BERMUDA CRUISE W/9YR OLD

#1 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2003, 10:49 AM

Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions as I am planning to take my
9 year old son on a 7 nite cruise to bermuda in july 2003

thanks

#2 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2003, 10:54 AM

I'm the family cruise editor here. Glad to hear you're considering a family cruise. Bermuda is a great destination for kids -- you'll love it. As for which line to go on, that depends on where you live. Most ships leave from New York City but NCL also departs from Boston. A few lines have some sporadic cruises from southern ports too. The best idea is to go on line and see where each line departs from. Here are the cruise lines calling in Bermuda this year:
Royal Caribbean Int'l
Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises

All thse lines have very good youth programs. The ships going to Bermuda are nice but not the newest in each line's fleet except for Carnival.

Feel free to ask any add'l questions.

Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor

#3 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2003, 12:53 PM

We will be sailing on the Norwegian Cruise Lines--with stops in hamilton and kings wharf--will we be able to go snorkeling and maybe do some fishing? Is this easy
access to do?--Is it something that should be done in advance?
thanks for your input

#4 (**permalink**) May 22nd, 2003, 01:20 PM

DID YOU RECIEVE MY REPLY TO THIS--NOT TOO SURE

#5 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2003, 01:59 PM

Dear JML:
I think that there is a Swim with the Dolphins and small snorkel area at King's Wharf, however I'm not 100% positive. The Bermuda tourism dept. is pretty good about having tourism staff at the pier areas to give you info on places you may want to visit and they could verify this.
As for other snorkeling, I'm sure NCL will have a few snorkel trips to choose from for excursions. Have you read my "Back to the Beach" article on this section of CruiseMates.com? It suggests family friendly beaches in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda -- you may want to check it out.
Other ideas include the maritime museum and crafts market in the refurbished fortress in King's Wharf; the Botanical Gardens; the Crystal Caves guided tour; and the small aquarium/zoo with a small children's discovery room.
I hope this helps.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor