I live 20 miles outside of NYC and have always wanted to do Bermuda via cruise ship...the only things holding me back are the ships that leave out of NYC. The Celebrity Zenith (1992) and Horizon (1990) and ships from the early 90's and they look it. There is no atrium, the lobby looks like a regular hotel lobby with low ceilings. They are much smaller than the Magic as well. Althoug I have never sailed on either, I have had lunch on both and I was not really impressed after being on the Magic and Wonder. Maybe I am cruise ship snob!!!
Most cruise ships include all your meals (except some alternative restaurants, like Palo). I have never heard of a cruise ship charging for all meals other than buffets....as mentioned above. One of the reasons other lines charge less is because of supply and demand....
DCL always sails full so there is always demand....other cruise lines have numerous ships and can charge less.
I think if you never cruised before they would be fine because you would have nothing to compare to....but after being on the Magic I will wait for another ship to go to Bermuds from NYC.
One of the new Carnival ships did the Bermuda run for one summer and my DD loved it....she said it was great!!