Celebrity Returns to Bermuda in 2010

When Celebrity Zenith sailed her last Bermuda cruise for Celebrity in 2006, many long-time Bermuda lovers mourned her departure, as they felt Celebrity and Bermuda were the perfect match. Since that time, the options have been a bit slim for Premium cruisers. But things are definitely looking up for 2010!

Not only will Holland America be returning to Bermuda in the summer of 2010, but Celebrity has just announced that the Summit will be sailing alternating 7-night itineraries from Cape Liberty to Bermuda or Canada/New England. Hooray!

Because of her size, the Summit will be docking at the Naval Dockyard/King's Wharf, but with the recent improvements there, getting to other areas of the island is quick and easy.

Bookings won't be open until March, 2009, but I'm sure they'll prove to be popular. Welcome back to Bermuda, Celebrity! You were missed!

Holland America Returns to Bermuda in 2010!

For those cruisers who love Bermuda, and who have been disappointed in the options to cruise there the past few years, it is time to celebrate. Holland America has announced they will return to the pink sands of Bermuda in 2010!

Sailing between New York and Bermuda on 7-night itineraries, the Veendam will visit both St. George's and Hamilton. The itinerary will inaugurate in August, 2010, with 10 sailings that year, then returning in 2011 for a full season of sailings starting in May, with 20 or more sailings anticipated.

In a notable twist for ship lovers and historians, the Veendam II was the first Holland America vessel to visit Bermuda more than 70 years ago in 1926. Of course, the current Veendam is a bit larger and more updated, but especially with the new Signature of Excellence enhancements just announced (see below), she will continue her legacy of premium cruising to Bermuda.

NCL and Bermuda Sign 10-Year Agreement

NCL and Bermuda have announced that they have signed a 10-year agreement for ships to visit the popular island. Starting in 2009, NCL will have two of their newer ships designed for Freestyle sailing from Boston and New York to the Dockyards in Bermuda.

From Boston, NCL has an exclusive contract, and will sail the Norwegian Spirit. The schedule is for Friday sailings, with Sunday through Wednesday docked at King's Wharf.

Out of New York, the Norwegian Dawn will sail on Sundays and will be docked at King's Wharf Wednesday through Friday.

In addition, in 2009, the smaller Norwegian Majesty will sail a 7-night program from Charleston, Philadelphia and Baltimore to St. George's. There is no agreement to operate from those cities beyond 2009.

Beyond the fact this is a long-term agreement, the fact that Bermuda is actively seeking these larger ships, which can only dock at King's Wharf, signals a change in policy from wanting the ships to be in Hamilton and St. George's. The fact is that there are now few cruise ships of a size to enter those harbors, and they are tasked to other areas of the world during the summer season. Consequently, Bermuda is investing in a fleet of fast ferries able to make the journey from King's Wharf to Hamilton in just 15 minutes. But it will take a bit of adjustment for cruisers used to being docked right in town.

In addition to the Freestyle dining offered onboard the ships (which is actually a good fit to this type of itinerary), NCL will continue to partner with restaurants ashore to offer discounted dining around the island. If you choose to sail to Bermuda aboard NCL, I highly recommend you take advantage of these offers to enjoy the evening ashore. Yes, you've paid for the food aboard the ship, but you're missing something if you always head back to the ship when the sun goes down.

NCL is also making a committment to the island culturally through sponsorship of various activities. As part of the agreement, NCL will partner with Bermuda's Department of Tourism and Chamber of Commerce to be a sponsor for the annual Bermuda Music Festival, supporting the St. George's Foundation and the Bermudian Heritage Association with a contribution of $275,000, according to Bermuda's Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown. It's clear this is a long-term relationship between NCL and Bermuda, going beyond mere port calls.