"LIVE" from Explorer of the Seas -April 7, 2013- Bermuda

[Buffett fan]

This is the first time I've had to check today...egads! Loved the picture of the Frog and Onion - makes me smile everytime :o Hope you are having a wonderful day exploring Bermuda!

[epcopres]

great photos. the water was like glass early in the morning

[nyc12345]

I was able to get a WiFi hook up from TBI here at the Dockyard. The cost is only $15. For 3 days of unlimited WiFi. . .That, my friends is a bargain. . . The speed is very good as well. I am able to connect right here on Explorer of the Seas. . .

 

Just want to say I enjoy your live report very much and it brings back a lot of good memory about Explorer of the Seas (although I just sailed her not too long ago). It's good to follow your footsteps so I know what to expect when the Breakway brings us there this coming May. Very interested in finding out about the unlimited WIFI you mentioned. Where can I find this in the Dockyard? 3 days for $15 is cheap, I easily spent that on the Explorer in March and the internet was SO slow. Thanks in advance and hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise.:D

[ch27088]

Radio - this is the first time I'm following along with your review and I'm enjoying it so far. By the way, congrats on the wonderful upgrade. Enjoy it and have a wonderful time.

[JaneStarr]

Just want to say I enjoy your live report very much and it brings back a lot of good memory about Explorer of the Seas (although I just sailed her not too long ago). It's good to follow your footsteps so I know what to expect when the Breakway brings us there this coming May. Very interested in finding out about the unlimited WIFI you mentioned. Where can I find this in the Dockyard? 3 days for $15 is cheap, I easily spent that on the Explorer in March and the internet was SO slow. Thanks in advance and hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise.:D

 

Coupons can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center.

I found this info online:

WiFiZone powered by TBi

 

Public internet access – secure, blazing fast speeds, reasonably priced. Connect to the WifiZone network from any wifi enabled device such as a smart phone, tablet, personal computer or digital audio player.

 

Available throughout Dockyard, Hamilton, St. Georges, and numerous island-wide hotspots. Sign up once and have access from any WifiZone location.

 

Fast, secure public internet access. Available to visitors and residents.

How to Connect?

 

Enable WIFI on your device

Search for the WiFiZone by TBi network

Open a web browser to connect to sign-up page

 

Rates

 

1 hour- $3.00

24 hrs- $9.99

72 hrs- $14.99

Basic Monthly- $29.99

[ch27088]

Radio:

 

I had to pick myself up off the floor when you talked about the brutal workout you had, and then you woke up from your dream. That was too funny, and I love your humor in the review. Keep it coming.

[ch27088]

*My original post this morning should have been “LIVE” at 8:30AM, but there was no connection so let’s try this again. . . From the Crown and Kettle Pub*

 

 

Hello everyone . . . Welcome to DAY 2 of “LIVE” from Explorer of the Seas.

 

I slept really good last night . . .I wasn’t able to watch the news until about 10:30PM (oh, the humanity), but I really needed to rest. I went up to the Concierge Lounge very early this morning, and I was shocked to find that there is no Half and Half. . .I’m not really sure why there is half and half in the suites, but not in the CL, since most of the passengers there are in Suites. I know, I know. . .”Radio stop being lazy, and just take some down with you” point taken . . .Ok, enough of this palaver.

 

 

The connections for WiFi have been very difficult for this sailing. . .I seem to remember last time I sailed on Explorer that being able to connect was tough for the first couple of days. . . Argh . . .I hope it gets better soon. Maybe I will have better luck while I’m in Bermuda.

 

The Captain for this sailing is Henrik Loy (Norway), and the Cruise Director is Leigh Xuereb (Australia) The CD seems to be a nice guy, and is very funny. He just boarded yesterday after a long holiday at home.

 

 

The weather today is similar to yesterday, with sunny skies but a little cool. . .The temps should only be in the 50’s, but it seems much colder because of the wind. The seas this morning seem moderate, and the ship is sailing smoothly with little roll or pitch. There are clouds in the sky but the sun is coming through nicely, and it appears that this may last for the day.

 

 

I went to the Spa this morning and had a nice soak in the whirlpool after a brutal workout. . .Then I woke up from my dream and got some coffee from the CL. The Bermuda Port talk will be this morning at 10:15, and there will be a Production Show “Invitation to Dance”.

 

 

 

The Ice shows “Spirit of the Seasons” will also be throughout the day, and are handled a little different than I remember. You don’t get tickets for the show any longer as the Ice Show times are based on your muster station location . . . Ex: Monday at 2PM for Muster A1, B5, B6. Monday at 4 for Muster B7 C16 etc . . . I guess this makes sense, so all passengers will have a chance to see all 4 shows. Gold SeaPass card will be able to see any of the shows.

 

 

 

Here are a few pics from this morning. . .More tonight (keep fingers crossed)

 

 

 

Thanks for tuning in !

 

 

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

The Connoisseur Club on Deck 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is nice to see a bright sky while at sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The seas are not bad, and seem pretty smooth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lido deck is very quiet this morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wish RCI would stop using my image when they advertise Ionithermie in the Spa onboard. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our current location, (about 300nm from Bermuda)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Love your image in the advertisement!!!

[nyc12345]

Coupons can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center.

I found this info online:

WiFiZone powered by TBi

 

Public internet access – secure, blazing fast speeds, reasonably priced. Connect to the WifiZone network from any wifi enabled device such as a smart phone, tablet, personal computer or digital audio player.

 

Available throughout Dockyard, Hamilton, St. Georges, and numerous island-wide hotspots. Sign up once and have access from any WifiZone location.

 

Fast, secure public internet access. Available to visitors and residents.

How to Connect?

 

Enable WIFI on your device

Search for the WiFiZone by TBi network

Open a web browser to connect to sign-up page

 

Rates

 

1 hour- $3.00

24 hrs- $9.99

72 hrs- $14.99

Basic Monthly- $29.99

 

Thanks for the info. Will be stopping by the visitor information center when we get to Bermuda in May...

[MikeDaDog]

Not to thread hijack but the temps are roughly the same as North Carolina usually. As you can see in my profile pic it is a bit chilly in the water that early in the season. That pic was taken in late April 2010 while doing the helmet dive. They provided the wet suit and actually poured some hot water in the back of it as you went in to chase out the chill.

[noobcruiser]

Radio, great thread!

 

I have a questions about the wifi at the dockyard. Is it per device or per user?

For example, could I log in from my phone OR my laptop using the same account?

[Radio]

Radio, great thread!

 

I have a questions about the wifi at the dockyard. Is it per device or per user?

For example, could I log in from my phone OR my laptop using the same account?

 

It is Per Device. . .I bought a 72Hr Card, and the cost was only $15.

 

The give you a card with a code to activate your PC/iPad or Phone.

 

Once you enter the number. . .It will not work with anther device.

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

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[Radio]

Today was a wonderful day in Bermuda. The weather was very good all day; however, it was a little chilly this morning while I was riding my scooter. Note to Radio<< The next time you ride a scooter- in April- in the morning- bring a jacket! Sheesh . . .

I left around 10AM and decided to head directly to the South Shore beaches area. I wasn’t planning on swimming, I just wanted to take in some of the sights at a couple of the beaches, and I can tell you that I wasn’t disappointed.

I made it to Southampton Parish in about 30 minutes. My first stop was at Church Bay Park. I’ve driven by here many times, but I have never stopped. It is a beautiful beach, and only a few people were enjoying such a lovely place.

I stopped briefly at the Fairmont Southampton resort for a cup of coffee and a bio-break. I really would love to come back to the Fairmont Southampton Princess for 2 or 4 days. It is a lovely hotel that is very beautiful with a British charm. I think I would like it very much there.

I spent the most time today at Horseshoe Bay Beach where I walked around quite a bit enjoying the lovely scenery and I was able to take a lot of photographs from up on top of the limestone cliffs. It seems that many guests were thinking the same thing as there were many people up on top enjoying the views. There were only a couple of hundred people there and only about a dozen were in the water. It appeared that none were swimming, just wading in the calm waters.

I decided to go to Elbow Beach next, and on the way, took photos of Warwick Long Bay Beach, Astwood Park and Jobson’s Cove.

The Elbow Beach area is a private beach reserved for guests of the Elbow Beach resort; however, I was able to walk around and no one said a word as I was just taking photos. I previously looked into staying at Elbow Beach resort, but it was a little pricey for me. But, maybe one day I will make it back here and stay for a few days.

I purchased a GoPro Hero3 HD Camera a few months ago and have used it on several cruises. This time, however, I purchased a helmet mount and used it for many of the images I took today. The camera mounts directly to the helmet (which you are required to wear in Bermuda with a scooter), and it is nice because you don’t have to hold the camera. It can be set for continuous video or time lapse images. I can tell you it is much safer to take photos this way when you are riding a scooter.

I returned to the Dockyard around 3PM for a wonderful lunch at Freeport Seafood. This laid back restaurant is right at the entrance to the Royal Naval Dockyard. I would not recommend paying for their WiFi because it costs twice as much the WiFi zone (TBI)

I wanted to go to the Maritime Museum but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I was dog tired and needed to watch the news for a little bit. Tomorrow I will stay in the Dockyard and try to knock out Snorkel Park Beach, the new “Fun Golf” attraction and the Maritime Museum.

Here are a few pics from today. I will try and get some more pics tonight.

Thanks for tuning in.

Radio

I left Explorer of the Seas today at about 10AM

The scenery between Sandy’s Parish, and Southampton Parish is lovely

I did not encounter any of these beasts. . . I think the water may have been a little to cold.

Horseshoe Bay Beach was as beautiful as I remember

The “steps” carved into the limestone cliffs make it easy to climb.

The Lagoon area actually has a few swimmers . . . Brrrr . . .

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[Radio]

Here are a few more pics. . .

Radio

I love the “Cliffs” at Horseshoe Bay Beach

It was a lot less crowded here that it was last August

I made it all the way up to the top of the cliffs, and I was glad I took the effort.

Church Bay Beach had some nice rock formations, and beautiful water

Warwick Bay beach was in a very large area next to Jobson’s Cove

On the way to Elbow Beach, I had to stop at the Swizzle Inn.

 

 

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[BugsyCruiser]

Mark after seeing more of your fantastic photos of Bermuda it is a must that I sail there someday soon :)

[Radio]

Here are the last few from today. When I get home I will have dozens more to post in my album. I will try to get a few more pics posted tonight.

Thanks for tuning in!

Radio

Elbow Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to.

I want to wake up to this sight at Elbow Beach for about 7 days. . .

I made it back to the Dockyard, and I am ready for lunch.

Lunch at Freeport Seafood was very very good. . .

Ahhh . . . I am back to my home for a few more days !

Oceania Riviera is very close by, and they are tendering all passengers to the Heritage Wharf Tender Pier

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[Radio]

Mark after seeing more of your fantastic photos of Bermuda it is a must that I sail there someday soon :)

 

Thanks for the nice Comments, Bugsy !

 

I want to come back here later this summer.

 

 

Radio

;);)

[wmp.dll]

Radio! I love your live threads. Bermuda wasn't really on my radar before, but man does it look gorgeous and I kind of like the idea of being in one port for a couple days. It's something I will have to check out. Again thank you for your live updates, between you, Bugsy, and Gambee, I have quite a bit of material to keep me going until my cruise in May :)

[rcrdale]

Radio, I see in your up-coming cruises you list the Quantum of the Seas 2014. Maybe I will finally get to meet you in person. I have enjoyed many of your "live from" threads over the last couple of years. My wife and I are definately going to attempt to make the inaugural cruise on the Quantum.

[Virtopia]

This thread definitely made me add Bermuda onto my bucket list of places to visit; those beach pictures are beautiful! I hope to make it there next year sometime.

[johndru]

Mark . . . I really enjoy your reviews and all the pictures you take while you're on your cruises. Since you've cruised to Bermuda many times, I'm turning to you for your expertise. We have an opportunity to go to Bermuda on Legend of the Seas in November of 2014 (repositioning cruise originating out of Quebec, and ending in Fort Lauderdale). Would you recommend this time of year for a visit to Bermuda? What would the weather be like?

It will be our first cruise to Bermuda, so will be researching your past reviews for ideas of things to do and see while we're there.

 

Thanks for your help, and looking forward to more of your review!

 

Dru

[beej]

Radio, I finally found you. Took a wrong turn in the Atlantic, but I finally got here and am ready to catch up. I know you're having a great time, so I won't hold you up. Back to the beginning for me.

[swim13]

Looks sooooooo beautiful! Thanks for inspiring me to actually look at cruises to Bermuda, I never knew the beaches were that amazing. I mean look at that sand, its perfect!! How peaceful must riding on one of those scooters be?! So jealous! :)

 

Thanks for the update!

[roe2ship]

Amazing beach pictures! I, too, LOVE Elbow Beach...close tie to Horseshoe. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.:)

[riclop]

Hello everyone . . . Welcome to DAY 4 of “LIVE” from Explorer of the Seas

I was able to stay up for the “Love and Marriage Game Show last night, and I can tell you t was very funny. . .that show always puts a smile on my face as the Cruise director always seems to put the right 3 couples up on stage.

 

 

The Tropical Deck party up on 11 was popular, and I guess as the temperatures rise during the coming months it will be more popular. It was a little cold, but the live music was good, and the staff prepared a lot of food for all passengers in attendance. There were even snow cone, and popcorn stations that seemed to have the biggest lines. The Hot and cold buffet stations had a NJ, and NY theme as they were called the “Garden State or Empire State” buffet(s). There of course were many drink stations for all of those who braved the cold Bermuda nights.

 

 

Tonight will feature a headliner in the showroom and a Disco nights Royale Promenade party on Deck 5. I wish they would open up Casino Royale, but I understand the reason why it is closed while we’re here.

 

 

 

 

The sun is starting to come up on the quiet Royal Dockyard here at Ireland Island, and I am looking forward to exploring some of the South Shore Beaches. I may make it over to St Georges parish, but I seem to just go where I want when I am here in Bermuda. Sometimes my mind takes me where I want to go, and sometimes I just explore. . .Hmmm? Explore, Dream, Discover. . .Isn’t that what a vacation in Bermuda should be? We will see what happens.

 

 

The forecast today is the same as yesterday, with temps in the low 70’s, and sunny skies. It might get a little cloudy this afternoon, but there is only a 10% chance of rain.

Here are a few pics from last night and this morning. . . More pics later today.

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

There are 4 Freestyle Machines up in the Windjammer, and 2 in the Royale Promenade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explorer of the Seas from the Clocktower Mall area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Love and Marriage Show was very funny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passengers seemed to really enjoy the Deck Party last night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Drink Stations were very popular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view from the Promenade Deck *early* this morning.

 

 

 

 

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Not many people at this deck party and the servers look bored , this was not a very popular party.

[MedicKen]

Question:

 

What has had almost 39,000 pairs of eyes peruse it's pages?

 

Radio's current "LIVE" review to date.

 

WOW and it has only taken 4 days to get there.

 

Have a great time, my friends.