NCL
Majesty
Bermuda

This was our 3rd cruise, but first with NCL. I would definitely cruise with NCL again - I loved the freestyle cruising (no set dining times or assigned seating). The ship is a little worn, but overall very nice. We stayed in a superior ocean view stateroom on the 6th deck - it was beautiful - worth a little extra money for the superior (a little bigger and included a small refrigerator). The 6th deck was ideal because we never had to walk too far. We’ve learned that when you are on a cruise ship you have to use the stairs a lot because the elevators are very slow. I wouldn’t recommend the 7th deck because that is the jogging track – there aren’t a lot of joggers, but you really don’t have a very good view because your room sits back away from the edge of the ship.

Bermuda was incredible and this ships ports in St. George for 3.5 days - much better than moving from port to port on such a small island. There isn't a lot to do in St. George - a few shops, but there are two beaches within walking distance (about a 20 minute walk or you can take a shuttle for $1 pp) and 2 forts you can visit, along with 2 churches and a very nice garden. Tobacco Bay Beach is awesome - take your snorkel gear because it is incredible (you can also rent it there). We have traveled all over and this is the best snorkeling I have seen. You walk out the beach into waist deep water and swim through the rocks to see a ton of fish and many varieties. Caution: go on a day when the water is calm; the rocks are rough and if you are thrown into them you will get cut. Just go slow and enjoy the experience.

Rent a scooter – I know they warn you about the dangers, but it is so much fun. You get the scooter for 24 hours and with insurance and everything it was $80 for a double (Rent from Orelander – much better scooters). Well worth it! A little scary at first because you have to remember to drive on the left side of the road, but we drove around the entire island - every square inch of it and it was awesome. Just take your time and if traffic comes up on you and you are uncomfortable, just pull to the side of the road and let them pass you. Also drive to avoid the rush hour around Hamilton (about 4:00-6:00). You can also use their public transportation system - for $13/day you have full access to the buses and water ferries.

You have 3.5 days on the island. Our itinerary was: rented a scooter on day one to tour the entire island and see what else we wanted to visit on our other days. We checked out all of the beaches (there are a ton of them and each offers a little something different. Went to the 2 lighthouses, stopped at Crystal Caves for the tour - well worth it. Drove to the Royal Dockyard - not very much to do there, but did watch them blow some glass – it was beautiful, but expensive. Stopped in Hamilton - it's very commercialized with lots of shopping. Stopped by the Swizzle Inn to try their famous Rum Swizzle - quite tasty and then headed back to the ship. Since we had the scooter for 24 hours we got up the next morning and drove around St. George and visited the two forts that are nearby. We turned the scooter in about 11:00 and my husband went scuba diving and I headed to Hamilton by bus with a lady I met on the ship. We did a little shopping, the prices were much higher than St. George, however there is a lot bigger selection. The 3rd day we walked to Tobacco Bay and snorkeled - which I already told you was incredible! The last day we got up and went shopping for souvenirs around St. George and just took in the last hours before we had to be back on board at 11:00 am.

As far as the food and atmosphere of the ship. I thought the food was very good, but everyone’s opinions are different. The ship was lovely – remember it is over 10 years old and being on the water 24/7 is rough on it. You’ll notice rust and a little wear, but remember you didn’t pay for a 5-star cruise. I would equate this ship to a Best Western or Ramada hotel. The comedians on board were excellent, but the shows were a little lame. The crew was absolutely fantastic – the best I’ve ever seen!

I would definitely go to Bermuda again (only by cruise ship – too expensive to stay there) and I would definitely cruise NCL again.