I wonder if anyone has heard anything about this...My husband reads the Bermuda Newspaper online frequently and told me last week that Bermuda is talking about letting the Cruise Ships keep the Casino and Stores open while in Port. I wonder if there is any truth to this, or if it is possible at all. I am HOPING it will happen and perhaps that will entice more cruises to be offered to this GREAT destination. Right now, Royal Caribbean is only offering 5 day cruises to Bermuda--that's too short! (I was so dissappointed when they stopped the Empress of The Seas 7 Day Cruise!)
Actually RCCL has 9 day sailings to Bermuda as well on Explorer of the Seas from Bayonne, NJ. You must be looking at Grandeur from Norfolk, those are limited to only 5 days. NCL also has 7 day options from Boston, Baltimore and Manhattan. Cunard used to have some sailings from New York that ran part of the year, but it appears they've dropped the Bermuda itins. Carnival will be experimenting with a single sailing in April 2009 and one in April 2010. If these are successful for them, I'd expect to see more appear. It is a popular destination already. They can't handle as many ships as many of the Caribbean ports at this point but I expect it to remain a popular destination especially from NE US ports.
Jodiroadie, Dave posted a link to an article about the casino and shops being allowed to stay open while in port in Bermuda. It looks like it's a done deal.
Thanks for the info Neil--I just e-mailed my Carnival Rep about the 2009 sailing to see if I could get some info on that one! I prefer the Cruises that stay in Bermuda longer, which is why I haven't considered the Explorer or Grandeur. As for the NCL cruises, I haven't read the greatest reviews on the ships that go to Bermuda, so I am holding out for Carnival or RCCL to offer something better!
Jodiroadie, Dave posted a link to an article about the casino and shops being allowed to stay open while in port in Bermuda. It looks like it's a done deal.
Actually, I am the guilty party that posted the link in the Ports of Call section. The reason I say guilty is because the article is a bit confusing about the shops being open previously.
Sorry Dwayne, I thought it was Dave. It does look like it will be happening to me. I know the islands would rather they not be open, but when a ship is there for a few days, they lose money too.
