Jump to content

MITSUGIRLYS DAWN TO BERMUDA NOVEL (or review as some may call it)


mitsugirly
 Share

Recommended Posts

So I guess similar to the US, different areas use different terminology, living in Southern Ontario, it's pop :)

 

YES!! Another vote for pop. hehe :D

 

Great pictures, especially the smiling fish!

 

 

I know right? I was excited to capture that one. I've tried several times in the past and came pretty close, but never that good before. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If Bermuda is at all like Australia the stores close at 5pm because the workers are unionized. It's a different kind of culture and it sounds like Bermuda is still more formal than not.

 

I just LOVED your snorkeling photos! Wow those are wonderful! And homes in Bermuda DO remind me of Australia.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your review is really making me wish my Bermuda cruise was this year, I can't wait!

 

Oops, I'm sorry, I think? :p

 

My concern was that there was not enough complete shade at Nachi and we'd spend a lot of the day "chasing" shade, whereas at Mr. Sanchos, we'd have a dedicated "cabana" with drapes to help control any sunlight. This way my husband can sleep if he wants and I don't have to worry about him getting sunburnt. I did look at your reviews of Nachi AND Mr. Sanchez. If Nachi only had the palapa bed cabanas like Mr. Sanchos, I would have been great with Nachi. Just trying to keep things simple so my husband doesn't get sunburnt and then I'd have to hear about it. LOL!

 

Ok gotcha. I just wasn't sure. I know when we were there last (but that was 2013 I think), Mr Sanchos was different than what it is now (they have added an additional pool to the AI side), but the beds they had there didn't have much protection around them (like the drapes around them) it was just a bed with a top (which would also have you chasing the sun). Unless the "cabana" is different than the "bed"...I'm not sure. Or if it's the same thing maybe they had the drapes now.

 

Anyhow, I just wondered. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, these pictures of the church are amazing!

 

Aww thank you. I'm glad someone liked them. :)

 

That's correct! I used to bar tend in college - one of the important things I learned in my college years - what to call all the bar equipment AND how to make all kinds of drinks!

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soda_gun

 

Ok, I know what it is now. I just didn't know the terminology of them. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If Bermuda is at all like Australia the stores close at 5pm because the workers are unionized. It's a different kind of culture and it sounds like Bermuda is still more formal than not.

 

I just LOVED your snorkeling photos! Wow those are wonderful! And homes in Bermuda DO remind me of Australia.

 

 

That could be the reason why. I'm really not sure and I haven't really talked to anyone that could give me the answer. Even the local didn't say.

 

 

Glad you loved the snorkeling photos. I wasn't really happy with a lot of them, so I only shared a few select ones. You win some, you lose some. :cool:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oops, I'm sorry, I think? :p

 

 

 

Ok gotcha. I just wasn't sure. I know when we were there last (but that was 2013 I think), Mr Sanchos was different than what it is now (they have added an additional pool to the AI side), but the beds they had there didn't have much protection around them (like the drapes around them) it was just a bed with a top (which would also have you chasing the sun). Unless the "cabana" is different than the "bed"...I'm not sure. Or if it's the same thing maybe they had the drapes now.

 

Anyhow, I just wondered. :)

 

Yep, Mr. Sanchos shows the beds with the drapes and you get a rose and 2 massages included with the cabana on the AI side. It looks like these are a bit over to the side - separated but together so it's more private. They call it the "Romance Package" I call the "Thank God I found somewhere my husband can avoid getting sunburned package." LOL! I'm really lucky. I have American Indian blood and can go out at the equator all day and not get sunburned - I barely tan. My husband - 30 minutes under an umbrella and he's burnt. So, i'm careful to pick a place that will accommodate his needs and then I can do other stuff in the sun.

 

BTW, that fish that raised its head fin - if the fishes head was angled down at the same time and it paused, that's pre-attack position and then, typically they would strike - almost like a snake. I suspect that's what it thought it would have to do since its mouth was open. It may have more to do with the color you were wearing or color of your camera than you. Most fish specifically attack based on color, especially if they are mating and protecting their territory or eggs. Here's a video (it was filmed sideways, but this shows typical attack mode - mouth open, head down, fish does its all to look big, the pause then the strike - watch the lighter colored fish.)

 

BTW, in many fish species, it is the males who guard the nesting sights and they sometimes change colors while doing this. Did you know Sargent Majors turn blue as their eggs are blue? At any rate, I'm pretty sure you came upon a male protecting his eggs.

Edited by SuiteTraveler
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mitsugirly! You made to Gates Bay!!! You and I had discussed that beach a couple times here in the months leading up to your cruise. I'm glad you were able to go see it, and get some beautiful pictures!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep, Mr. Sanchos shows the beds with the drapes and you get a rose and 2 massages included with the cabana on the AI side. It looks like these are a bit over to the side - separated but together so it's more private. They call it the "Romance Package" I call the "Thank God I found somewhere my husband can avoid getting sunburned package." LOL! I'm really lucky. I have American Indian blood and can go out at the equator all day and not get sunburned - I barely tan. My husband - 30 minutes under an umbrella and he's burnt. So, i'm careful to pick a place that will accommodate his needs and then I can do other stuff in the sun.

 

BTW, that fish that raised its head fin - if the fishes head was angled down at the same time and it paused, that's pre-attack position and then, typically they would strike - almost like a snake. I suspect that's what it thought it would have to do since its mouth was open. It may have more to do with the color you were wearing or color of your camera than you. Most fish specifically attack based on color, especially if they are mating and protecting their territory or eggs. Here's a video (it was filmed sideways, but this shows typical attack mode - mouth open, head down, fish does its all to look big, the pause then the strike - watch the lighter colored fish.)

 

I really didn't notice that the fishes head went down. Just his top peacock looking fin on his head going up (which really threw me for a spin because I have never seen that on one before) and the mouth opening up and staying open while watching me.

 

I have 1 camera that's hot pink (more than likely the one I had) and another that's hot blue.

 

As for the video, I really can't tell much about those kind of parrot fish. Those are like totally different like Cichlids. I use to have a huge tank of cichlids. I couldn't really tell about the head going down and attacking that way. I would need to see an actual parrot fish do it. :p I would still like someone to show me a parrot fish with this top head fin. It's just weird. I can't find anything. :confused: Maybe he was a mutanant. :p

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mitsugirly! You made to Gates Bay!!! You and I had discussed that beach a couple times here in the months leading up to your cruise. I'm glad you were able to go see it, and get some beautiful pictures!

 

 

LOL Did we? I don't remember. I remember trying to figure out how to get to Achilles and which beach was on which side, but I was getting so confused at the time. LOL

 

But I'm glad we did find Gates Bay. It was definitely beautiful for sure! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now someone tell me why a rooster is up in the tree?

 

P6070726%20copy-L.jpg

[/font][/size][/color]

 

Hi Kim, I grew up in the Island. We have a lot of free ranging chickens in our yard. Believe it or not they go in the tree every evening to roost (or sleep). They come down in the morning.

 

because the rooster wanted a bird eye view

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kim, your pictures of Fort St. Catherines Beach brought back some great memories. It has changed a bit since 2001.

 

Z176.jpg

 

There were cannons laying at the bottom of the wall....

 

Z177.jpg

 

Z178.jpg

 

There was a snack bar, changing rooms, and rest rooms....

 

Z169.jpg

 

A view of Achilles Bay....

Z181.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chitons!!! We saw those on our sea glass, um, adventure and didn't know what they were! Thank you!

 

Great snorkeling pics! I was really happy with the snorkeling in Bermuda. I would have loved to have had our gear with us when we were around the Black Bay beaches.

 

We never made it to St George this time around either. Pout. Guess that means we really, really need to go back.

 

Oh and it's Pop for sure LOL. We actually have a term here that when you say it immediately identifies you as someone from Akron or the surrounding communities. It's what you call the little strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wish I could remember what my Dr. gave me, but it worked. Every time I talked I had a coughing fit. It was horrible at night. My hubby was really concerned.

Loving your review. It bringing back memories of our Honeymoon in 78'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I rarely get sick throughout the year besides a little cold. In December we went on a cruise and by day 2 I had chills, severe sore throat, and pretty sure pink eye. It was the worst thing I ever had and lasted almost a week after the cruise. I was groggy and had the sore throat and cough for awhile after. It was awful!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

because the rooster wanted a bird eye view

 

LOL :p

 

Kim, your pictures of Fort St. Catherines Beach brought back some great memories. It has changed a bit since 2001.

 

There were cannons laying at the bottom of the wall....

 

There was a snack bar, changing rooms, and rest rooms....

 

 

A view of Achilles Bay....

 

Wow, nice. Thanks for sharing those. I went back and looked at some TA reports and it looks like maybe that building was there up until around 2011? Maybe a hurricane or something took it out and they never rebuilt? It's definitely a beautiful beach! So neat to see the way it use to look. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chitons!!! We saw those on our sea glass, um, adventure and didn't know what they were! Thank you!

 

Great snorkeling pics! I was really happy with the snorkeling in Bermuda. I would have loved to have had our gear with us when we were around the Black Bay beaches.

 

We never made it to St George this time around either. Pout. Guess that means we really, really need to go back.

 

Oh and it's Pop for sure LOL. We actually have a term here that when you say it immediately identifies you as someone from Akron or the surrounding communities. It's what you call the little strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street.

 

Sea glass "adventure"...do tell. It sounds like a story behind it. :p

 

Yep, you need a trip back it sounds like. Me too!

 

So what is this piece of grass called? I'm stumped. I have never heard anyone call it anything. Of course where I grew up, we didn't have sidewalks, so there wasn't a strip of grass there. Maybe that's why I don't know what it's called. :confused:

 

I wish I could remember what my Dr. gave me, but it worked. Every time I talked I had a coughing fit. It was horrible at night. My hubby was really concerned.

Loving your review. It bringing back memories of our Honeymoon in 78'.

 

Was it a prescription I would assume? I'm getting about 4 hours of "rest" (not really sleep) a night because of all the coughing. I'm so drained and every muscle in my chest hurts at this point. :(

 

I bet a lot has changed since 78. :p :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I rarely get sick throughout the year besides a little cold. In December we went on a cruise and by day 2 I had chills, severe sore throat, and pretty sure pink eye. It was the worst thing I ever had and lasted almost a week after the cruise. I was groggy and had the sore throat and cough for awhile after. It was awful!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Ugh. It seems like there's a lot of people saying they get this on the cruise. I wonder why his if the first time for me. I definitely hope it's the last. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We FINALLY made our journey back to the ship and it had been a long day.

 

I could tell that the people at the Photo Shop were very disturbed with me for bringing the charger to them daily to charge, but what else was I to do? They really did act like it was such a burden and would make so many snide remarks about it like "Didn't you just charge it yesterday?", "Didn't you already pick it up this morning?" and so on. So this time, as soon as we got on the ship I told Kendra to take it up there and ask for it to be charged. I was hoping a "new face" would throw them off a little. Although she had been up to the photo shop with me before, I don't think they had noticed we were "together" at any point. My fingers were crossed.

 

We headed up to the room to shower and Sakari wanted to head to the kids club.

 

By the time we got up there, it was late and the kids and staff were just walking out of the room, all dressed up as Pirates and singing their "We are the Pirates, the mighty mighty Pirates" song. I immediately seen Sakari's face go from a smile to disappointment. She was going to miss out on the parade that she loves so much.

 

We decided to head to dinner and wanted to eat at the Bamboo Asian restaurant. I knew that this was now considered one of the complimentary restaurants that no longer had a charge. We have always enjoyed eating there on the other ships, but had heard it was a limited menu now. Still...I knew we would find something we liked.

 

P6080235%20copy-L.jpg

 

P6080237%20copy-L.jpg

 

 

We met Kendra and Billy there. Kendra informed me that when she went to the photo shop they told her first that they didn't have a charger. When she persisted they then said that they had "loaned the charger out". Um...ok. If I knew they did that, I would have "rented" it for a few hours, charged both of my batteries each day and returned it. At this point, my camera is so valuable to me, I would have PAID whatever it took to rent this charger daily for the cruise just to assure both of my batteries would be charged. So now I was bummed again. They did tell her that she was welcome to try back in about an hour to see if it was back by then.

 

After ordering our food at the Asian restaurant, it was about an hour before our food ever came out. I'm not sure what the hold up was because there wasn't very many people in there to begin with. Maybe 3 other tables that were full.

 

I took this opportunity to slip out and over to the photo shop to inquire about the battery charger. Once again, they said they didn't have it and had loaned it out. I ask them about their "loaning program" ...just saying and then that's when they said they had loaned it out to a Senior Officer because they needed their camera for the following day. Oh ok. They said it was never brought back.

 

I did ask why they didn't have any Olympus Tough camera's because every ship I had been on had them. The guy said "We're out of them right now." I ask about the battery charger and they said "We normally carry them for the cruisers to buy and they cost $29.95, but we are sold out of them right now". DO YOU SEE THIS PATTERN WITH EVERYTHING ON THE SHIP?? I just don't get that they are sold out of everything. Sold out of NCL Dawn shirts, sold out of ship ornaments, sold out of stuff animals, sold out of the 5 carton cigarette packs, sold out of chargers, sold out of cameras...what the hell is wrong with you guys??? I seriously ask them this too. I said "You were JUST IN PORT and on the very first day I'm being told you are sold out of stuff. How do you become sold out the very first sea day? Does the person doing the ordering not know what they are doing? Shouldn't they be able to estimate what the sales normally are for this ship? I just don't get it." They guy did say that "Well, when we order something, it does take about a month to come in." Ok, so my thoughts are if it takes a month to come in, you should probably be ordering enough supplies to last you during that month and ordering ahead. It's not that hard!

 

In the end, my moaning would not change things and I needed to get back to my dinner. They told me I could try again in the morning and try again I would.

 

I made it back to Bamboo just in time to see our meals coming out finally.

 

I have to say that our waiter was not very sociable or friendly. We didn't even see him smile once. We were desperately trying to figure out how to use the chopsticks and ask him at one point and even though each one of us seem to be holding them differently, he just glanced over and said "yea, that's the right way" and walked away. Either he was having a bad night or just didn't want to be bothered for some reason. Then after awhile he came back with a new set of chopsticks and showed us how to do it and it was like his entire attitude had changed. It was weird.

 

P6080238%20copy-L.jpg

 

 

P6080239%20copy-L.jpg

 

 

P6080240%20copy-L.jpg

 

The food was good, not the best I have ever had, but good and filled our bellies.

 

Almost everyone left after they ate, but I decided that I wanted to try their desert. I had no idea what it was, but I was going to attempt it.

 

This came out and it looked good. Although I wasn't sure if I was supposed to eat the dried things on the bottom of the ice cream (which were some type of fried noodles) and the waiter looked at me, laughed and said "yes, you eat them".

 

P6080241%20copy-L.jpg

 

We finally finished our meal at 10:30!!! Man that was a long meal.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We headed back to our room and decided to call it a night. I think this would be the first time in cruising history that I missed a night at the casino. Maybe it was for the best. Just saying...

 

Our towel animal for the night was a very small bird with big eyes. :eek:

 

P6080231%20copy-L.jpg

 

 

P6080233%20copy-L.jpg

 

 

END OF THIS DAY.

 

I have to process more pictures to continue with the next day. I'll try to have a segment later tonight.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another vote for pop from Canada! And I thought the grass between the sidewalk and the road was called a boulevard.

I took the quiz in hopes that it would detect I'm Canadian and tell me to get out of here, ya hoser but I wasn't able to answer "eh" to any questions. So I went through all the questions and at the end it had an error and told me to try again later. Aw man. Maybe it knew!

Enjoying your review as usual. Your email folder sorting system looks just like mine. You're in good company with other OCD planners here :) I just can never understand when I'm talking to someone about their plans for port and they're winging it. (except for Freeport because we can't find anything to do there!) To each his own I guess, but to me half the fun is planning to help pass the time til the next cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited by Canadian Tyler
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great photos!! Love all the beautiful blue water shots. I wanted to share a couple of things that I have learned from my seven visits to Bermuda. First the white different looking roofs on the houses actually collect rain water as water is scarce on the island. Also Bermuda is governed under the laws in England which has a factor on when things close especially on Sunday. Bermudians actually look forward to the cruise ships being docked and rely on them for revenue which needs to last through the off season months. I have actually read an article regarding the impact of cruise ships in Bermuda and have spoken to a couple of locals during my visits. Bermudians like to be addressed good morning or afternoon when being approached and also no short shorts or bathing suits are suppose to be worn out and about. So from my understanding there are many cruising peeps that do not do these things and quite frankly are rude to the locals I am sorry to say I have witnessed rude behavior on the island from fellow cruisers which made me very sad. That being said, sometimes I think the locals just get aggravated with some of these things and even though these scenarios were not of your doing, the bus driver may have just taking it out on you. In general, Bermudians are very friendly and approachable. They love their island and for the most part are very helpful with information. Hoping you find the same to be true during the rest of your stay.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Enjoying your review of Bermuda and your pics are awesome. Thanks for taking the time to do this review. I know its a lot of work to do these reviews. I'm booked on the Breakaway to Bermuda next year. I'm just like you the planner, and every time I ask my BF/family. What they want to do, because its their vacation too. I get the "I do not know", "I do not care", "whatever you want to do". It can be frustrating some times.

 

I have the same tough 830 camera like you. I did not get the same wrist strap like you. I got the black one that do not have the round ball on it. It can/do slip off. I had the camera for a while, but never used it in the water until my Costa Rica trip this past May. I have the floatie to strap on it, but I didn't use it. I Just made sure I tighten the strap and cup the camera in my hand when I was in the water. I never let it hang from my wrist while I was in the water.

 

When I read the part about the exact change I was like oh oh!! I'm from NYC and use the bus and train to go to work everyday. So I knew what they meant. I'm glad everything turned out well for you and your family even though it wasn't the way you planned it. Look like you had a great first day in Bermuda.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your pictures are fantastic!

I have said this a few times already, lol!

 

You have brought back some wonderful memories of St. George, Bermuda. The NCL Majesty was small enough to dock there when we went in 2004 and 2005. The dock was right at the visitor's center where the stockades are. There is also a dunking re-enactment right there too.

 

We have never been a big fan of Tobacco Bay as it is too small. I do agree that there is an opportunity for good snorkeling and it is a bit safer than Church Bay as it is more sheltered. But, you found St. Catherine's Beach. We love it there and it has not been crowded at all when we have been either. There used to be a bar and changing/bathroom facilities but they were torn down in 2005 or 2006 if I remember correctly.

There are some neat forts in the area. We were able to walk from St. Catherine's up to the fort at the opening of St. George harbor. This tiny cut in the reef was where the ships would come in. It is really small and hard to imagine that a 44,000 ton ship could get through there.

I do remember a small beach that had sea glass to the left of St. Catherine's It was a bit of a walk. I think it was called Alexandra Battery Beach. I may be messing the beaches in that area up. It was small and had a cement dock area as well.

You have given me some ideas for when I return to Bermuda in 2016.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We've been going to Bermuda since the 80's including several land trips and numerous cruises and have found the Bermudians to be gracious, helpful and kind people. We have been lost more times than I can count on mopeds and we're always able to find someone willing to provide directions. I wish your experience there had been as good as ours. We have been on the Dawn numerous times (our first PH was on the Dawn in 2002) and we love the layout and the AFT penthouses. I understand that she will be going into dry dock and hope to cruise on her again. Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughts and feelings...and love the pictures.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...