Which destination is better? Carribean, Bermuda, or Bahamas?

Question

I'm a sophomore in college and I'm planning a surprise cruise for my mom. Which destination is better? Carribean, Bermuda, or the Bahamas? I'm planning it for August/September of 2009 for approx. 3-5 days.. Should I book now? or wait until it is closer to to next August? I want to surprise her for Mother's day. My mom is diabetic and in her 40's.. that said, which destination is better?

Answer 1

I would not recommend the Bahamas, it was the last stop on my last cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, and after experiencing so many lovely people in Tortola, St Thomas, Antigua - we arrive in the Bahamas and I felt like I was back in the US. First thing we see is Starbucks, there are people asking us for money every 3 feet we walk, totally annoying! If you get out of the main area where the ships come in I'm sure it's lovely with nice beaches, but just wanted to share my initial experience.

I would definitely recommend Barbados instead - but like the other answers suggested - beware of hurricane season no matter where you decide in the late summer/fall.

Answer 2

I have been on many cruises and to all of those destinations so I'll give you some points to consider.

-  The time period that you are considering, August/Sept, is in the middle of the hurricane season, June through October, and that could affect cruises to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  So just be aware of that and consider  a different time period, or for sure buy travel insurance so that if there is a hurricane you will be covered.

-  All cruise cabins are sold based on double occupancy.  So you will need to pay for two cruise fares.  If she will be going by herself you will have to pay a single supplement which is basically a double fare.

-  Cruise lines always give the best prices for early bookings that are a year or more in advance so its best to book now.  In addition, you can book by paying a minimum deposit of about $200 per person and then the balance is not due until about 65 to 75 days before the cruise.  AND, if you find a better deal or need to cancel you can do so without a penalty as long as you do so before the  date that the balance is due.

-  If you are thinking about a 3 to 5 day cruise then mostly likely you will find that most of the cruises available will be to the Bahamas, or maybe a few to Bermuda.  Cruises to the Bahamas typically go to one Bahama island and then a private island, and maybe Key West.  

-  I prefer cruises to Bermuda (been there twice) because its a great island destination that is clean, safe and has great beaches.  A 3 to 5 day cruise there is plenty enough time for there as there is not a lot to do other than beach activities.

-  Since you live in Atlanta your closest cruise ports are Charleston, SC and Port Canaveral, Florida.   You can save airfare by driving to either of these.  

My recommendation would be a cruise on a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, or Princess ship.  AND, a cruise out of Port Canaveral would be good; I have cruised from there.

Answer 3

It kind of depends on what your interests are.  But your limits to 3-5 days does limit the type of cruise you'll be able to take.   I looked it up in Vacations to Go and I found that you could do 4 and 5 day cruises leaving out of Tampa that do Mexico and Grand Cayman.  Here is an example of one of their offers:  http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cf...

If you leave out of Ft Lauderdale you have more selection.  I found a 3 day that did Nassau and Half Moon Cay (the private island owned by Holland America) - but if you have a choice, I would try to do something more less commercialized then Nassau.  

Here are a couple of examples that are offered 3-5 days out of Ft Lauderdale:

http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cf...

http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cf...

http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cf...

http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cf...

And leaving out of Miami

http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cf...

You do have some of options.  So if you're interest is Pre-Columbian structures, perhaps you'd enjoy Belize and Mexico (western caribbean).  If you enjoy beaches and more touristy stuff - much of the bahamas have really grown to accomadate the cruise ships - go with the Bahamas (Eastern Caribbean).  Chances are you won't have a bad time no matter which you chose.   Check out the "excursion" page on the cruise line that you are looking at and you'll be able to get an idea of the type of things that are available in each point:  Swimming with the dolphins, sea kayaking, history tours, Mayan Ruins, etc - each port offers something unique and this is usually how I choose my trips :)

Answer 4

Well you can cruise to Bermuda must be for at least 5 days since it take about 37-40 hours to get there from New Jersey or Baltimore. Bermuda is not tropical. Most people like hot. The only real advantage is that for many people this saves them the cost of airfare.

  Bahamas is extremely popular since it is so close to Florida. It is much more reasonable to take a short cruise. As a matter of fact there are boats that go from Ft. Lauderdale to Freeport in less than 6 hours. A Miami, to Nassau, to private island is a popular three day cruise.

I was not aware of any 3 to 5 day cruises in the Carribean. It seems to me that you need 7 days to do anything reasonable.