Bermuda cruise question

[pjo]

I know. Princess doesn't offer a Bermuda cruise, and that's the problem. Our family has done every Caribbean itinerary Princess offers. We thoroughly enjoy Princess, but want to try something different and a Bermuda cruise (out of New York or Boston) next summer would be a nice alternative. I am posting this question here because I am looking for opinions from others who primarily cruise on and enjoy Princess.

 

My question: If you have done a Bermuda cruise what cruise line did you take and (compared to Princess) did you enjoy that particular cruise line or not? And did you enjoy Bermuda? Or not? Any input is appreciated.

 

Paul

Edited February 22, 2014 by pjo

[sandyoftheseas]

I did a Bermuda cruise out of Boston about 10 years ago with my DM & DS on NCL. I enjoyed the cruise so much the next year me and my husband did a land vacation there for a week. I feel that NCL is comparable to Princess. The only problem I had was on the way back from Bermuda to Boston the seas were very rough. After returning I have read many posts regarding the rough seas during this crossing. Also remember the weather is not tropical it gets cool in the non summer months. I would recommend that you go the island is beautiful, people very friendly, the island flowers scent the air and I love the sound of the tree frogs!

[kendon]

Went on the Summit and, to date after many cruises, it's been the worst ship I've ever been on. In fact, it failed health inspection a month after we got off...no surprise. So for this Princess cruiser, I cross that off my list. The others in port with us were a Norwegian ship and a Holland America. The Holland America was docked in Hamilton, and was an old ship. Heard negative things about them too from passengers we met in port. I'm no help, am I?

Edited February 22, 2014 by kendon

[1025cruise]

I took the Veendam to Bermuda a couple of years ago. It's a small ship, and docks in Hamilton (versus the dock yard). While I'm not in a rush to go back on HAL (just liked Princess a bit better), I wouldn't not go back on HAL.

[Mikeandme]

I know. Princess doesn't offer a Bermuda cruise, and that's the problem. Our family has done every Caribbean itinerary Princess offers. We thoroughly enjoy Princess, but want to try something different and a Bermuda cruise (out of New York or Boston) next summer would be a nice alternative. I am posting this question here because I am looking for opinions from others who primarily cruise on and enjoy Princess.

 

My question: If you have done a Bermuda cruise what cruise line did you take and (compared to Princess) did you enjoy that particular cruise line or not? And did you enjoy Bermuda? Or not? Any input is appreciated.

 

Paul

DH and I love both Princess and Bermuda and like to sail from our home ports. Celebrity Summit offers a Bermuda cruise, and we tried it last year. We had a wonderful time and booked it again this year. I don't think that Celebrity and Princess are all that different, and I've ready many posts about this. You can check out the Celebrity website as well as YouTube for a look at the ship itself and also different cabins. Bermuda is certainly one of the nicer places to visit, and we have stopped there on Princess when they used to sail out of NY on Eastern Caribbean cruises. The Summit only goes to Bermuda and then docks there for 3 days. The Norwegian Breakaway also does this, and she docks next to the Summit. It is much larger and more congested than the Summit. We have not sailed on her, and I've been reluctant to book judging from what I've read. Also, the passengers I spoke with didn't seem all that enthused. It's all a matter of taste, but we did enjoy Celebrity Summit. I think the standard staterooms are prettier on Celebrity, and the bathrooms are more ambulatory. Of course, the cabin size is similar. That means the storage is not as ample as what Princess offers. If you are sailing in a suite, then I think the Celebrity suites are nicer than those on Princess and have very adequate storage. Again, check YouTube. Pricing and promotions are more easily dealt with on Princess, since Celebrity will not allow you to combine promotions. Hope this helps.

[MJSailors]

Since my DH and I celebrated our honeymoon at a Bermuda resort over thirty years ago,we have enjoyed that beautiful island eight times.

Our travel consisted of both cruises and resort stays.

Our last cruise was on Celebrity Summit out of Bayone,NJ.

I agree with the other poster that the Summit was our least favorite cruise ship.

It needed a major renovation. We also found that both the crew and passengers that we came across to be not friendly or outgoing.

We did sail in NCL about twenty years ago out of NYC and found that cruise to be enjoyable.

HAL and Azarama used to dock in Hamilton,but both lines gave discontinued sailing to Bermuda.

When Princess was offering the Caribbean run out of Brooklyn, we choose that cruise two years in a row,primarily because one of the ports was Bermuda.

I have mentioned putting a cruise to Bermuda for a Princess ship to various staff.including a captain!

We would LOVE a Bermuda cruise

[janzhitty]

We sailed to Bermuda on the Summit. Never again on that ship and probably never again on Celebrity. Bermuda itself was great. Would love to go again by air and stay a week.

[John Reid]

I have been on three Princess ships and they are my favorites of the four lines I have sailed. That said, your best best (if you hurry) might be RCI Explorer out of Cape Bayonne, NJ. The ship will be there until early November, and I believe they have some Bermuda itineraries. I cruised Explorer to the Caribbean in November and enjoyed the ship. Not quite Princess, but a very good cruise. It docks at Kings Wharf, Bermuda also.

[1025cruise]

Since my DH and I celebrated our honeymoon at a Bermuda resort over thirty years ago,we have enjoyed that beautiful island eight times.

Our travel consisted of both cruises and resort stays.

Our last cruise was on Celebrity Summit out of Bayone,NJ.

I agree with the other poster that the Summit was our least favorite cruise ship.

It needed a major renovation. We also found that both the crew and passengers that we came across to be not friendly or outgoing.

We did sail in NCL about twenty years ago out of NYC and found that cruise to be enjoyable.

HAL and Azarama used to dock in Hamilton,but both lines gave discontinued sailing to Bermuda.

When Princess was offering the Caribbean run out of Brooklyn, we choose that cruise two years in a row,primarily because one of the ports was Bermuda.

I have mentioned putting a cruise to Bermuda for a Princess ship to various staff.including a captain!

We would LOVE a Bermuda cruise

 

HAL will be going back to Bermuda next year. The Veendam will be sailing out of Boston. Bermuda recently relaxed the rules about the casino opening in port. This is a big deal since the ship is docked there for 2-3 days.

[zetaome]

I sailed out of NYC to Bermuda on HAL's Veendam a couple of years ago.

 

I loved that HAL can dock in Hamilton - it makes it very easy to get to the central bus terminal or the ferry dock to go to either end of the island!

 

I liked the Veendam despite the fact that is is an older ship. The crew was good and I liked the cabin size - I loved that our interior cabin had a couch!

 

I would go back to Bermuda in a heartbeat! There are great things to see and do for all ages and I felt very safe!

 

Enjoy your trip - whatever ship you wind up on!!

[NewPennCruiser]

We always wanted to cruise to Bermuda and we chose NCL out of Boston last year. We had a great time and enjoyed cruising on the Dawn. Embarkation was a breeze in Boston and we really liked the ship.....you're pretty much just using it as a hotel for 3 days while in Bermuda, food is good and the price point is competitive.

 

It is easy to get around the island, the people are nice and I love visiting there. Personally I wish Princess offered some itineraries that included Bermuda but they don't and I really think NCL is a nice option. I also have heard good things about RCCL out of New York/New Jersey but I've not tried them yet. Personally we choose Princess first if they cruise an itinerary we are interested in but I would never hesitate to cruise NCL if there is something that interests us. (like Bermuda) Dave

[Clutterlady]

Love Bermuda. Just wish Princess would do a cruise there...anyway, doesn't matter what line you choose. You are just using it as a place to sleep. You will spend most of your time on shore....enjoy:)

[Pam in CA]

I've been to Bermuda several times for a week each time on land vacations. Took the Celebrity Summit four years ago and agree with the others that it turned me off from trying Celebrity again. Tiny, narrow (11" from the end of the bed to the wall) balcony cabin I paid a lot for ($2,300 for 7 days) with no mini-frig, no self-serve laundry, mediocre to awful food (subjective but if you can't stab a piece of meat with a steak knife, you know it's been cooked to death), poor customer service (no reaction or even an "So sorry" for not having a working toilet for three days, etc. Waitstaff was excellent and the caberet singer was the best I've heard.

 

If I were to take another cruise to Bermuda, I'd take any ship that docked directly in Hamilton. Docking at Kings Wharf meant at least an hour, or longer, to get to/from Hamilton and the beaches. Very limiting and time-consuming. I'd take a rust bucket rather than dock again at Kings Wharf.

[kendon]

We sailed to Bermuda on the Summit. Never again on that ship and probably never again on Celebrity. Bermuda itself was great. Would love to go again by air and stay a week.

 

Same here...the Summit turned us off to Celebrity. The ship selection going to Bermuda is poor.

[kendon]

I've been to Bermuda several times for a week each time on land vacations. Took the Celebrity Summit four years ago and agree with the others that it turned me off from trying Celebrity again. Tiny, narrow (11" from the end of the bed to the wall) balcony cabin I paid a lot for ($2,300 for 7 days) with no mini-frig, no self-serve laundry, mediocre to awful food (subjective but if you can't stab a piece of meat with a steak knife, you know it's been cooked to death), poor customer service (no reaction or even an "So sorry" for not having a working toilet for three days, etc. Waitstaff was excellent and the caberet singer was the best I've heard.

 

If I were to take another cruise to Bermuda, I'd take any ship that docked directly in Hamilton. Docking at Kings Wharf meant at least an hour, or longer, to get to/from Hamilton and the beaches. Very limiting and time-consuming. I'd take a rust bucket rather than dock again at Kings Wharf.

 

Well, I took a rust bucket AND docked at Kings Wharf. lol

Edited February 23, 2014 by kendon

[Clutterlady]

First, don't know why this thread was moved!!! Second, never took us long to get to Hamilton from Kings Warf..........

[Charles4515]

I know. Princess doesn't offer a Bermuda cruise, and that's the problem. Our family has done every Caribbean itinerary Princess offers. We thoroughly enjoy Princess, but want to try something different and a Bermuda cruise (out of New York or Boston) next summer would be a nice alternative. I am posting this question here because I am looking for opinions from others who primarily cruise on and enjoy Princess.

 

My question: If you have done a Bermuda cruise what cruise line did you take and (compared to Princess) did you enjoy that particular cruise line or not? And did you enjoy Bermuda? Or not? Any input is appreciated.

 

Paul

 

Celebrity Summit is the best option this year. Don't believe what the others posted on this thread. I have been on Summit and it is a very good ship. Food and service are top notch. I have booked Summit for Bermuda this year. Celebrity is a notch above Princess. Next year Veendam is sailing out of Boston a few sailings. If you can sail out of Boston it is a good option because it docks at Hamilton. Been on Veendam too. It is also a good ship. Explorer of the Seas, been on her. But its only 5 days. Also done NCL Breakaway. That was a lousy ship. Crowded and poor food and service.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Charles4515

[Charles4515]

I've been to Bermuda several times for a week each time on land vacations. Took the Celebrity Summit four years ago and agree with the others that it turned me off from trying Celebrity again. Tiny, narrow (11" from the end of the bed to the wall) balcony cabin I paid a lot for ($2,300 for 7 days) with no mini-frig, no self-serve laundry, mediocre to awful food (subjective but if you can't stab a piece of meat with a steak knife, you know it's been cooked to death), poor customer service (no reaction or even an "So sorry" for not having a working toilet for three days, etc. Waitstaff was excellent and the caberet singer was the best I've heard.

 

If I were to take another cruise to Bermuda, I'd take any ship that docked directly in Hamilton. Docking at Kings Wharf meant at least an hour, or longer, to get to/from Hamilton and the beaches. Very limiting and time-consuming. I'd take a rust bucket rather than dock again at Kings Wharf.

 

I prefer docking at Hamilton but it's simply not true that it takes an hour to get to the beaches from Kings Wharf. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from either Hamilton or kings Wharf depending on which beach.

 

Also the cabins on Summit do have mini fridges. You must be confused about what cruise ship you were on since your description of Summit does not fit the ship I have been on.

[Charles4515]

Went on the Summit and, to date after many cruises, it's been the worst ship I've ever been on. In fact, it failed health inspection a month after we got off...no surprise. So for this Princess cruiser, I cross that off my list. The others in port with us were a Norwegian ship and a Holland America. The Holland America was docked in Hamilton, and was an old ship. Heard negative things about them too from passengers we met in port. I'm no help, am I?

 

I don't agree with you about the Summit. It is a top notch ship. Also took the Veendam twice to Bermuda because it docked at Hamilton. Veendam is older but i can't think of much negative about her. Lousy entertinement is about it. I would do Summit or Veendam to Bermuda anytime. And have booked Summit for this June. I have also done Princess twice to Bermuda, and many other sailings in the Caribbean and Europe. Both Celebrity and Holland America are a notch above Princess.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Charles4515

[Clutterlady]

I don't agree with you about the Summit. It is a top notch ship. Also took the Veendam twice to Bermuda because it docked at Hamilton. Veendam is older but i can't think of much negative about her. Lousy entertinement is about it. I would do Summit or Veendam to Bermuda anytime. And have booked Summit for this June. I have also done Princess twice to Bermuda, and many other sailings in the Caribbean and Europe. Both Celebrity and Holland America are a notch above Princess.

 

Charles, you really need to chill!!! Think your cheerleading days are over:D

[smeyer418]

HAL will be going back to Bermuda next year. The Veendam will be sailing out of Boston. Bermuda recently relaxed the rules about the casino opening in port. This is a big deal since the ship is docked there for 2-3 days.

nevermind

Edited February 23, 2014 by smeyer418

[MVPinBoynton]

We took the Summit to Quebec in October and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cabin needed some TLC; but the main public areas were in very good shape. The food and service were great. We have lots of photos of the ship on our website www.thepreismans.com. However, since we live in South Florida, we will be taking our first trip to Bermuda on the Oceania Regatta, which docks in Hamilton. It will also be our first O cruise. So Oceania is also an alternative; but they don't go to Bermuda very often. Unfortunately, it is a more expensive option too; but we have always wanted to try O.

[Charles4515]

Charles, you really need to chill!!! Think your cheerleading days are over:D

 

 

I am not cheerleading. When I read posts that are far off from reality I will respond. I have been Summit twice and been on Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean over ten times on each.

[Iamcruzin]

We have been to Bermuda three times. Twice on the Caribbean Princess one day in port and once on the Celebrity Summit for a 2 day visit. We stayed in an ocean view rooms on both ships and sailed all three times in May

 

Princess

Better food and buffet than Celebrity.

Specialty restaurants cost $25 to $35PP as opposed to Celebrity charging $45 pp even for Qsine which is a glorified T.G.I. Fridays.

Ship is more crowded we had to get to the show 45 minutes in advance to get a seat in any of the venues. The result was we never saw more than one show.

 

Celebrity

Room although the same size as Princess it was arranged much better and much more comfortable. There was a sofa and cocktail table, You must book a mini suite or higher on Princess if you require a sofa. The bathroom was larger, has a night light and you could fit two in the shower if the occasion should arise. They supplied cotton balls,and q-tips which from what I have been reading here, Princess seems to have cut back on giving them to the elite passengers. They don't offer them in ocean view or balcony rooms. I'm not sure about mini suites or full suites. Princess provides a privacy dressing area outside the bathroom this is also the closet area. Celebrity closets are wardrobe closets that are in the room outside the bathroom Both lines have plenty of storage.

 

Food on Celebrity is not consistent. You can get one great meal and one horrible meal. Scrambled eggs at breakfast were cold every day. I don't mean room temperature I mean cold like they were sitting under the air conditioner vent. This was true if you ordered them in the MDR or Buffet.

The buffet was slim pickings and served the same meals every day. They had an Asian section that was not good although we liked the sushi that they served at 5:00pm each day. They don't have a salad bar like Princess but from speaking to passengers the new ships do have a salad bar.

 

 

The Summit is a smaller ship with less passengers. It doesn't have a Piazza or large Atrium like other ships. The focus is the grand stairway which is no comparison to what they offer on the new ships of any line. The ship is tastefully decorated, no neon lights or bling. If you have only sailed on newer ships you may be disappointed or underwhelmed with this ship.

 

 

The service on both lines are on par with each other. One thing in Celebrity's favor is if you book anytime dining they check your card each time to see if you belong there. There is no bouncing back and forth from traditional to anytime like they allow on Princess. On Celebrity we were able to get a table for 2 every night without a wait. Their dining room is better set up to accommodate 2 tops.

 

Over all I enjoy both lines and even being Platinum on Princess I would choose Celebrity over Princess based on itinerary and price. As of now Celebrity seems to offer better Caribbean itineraries and they sail out of San Juan for Southern itineraries. I think my next cruise is going to be a 7 day Bermuda cruise and I will book it on the Summit when the time comes around.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[racerxspeedy]

The 5 day Explorer of the Seas might be a good option and great value. Yes it is a slight step down from Princess, but they pack a lot of into this trip. Bermuda is still warm in Sept. when the kids are back in school.