Cruising is often the best value for a Bermuda vacation. Using the ship as a base, couples and families can explore Bermuda's beaches and attractions, returning to their floating hotel for meals and onboard fun. Compare the cost of a cruise with the price of airfare to Bermuda, expensive hotel stays, meals and entertainment and note the difference. It’s easy to see why a Bermuda cruise is the best vacation option.

For mid-Atlantic residents, the value is even sweeter. Royal Caribbean's renovated Grandeur of the Seas is based year-round in the convenient port of Baltimore, providing a number of appealing cruise itineraries from which to choose. This amenity-laden ship is perfect for those seeking an exciting family vacation or a romantic cruise escape.

The ship's six-night Bermuda cruise itinerary provides a luxurious trip on the high seas for time- or budget-crunched vacationers who need to get away. High-octane entertainment onboard the ship combined with exciting Bermuda shore excursions make this an excellent choice for Type-A individuals. In addition, this shorter sailing provides first-time cruisers with a chance to test the waters before taking a slightly longer cruise. The ship also offers a standard seven-night Bermuda cruise itinerary those with a bit more vacation time.

When planning a Bermuda cruise, it's important to pick the ship and itinerary best suited to your vacation interests. With its many innovative features and amenities, the Grandeur of the Seas fits the bill for a broad range of vacationers.

Here are a few factors to consider in choosing a cruise ship for your next Bermuda vacation:

Homeport convenience. Cruises depart from a number of drive-to-port cities, eliminating high airfare costs and today’s flying hassles. The Grandeur of the Seas' home port of Baltimore is an easy drive from many major cities, including Philadelphia, Washington, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Richmond, and the New York metropolitan area. In addition, the port's proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it easy to combine a short cruise with a visit to the nation's capital.

Itinerary. Look for an itinerary that includes one or two exciting ports of call as well as the opportunity to relax onboard the ship. For example, the Grandeur of the Seas' sailings offer guests two or three days of entertainment at sea and three days in King's Wharf, Bermuda. This itinerary provides vacationers with the time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities and fine dining as well as several days to enjoy Bermuda's pink sand beaches, go shopping, or even take a catamaran cruise.

Shipboard amenities. The right combination of amenities, entertainment and relaxation are critical for vacation fun days and nights at sea. Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas truly delivers in this category. The ship features a sun deck with two pools, four whirlpools, and a huge 220-square foot poolside movie screen for watching films and sports events. Adults can congregate in the plush Solarium, a particularly welcome oasis for relaxing. This spot, with its retractable glass roof and windows, is home to two large whirlpools and is an ideal place to relax in all types of weather. Adventure-seekers head for the ship's rock-climbing wall while vacationers craving pampering will delight in the ship's Vitality at Sea Spa. At night, teens enjoy the ship's teens-only disco club area while adults can savor the 360-degree views in the Viking Crown Lounge atop the ship.

Dining venues. When choosing a ship, consider your dining preferences. Look for cruise lines that offer casual dining venues, flexible seating hours, as well as formal and specialty restaurants. Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas features multiple complimentary dining venues as well as the Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi specialty dining restaurants. The Chef’s Table intimate dining experience is another special treat. The ship's My Time Dining in the main Great Gatsby Dining Room is great for those who prefer more personalized dining options. In addition, the Grandeur of the Seas offers Royal Caribbean's popular My Family Time Dining, allowing kids to complete dinner within 45 minutes and join their Adventure Ocean friends, leaving parents to enjoy coffee and dessert at their leisure. Park Café, a casual indoor/outdoor dining spot with made-to-order salads and sandwiches, is another guest favorite on this ship. Before or after dining, Grandeur of the Seas guests can stop in for a drink at their choice of eight bars and lounges.

Family fun. Dedicated kids and teens spaces often make a major difference in program participation, so compare the available family-oriented amenities on each ship before choosing your cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas features the award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teens program with five different age-appropriate daily activities schedules. The ship has specific Adventure Ocean areas for younger kids ages 3-11 as well as dedicated programs and lounge area for tweens and teens ages 12-17. For the littlest cruisers, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas offers the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for kids ages 6-36 months, fully equipped with Fisher Price toys and activities. Families also can enjoy onboard shows and entertainment together, including poolside movies and the breathtaking aerial Centrum Experience.

Updated staterooms. Newer cruise ships tend to have more balcony cabins, spacious suites, and even staterooms specially designed for families. Look for a Bermuda cruise on a ship that will allow you to spread out and enjoy these options. Luxurious suites, connecting rooms, and family staterooms are available on Royal Caribbean ships such as the recently renovated Grandeur of the Seas.

So relax and get ready to set sail. When it comes to fun, value and relaxation - convenient Bermuda cruises are a grand way to travel.

If You Go:

To learn more about Bermuda cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.