Another Adventure - Bermuda June 26th Cruise Review

[kpark895]

13 hours ago, bama4cruisin said:

Thank you for this recommendation!  We will be on the Beyond repositioning cruise in October with a port day in Bermuda.  We’ve spent time in the Dockyard and in Hamilton on a previous stop, so we’re already looking at St. George.  The carriage tour is perfect.  I’ve bookmarked their website and will work from there.

 

thank you!

 

You're welcome.  I have read that quite possibly, the reenactment of the dinking of the wench is no longer taking place, but of course, things may change.

 

13 hours ago, CTSandy said:

The carriage tour is something I haven’t done in many trips to Bermuda, sounds like fun.  I tried to check prices on it, but couldn’t find anything.  Do you remember what the charge was?

 

If I'm not mistaken (and this was back in 2018), it was under $100 for 2 of us.  I believe the charge was per person and the tour was about an hour.  Although it sounds pricey, it was well worth it to see a city through a local's eye, all while riding in a horse-drawn carriage.

[bama4cruisin]

@kpark895did you book the carriage ride in advance or once in St. George?  We’re only there for the day (8:00 - 5:00)

[bnurick]

On 6/21/2022 at 6:23 AM, vickykay said:

Oops.  The Lighthouse.

Sounds good!

On 6/21/2022 at 6:51 AM, jimbri said:

Have a great time.

Thank you, looking forward to it!

On 6/21/2022 at 9:15 AM, kpark895 said:

 

If you go to St. George in Bermuda, try to be there sometime around midday, where, at certain times, they do a re-enactment of a dunking in King's Square (if, post-covid, this is still going on).  It's pretty funny, like a 15 minute, one act play.  Also, we took a horse and carriage ride thru St. George.  The carriages were found in King's Square also.  We had a lovely driver, Crystal, from Bronco Stables, who took us around the real life places in town, and even to her home, which was basically a working farm-type area, with various animals and flowers and vegetables.  Along the way she made various stops and was always explaining things about the island.  It was a great way to tour St. George.

 

If you go to Horseshoe Beach, I would suggest taking the mini-bus shuttles that are located in the parking lot on your right as you are walking from the ship to the dockyard area.  $7 one way.  They actually take you down the hill at Horseshoe, which can be quite a walk if you take the public bus, which only stops at the top.  To get back to the dockyard, these shuttles will be waiting at the bottom of the hill.  No reservations!

 

We always visit the Frog & Onion Pub in the dockyard for a craft beer (and some free wifi, if you need it).

 

Wednesday evenings there is a celebration in Hamilton, called Harbour Nights.  Lots of vendors set up outside along their waterfront street and a parade with their Gombay dancers also happens - fun to watch.  Just be warned that this can get crowded, and if you actually want to sit at a restaurant with views of the parade, it might be difficult, unless you arrive really early.  Easiest way to get here is by public ferry, which is $5 one way, I believe.  It departs the dockyard and Hamilton on a set schedule.

 

As for the Summit, just enjoy!  I loved the fact that it was a smaller ship, and it seemed you would run into the same people all the time, and actually get to have conversations.  A more relaxing cruise compared to the mega ships, where you feel the need to try everything (case in point - I was recently on the Oasis).  Main dining room food was great, as were the buffet selections.  Now, I assume that things may have changes some since Covid, but probably not the quality.  Also, the pastries at Cafe al Bacio are great (and free), and if you have the beverage package, try some of their specialty coffees.  One thing I've learned from CC is to ask for an affagato, which is gelato with espresso poured over it.  It's not on the current menu, but according to some recent Celebrity cruisers, they'll make it if you ask.  I haven't tried it yet but Jim-Iain here on CC swears it's the best thing at the cafe.

Thank you taking the time to write such a detailed post, will absorb it all on our first at sea day.  We were on the Summit before the drydock upgrades, so we are looking forward to being on the ship again.  Cheers!

[bnurick]

Good morning, 4 days to embarkation and 2 days from our flight to NYC and morning eMed Telehealth Service COVID testing.  I have been reading about the occupancy of the current cruise being 89%.  Looking online there are 107 staterooms available for sale and with 1,778 available this is an occupancy rate of 94.0%.  Now I have used this process on our two prior cruises, it was off by around 10% because of cancelations and quarantine staterooms.  So, I am going to guess we will be at 85% occupancy.  Cheers everyone!  -Brian

[kpark895]

1 hour ago, bama4cruisin said:

@kpark895did you book the carriage ride in advance or once in St. George?  We’re only there for the day (8:00 - 5:00)

 

Actually, we had no idea about the carriage rides - just happened to be in the town square to watch the dunking reenactment, and after that was over, saw the carriages pull up.  Approached a driver (Crystal) and inquired about the tour, then decided to go ahead and take the ride through St. George.

7 minutes ago, bnurick said:

Sounds good!

Thank you, looking forward to it!

Thank you taking the time to write such a detailed post, will absorb it all on our first at sea day.  We were on the Summit before the drydock upgrades, so we are looking forward to being on the ship again.  Cheers!

 

You're welcome.  Last time I was on the Summit was in 2018, so things may have changed.   I believe it was after the upgrades, but since we only had an interior cabin on that cruise, I don't remember much about the cabin except for four walls!  The Martini Bar was great - I liked the icy bar and the shows that the bartender put on.  Can't wait to board, and I have another Summit cruise coming up in September.

[kpark895]

3 hours ago, bnurick said:

Good morning, 4 days to embarkation and 2 days from our flight to NYC and morning eMed Telehealth Service COVID testing.  I have been reading about the occupancy of the current cruise being 89%.  Looking online there are 107 staterooms available for sale and with 1,778 available this is an occupancy rate of 94.0%.  Now I have used this process on our two prior cruises, it was off by around 10% because of cancelations and quarantine staterooms.  So, I am going to guess we will be at 85% occupancy.  Cheers everyone!  -Brian

 

Funny!  I did about the same thing this morning, checking on empty cabins.  Thanks for doing the math - cheers right back at you!

 

Forgot to mention that my favorite place for sail-away from both NJ and from Bermuda is the Sunset Bar!

[bnurick]

Pre-Cruise wine plan is now in place.  With supply chain risk, we have decided to carry on our allowable two bottles per stateroom to insure we have excellent vino for our 20th anniversary dinner, in particular.  Trying to be more ergonomic with wine packing, I was able to find these two hard case tote carriers on Amazon which are designed to fit inside a suitcase.  Reviews were 4.6/5.0 stars which met the 'give it try test' (see picture).

  

Amazon: Shockproof & Waterproof Protective EVA Insulated Single Bottle Wine Tote Carrier Cooler Bag Case Shell Pouch For Travel Parties Outing Airplane Suitcase.

  

In addition, I also went through the Tuscan Grill and Luminae red wine lists available on the app and created a set of cliff notes (attached) with hypothetical vintage to get a rating.

  

Pre-Cruise cheers!  -Brian

  

Edited June 22, 2022 by bnurick

[Jim_Iain]

Here's a link to carriage rides when I took them.   Not sure if they survived Covid as their facebook is old and their website is dead.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Bronco-Stables-Horse-n-Carriage-Bermuda-1519752781686398/

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

5 hours ago, bnurick said:

Pre-Cruise wine plan is now in place.  With supply chain risk, we have decided to carry on our allowable two bottles per stateroom to insure we have excellent vino for our 20th anniversary dinner, in particular.  Trying to be more ergonomic with wine packing, I was able to find these two hard case tote carriers on Amazon which are designed to fit inside a suitcase.  Reviews were 4.6/5.0 stars which met the 'give it try test' (see picture).

 

 

FYI, it's now 2 bottles/person.

[jerrib]

8 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

FYI, it's now 2 bottles/person.

On the Royal website under FAQ's, it still states 2 per stateroom.  Am I looking in the wrong place?

[bnurick]

9 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

FYI, it's now 2 bottles/person.

Holy guacamole 🥑 they changed the policy!  I would have bought another two carriers!  Wonder when this was changed? 🤔 

 

1 hour ago, jerrib said:

On the Royal website under FAQ's, it still states 2 per stateroom.  Am I looking in the wrong place?

See below…

 

[kpark895]

10 minutes ago, bnurick said:

Holy guacamole 🥑 they changed the policy!  I would have bought another two carriers!  Wonder when this was changed? 🤔 

 

See below…

 

 

 

Well, since you probably don't have time to buy two more carriers, may I suggest a cheapy fix for 2 more bottles?  Buy 4 of those young children's blow-up arm floaties, and use two per bottle to cushion your bottles in whatever you decide to pack them in.

[lx200gps]

On 6/20/2022 at 4:01 PM, vickykay said:

You can purchase a two or three day pass ( can’t quite remember) for the buses and ferries. There was a kiosk right by the pier. Agree with Jim. Take the ferry to St. George. They used to have a short walking tour. Then the bus to other places of interest on the way back.   I’d also recommend Horseshoe Bay and the lift house the second day.  In the evening (/or third day) you can take the ferry to Hamilton.  Enjoy. Love Bermuda!

 

 

 

 

We just left Bermuda a few days ago.  The kiosk is right off the ship, and yes multi-day unlimited passes are available, from single day, 2 day, 3 day etc.  Single day all inclusive, bus and ferry included was $19, 2 day unlimited was $31.50. The Number 7 bus runs from the Dockyard, right past Horseshoe Bay and on into Hamilton. And yes, definitely go to St. George, gorgeous little town.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

3 hours ago, jerrib said:

On the Royal website under FAQ's, it still states 2 per stateroom.  Am I looking in the wrong place?

 

Try the Celebrity website.

[kathynorth]

9 hours ago, jerrib said:

On the Royal website under FAQ's, it still states 2 per stateroom.  Am I looking in the wrong place?

It shows as 2 per guest on my cruise ticket booklet.

[JFontaine]

I'm on this cruise now. I wish you the same weather we've had so far. The trip from NY was like being on a lake. Weather so far in Bermuda has also been nice.  For the Retreat guests - I've never had so many invitations to special events. I haven't gone to any, but it's been very nice to see then trying so hard. Almost nobody wearing masks (except me and my family).  Masks are only suggested in casino and theater. Ship is full, very few kids. 

[bnurick]

9 hours ago, JFontaine said:

I'm on this cruise now. I wish you the same weather we've had so far. The trip from NY was like being on a lake. Weather so far in Bermuda has also been nice.  For the Retreat guests - I've never had so many invitations to special events. I haven't gone to any, but it's been very nice to see then trying so hard. Almost nobody wearing masks (except me and my family).  Masks are only suggested in casino and theater. Ship is full, very few kids. 

Thank you sooo much for the information.  Can you ask what one June 26th occupancy is looking like?  Any chance of posting some event invitations?  Enjoy!

[kpark895]

10 hours ago, JFontaine said:

I'm on this cruise now. I wish you the same weather we've had so far. The trip from NY was like being on a lake. Weather so far in Bermuda has also been nice.  For the Retreat guests - I've never had so many invitations to special events. I haven't gone to any, but it's been very nice to see then trying so hard. Almost nobody wearing masks (except me and my family).  Masks are only suggested in casino and theater. Ship is full, very few kids. 

 

Masks "suggested" or required?  I received an e-mail that said they were required.

[JFontaine]

27 minutes ago, kpark895 said:

 

Masks "suggested" or required?  I received an e-mail that said they were required.

In the daily newspaper, suggested. In the casino, less than 5 people wearing them and the casino is packed every night.  If there has been an announcement I haven't heard it. 

[kpark895]

27 minutes ago, JFontaine said:

In the daily newspaper, suggested. In the casino, less than 5 people wearing them and the casino is packed every night.  If there has been an announcement I haven't heard it. 

OK, thanks.

[JFontaine]

2 hours ago, bnurick said:

Thank you sooo much for the information.  Can you ask what one June 26th occupancy is looking like?  Any chance of posting some event invitations?  Enjoy!

They said next week is full. Not going to post invitations as I don't know who is invited to what, but there's been two helipad events, entertainment related events, officer events. I booked this Penthouse many months ago but I do know of several move ups after day 1, so if anyone is interested check at reception. 

[bnurick]

1 hour ago, JFontaine said:

They said next week is full. Not going to post invitations as I don't know who is invited to what, but there's been two helipad events, entertainment related events, officer events. I booked this Penthouse many months ago but I do know of several move ups after day 1, so if anyone is interested check at reception. 

Thanks, we are in Suite Class, did put in for a MoveUp.  Can you explain what after Day 1 means.  Thank you.

[JFontaine]

6 minutes ago, bnurick said:

Thanks, we are in Suite Class, did put in for a MoveUp.  Can you explain what after Day 1 means.  Thank you.

I met several people who tried to move up prior to the cruise but didn't get what they ultimately wanted. On day 1 the ship is able to tally no shows, and people who expressed interest on board were able to move either that night or the next day. I have no idea what they paid. 

[bnurick]

Two days to embarkation and we are off…

 

Started the day with our eMed COVID testing.  Was a breeze except for a new login procedure to create an online account outside the app login.  Using the same credentials makes either easy to navigate as they bounce you around.  After making a couple new online friends and two negatives tests later we are in the car for a 90 minute drive to Cincinnati for a direct flight to Newark.

 

Checked in the luggage and then to TSA where a zipper required a full body scan.  We finally made it to the Delta Sky Club an oasis.  This is probably our favorite club, clean, not crowded, nice food selection and always seems like there are three agents for checkin.

 

After the fill up, we were ready to head to gate B19 to board.  A quick check of email and 💥 a Celebrity MoveUp email time stamped at 12:12PM...  Upgraded to a Celebrity Suite!  This trip just got even better!

 

With smiles ear to ear we found our gate and boarded our flight to Newark where we plan to Uber to the Conrad Downtown for a two night stay and a little NYC exploring…

 

Cheers from 10,000 feet!  Brian

 

Edited June 24, 2022 by bnurick

[TeaBag]

Wow, you guys are in luck for sure.  Enjoy your time in NYC and then the lovely CS to Bermuda.  I second going to St George around noon to see the re-enactment of the dunking.  Lots of fun.  I bought two china mugs with scenes of Bermuda on them, so I enjoy Bermuda every morning!  Bon Voyage.