Ann

Still working on my Bermuda cruise and was wondering which cruise line to pick. We like casual elegant, but not fancy. Dining with different people each night appeals to us and so does the casualness of the Norwegian but I don't really know if it is up to the standards of the Celebrity. We are also not gourmet diners and we also like the fact that the Norwegian leaves from Boston. Lots of pluses in Norwegian's favor, but still like celebrity's reputation. Any thoughts?

Lisa

Another factor that may influence your decision one way or another is to look at the facilities offered. Does one ship have better swimming pools or other aspects you may be interested in or better entertainment.<BR><BR>What about staterooms or age of the ships? How do they compare.?<BR><BR>I would sit down with some cruise books at Borders. See descriptions of the actual ships you would be choosing between. Or you could go to cruise boards eg cruisecritic.com which have reader and/or critic reviews of the ships you are interested in.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Gail

I have sailed with both Norwegian and Celebrity. You will enjoy either of them, but we found that Celebrity's service far exceeds Norwegian's.

Ann

I have done hours of research on all the various sites and no matter what line it is service and accomodations seem to be rather spotty. For example, some people say that Celebrity Horizon is premium cruising and others have said it is a shabby unkept ship. Every line seems to be running about 50-50 for or against. There seems to be no overwhelming postive opinion for any one line. Is it all the older ships that seem to do the Bermuda trip? Maybe Bermuda is not the best location for a first time cruiser? It just seems like there is not one line that has it "all together" so to speak in the accomodations, food, and service, areas. If they get high marks in one area they seem to be lacking in another. <BR>Is it not so much the shipline you pick, but the quality of the crew for the duration of your trip? I have put a hold on a cabin with Celebrity Horizon but after checking some of these sites I think I will be cancelling until I put some of these issues to rest.

Paul Therault

<BR>I wouldn't mention Celebrity and NCL in the same breath.<BR><BR>Paul

Parrot Mom

Having not sailed on Celebrity, but on the NCL Majesty let me tell you that the Majesty is I had heard going into dry dock for refurbishing in April. There are two pools on the Majesty, an adult and one for the children, two huge jacuzzi. There is one difference that I think I would be interested in and this will surprise Paul.. After 9 trips on the Majesty to Bermuda I would like the opportunity to dock at ports other than St. George.I do enjoy St. George and the charm of it cannot be compared to the hustle and bustle of Hamilton where thousands of people are getting on and off the ships. Frankly, I don't care about docking in Hamilton, but it would be fun to be docked in the Dockyard. Leaving from Boston is the biggest plus and you will find cruisers from all over the country on the Majesty. The casual part works for us on the Majesty as we find a waiter we have known and stick with him in the dining room, wherever his station is for that meal. The food has improved dramatically in the last year, it was incredible when it was the Royal Majesty..the same caterer as the Celebrity ships. The fact it sits in Bermuda for three days give you enough time to explore and when your back to the ship at 9:00 p.m. you haven't missed a meal and still have time for a quick shower and change of clothes before the 10:00 p.m. deadline. Another plus has been the disembarking the ship..you are able to stay on the ship until 10:00 a.m. eating a leisurely breakfast and saying goodbye to your friends. As for the tipping..we have found that it is convenient and have given an extra envelope to our waiter.. and nothing extra to our room stewardess. The suggested amount per day per person was $10.00 and unless your Scrooge is quite fair. If you seriousy feel that the service was not worthwhile the Pursers desk will make the adjustment that you require. , Oh yes...we do dress for formal evenings.

Paul Therault

Hi Parrotmom,<BR><BR>Glad to hear the good news concerning the Majesty. Also finally NCL is drydocking their ships ... this is a positive.<BR><BR>I also agree that St. George is the best of Bermuda but people must understand that if they do wish to sightsee it is a long bus ride to Hamiltona nd to go to King's Wharf takes a half day.<BR><BR>Paul

Parrot Mom

The ships I don't believe have any choice in where they dock. The Bermuda Government controls them very tighly (including capacity), when they say jump they jump or in the case of an upcoming storm they MUST leave. A case in point recently was an unexpected storm this year which played havoc with the Majesty and the dock. Pilots onboard another ship could not disembark and left the ship in New York. We did finally take a five hour tour of Bermuda in May, because we refuse to use the mopeds Paul. Others who cruise on the Bermuda Forum board have no trouble getting to each and every beautiful beach. Then again, if you can't see all of Bermuda the first time, it's certainly reason to go back and back and back...lol

Paul Therault

Of course Parrotmom. I have been to Bermuda 4 times and am sailing again this summer on the RCCL Nordic Empress. I will miss St. George but I am going to see what other things I can find to do at King's Wharf. Possibly do the ferry thing this time.<BR><BR>Paul

Parrot Mom

Our last trip took us to the Dockyard where we were pleasantly surprised at the construction and revitatalization. i think the Nordic Empress docks there for a day..It definetely is worth another visit.