Mobility Scooter access in Bermuda

We will be cruising to Bermuda, arriving at the Royal Navy Dockyard for 3 days in May. I use a mobility scooter on-board and in ports that support it.

As this will be our first visit to Bermuda, was wondering about getting around by Bus/Ferry pass or Taxi and whether or not they can take my scooter ? Heard the buses may not accommodate it. Also how are the sidewalks and street access, cutouts at corners like here in the US, ramps to stores, restaurants, etc. We want to visit Hamilton, St. Georges, Dockyard and other popular spots on the Island ? I'm sure the beaches will be a challenge.

Thanking all in advance for your input and advise.

I have been to Bermuda a couple of time with a mobility scooter. the first time I took the ferry to Hamilton. it was pretty easy to get on/off the ferry but I found a lot of the shops in Hamilton were not accessible.

the second time I stayed at the dockyard area. I did find that there weren't

many street cuts but I did find a lot of places accessible. I enjoyed the glass blowing shop. and I went to the shopping mall.

my suggestion is to watch where you are going. I was watching some feral chickens and not paying attention to where I was going and ran off the sidewalk.

the other issue I had was I really drained my battery. the first year I barely made it back to the ship. the second time I was more careful. I now take

the charger with me in case I need to take a "rest stop" and charge the battery a bit.

I truly enjoy Bermuda and will be going back in October.

I hope this helps

Did you find any acessible washrooms in the Dockyard area? I heard there was one in the Clocktower mall but that's it (my mom uses a wheelchair; we figure we'll mostly stick to the dockyard area - craft market, mall, rum cake company, glassblowing company, clayworks but am wondering about the viability of staying out for more than 4 hours before returning to the ship).

sorry I can't help with the accessible washroom issue. you can probably do the dockyard area in four hours. personally I didn't think the craft market was worth the effort to go. I did enjoy the glassblowing company the rum cake is in the same building as the glassblowing. the clayworks is a few doors down. I did find the clockwork tower a fun place to look around

and get out of the sun for a bit.

I have been to Bermuda a couple of time with a mobility scooter. the first time I took the ferry to Hamilton. it was pretty easy to get on/off the ferry but I found a lot of the shops in Hamilton were not accessible.

 

the second time I stayed at the dockyard area. I did find that there weren't

many street cuts but I did find a lot of places accessible. I enjoyed the glass blowing shop. and I went to the shopping mall.

 

my suggestion is to watch where you are going. I was watching some feral chickens and not paying attention to where I was going and ran off the sidewalk.

 

the other issue I had was I really drained my battery. the first year I barely made it back to the ship. the second time I was more careful. I now take

the charger with me in case I need to take a "rest stop" and charge the battery a bit.

 

I truly enjoy Bermuda and will be going back in October.

 

I hope this helps

Thanks for your advice mutzy.

Did you have to dis-assemble your scooter on the ferries, or could you roll on and off using ramps ? Was it safe to leave your scooter unattended on the sidewalks while entering the shops and restaurants on foot, or would you suggest I take a cable lock ?

A question about charging, are the A/C receptacles 120v US type or 220v British, which means I'll need to bring my plug converter ?

Thanks again.

I have difficulty walking so I stayed on the scooter while in port. I was able

to drive the scooter on and off the ferries without any issues.

I did find most of the shops at the dockyard accessible. I was able to get in and out with any problems. I did keep the controls on turtle mode so I didn't make any quick moves in the stores. I did find Hamilton not as accessible so gave up and went back to the dockyard.

I did not check the plugs but I did see people with their laptops plugged in so I assume it would be safe to plug in the scooter but not totally sure.

I think you will be fine on a full charge. I tend to run the scooter on rabbit

when I am on the sidewalks which will drain the battery quicker.

The ferries take on real scooters so no problem with mobility scooters. You can ride them on and stay on them inside the seat area. No one is allowed to stay outside. Large ferries have a ramp....you may need a little push. The smaller ferries are catamaran types and raise/lower by weight of passengers. They will tell you when it is level for you to roll on OR they will put down metal ramps to make up the difference. Very, very easy.

The ferry to Hamilton is about 20 minutes, calm. St. Georges longer and can be a liitle more motion. In Hamilton real shops, about 4 blocks worth right of ferry and then adjacent block behind, real traffic. Sidewalks have curb cuts....somewhere! Not all stores have flat access, but enough do. Would never ever leave scooter unattended, even with a lock. There are some eating places but food in Bermuda is very high priced. One bar has an elevator up to second floor balcony....in middle on left side. If hou go off ferry to the left, away from shopping, you will see the famous hotel. Nice English Tea done there by reservation...Fairmont? Again, pricey but nice. Goggle Bermuda.

St. George. On exiting ferry on way to Square there is a little window that sells tram excursion tickets approx. $25 for an hour tour. You can leave scooter unattended under the porch area safely and go on tram...like a van step up. Enjoyable and no walking stops. Roads are slightly inclined and cobblestone...can be bumpy on scooter but nice exploring area. Make sure you know return ferry time as they do not run as often as Hamilton. Demo in square at NOON of dunking of gossiper, approx. 20 minute skit. Enjoyable.

Dockyard. In addition to shops, the museum is wonderful. Memorabilia from war, old Bermuda, etc. it is on top of hill but doable with scooter. $12 by memory. Scenic, accessible....ask at pay entrance where elevator is for 2nd floor.

And if possible, get a taxi to put scooter in the trunk to take you sightseeing. Aquarium, Underwater Museum, Gardens. All small but accessible. Best eatery is Swizzle Inn across from caves. Fun...."swizzle in, swagger out" after famous rum swizzle. Seating on porch or inside doable. However be prepared as pricing in Bermuda is regulated for taxis. $$$. And it is a distance with a speed limit of 20 mph!!

If your scooter does at least 8 miles on a charge, no need for plug in. Dockyard is flat, spaced out but not that far. Frog and Onion a good choice for refreshment as outside venue with scooter...near Arts and Craft area. Again, prices surprising.

Snorkel Park...swim area is worth a look. Nice party at night.

Enjoy. There is a lot to do in Bermuda. One of my favorites. Vicki

The ferries take on real scooters so no problem with mobility scooters. You can ride them on and stay on them inside the seat area. No one is allowed to stay outside. Large ferries have a ramp....you may need a little push. The smaller ferries are catamaran types and raise/lower by weight of passengers. They will tell you when it is level for you to roll on OR they will put down metal ramps to make up the difference. Very, very easy.

 

The ferry to Hamilton is about 20 minutes, calm. St. Georges longer and can be a liitle more motion. In Hamilton real shops, about 4 blocks worth right of ferry and then adjacent block behind, real traffic. Sidewalks have curb cuts....somewhere! Not all stores have flat access, but enough do. Would never ever leave scooter unattended, even with a lock. There are some eating places but food in Bermuda is very high priced. One bar has an elevator up to second floor balcony....in middle on left side. If hou go off ferry to the left, away from shopping, you will see the famous hotel. Nice English Tea done there by reservation...Fairmont? Again, pricey but nice. Goggle Bermuda.

 

St. George. On exiting ferry on way to Square there is a little window that sells tram excursion tickets approx. $25 for an hour tour. You can leave scooter unattended under the porch area safely and go on tram...like a van step up. Enjoyable and no walking stops. Roads are slightly inclined and cobblestone...can be bumpy on scooter but nice exploring area. Make sure you know return ferry time as they do not run as often as Hamilton. Demo in square at NOON of dunking of gossiper, approx. 20 minute skit. Enjoyable.

 

Dockyard. In addition to shops, the museum is wonderful. Memorabilia from war, old Bermuda, etc. it is on top of hill but doable with scooter. $12 by memory. Scenic, accessible....ask at pay entrance where elevator is for 2nd floor.

 

And if possible, get a taxi to put scooter in the trunk to take you sightseeing. Aquarium, Underwater Museum, Gardens. All small but accessible. Best eatery is Swizzle Inn across from caves. Fun...."swizzle in, swagger out" after famous rum swizzle. Seating on porch or inside doable. However be prepared as pricing in Bermuda is regulated for taxis. $$$. And it is a distance with a speed limit of 20 mph!!

 

If your scooter does at least 8 miles on a charge, no need for plug in. Dockyard is flat, spaced out but not that far. Frog and Onion a good choice for refreshment as outside venue with scooter...near Arts and Craft area. Again, prices surprising.

 

Snorkel Park...swim area is worth a look. Nice party at night.

 

Enjoy. There is a lot to do in Bermuda. One of my favorites. Vicki

I had read on the Bermuda website that the new dock for the st Georges ferry was not wheelchair or scooter accessible. Has this changed? I love St George but a special handicapp bus is just too expensive

Had not heard that about St. George. Was always ramped. Keep checking and would be a shame as a very enjoyable experience. Vicki

Hi , Last year I cruised on NCL to Bermuda. I used a scooter rented from Special Needs At Sea. Luckily I brought the paperwork with me as NCL did not have the scooter in my mini-suite. I called Guest Services and three hours later happened to cross paths with the Social Director. I told her that I still did not have the scooter (I was using a cane). She got the scooter sent to my room. No place to charge it in the room, had to send it to deck 4 to recharge. Eventually I took it there myself instead of waiting for the busy staff to get to me. I found a door stopper to be a big help while getting the scooter into the mini-suite. I also, after a few days, learned that it was easier for me to back the scooter into the room.

To answer your question the ferries can handle your scooter. Also, the "train" that goes around the Dockyard can take your scooter. I'm going back to Bermuda on EOS, May3rd-8th. I have a Junior Suite on EOS and I hope I can charge the scooter in my room. Are you cruising at the same time?

Hi , Last year I cruised on NCL to Bermuda. I used a scooter rented from Special Needs At Sea. Luckily I brought the paperwork with me as NCL did not have the scooter in my mini-suite. I called Guest Services and three hours later happened to cross paths with the Social Director. I told her that I still did not have the scooter (I was using a cane). She got the scooter sent to my room. No place to charge it in the room, had to send it to deck 4 to recharge. Eventually I took it there myself instead of waiting for the busy staff to get to me. I found a door stopper to be a big help while getting the scooter into the mini-suite. I also, after a few days, learned that it was easier for me to back the scooter into the room.

 

To answer your question the ferries can handle your scooter. Also, the "train" that goes around the Dockyard can take your scooter. I'm going back to Bermuda on EOS, May3rd-8th. I have a Junior Suite on EOS and I hope I can charge the scooter in my room. Are you cruising at the same time?

The JS accessible on EX is a lovely cabin. The scooter gets plugged in just in front of the desk. Quiet cabin and large hallways. Enjoy it. We put one of the chairs in the walk in closet for more scooter access to balcony in cabin. Enjoy. Vicki

While there probably are more I do know of one Accessible bathroom in the Dockyard. It is along the wall close to the children's playground. From the ship go past the bus stop and stay on the right. The water will be on your right; the shops on your left side. I didn't go in but my daughter did and she said it was very clean and very large. That was in 2013.

Vickila, Thanks for reassuring me about the JS on EX. Any other advice or suggestions for traveling on the EOS? Do you use the spa services? Carol

Carol, everything is accessible on EX. Theatre availability for on scooter or off with guest (chair) is in back. Ice rink has a few cutouts on top spaces for staying on scooter or seat on top. Quest takes place there ...not to be missed on next to last night. Ice show times are by your muster number and well worth seeing. It will be explained in your newsletter.

Dining room is easily accessible. Check on your table placement as soon as you get on as there are some spots where tables are tight or "poles". See maitre de if not right that day at 2 pm for change.

Was not sure if you were renting scooter or bringing your own. If renting, scooter will be in room. At pier under tent is wheelchair access by asking security. However, not a lot of walking involved at present in Bayonne to get on as they useva shuttle bus (easy) and accessible via small ramp in front for w/c or scooter access.

See parades, 70s Street Party parked by "bridge" sight as action takes place up there.

Only deck that does not go through is 3.

In Bermuda you will enjoy the scooter. Ferry to Hamilton easy on. Hamilton has nice shopping.

Dockyard all accessible. Take the scooter up to the Museum on the hill. Called Govenor's Mansion. Tickets purchased by entrance to Dolphins. Ask at gate for elevator location as a little dark when there.

EX is my favorite ship. Deck 4 and 12 go all the way around. Enjoy. Vicki

Thanks coffee4me please, for your information about the bathroom in the dockyard.

The Explorer is a great ship and very accessible (except if you need a lift into the pool). The spa area is accessible and it's easiest accessed by the forward elevators (it's basically right there).

Getting through casino is a tight fit with a chair or scooter (especially if it's busy) and found 5 (promenade) to generally be the easier to cross if you need to go forward to aft.

There is a large, accessible companion washroom in the casino behind the slot machines which is wonderful.

We found the dining room staff to be wonderful about ensuring a good spot for my mother and many staff going out of their way to be nice and helpful.

If you use the wheelchair disembarkation, you meet in the conference room down on 2, they have coffee while you wait and they keep an elevator for their use in disembarking. Even though we push my mom on and off the ship, we found that going to that meeting place much easier. Last year we went to Studio B (our assigned disembarkation spot) and it was torture to get an elevator with everyone else.

Oh, and one heads up if you want to see a movie in the screening room - there is 1 wheelchair spot. You need to get there early or be able to transfer to a regular seat.

HI, Thanks for the info. I am going to print it out in order to remember the quickest way around the ship. I can walk and lately I am using a cane more as a safety backup. The scooter is more for traveling faster than a snail around the ship. When I go to places like grocery shopping or Longwood Gardens I use a scooter. I live 5 miles from Longwood.

Decades ago, as a young woman, I had to push my Mother's wheelchair so I know how difficult slopes or hills or anything uneven is for the pusher. Special Needs cost $245 for the scooter.

I'm looking forward to a hot stone massage, have had them before. Last year on the Breakaway, NCL, 3rd cruise out on the new ship, I waited over an hour for onboard wheelchair assist (I requested this in advance /through agent) and later disembarking the ship, I went early to the assigned area and after an hour walked (with a cane) down 5 floors so I could join my family and get to the bus that was picking up all 11 of us. Regarding the bus, splitting the cost of a driver/bus that would hold 22 people cost us about $100 each. (My son-in-law kindly paid that for me). It was either a van/bus for 10 people or the next size was for 22 people. With two little kids we needed the car seats. We had lots of room for us and for the luggage. This time with just my daughter, her 4 year-old daughter and self we rented a driver/car. It will cost a bit more with just the two of us splitting the cost ($250 each) but worth not driving the turnpike, etc.

Are their coupons or discounts for the spa? OMGosh, can't believe next week this time I will be on the ship!!

Carol, everything is accessible on EX. Theatre availability for on scooter or off with guest (chair) is in back. Ice rink has a few cutouts on top spaces for staying on scooter or seat on top. Quest takes place there ...not to be missed on next to last night. Ice show times are by your muster number and well worth seeing. It will be explained in your newsletter.

 

Dining room is easily accessible. Check on your table placement as soon as you get on as there are some spots where tables are tight or "poles". See maitre de if not right that day at 2 pm for change.

 

Was not sure if you were renting scooter or bringing your own. If renting, scooter will be in room. At pier under tent is wheelchair access by asking security. However, not a lot of walking involved at present in Bayonne to get on as they useva shuttle bus (easy) and accessible via small ramp in front for w/c or scooter access.

 

See parades, 70s Street Party parked by "bridge" sight as action takes place up there.

 

Only deck that does not go through is 3.

 

In Bermuda you will enjoy the scooter. Ferry to Hamilton easy on. Hamilton has nice shopping.

 

Dockyard all accessible. Take the scooter up to the Museum on the hill. Called Govenor's Mansion. Tickets purchased by entrance to Dolphins. Ask at gate for elevator location as a little dark when there.

 

EX is my favorite ship. Deck 4 and 12 go all the way around. Enjoy. Vicki

Vicky, Thanks for the info. I have printed it out so I can pack it in my take on bag. Carol

at kings wharf you can even get to snorkel beach directly from ship by foot (or wheelchair).

I had read on the Bermuda website that the new dock for the st Georges ferry was not wheelchair or scooter accessible. Has this changed? I love St George but a special handicapp bus is just too expensive

Had not heard that about St. George. Was always ramped. Keep checking and would be a shame as a very enjoyable experience. Vicki

Just returned from our first Bermuda cruise a couple of weeks ago and was very pleased that I could use my mobility scooter on the Orange ferry to/from St. George from the Dockyard. You enter the ferry over a small ramp, and the scooter did bottom out at the hinge point at the top, but was easly lifted over that and there was plenty of room to park it inside next to some tables, including a handy recepticle outlet for a quick charge during the trip. Motor Bike Scooters were not allowed however. The Hamilton ferry's ramps were wider with no obstructions, so piece of cake.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice, just thought I would post this info for others using mobility scooters in Bermuda this season.

YES. Ferries to St. george's accessible once again, 5/14 . Just check times beforehand as do not run as often as Hamilton. Also be aware that paths are not flat, bumpy and slightly inclined in parts. Some shops have a step, however still worth the effort as very quaint and fun to experience. Vicki