Pandot

We plan are bringing sealed snacks and beverages (bottles of water).

There are many Rubis (gas stations) that actually sell fresh soups and sandwiches (there is one near Blue Hole Park - where we are planning on going.)  Just a thought.

While I have only been to Bermuda once, I have researched it for two years in anticipation of my cruise this October. 

You should be able to do Horseshoe Bay by bus or minibus on the day you arrive, then take the bus from Horseshoe bay into Hamilton, do some shopping in the afternoon, have your fish sandwich and catch the Wednesday night then take the ferry back to the ship.  Posted time from Horseshoe to Hamilton by bus is 30 minutes.  The ferry from Hamilton to Dockyard is only 20 or so minutes (once it leaves - you should line up for it early - gets crowded).  All bus rides and ferry rides are 4.5 when you purchase the tokens in advance at the VIC (visitor information center) at the Dockyard.  Minibus to Horseshoe bay is & dollars pp if you choose that instead of the bus.

While it would be a long day, it would be an efficient use of your first day there.  It would then leave you the Thursday for St-Georges/Clearwater and Friday free.

Otherwise: there is plenty of time on Friday to go to Horseshoe Bay and be back on time before departure.  Hope that helps...

130 days for Haven

120 out for Non-Haven

On 6/12/2019 at 2:44 PM, ClarkBHM said:

The advantages are that you get butler and concierge access. This also gives you priority embarkation/debarkation, a special seating section at the theater, etc. 

I didn't think the Dawn's pool chair situation was that bad, but getting a suite isn't necessarily going to change anything there.

Sailed the Dawn - lots of pool chair space.

Thanks NJ Horseman!  So excited that it is fixed for our cruise!

Charles - you must be on the Summit with my parents.  They mentioned the strike when I talked to them today.  They did mention that they saw that the NCL ferry was running, but like you, they are on the Summit so that was of no help to them today.

Thanks Laszlo!  Sorry you won't be joining us in October but excited for your preview!

Thanks so much for bringing us along!

Thanks so much!

17 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

 

Thanks Birdtravels!  I have been using your most recent Escape report for much of my recent research!

6 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

My most recent two cruises, on the Escape and Getaway, no lamb chops at Cagney's (had "lamb medallions" or some such).

Oh no!

8 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I would scrap one of your choices and have an all you can eat extravaganza at Pincho Tapas... ($7 upcharge, but unlimited items)

 Still planning on doing tapas.  But figured I could try/eat a ton for less than 76 plus tip.  Also wanted to do Tapas with some other friends with whom I am traveling - not just Hubby

On the Escape in October.

Hubby and I usually get the 3 meal SDP.  However, one of the restaurants we might like to try this time is Bayamo.  I know that there is a 10 dollar surchage on that (plus 20 percent, I am guessing) to use SDP at Bayamo.  Other than the Seafood Extravaganza, are there any other surcharges (similar to 5 dollars for shrimp cocktail at Cagney's) or exceptions/restrictions at Bayamo? (I am assuming the one soup or salad, one app, one main and one dessert is in play as it is in the other A La Carte restaurants).

I am doing the math and trying to figure out if we will have more freedom and break even or even do better paying A la Carte vs. 3 SDP.  Our other two nights will be Moderno and either Cagney's or Le Bistro.  Le Bistro will likely run cheaper than the 31 dollars before tip that the SDP would cost for that meal.  Moderno is 30.  If we do Cagney's (my husband loves the lamb chops), SDP will work in our favor for that meal, but not sure about Bayamo.

Thanks for the input.

Travelling with large group on cruise.  On the Wednesday (first of three day in Bermuda) will be hubby and I with our two kids (boy with autism, 9, girl, 6) and 1-2 additional like aged adults.

Really want to see Blue Hole Park.  One member of the group wants to see a cave.  Considering going back to BAMZ (was there in May 2012).  

Plan for day was to get one day passes (for convenience, tokens could be mildly cheaper but more likely a pain in the neck). 

Beginning with free NCL ferry at 9 or Orange ferry at 930 over to St-George.

Bus to Grotto Bay Beach resort (Blue hole is across the street), caves a little ways a way.

An hour - 90 minutes at Blue hole and little beach while friend goes to one cave.

Snack, light lunch from gas station right there or ice cream for lunch down the street.

Back on Bus to BAMZ.

Couple of hours in BAMZ.

Bus to Hamilton.

Aiming for 5pm Ferry back to Dockyard but there is a 630 ferry as well.

Other two days are to be relaxing beach day (south shore - probably horseshoe) and Pontoon rental from Dockyard (already booked for the shorter Friday).  Pontoon - we will do Vixen, little desserted islands, maybe small draw bridge and turtles and then cliff jumping at admiralty park.

Looking for feedback on the Wednesday plan.  Doable?  Am I missing something in the way of timing?  TIA

BirdTravels:  thank you so much for your wonderful review!  Sailing on the Escape in October and really enjoyed your indepth information.  Thank you for taking the time to share it with us!

Not much to add except hope to see you there!

Attempted to do a search but having a hard time with searching within a forum since the changeover.

In Bermuda on the Escape in October (no other ships there at same time).

Been looking into Blue Hole Watersports and then the rentals on the west side (nearer ship).  Trying to decided what to see - is worth doing two days of rentals?

Do want to get over to St-Georges and swim in the blue hole (hence Blue Hole watersports is nearby) but also think kids would like HMS vixen and small private coves (and seeing the ship from a smaller boat).

Any thoughts?  Anyone use a specific provider on the Westside of the island that they like more than others?

Thanks.

We travelled on the GEM last year for Spring Break (then out of NYC).  Kids were 4 and 8.  They loved it!

Outside cabin was snug but worked fine for a family with young kids.  Lots of space to hang out but not alot for my husband to do during the day (his input).

We are sailing on the Escape in October.  Not looking forward to the larger crowds but hoping there were be a couple more daytime activities for hubby.

You have had many responses but I thought I would add my two cents.

I have 8 year old with high fcning ASD (and a ADHD thrown in). I called special needs at NCL and they arranged for us to have separate/priority embarkation/disembarkation. On the ship, we were allowed to stay in our room for muster (arranged for in advance) and had a opportunity to check out our muster station when it wasn't crazy. A kids club, they had us sign out a phone and they would call when he was done, overwhelmed or wanted to leave.

He loved his cruise (asked just the other day when we are going again) and I was very impressed with everyone's understanding and acceptance.

We boarded in NYC - they did an amazing job finding us a place out of the way, away from the crowds.

I haven't been to Bermuda in 6 years but I do not recall the ride to the zoo being costly. We took the ferry and a taxi (travelling by bus was not an option with a loud, autistic 2 year old). Ferry to Hamilton was 5 dollars and I think the taxi for the three of us was only 20 or so.

The bus from Hamilton or St Georges is definitely an option.

We are in the most southwest part of CT you can get. We get a driver. 185-215 round trip.

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Awesome! Thanks!

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Thanks so much for taking us along. Just off this cruise April 14th. Missing it - will enjoy the reminders of a great week!

We were told the same thing. I ordered what I wanted, perfectly willing to pay for the extra app or side. Was never charged. Was even sent back to my room with a totally new dessert when I could finish it and wanted to bring it with me

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(This was the 4/7/18 sailing)

We are just off the gem and most of the buffet choices were cold (when supposed to be hot) with the exception of the omelette station and pasta station. However the food in the dining rooms was nice and hot.

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