A Cruise to Bermuda

Not too long ago we decided to go on our first family cruise. We did a little bit of price comparison and compared that to our available funds. What we found to be the best option for our family of five was a cruise to Bermuda from New York with Norwegian Cruises. There is a set fee for the first and second person and then a discounted rate (which was better than the other cruise lines) for the third person and up. We took care of all of the paperwork online so we had very little to do once we arrived at the cruise terminal.

Once on the ship we were able to visit our rooms and roam around the ship. This gives the staff time to sort out all of the luggage and get it to the staterooms of all the guests. In our room we met our Cabin Attendant, Anthony. He was the most friendly and helpful person and also paid extra attention to my children. He was a Godsend the entire week we were onboard! I would like to point out too though, the entire staff on the ship were great.

On the ship, there were activities for the children, a casino for the adults, swimming pools, a running track, gift shops and so much more! There were wonderful restaurants and buffets and plenty of shows. We took free salsa lessons, played staff-run games by the pool, watched other guests sing karaoke and also saw a magic show.

Every night while we were at dinner, our beds had been turned down and there was a schedule of events for the next day. You could also pre-book excursions at any time before docking at the island.

Once we got closer to docking in Bermuda, we started seeing all of the colorful houses. Everything looked so pretty! We docked and headed off to town to take a look around. We decided not to book any excursions and go about our touring alone. We were able to see so many beautiful things. We shopped at little stores in town. We visited a very old church. We saw an old Navy dockyard. We visited the beaches where the sand was a pinkish color and you could see your feet! Not something we were used to, living at the Jersey shore. I bought my boys underwater cameras and they were able to go snorkeling and take pictures of all the fish that were swimming around them. We had a really good time. One of the nights while in Bermuda there was a street fair. Venders had tables set up with handmade items, there were rides for the kids, music and dancing...a real treat!

Okay, those are the only details of the island I will give, as to not spoil it for the future visitor. What I will tell you is that not only did my husband and myself have a great time, our children did too. In case you are wondering, my children are 16, 14 and 11. The pricing off the ship was very affordable and the whole experience cost me a total of about $6000. What I forgot to mention above in my first paragraph is that everything onboard the ship is included in the purchase price of your tickets. The only things you will pay extra for are soda, alcohol, tips for the wait staff when you eat at one of the restaurants and anything you decide to purchase from the gift shops. Oh yea...the casinos take your money too. You also have the option to have tips for your cabin attendant charged to your credit card at a set daily rate or you can choose to set your own amount at the end of your stay and pay with cash in an envelope provided.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go to www.NCL.com and start looking for your cruise! Just don't forget to get your passport, they are now needed to travel by cruise ship. Have fun!