info. Will watch out for the wafer! I didn't know that the menu's would change in the resturants. Is this a big change or just the specials?

 

The Menu changes every day. You can select from a number of entrees. They're posted at the entrance to the restaurants in advance.

 

There are some things you can get everyday-- including chicken and caeser salad. You can also get a baked potato instead of rice or other vegetables.

 

I saw a discussion on soda-- and having to pay extra for it. I found no need-- you can have free water, iced tea, coffee or milk with every meal... and orange juice for breakfast. I'm a milk drinker, so I was a happy camper.

[Surfgirl]

Hi Surfgirl, thanks for the review. Did you do Harbor nights in either Hamilton or St. George's? I understand this festival runs from end of May to October each year. Thanks for letting us know if they've started.

 

I caught the tail end of Harbor Night in St. Georges. They had craft venders and a DJ. People were dancing in the village square. It was small but quite festive.

 

I also arrived late for the Hamilton festival. It's a little bigger-- with more craft venders, a live band, and those blow up slides and bouncy things for the kids. It was quite crowded. I missed the Gombay (spelling?) dancers. I would have liked to see that, but our dinner ran late.

[suemac]

I don't normally nit-pick about reviews but I do have to set the record straight on one comment that was made. It is not true that all crew have college degrees. While there may be some that have degrees, it is certainly not the entire crew. I just didn't want anyone to be mis-led.

[Surfgirl]

I don't normally nit-pick about reviews but I do have to set the record straight on one comment that was made. It is not true that all crew have college degrees. While there may be some that have degrees, it is certainly not the entire crew. I just didn't want anyone to be mis-led.

 

You may be right... I'm just quoting what the women running the ship gift store told us.

[JUSRN]

Did you take advantage of the dine ashore program? How was it? Which restaurants are good?

 

Were you docked in St. George the night of the street fair? How about the night in Hamilton? Were you docked there that night?

 

Where is the pasta/italian restaurant on the Crown?

 

Last time we were on the Crown I had trouble finding a quiet deck chair in the shade. Do you remember any places?

 

We're going on 8/7/05 and the anticipation is killing me!

[suemac]

My husband is a former NCL employee and they were not required to have college degrees. We actually have friends that work on the Crown and I know that they do not have degrees.

[greenie]

Loved your review, thanks!

 

I'm curious as to the weather--was it hot? Cool? Am considering a future cruise to Bermuda and would be interested in how is is in May/June. Thanks!

[Surfgirl]

<<Did you take advantage of the dine ashore program? How was it? Which restaurants are good?>>

 

No, we ate on the ship. They DO charge you $5.00 for the voucher, which you get credited back if you don't use it. Be careful, because there is a different and limited menu at some places especially for the "Dining Ashore" folks.. and a $15 dollar charge at others for dinner. That's not really much considering how expensive food is in Bermuda, so it can be a good value.

 

<<Were you docked in St. George the night of the street fair?>>

Yes, we were. It was a short walk to "the stockades."

<< How about the night in Hamilton? Were you docked there that night?>>

Yes. You literally walked off the ship and there you were!

 

<<Where is the pasta/italian restaurant on the Crown?>>

I haven't a clue! :) We never ate there, and I never found that OR LeBistro!

 

<<Last time we were on the Crown I had trouble finding a quiet deck chair in the shade. Do you remember any places?>>

That still is a problem unless you do as we did and went out after 4pm.

 

<<We're going on 8/7/05 and the anticipation is killing me!>>

Take me with you! I want to go back!!! :D

[travel girl23]

Surfgirl, we are going on the Crown in November to Santiago, Chile, and I am still wondering about formal night. We have never been on NCL or freestyle dining. I understand we will have several optional formal nights but my question is, do they designate one restaurant for formal night or do we sit among those who do not want to participate in formal night? How exactly does formal night work? I don't know if I would like to be all dressed up with DH in his tux and sitting with someone in their dockers. Thanks for your great review. Joan

[smeyer418]

There is only one main restuarant on the Crown---those in formal dress will have some people with resort casual next to them......

[alpal1993]

Thanks for the review,I am seriously cosidering the Crown for next years cruise to Bermuda.Over the past several years I have been a die hard Celebrity cruiser,but I like the itinerary,the port of departure and the price much better on NCL.I have cruised NCL twice.Actually my first cruise was in 1980 on NCL Southward.I again sailed NCL on SS Norway which we enjoyed.

Sounds like a great cruise to me.I hope it is not too cold for us in late May early June 2006.Looking forward to visiting Bermuda again.

Glad to hear the snorkle park is open in Kings Wharf.Does anyone know if the Frog and Onion Pub is still open?

Ann

[Surfgirl]

From what I understand, Celebrity is a bit more ritzy, so don't expect the same type of ship. The Crown is small, relaxed but not at all glitzy. I don't want you to be disappointed.

 

I do cruises for the ports, not for the sake of the cruise itself. I hate to fly-- although I do when I have to-- but prefer to sail.

 

The Crown was perfect for me because the accomodations were clean and nice, lots of closet space, the crew was tripping all over themselves trying to be friendly and make us all happy, and the food was very good. (I've heard Celebrity's food is better though). The ship is older-- so don't expect to be "wow-ed" by the ambiance of a newer, larger ship.

 

I prefer less glitz and a simpler atmosphere where service, rather than bells and whistles are stressed.

 

 

 

Yes, Frog and Onion is still open.

[Maraprince]

Did you take advantage of the dine ashore program? How was it? Which restaurants are good?

 

Were you docked in St. George the night of the street fair? How about the night in Hamilton? Were you docked there that night?

 

Where is the pasta/italian restaurant on the Crown?

 

Last time we were on the Crown I had trouble finding a quiet deck chair in the shade. Do you remember any places?

 

We're going on 8/7/05 and the anticipation is killing me!

Le Bistro is located on deck 8 in the rear (aft) section.

 

To get to the Pasta Cafe, you enter through the Disco. This is the same floor as the jogging track -- deck 11 (?) -- and you will see just outside the Pasta Cafe.

 

The main course changes everyday. So you select the day you want to go by the menu offering. The food was good -- about the same as you would expect in a neighborhood Italian restaurant. Tables can be combined if you have a large group but seating is limited as the space is small.

 

Chopsticks has the same menu everyday -- doesn't change -- something called "Asian fusion". We didn't like the selection but that was just our opinion.

 

We had high tea in Le Bistro (last sea day). No jeans or shorts allowed for high tea.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

 

I was on the 5/29 sailing and our overall weather was on the cool side with wind and showers.

[greenie]

I was on the 5/29 sailing and our overall weather was on the cool side with wind and showers.

 

Thank you, Maraprince.

:)

 

I want to go when it's not cool, so maybe May isn't the best month.

[Surfgirl]

<<Le Bistro is located on deck 8 in the rear (aft) section.>>

 

I never even saw it!!!

 

<<To get to the Pasta Cafe, you enter through the Disco. This is the same floor as the jogging track -- deck 11 (?) -- and you will see just outside the Pasta Cafe.>>

 

Disco??!!! Jogging track???!!!! Oh my! I missed a whole chunk of the ship. I never even knew that existed!!!! Guess I better go book another trip to see!

[bev77]

We are also sailing on 8/07, also looking forward to it. We just got our doc's yesterday. Have you been to Bermuda before?