Bermuda
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.
A Chilly Cruise to Bermuda
NIKON D7100
f/9
32mm
100
1/320 secIn April 2018, I embarked on a cruise from New York to Bermuda aboard the Norwegian Escape. Anticipation for a relaxing voyage quickly turned to frustration even before boarding, as the ship arrived late and left thousands of passengers, including myself, in long, chaotic lines with virtually no communication from the crew. The lack of organization set a somewhat disappointing tone for the start of what was meant to be a rejuvenating holiday.
The Ship’s Ambiance and Amenities
The Norwegian Escape, launched in 2015, was three years old at the time of my cruise. Despite its relatively young age, the ship felt surprisingly dated compared to my previous experience on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, which boasts more spacious interiors. The Escape’s narrower corridors and smaller public areas contributed to a more claustrophobic feeling onboard.
A significant drawback was the smoke issue. Although the ship is largely smoke-free, smoke from the casino on the lower levels wafted up through an open atrium to the dining areas above. This not only made the interior unpleasant but also compelled me to cancel a family cruise planned later in the year with Norwegian due to the invasive smoke.
The Itinerary and Onboard Experience
Traveling to Bermuda in April proved less than ideal due to the cold and windy conditions both at sea and on the island. This weather made it impractical to use any of the outdoor amenities, which are one of the highlights of a cruise vacation. Trapped indoors, the entertainment options were limited and leaned heavily towards 1980s nostalgia, which was of mediocre quality at best.
The cruise itinerary was particularly lackluster. Besides the brief thrill of departing and returning to New York Harbor—undoubtedly a majestic sight—the journey offered little in terms of scenic ocean views or engaging activities. The ship felt more like a floating hotel with insufficient attractions to keep passengers entertained during the cold days at sea.
Silver Linings
On a positive note, the pricing of the cruise was an advantage. Due to the time of year and less than ideal weather, the rates were significantly reduced. As a single traveler, I managed to book this trip at a steep discount. Additionally, the ship’s good WiFi allowed me to stay connected for work purposes, enabling me to save my vacation days while still getting away from the office routine.
Bottom Line
While the Norwegian Escape provided a break from work and featured some enjoyable moments, the overall experience left much to be desired. The combination of poor weather, limited onboard activities, and issues such as smoke infiltration made this off-season cruise to Bermuda a less-than-recommended choice. For those considering a cruise, my advice would be to choose your timing and ship more carefully to ensure a truly enjoyable and relaxing experience.