Bermuda Questions

[maps]

hi all
i just booked a last minute cruise to bermuda. we'll be docked in st. george's for approx 4 days. it will be me, hubby and two kids.

anyone have any "must-sees"? any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[lsyorke]

Rent Mopeds and hit the road!! Beautiful to drive along the coastline!! There's great shopping in Hamilton.

 

[CamColt]

What cruise line? We are cruising on Norwegian, Boston to Bermuda in August. Since I see you are in NH Im guessing that could be a possibility. My parents have done that cruise about 5 times and my sister and her family once. They all really loved it. Ive been to Bermuda once, and while it wasnt a cruise and I dont remember much(it was spring break in high school), I do remember it was a beautiful island.
We will be sailing with our 2 kids(4 & 7) and my nieces(11 & 14). We plan to take one day to go to the beach. We will go to the aquarium, the Crystal Caves, and of course spend some time shopping and sight seeing in Hamilton.

 

[AspiringCindy]

We have done the cruise from NY! Bermuda is gorgeous, but those mopeds could be deadly! We traveled with a group of about 70 people from my hometown! 4 of us rented mopeds and doubled on them! My friends wiped out on some rocks and had to be rushed to the ships hospital!
If you have a chance, spend an afternoon at Horseshoe Bay Beach! It is just spectacular!!

 

[Chris2597]

I would never get on a moped in Bermuda. When we were there we saw several near fatal accidents. I refused to get on one....much to dh's dismay....He was furious that I wouldnt try it, but I was vindicated after we heard that the ER in Bermuda sees at least 30 moped related accidents a day....some serious. The roads are very winding and narrow and the buses show no mercy on the poor moped. The bus system is good in Bermuda and we took a tour of the island on the local transit. But beware....those bus drivers are maniacs.....as I said they had no mercy on the moped but are equally hard on the pedestrians and other small vehichles....We got to see the entire island for a very cheap price but let me tell you it was a wild ride.
We enjoyed the perfume factory (kids would probably find it boring), the shops, and the glass blowing shop.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Don't forget...they drive on the opposite side of the road!

Originally posted by Chris2597
I would never get on a moped in Bermuda. When we were there we saw several near fatal accidents. I refused to get on one....much to dh's dismay....He was furious that I wouldnt try it, but I was vindicated after we heard that the ER in Bermuda sees at least 30 moped related accidents a day....some serious. The roads are very winding and narrow and the buses show no mercy on the poor moped.

 

[rbuzzotta]

Horseshoe Bay Beach is a must!!!!! Elbow beach is nice also.

Mopeds are scarey and dangerous...............but we rented a double and took it slow..............DH had nail marks in his thighs from me!!!

Have a great time.............we are hoping to go back for a weekend without the kids in August...............

 

[maps]

thanks for your suggestions. we are leaving from boston(so nice to not have to fly) on norwegian. looking forward to it!

 

[CamColt]

Isnt that the best part of it? No flight! Well, ok,maybe not the best part, but in planning it sounds pretty good.
When do you go? We are sailing 8/29.
Be sure to let us know how you like it, especially if you get back before then. Id love to hear your thoughts on it.

 

[debster812]

Count me as another one who is very interested to hear how you both liked this cruise. Thinking of trying it next year with DH, DS and myself.

 

[Minnie Mi]

I lived in Bermuda for 3 years -- you will have a great time.

First, I woudn't discourage you from renting a moped. It's the best way to see the island. They are safe if you are a safe driver. The Bermudians are very respectful of their visitors and I've never seen an incident of them playing around with tourists. And, I wouldn't characterize the bus drivers as maniacal. Follow the rules of the road, drive the speed limit and you'll be fine.

And wear sunblock. You'll have a better time if you aren't burned.

Horseshoe Bay Beach is the most beautiful on the island. It's on the South Shore and there are dozens of beaches you can stop by to tour. Elbow Beach is one of them. Also on the South Shore is Ariel Sands Hotel. Great place to stop for lunch and it's owned by Michael Douglas and his mother's side of the family. His mother is Bermudian. The lobby is decked with photos of Michael on the sets of all his movies, his extended family and CZeta Jones of course. If you're lucky, you may run into them because they live on the island and frequent the restaurant.

Downtown Hamilton has great shopping, especially Front Street. Triminghams is the "Filene's/Nordstroms" of the island. Coopers, the English Sports Shop and the Irish Linen Shop are great too. If you like rum, stop at Goslings to buy a bottle. "Dark and Stormy" is the island's unofficial drink. (OK but don't drink alot of them and then drive the mopeds!!!)

There's a birdcage in the center of town where the policeman (Bobby) directs traffic. Good photo op.

I love love love the Botanical Gardens. It's worth the trip if you love flowers and gorgeous settings.

The aquarium and crystal caves are good for the kids. (You didn't say how old they are) Also, I'll bet they will like the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton. Excellent views of the entire island.

Have fun!!! Bermuda is immaculate, gorgeous and the Bermudians will make you feel welcome. Good luck for good weather!

 

[suzannen]

Originally posted by Minnie Mi
Bermuda is immaculate, gorgeous and the Bermudians will make you feel welcome.

Minnie Mi,
I'm there as of tomorrow. DH and I were there years ago and we're finally taking my DD to visit my favorite island. What you said about it (and those are modest descriptions), are exactly why we can't wait to get back. Your island is paradise and the folks are so, so welcoming!

 

[crz4mm2]

I did the cruise from Boston to Bermuda in 01. Norwegian also. Boat was great. Cruise was great. Bermuda is fabulous!! I would do this cruise again in a heartbeat.
I second renting mopeds. My friend and I rented a double and went all over the island. I thought we were quite safe (we are careful though) and never felt I was in danger.
I also agree with Horseshoe Bay Beach. It was one of the prettiest places I have ever seen in my life. The pink sand is wonderful.
We went to crystal cave too. I wouldn't feel the need to do it again. I have been to some great caves. These were 'ok' if you ask me.
The local folks were soooo wonderful. Every single person we met was friendly and helpful. I have never been anywhere that has had the same consistantly friendly people. EVERY single one. So refreshing.
I loved the lighthouse too. It was just a terrific place.
So nice to have the cruise ship "hotel" to return to every night.
Shopping is great too. It was just a great vacation.
Now I want to go back.....
Have a GREAT time. NCL is the best.

 

[Minnie Mi]

Suzannnen -- "Flowers are like family to me"
It sounds like the tag fairy understands you.

One of my all-time favorite scents is getting off the plane in Bermuda and taking in the sweet smell of the island. I think the Bermudian flowers are gorgeous. I liked them best in April, around Easter. The garden at Waterlot restaurant (across from the Southampton Princess) was one of my favorites. Our house had huge Easter lillies that grew wild in between the cracks of the concrete. Our property was lined with Hibiscus bushes and i'll never forget how lovely they were. UT OH. My poor husband. Now I'll be talking about Bermuda all night!!

 

[Kteacher]

I've cruised to Bermuda 3 times. You will love it- it is a beautiful place. I also saw my share of "road rash" inflicted upon cruiseship passengers renting mopeds. We found it much easier (and safer) to get a bus pass for the time you are on the island. This allows you unlimited use of the public transportation system-buses and ferries . It was one of the best public transportation systems I've ever used! Bermudians are extremely polite and friendly. Iwould also recommend Horsheshoe Beach-I think you take bus number 7 to get there Have a great time!!

 

[Minnie Mi]

One more thing. If you love to snorkel, Tobacco Bay in St. George's is one of the best places to snorkel. Crystal clear water, tons of brightly color fish.

 

[maps]

thanks to all who have replied. now i really can't wait to go! we
leave aug 8--i'll try to remember to post a quick review.

my kids are 4 and 5. they've already been on one cruise before and loved it so they're excited about this one. the've been practicing their snorkeling so we definitely will stop at tobacco bay

thanks again for all your help

 

[CamColt]

Oh, too bad we arent on the same cruise, but I cant wait to hear how the young ones like it.
Have a great time!