jdarch

this is really hard..but right now...

1. St.George's

2. Horseshoe Bay

3. Hamilton( BUEI)

First time to Bermuda in September on LOS (just my wife and me). I know we won't be able to see everything in just two days, and we want it to be a leisurely trip. I'm sure it won't be our last visit. Hope to get to both St. George and Hamilton, but if we can't which should be the priority (i.e, which Ferry on Day 1 morning)? We just want to take in the beauty of the island, learn about the history and culture, a little shopping, etc. The walking tours in both St. George and Hamilton sound interesting. We also want to see Horseshoe Bay, but not for a full day (just put our toes in the water for a while). Also the Dockyard reenactment and walking tour on day 2 (Tuesday) seems interesting. Any insights will be greatly appreciated. These forums are full of great advice and information!

I love St. George's....the ferry ride over to St. George's is a beautiful ride...you get to see a lot of the island..it's a 45 minute nice ride...there are unique shops in St. George's..but more touristy shops in Hamilton...you can't go wrong no matter where you go in Bermuda...

Wondering what you all think of this plan:

 

Day 2 is my full Bermuda day. Was thinking to catch the 9:30 Ferry to St. Georges, arrive by 10:30. Bus #1, #3, #10 or #11 to caves. Get there by 11:30 (ish). Then get to Blue Hole Water Sports at Gotto Bay Beach Hotel for 1:30 boat rental... it's a 10 minute walk.

 

Do you think I would have time to explore both caves and get to my rental on time? Would like to get to the rental at 1:00 so we're not late... thoughts on if this is feasible?

I have been to both caves and to save time...you really only need to do one cave..I would say Crystal...just my opinion

i think we are going to go for it. My husband does not feel bad since he gets a week in vegas in july plus we won't have to pay to board the dogs, or worry about the guinea pigs or fish.

 

I told a very good friend about it last night and she wants to go with us. So i will have an extra adult with the kids and a friend i have known for 39 years since we were 2 with me. I am getting really excited!! I really need this.

 

My 9 year old is away at horseback camp and we pick her up in the morning. I cannot wait to tell her. She will be thrilled about the trip!!

 

Thanks so much for the support!! I appreciate it!!

great decision!!!!!!!

I'm not a navigator but barring unhappy weather, the route they show on the itinerary seems pretty accurate.

Apparently he did find something useful. He entertained most of us and allowed you to act superior LOL

awesome

Thanks for everyones input, I would rather not deal with crowds so am leaning toward CoCo reef.If my granddaughter wants she can also get in pool. It sounds more relaxing to me to have everything right there.

We went here twice for the day..and if it's ease and convenience for you and your granddaughter this is perfect...the beach and loungers are nice if you want to swim in the ocean and the pool is also very nice and there are loungers by the pool...you get lunch and a beer or wine and the use of their facilities...

Liberty of the Seas left first

Where the Dawn is sitting, the channel takes a hard turn to starboard to go around the reef there - you can see them all around as you (hopefully) sail through. As far as I know, there is always a pilot coming/going to Bermuda, and the channel is marked with buoys, so it's not a casual error. In any event, somebody goin' to have a lot of 'splainin" to do... :(

Is the bar open for drinks during the day?

yes

Are there 2 day bus passes?

 

Laura

yes.... but, you have to use them on consecutive days...

Has anyone visited the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute in Hamilton?

 

Would it be worth a visit?

Sorry I posted under iheartbda instead of your post...:D

Some think it's not worth it, I thought it was pretty cool. I also took a great night time excursion through them to see the glow worms. I went there when we were docked in Hamilton so it was easy to get to and back from the night excursion.

Have you looked at their website?

My DH and I went there on one of our visits..we totally loved it..we spent almost 3 hours there....

A friend who's been to Bermuda many times recommended it to us. Does anyone know if DH will be able to get their with his mobility scooter? I've contacted BUIE directly and know it's completely accessible once we get their, and how far it is from the ship's dock in Hamilton, but they couldn't tell me if their would be curb cuts all the way there.

Honestly I don't remember the sidewalk situation..I remember when we went there someone told us we could walk from the ferry...it was like 90 degrees..it was at the far end of Front St....wow...we were hot and pooped..it might be on a bus stop...but don't know about accessibility...

How long should I plan on visiting this attraction. Do you think 2 hours is enough or should I figure longer since it seems like it's actually 3 attractions?!

 

Thanks

My DH and I have been to the aquarium and zoo 3 times..and love it....It's 1 price and it's very reasonable..some of the animals walk around freely and I enjoy it..yes, it's small..but the aquarium and zoo I think are worth a visit...

Has anyone been to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute?

 

I'm trying to figure out about how long I should plan for the visit.

 

Thanks

 

Also...please be honest with this one..do you think there's anyway at all that it can be done in 30 minutes? There is a tour I was thinking about doing and it does stop at the BUEI, but only for 30 minutes.

 

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

My dh and I went there a couple of years ago...and loved it...We had no kids with us and we spent 2 1/2 great hours there...

have you been to Swizzle Inn? Trying to find out which place is better.

yes, we've eaten at the Swizzle Inn...sat outside perfect day..food was good and service was good..drinks were great!!!!

Thanks. Someone also recommended Whaoo in St. George's. Have you ever heard of it or tried it?

my dh and I have eaten at Wahoo's a couple of times..the food is good..... outside and inside seating..located in St. George's which my favorite place to be...

Reading mixed reviews about the water temp for early June. I read that the water temp is supposed to be high 70's but then read where the temp is cold. I think the high 70's would be pretty warm! Although I am from Northern California where wet suits are needed even in summer months:eek: Is there anyone with a past experience in sailing early June?

We have gone the first of June a few times.....Chilly when you first get in the water, but then fine... we went a couple of times in July...the water is warmer like I like it....but weather is too hot and humid for my dh....

DH has given me the task to find a great restaurant in Bermuda. He likes something with a bit of atmosphere, hence the 'quirky' and we like pretty much everything and in particular, we love fresh seafood. Since its our 20th anniversary we don't have a problem with going a bit upscale. Any thoughts?

Tom Moore's Tavern is one of the most historic spots on Bermuda. Haven't been there (DW not a seafoodie), but I've heard great things about it.

http://www.tommoores.com/

I hope its warm enough to go in the ocean. We had a choice of a cruise that goes to Half Moon Cay or the one that goes to Bermuda and we picked Bermuda. But no matter what,I love Bermuda.

Laura

We've had no problem with the ocean in June. Yes, the water temps are warmer in July - on the other hand the air temps are in the 90's :eek:. I guess it's relative to what you're accustomed to: when I was growing up, I had a buddy that summered in Bermuda, and he thought Long Island Sound water was freezing in August...

Ok so when we first started cruising to Bermuda I said...no way am I doing a 5 day cruise to Bermuda..too short..too long of a wait for your vacation to have it be 5 days...As you can see we've cruised several lines and I loved all my cruises to Bermuda...last summer we went on the Summit for the 7 day and do to medical reasons my dh decided we needed to go again...so since we had only been there 4 weeks earlier we decided on the Explorer because we always wanted to try Royal Caribbean so perfect timing....We LOVED Royal Carribean...We took a lot of time discussing our cruise this coming June and you'll see we picked the 5 day aboard Liberty of the Seas....

Haven't been on either liner and only plan on going to Bermuda once. Has anyone been on both liners to Bermuda? If so, is there a difference pertaining to going to Bermuda?

 

Thanks

The answers about food and entertainment on any line are subjective, so depends on who you talk to. After experiencing a couple of cruises to Bermuda :rolleyes:, we personally give RCCL the edge on both.

The BIGGEST difference between the two is that Celebrity arrives in Bermuda on the morning of the first day and departs late afternoon of the third day (basically three days & two nights); RCCL arrives the morning of the first day and departs late afternoon on the second day (basically two days and one night). We've been to Bermuda enough times that we're (reluctantly) willing to take the lost day to go on RCCL.

We've never had a problem getting US $$ change - when we did get Bermuda money its usually singles or coins. If you can't use them, politely ask for US.

Also - heads up: some credit card companies have a surcharge for purchases made out of country. If you have a alternative, it's worth checking out with your CC company.

Haven't seen any other info on it, other than a comment that sometimes other lines use Heritage when NCL isn't there.

This weekend I noticed on the Port Bermuda Webcam there were construction cranes at the cruise side of Kings Wharf; it appeared that (at least) a new piling was being put in.