Bermuda Cruises Offer Hassle-Free

Close-To-Home Getaways

What could be better than vacationing in Bermuda, a destination so popular that 50 percent of visitors return a second time? Cruising to Bermuda. This year, 13 ships from the member companies of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will offer convenient cruises to Bermuda from eight North American homeports, eliminating the hassles and costs associated with air travel.

In 2006, travelers can sail to Bermuda from Baltimore; Boston; Cape Liberty (Bayonne, N.J.); Charleston; Gloucester, Mass.; Fort Lauderdale; New York and Philadelphia. Three cruise companies will offer regular Bermuda routes from April through October. Other ships will visit the destination on seasonal U.S. East Coast, transatlantic and Caribbean itineraries departing from Northeast cities.

Bermuda exudes a British charm and flavor, and boasts strong African and Caribbean cultural roots. Bermuda's characteristic pastel-colored buildings and pink-hued beaches are among its treasures. Driving is on the left, and although rental cars are not available, horse-drawn carriages are plentiful and motor scooters are for hire.

The island is also a veritable paradise for sports buffs. In addition to being one of the world's premier golf destinations - it is said that Bermuda has more acreage-per-square mile dedicated to golf than any other country in world - tennis players, snorkelers and divers will find plenty of active options here.

Cruise ships call at three Bermuda ports. Hamilton, the island's capital city, features excellent shopping options, entertainment and restaurants on the waterfront. St. George's is the center of Bermuda's maritime and cultural history, and King's Wharf at the Royal Naval Dockyard offers many shopping and restaurant choices, as well as several museums.

"Bermuda cruises offer tremendous convenience," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA.  "The many services,facilities and amenities of CLIA member lines' passenger-pleasing ships combined with Bermuda's wonderful sights and sounds make this destination perfect for an idyllic vacation."

Following Is A List Of Bermuda Cruises

Offered In 2006 By CLIA-Member Cruise Lines

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Carnival Cruise Lines calls at Bermuda on a six-day itinerary aboard Carnival Legend that departs April 20 from New York. The itinerary spends a full day in Bermuda, docking at King's Wharf. The itinerary will also offer a visit to Newport, R.I.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Celebrity Cruises' Zenith sails roundtrip from Cape Liberty on seasonal seven-night sailings that offer two nights aboard ship in Hamilton and one overnight in St. George's. Constellation operates a nine-night Caribbean roundtrip Cape Liberty itinerary on April 19 that calls at King's Wharf.

COSTA CRUISES

For the very first time, Costa Cruises will feature Bermuda in its roster of itineraries. Costa Magica sails on two seven-night sailings to Bermuda, April 21 and April 28. Both itineraries depart from Fort Lauderdale and include overnight calls at Hamilton and Nassau.

CRYSTAL CRUISES

Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity includes a call at Hamilton as part of the ship's 10-day transatlantic itinerary departing Lisbon on Nov. 15. The itinerary, which calls at Ponta Delgada in the Azores, will feature an overnight in Hamilton before guests disembark in Miami.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Crown and Norwegian Majesty offer Bermuda departures from Philadelphia, New York, Boston and the new port of Charleston on itineraries of five to seven days. Norwegian Spirit is offering 10 eight-day Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean itineraries out of New York calling at St. Thomas, Tortola and King's Warf.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Crown Princess, the newest member in the Princess Cruises' fleet, features a stop at Bermuda's West End on its 10 nine-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries that begin in June roundtrip from New York. Additional port calls are San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.

RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' all-suite Seven Seas Navigator sails on an 11-night journey, departing April 7, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, which spends two nights in Hamilton. The itinerary also includes port calls at Cape Canaveral, Savannah, Charleston (for an overnight) and Nassau. In addition to offering all-suite accommodations, 90% of the suites aboard Navigator also include private balconies.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Royal Caribbean International's Empress of the Seas operates on seven-night itineraries from Philadelphia with overnights at St.George's and Hamilton. Explorer of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas sail on five-night itineraries from Cape Liberty and Baltimore, respectively, overnighting at King's Wharf.

SEABOURN CRUISE LINE

Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Pride calls at Bermuda during a "Food & Wine Festival" theme cruise departing Gloucester, Mass., on October 29. The 12-day voyage includes an overnight stay in Hamilton, enabling guests a day and a half to enjoy Bermuda's many attractions.