October cruise to Bermuda on The Explorer - Picture Review

[mpcaruth]

I love your pictures. What kind of camera did you use?

 

I use two cameras: a Canon Rebel DSLR and a Panasonic Lumix point & shoot, mega zoom.

 

Most of my photos, including the underwater shots, are with the Panasonic Lumix (DMC-ZS1). The Canon DSLR is just so big, bulky, and inconvenient. Plus, I did not want to have my DSLR rained on, so the Panasonic was my go-to camera. Both of these cameras are a couple of years old. I am on my third generation of Panasonic Lumix cameras, and will probably remain loyal to the line. The wide angle lens is top notch for a point and shoot camera.

[joand452]

I use two cameras: a Canon Rebel DSLR and a Panasonic Lumix point & shoot, mega zoom.

 

Most of my photos, including the underwater shots, are with the Panasonic Lumix (DMC-ZS1). The Canon DSLR is just so big, bulky, and inconvenient. Plus, I did not want to have my DSLR rained on, so the Panasonic was my go-to camera. Both of these cameras are a couple of years old. I am on my third generation of Panasonic Lumix cameras, and will probably remain loyal to the line. The wide angle lens is top notch for a point and shoot camera.

 

Loving all your photos, but, I admit, I could not spot the squid!

 

What do you use for your Panasonic Lumix for snorkeling? Our last waterproof camera (a cheapie) bit the dust and we haven't decided on a replacement. Not that we snorkel, just want something to use at Labadee on the beach and in the water.

[mpcaruth]

Loving all your photos, but, I admit, I could not spot the squid!

 

What do you use for your Panasonic Lumix for snorkeling? Our last waterproof camera (a cheapie) bit the dust and we haven't decided on a replacement. Not that we snorkel, just want something to use at Labadee on the beach and in the water.

 

I use a waterproof camera bag manufactured by Aquapac. I bought mine from LLBean, but numerous online stores sell them. I have the small camera bag with hard lens to allow for the zoom lens. I have been using it for years and have never had a problem. My Lumix has a pre-set for underwater photos, and will also take video. The optional Limux hard case underwater unit was just too expensive. The Aquapac is versatile and can be used with many cameras.

Edited November 5, 2012 by mpcaruth

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Bermuda Day 2 – Continued

 

Sea Glass Beach

 

 

We were afraid we were trespassing, until we saw a sign that indicated the beach was for the public to enjoy.

 

By the next week when I went to the sea Glass beach they had put up signs listing the company that owns the beach and that the public can enjoy the beach. But, you are not allowed to take the "natural glass.":mad:

[Ditch]

We stayed 8 nights in Bermuda back in July an stopped at Sea Glass Beach. Don't remember the beach being that small as we where able to find an amble amount for our collections.

 

Unless things have changed dramatically, I was under the belief the beaches in Bermuda are public but I could be wrong.

 

I was also surprised to see so much seaweed on the beach as they where all picture perfect over the summer. Maybe some of the storms that worked up the east coast this year pushed up so much.

 

Bermuda is a beautiful place to spend quite time and explore all the hidden secrets she has to offer.

[mpcaruth]

Loving all your photos, but, I admit, I could not spot the squid!

 

 

I extracted a single snap from my video recording of the squids. The water was more turbid here because I was closer to the rocks near the edge of the protected bay. Look at those large single eyes!

 

[mpcaruth]

Bermuda Day 3 - Church Bay

 

When we awoke on our final day in Bermuda, we found more clouds and light rain off and on. We decided to try snorkeling at Church Bay this day, so we got our gear and walked to the bus stop. There were about 8 people total getting off the bus at Church Bay. I must admit, I was tired of the rain and thought about skipping this spot. When we got down to the beach, we saw the surf was rough on the rocks, and I was a little intimidated about snorkeling here. However, I geared up and used my snorkel vest for added safety.

 

 

This was the first photo I took at Church Bay. My camera lens fogged up when I took the cap off, but I think the photo captures the cool misty feel of the beach.

 

 

 

The rock formations at Church Bay were different from all the others we had seen in Bermuda.

 

 

 

 

 

A natural changing room:

 

 

To be continued…

Edited November 9, 2012 by mpcaruth

[mpcaruth]

Bermuda Day 3 – Church Bay continued:

 

 

Church Bay

 

 

 

Since the surf was rough, I mostly snorkeled away from the rocks. There must have been hundreds of blue parrot fish. I had to stay relatively still, because if I tried to get closer to them, they swam away. I got an incredible rush being surrounded by these large vibrant fish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued...

[BDsquared]

This is one of the most enjoyable reviews I have ever seen here! You have included everything that one would be interested in hearing about. My husband and i enjoyed every bit of it. I had no interest in Bermuda until your review...thank you!

 

You're pictures are wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to do this review!:D

[Sinppu]

Oh Bermuda looks GREAT! It's on my list too :)

 

Thanks! Bermuda WAS on my bucket list too. I turned 40 this year, and managed to experience many of my bucket list items including whitewater rafting and Bermuda.

 

Dear, I think you misspelled here. Judging by your photos, it's meant to say 30, right? ;)

[davy jones]

Great pictures....thanks.

[mpcaruth]

This is one of the most enjoyable reviews I have ever seen here! You have included everything that one would be interested in hearing about. My husband and i enjoyed every bit of it. I had no interest in Bermuda until your review...thank you!

 

You're pictures are wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to do this review!:D

 

Thank you very much. I am glad you enjoyed it.

 

I almost didn't continue my review after having had very mean and ignorant comments posted yesterday regarding my review. I didn't get to read it all, as I had only read some of it on my smart phone walking to my car from work. By the time I got home, Cruise Critic must have deleted the comments from the "Troll", as well as the punches from the other readers to the Troll. Thank you Cruise Critic for monitoring these threads and removing "Trolls".

Edited November 9, 2012 by mpcaruth

[mpcaruth]

Oh Bermuda looks GREAT! It's on my list too :)

 

 

 

Dear, I think you misspelled here. Judging by your photos, it's meant to say 30, right? ;)

 

 

; ) yep, must have been a typo.

 

 

Actually, being on a cruise and visiting a paradise like Bermuda makes you feel 10 years younger. Thanks!!!!!

[mpcaruth]

Bermuda Day 3

 

 

Church Bay was worth the trip in the rain. We walked back up the hill to catch the bus back to the ship for the final time.

 

View of Church Bay from the road:

 

 

Bus stop:

 

Church & cemetery across the road the road from the bus stop:

 

 

 

 

The bus ride was crowded on the way back, filled with both cruise passengers and locals. Standing room only. We did our final shopping at the Dockyard and visit the rum cake factory and Glassworks. We tried all the rum cake flavors, but did not end up buying any. I know most people don't think so, but we actually like Tortuga rum cake better (shame on us, we bought our rum cake on the ship).

 

The products at Glassworks were beautiful:

 

 

I bought my favorite and final souvenir from the Pharmacy: a book titled, "

Bermuda in Art - for Lovers of Colour". The book contains more than 20 pages of colorful paintings by Bermudian artist J. K. Aspenall. I have since dismembered the book and framed many of the gorgeous prints of the places we visited in Bermuda.

 

My favorite print is the one of Tobacco Bay. You can see excerpts from the book here

http://www.pina.bm/books/bermudaart/index.htm

 

 

To be continued...

[DragonOfTheSeas]

We stayed 8 nights in Bermuda back in July an stopped at Sea Glass Beach. Don't remember the beach being that small as we where able to find an amble amount for our collections.

 

Unless things have changed dramatically, I was under the belief the beaches in Bermuda are public but I could be wrong.

 

 

 

Beaches are public from the mean water line. However, you are not allowed to take sand from Bermuda on private or public beaches. There are some beaches where the access is private. [like a few of the exclusive hotels].

 

The glass on the sea glass beach is mostly above the water line. so it is on the private portion of the beach.

 

Edited November 10, 2012 by DragonOfTheSeas

[BDsquared]

I use two cameras: a Canon Rebel DSLR and a Panasonic Lumix point & shoot, mega zoom.

 

Most of my photos, including the underwater shots, are with the Panasonic Lumix (DMC-ZS1). The Canon DSLR is just so big, bulky, and inconvenient. Plus, I did not want to have my DSLR rained on, so the Panasonic was my go-to camera. Both of these cameras are a couple of years old. I am on my third generation of Panasonic Lumix cameras, and will probably remain loyal to the line. The wide angle lens is top notch for a point and shoot camera.

 

I also have the Lumix and I love it! What kind of case do you have it in for the under water shots?

 

Thanks!

[mpcaruth]

I also have the Lumix and I love it! What kind of case do you have it in for the under water shots?

 

Thanks!

 

I used an Aquapac underwater bag.

[mpcaruth]

 

 

Beaches are public from the mean water line. However, you are not allowed to take sand from Bermuda on private or public beaches. There are some beaches where the access is private. [like a few of the exclusive hotels].

 

The glass on the sea glass beach is mostly above the water line. so it is on the private portion of the beach.

 

 

This photo appears to be taken to the right of the concrete "dock". We did not see this area, but we were in a hurry, as the rain began coming down hard on us. I suspect the tide must have been high and this was under water when we were there.

[mpcaruth]

Random Cruise Ship thoughts:

 

The Ice Skating show:

This was the first ship we had been on that had this amenity. I really, really enjoyed the show. Not only was it entertaining, but I was amazed by the athleticism of some of the skaters. The young Canadian male skater had SPUNK! Though he fell a few times, he always pushed himself for an even better jump. His charisma kept the audience applauding and wanting more.

 

I will add that we had to wait in line at 10:00 on the first sea day for tickets. By the time I got my tickets, there was only 2 of 4 showings left, with one of the showings to be held during the same time as the past guest party. I got tickets, but did not end up using them. I had read on CC that you can show up 10 minutes before the show, and they let non-ticket holders enter. So, that’s what we did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promenade Parade:

 

We attended a parade one evening. Although the parade was interesting, I don’t think I need to see another.

 

 

 

[mpcaruth]

More random thoughts:

 

Richard Spacey: This is the first cruise director to ever really get my attention. This guy really did make a positive impact on the cruise. He was especially funny and entertaining during the Quest show.

 

Quest Show: this is a must attend if you enjoy improv acts and guests having a blast making fun of themselves. The Quest show took place on Friday night in Studio B (Ice Rink). I will add that a few folks from our team brought bags of “stuff” thinking it would help us win. Richard caught them, and deducted points from our team for cheating. Oh well, you cannot pick your team members.

 

Music: Although I was not really impressed with the main theater singers, I LOVED Lora Georgia singing at the piano in the Schooner Bar. I would describe her as a cross between Nora Jones and Bonnie Rait.

 

Bad weather on sea days: This was a bummer. No sun bathing or pool time. I had really wanted to try the rock wall and the in-line skating, but these will have to wait until another time. I will add that with the absence of daytime outdoor activities, the days were rather boring. Boring is not always bad, and it allowed for much needed napping. We were able to find a hot tub with a cover to protect it from the rain. I was surprised to see that the Solarium pool area did not have a retractable cover.

 

Casino: I only played here a few times. We used our Crown & Anchor coupon booklets for the match play and the free spin. I won on roulette numerous times the first night, but then went back to zero another night. I had no luck at all on the slot machines, and could not believe how quickly I lost and not even given a few tempting wins to keep me playing. I never play Bingo, as the roulette odds are soooo much better.

 

 

Entertainment: This was an area that gets a less than stellar rating from me. As I have stated before, I did not care for the main theater singers, and they sang nearly every night in the main theater. We did see a comedic juggler one night, and he was entertaining. I missed the nightly Punchliners Comedy Club from out past Carnival cruises. I also missed a seaside theater (though with the bad weather, this wouldn't have really mattered anyway).

 

Food: The food was really good. I was pleasantly surprised with the Windjammer experience. It was not typically over crowded, and crew members serving drinks really cut down on the congestion. For the final formal night (Friday) we had reservations for two, making a nice romantic experience. We both had lobster and wine Without the kids with us on this cruise, I decided to break out of my comfort zone of the plain black dress, and really spruce it up for my hubby.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that’s about all I can think of to include in the review. Please feel free to ask questions, and I will gladly respond. In summary, the Explorer is a great ship with a wonderful crew. Bermuda is an amazing destination (and I love 3 days in a single port)! And, one has no control of the weather, but don’t let that stop you from having a great vacation.

[karinad]

Thanks for taking the time to write the review and post pictures. We were on the EOS Oct. 21-28th. Although we had beautiful weather, we missed alot! I enjoy seeing the pictures of what I missed and seen. It was our first time in Bermuda and wish we could go again and dock in Hamilton. Gorgeous pictures!!!!

[luvfamvaca]

Thanks for your review! Loved your photos! :D Can't wait to go!

[sarahc78]

Great review. It was awesome to see a Bermuda perspective of not so typically wonderful weather. I always wondered if you could still snorkel, explore the island, etc... w/ less than perfect weather. I am glad you still were able to enjoy your time there.

 

P.S. Defintely a great dress! I am sure your husband loved it ;)

[gambee]

Thank you so very much for sharing your pictures with us, I am currently planning a trip to Bermuda and your trip report came in very handy.

 

Great pictures by the way.

 

 

Can I ask you one question, how much was the 3 day bus/ferry pass?

[mpcaruth]

Thank you so very much for sharing your pictures with us, I am currently planning a trip to Bermuda and your trip report came in very handy.

 

Great pictures by the way.

 

 

Can I ask you one question, how much was the 3 day bus/ferry pass?

 

Your welcome, and thanks. If I recall correctly, the three day passes were $28 pp. Riding the ferries and the Pink Bus is a Bermuda experience not to missed. In fact, I saw a souvenir shirt that had a picture of a bus and said, "I survived the pink bus".