Setting Sail: The Norwegian Getaway Experience
The Norwegian Getaway has something for everyone - multiple pools, a ropes course, excellent dining, and entertainment that kept our kids happily occupied during the two-day sail from New York City. Watching the Manhattan skyline slowly fade into the Atlantic as we headed south is one of those small travel moments that quietly becomes a memory. By the time we arrived in Bermuda’s King’s Wharf, everyone was ready for adventure.
Swimming with Dolphins
The kids had been talking about this for weeks before the trip, and it delivered everything they hoped for. Up close, dolphins are more impressive than you’d expect - intelligent, expressive, and genuinely playful. They performed tricks, let us feed them, and at one point one of the kids got a full dolphin hug that produced the kind of shriek-laugh combination that makes family travel worth every bit of planning. The adults loved it just as much. It’s one of those experiences that sounds touristy but turns out to be genuinely wonderful.
Finding a Hidden Beach
We stumbled onto a stretch of beach that felt like our own private corner of paradise - soft pink sand, crystal-clear water that shifted from pale turquoise to deep teal depending on depth, and maybe a dozen other people in sight. The kids played in the gentle waves while the adults sat back and wondered how a place this beautiful exists just a two-hour flight from New Jersey. It looked exactly like a postcard. Except we were actually in it.
Private Catamaran Adventure
This was one of those days that’s hard to improve on. We chartered a catamaran with kayaks and paddleboards, and spent several hours paddling around a gorgeous stretch of coast, jumping in the water, and lounging on the deck as the boat rocked gently in the Atlantic breeze. Bermuda from the water is different from Bermuda from the shore - the colors are more vivid, the scale feels bigger, and the whole island seems to glow in the afternoon light.
Rum Swizzles at the Swizzle Inn
No trip to Bermuda is complete without a stop at the Swizzle Inn, the legendary home of the Bermuda Rum Swizzle. The cocktail - a potent mix of Bermuda rum, tropical juices, and bitters - has been the unofficial national drink of the island for generations. The setting is laid-back, lively, and completely unpretentious. The kids had their own non-alcoholic versions, and everyone agreed it was the perfect mid-trip reset.
Cliff Jumping at the Blue Hole
We saved the adrenaline for last. The Blue Hole is a natural swimming hole near the east end of the island where you can jump from cliff ledges into brilliant blue water below. We were not sure how the kids would react. They were the first ones in. The views alone - over the water and across the island - are worth the trip even if you never jump. But once you do, you’ll want to go again.
Fishing Fun on Past Trips
While we didn't fit in a fishing excursion this time, it's something we've loved doing in Bermuda before. Renting a boat and having everything provided, gear, instructions, and local know-how, makes it a breeze. It's a fun, low-pressure way to connect with the water and maybe even catch dinner.
Practical Tips for a Bermuda Cruise
- Best Time to Visit: Spring is beautiful, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. While the snorkeling wasn't as vibrant this time, there's still plenty to enjoy above and below the water.
- Pack Layers: Even in spring, ocean breezes can be cool, especially in the evenings. Bring a light jacket or sweater for the ship and shore excursions.
- Explore Beyond the Beaches: Bermuda has so much more to offer, from caves and cliffs to its unique history and food.
- Book Excursions Early: Popular experiences like dolphin swims and private catamarans fill up quickly. Plan ahead to secure your spot.
A Destination for Everyone
Whether you're cliff jumping, paddling a kayak, or simply soaking in the beauty of Bermuda's beaches, this island offers something for every type of traveler. As a family, we loved the balance of adventure and downtime. The kids got their thrills, and we adults had our moments of relaxation, and our rum swizzles.
Final Thoughts: Why Bermuda Stole Our Hearts Again
Bermuda's charm lies in its versatility. It's a place where you can be as active or as laid-back as you want. This trip reminded us of the importance of carving out time for family adventures and shared experiences. As we sailed back to New York aboard the Norwegian Getaway, we were already dreaming of our next journey to this magical island.
So, whether it's your first time or your fifth, Bermuda has a way of making every visit feel like the best one yet.
“Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” - Ibn Battuta
