Karen

My husband and I (early 30's) will be taking the Nordic Empress in May to Bermuda from NYC. It's our first cruise. Any recommendations/tips? Has anyone taken this ship to Bermuda (last year was the first year). Are there safes in the cabins? How was the food? How was the weather if you've cruised to Bermuda in May? I'd appreciate any info.

Kathy

Have never been on the Nordic Empress but have cruised to Bermuda several times. The weather in May will be a little cooler than later summer cruises and might have more rain but should still be fairly nice. Being off the coast of the Carolinas as opposed to the Caribbean, there is more variance in the temperatures. The trip from NY to Bermuda tends to be rockier than the Caribbean - just the nature of the Atlantic so if you have any tendency towards seasickness, best go prepared. I recommend the Sea Bands or ginger pills or candied ginger. Much less side effects than other medications. Take it before sailing as once it hits you, it's too late and you'll just have to ride it out. As for sites in Bermuda, I highly recommend the helmet diving. You can either book it though the ship or on your own. Check out Greg Hartley's web site for more info. The views from Gibbs Lighthouse are AWESOME - well worth the climb. A horse and carriage ride is a lovely night time activity. The rental scooters are a great way to see the island, provided you don't mind driving on the opposite side of the road. The have 2 seaters, provide helmets and instructions and the speed is governed on them. If you rent in Hamilton, they will transport it to St. George (or vice versa) and it will be waiting when you dock. Oleander is a reputable rental agency right near the dock. If you are less adventurous, a 3 day bus/ferry pass is a very reliable way to get around the island. $21 for 3 days and will get you all over Hamilton and St. George. If you have other specific questions, please feel free to ask. We've been on 16 cruises (our last in August to Bermuda on the Zenith) and Bermuda is definately one of our favorite ports. You'll LOVE it - clean, safe, wonderful shopping and beautiful beaches.

Parrot Mom

We went to Bermuda from Boston over Memorial Day on the NCL Majesty, our sixth trip on that ship, and the water was as calm as glass....go figure.and the weather was the best we had ever had.. We have sailed to Bermuda in June, September, October and the end of May was the best.. Bermuda is our favorite spot...don't forget to get a bus pass for three days, stop at the Swizzle Inn (swizzle in and stagger out). IF you do get seasick..when you get to St. George--go to Robertsons (near the police station) and buy Stugeron..the best seasick medication I have ever taken.. and if your worried buy some ginger tablets to start taking with meals the day you leave.. no side effects.. Wish I wwere going with you this year...in 36 days we take the NCL Sky for a 14 day transit of the Panama Canal..and my pills and ginger will be with me.

peg

Hi Karen -- I've sailed the Nordic Empress twice, once from Miami about 5 years ago, and a cruise last week from San Juan. Haven't been to Bermuda on her, but I can tell you it is a lovely ship. Not huge & glitzy like the newer mega-ships, but I think that's a good thing... cabins very small as you've probably heard, but sufficient. No safes in cabins, but free safe available at purser's desk. We thought the food was fine--but we're simple food types. Breakfast in dining room superior to Windjammer buffet, but the buffet was adequate. Shows were fun. Not sure what you want to know--feel free to write me directly with specific questions. Note: there are several detailed traveler reviews of this specific cruise on cruiseopinion.com; just click on Nordic Empress... Have a great trip!

Karen

Thanks for all the advice! We're looking forward to the trip, and we'll let everyone know how it goes. <BR> <BR>Karen