Bermuda's new casual resort offers deal

9 Beaches Resort ("Bermuda's newest and most casual resort") is offering a special Grand Opening Package available April 29 - June 9, 2005. The 5-Day/4-Night package includes a newly renovated ocean view cabana for two adults, welcome drinks, daily continental breakfast, round trip airport transfers on Bermuda, a complimentary dinner at Hi Tide restaurant, and a $100 gift certificate to spend on your choice of water sports activities at the boat house.

All for as little as $795 per couple including 7.25% government tax and gratuities based on type of cabana. Being a unique small resort, they do anticipate the cabanas will sell out quickly.

9 Beaches has 84 chic cabanas spread over 18 private waterfront acres on the western-most tip of Bermuda. You arrive by boat ... they pick you up at a picturesque cove and bring you to the resort. All the cabanas sit on stilts and all have a view of the ocean. Some cabanas are situated on one of nine beaches, and some are actually built out over the water connected by boardwalks. Those over the water have glass windows in the floor so you can see tropical fish swim by.

Each cabana has lots of windows and French doors that open to a spacious veranda facing the water. Ceiling fans and tropical off-shore breezes keep you comfortable.

Featured Bermuda cruise: 7 nights from New York

The Radisson Seven Seas Navigator sails from New York on May 18th for a 7 night cruise to Bermuda. You'll depart New York at 5 pm on Day 1, spend Day 2 at sea, and arrive at Hamilton Bermuda on the morning of Day 3.

Don't miss sightseeing and shopping in Hamilton. Highlights include the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity (hilltop panorama) and Fort Hamilton (no shots were ever fired but it has more great views). Good buys can be found on crystal, china and perfumes. Cigar shops sell Cubans.

Rent a scooter and explore the island's outer reaches; from Hamilton, head out to the South Shore for a beach break, then continue to the West End where attractions include bucolic Somerset Village, Whale Bay Battery, Gilbert Nature Reserve, Hog Bay Park and Heydon Trust Estate. Rent a bicycle and ride (all or part of) the 18-mile Bermuda Railway Trail, which runs the island's length.

On Day 5, the ship makes a quick morning sail from Hamilton to St. George, designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, and the island's original town. It's historic forts date back to the 17th century.

At 5 pm on Day 5 you'll leave St. Georges. Day 6 is spent at sea, with arrival in Norfolk, Virginia on the morning of Day 7. Nauticus and the Chrysler Museum of Art are nearby and well worth seeing. The ship arrives back in New York on the morning of Day 8.

Cruise review: Norwegian Crown

A disappointed traveler's review of his cruise to Bermuda on the Norwegian Crown. He departed from Philadelphia. Check-in and the cabin were fine, but service from the male members of the staff was poor and entertainment for teens was lacking.

12 myths about cruises

12 myths about cruises from Cape Cod Today.

Myth No. 1: You have to fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale to get on a cruise ship.
Reality: Cruises depart from most major cities; New England in particular has a vast number of cruise line voyages departing from Boston New London, Portland as well as nearby New York City or Philadelphia, all within a reasonable drive from here with no added air fare or airport security hassles.

Myth No. 2: People only take cruises when the weather turns cold.
Reality: Cruise travel is a year-round pastime. Sure, it is a great way to beat the cold, but families also take cruises during the summer months when children are out of school. It also offers a good way to get away from the cape during our crowded tourist season. Cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas run year-round. The Alaska cruising season runs May through September; Europe between April and November; Bermuda, April through October.

And 10 more ...

How to survive spring break

One suggestion for surviving spring break is to go to a destination that doesn't cater to the college kid crowd ... like Bermuda. The islands are definitely a smarter choice than Key West or Cancun for adults on vacation during the spring break period.