Why Bermuda ?

[maggie416]

We stopped in Bermuda for 2 cruises and personally I would not have this my only destination, especially if you are "parked" at the Dockyard. Very little in this area and Hamilton & St. George's isn't that close. Also, while in port remember the shops and casino are closed. Our cruise next year gets into Bermuda at 7 pm and leaves the next day at 4 pm, so not too bad. Anyway, just my opinion.

Marguerite

[MaritimeR&R]

This might be a silly question but do the shops on board stay open while in port in Bermuda? Usually they close while in port but were they dock over night I wasn't sure if they would remain open the whole time?

 

 

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The shops remain closed. The casino on the ship is currently allowed to remain open.

[metphan714]

I used to feel the same way. "Why bother to go on a cruise if it's not even going anywhere?" How silly I said to myself. Then I booked one and it has been, by far, our most enjoyable cruise and I can't wait to go back.

 

Having the ship docked wasn't that much of a negative, perhaps because our balcony was still facing out to sea and not facing the pier so that when we were out the it still felt more "normal". But it was really nice not have to worry about when to come back to the ship. Also since it was come and go as you please there were never any lines as are do common with other port stops.

 

I guess my point is as with do many other things in life don't knock it til you try it. As I said I thought 3 days in one spot was a terrific waste of a cruise until I finally went. You might still hate it but at least you tried. And is there really any such thing as a bad cruise ;)

 

 

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Good point about not having to wait in the getting back on the ship and worse ELEVATORline

[metphan714]

We have cruised to Bermuda the last two years in Sept and Oct. I feel these are the most relaxing cruise we have ever taken! The first two and a half days you are cruising the ocean. The three days in Bermuda are wonderful! Plenty of time to come and go as you please without worry that the ship will leave without you (except the last day, of course). The whole experience is very calming. On a regular cruise we are rushing, trying to fit in as much as we can in our 8 hour port visit, not knowing if we will ever return to that island. Not with Bermuda! And the last day and a half, you are cruising again. I think it is a great balance of cruising and sight seeing! Try it!

Lauri

 

Very true, while it is a vacation, I usually feel exhausted after a cruise (in a good way) because I want to see and do everything. And this wouldn't be that rushed.

[WishIwerethere]

Bermuda is my favorite. Cruising is the only way many of us can afford to visit this amazing island. Great scenery, no poverty, no pushy merchants mild weather, .

 

Bermuda is just so beautiful. It's not Labadee, it's not Jamaica or anything like the Caribbean islands.

 

We were privileged to spend a week in Bermuda twice, 25 years apart.

The island was just as lovely and peaceful both times.

 

This was before we discovered cruising. Now imagine having the best of both.

 

Oh, by the way my signature picture...... Yup Bermuda.

Edited May 12, 2014 by WishIwerethere

[Russ Lomas]

I have visited Bermuda twice via air transport, but never via a cruise. The hotels are so expensive and run hundreds of dollars per night. Food on the island was not cheap. Airfare was expensive.

 

I think that cruising would be a wonderful way to experience Bermuda for the first time. It is a beautiful island with beautiful beaches, nice towns to explore, great golf courses, etc. Three days there is certainly not too long. I was there for a week each of my two visits and I could have easily stayed longer.

 

As flowrider addict...I would love to take the Liberty to Bermuda, ride for 2 days, park in Bermuda for 3 days, then ride for 2 more days home. That would be a dream vacation.

[metphan714]

Here are Explorer 9 day Caribbean cruises leaving from NJ which call on Bermuda.

 

Let me know if the link doesn't work.

 

It worked, thanks for posting

[sauvichick]

My husband and I have sailed to Bermuda twice and I am ready to go back although we did visit. I personally do not care for the Royal Dockyard area and am glad we were docked in St George and Hamilton. There was a free historical tour, Wednesday street fair, the Swizzle Inn and my favorite the beautiful beaches. Years ago there was a brewery appropriately named The Bermuda Triangle Brewery. Even though we were there 3 days each time I felt it was not enough time. You can take the ferry from the Dockyard to Hamilton and I believe St. George. I found the bus system a bit difficult to navigate, but the drivers were also very helpful as long as you say your Good Morning/Afternoon to them. We avoided Horseshoe Bay and found Clearwater Beach to be perfect without the crowds. There was another beach somewhere near a golf club as well.

[emmy]

As flowrider addict...I would love to take the Liberty to Bermuda, ride for 2 days, park in Bermuda for 3 days, then ride for 2 more days home. That would be a dream vacation.

 

 

I wish she docked for 3 days but Liberty will dock 2 days on her 5 day voyage and 1 day on the 9 night. Right now the only two ships that dock 3 full days are Celebrity Summit and Norwegian Breakaway. Grandeur out of Baltimore will give you 2 1/2 days there.

[wwcruisers]

One of the things I am most looking forward to about our upcoming Summit cruise is really having the time to properly explore Bermuda. It's our first time there, and I would really hate to be limited to one day in port.

 

One of our very favorite cruise stops was an overnight in San Francisco. We had time to do things in town, as well as touring the neighboring wine country. At night, we sat out on our balcony, watching the twinkling lights of the city. :cool:

[Iliveinbermuda]

Cruise ships are almost floating resorts in themselves, with their restaurants, bars and swimming pools. But when people disembark they can take a day trip round the island. They visit the landmarks, go to the stores or check out the local restaurants and bars. They can even take a walk, catch a bus or ride around on a scooter. There is so much for cruise passengers to do on the island.

[CruiseKeeper]

My husband and I have sailed to Bermuda twice and I am ready to go back although we did visit. I personally do not care for the Royal Dockyard area and am glad we were docked in St George and Hamilton. There was a free historical tour, Wednesday street fair, the Swizzle Inn and my favorite the beautiful beaches. Years ago there was a brewery appropriately named The Bermuda Triangle Brewery. Even though we were there 3 days each time I felt it was not enough time. You can take the ferry from the Dockyard to Hamilton and I believe St. George. I found the bus system a bit difficult to navigate, but the drivers were also very helpful as long as you say your Good Morning/Afternoon to them. We avoided Horseshoe Bay and found Clearwater Beach to be perfect without the crowds. There was another beach somewhere near a golf club as well.

 

Oh the brewery tour! We loved that place. We were so sad to find that it closed. DH loves his craft beer and brews his own at home so Triangle was another of his favorite stops. It was out of the way but like you said, the bus drivers were so helpful and got us there and back safely. Beaches are everywhere, how about that South shore drive - Just Gorgeous! :)

[JandKMom]

I am booked on the Summit to Bermuda in late June/early July. It will be my first cruise in many years. When I was first married, my husband and I took a cruise (10 days I think, Crystal Cruises) that went to the Caribbean and Bermuda. Each port we visited for just one day. Bermuda I believe was overnight, but it was way too short. There was not enough time to properly enjoy the island. I have since been to Bermuda twice, once with my kids, once without, and absolutely fell in love with it. The hotels and restaurants were SO expensive (everything is about double what you would pay in the US). My kids had been begging to take a cruise. I figured a cruise to Bermuda would be perfect - just like a floating hotel! I chose the Summit versus RCCL because it is three days versus two. We are taking my elderly mom too. We are so looking forward to it.

[JandKMom]

Three days versus two in Bermuda that is - and one extra sea day.

[study3101]

Where did you buy the transportation cards?

[HOBE SOUND CRUISER]

Does anyone know if there are locals at the dock with vans that provide island tours?

We are an the Vision of The seas cruise June 9-19.

Edited May 13, 2014 by HOBE SOUND CRUISER

[iheartbda]

Where did you buy the transportation cards?

You can get them at the Visitor Center or else a small booth selling them close to the ship. Cash only.

 

Does anyone know if there are locals at the dock with vans that provide island tours?

We are an the Vision of The seas cruise June 9-19.

There are cabs or van with blue flags on them which indicate the driver is a certified guide. They are all local.;):) They are very knowledgeable and are most happy to give a tour of the island and will either go where you want or make suggestions. Cost is per hour, no negotiating price