Bermuda question

[robinsnest64]

This is our 1st cruise and I would like some feedback on the 7 day Bermuda cruise docking in Hamilton & St George, we are in our mid 40's traveling with no children. Like to party but also like a little peace and quiet. Can someone give me some info please, don't want to make a mistake on the 1st one!:confused:

[sapper1]

This is our 1st cruise and I would like some feedback on the 7 day Bermuda cruise docking in Hamilton & St George, we are in our mid 40's traveling with no children. Like to party but also like a little peace and quiet. Can someone give me some info please, don't want to make a mistake on the 1st one!:confused:

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Holland America will be returning to Bermuda this spring, summer and fall for the first time in many years so there have been no cruises to report on to this point.

Since you are new to this board you will have missed the discussion re docking in St. Georges. After the cruise was marketed using the Veendam, it was discovered through simulation tests that the Veendam is too big to fit through the cut into St. Georges. Therefore it will be anchoring offshore and using a large tender supplied by the Bermudian government to ferry passengers ashore. A lot of people who booked these cruises are upset, including myself. I will look and see if I can find the thread with all the discussion and come back and post a link for you.

[sapper1]

I found the link I was looking for.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1105092&highlight=veendam+too+big

 

I think you will enjoy your cruise in spite of this glitch. I have yet to have a Holland America cruise that I disliked. The ships are very elegant and the crew will spoil you beyond belief. It is such a letdown when you have to go home.

[Valentino]

Welcome to Bermuda! I'm sure you will enjoy all that it has to offer. If you are docking at St. Georges you'll love it there, it's a 'quaint' little historical village and has a few nice pub type restaurants if you fancy it.

 

You should love Bermuda, my hubby and I are also mid-40's. What Bermuda lacks for in night clubs they make up for in Beauty, scenery and the beaches. If you're here for a few days i would recommend hiring a boat and going out to some of the outlying islands, finding a private little beach somewhere and taking along a picnic and some bottles of your favourite juice - it's a great day out and there are enough places here that hire these boats - there are also enough little islands around that you won't feel too far away from it all.

 

The "town" of Hamilton is also nice for a stroll and is the centre of everything including the ferry's which will take you for a nice ride so that you can admire all the gorgeous houses and beaches that are on the coastal ways. Also have a look at bermuda dot com as that will give you an idea of places to go to and rental places.

 

If you're feeling brave I would also recommend hiring a moped, a great way to see the island - but then again, you coudl always buy a pass (daily or weekly) for the nice pink busses that Bermuda is so proud of.

 

If you're into Golf, well, there's more golf courses per square mile here than anywhere else in the world (oh and churches!) and plenty of places you can hire clubs from. There are also some nice spas at some of the hotels here. Feel free to send me a message if you would like any hints and tips on what to do while you're here. I think you'll have a ball!

[robinsnest64]

Valentino thanks for your reply. I actually fly into Bermuda in 94 but its been so long that any tips are appreciated. We are thinking of HAL any experience cruising with them? :cool:

[Valentino]

Then be prepared for a surprise - a lot (I mean a lot) has changed since 94. Lots more traffic, lots more buildings (especially in Hamilton) - some good changes, some not so good. So for you I am sure it will be a whole new experience - but one you'll love! :)

[sealady1]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Holland America will be returning to Bermuda this spring, summer and fall for the first time in many years so there have been no cruises to report on to this point.

Since you are new to this board you will have missed the discussion re docking in St. Georges. After the cruise was marketed using the Veendam, it was discovered through simulation tests that the Veendam is too big to fit through the cut into St. Georges. Therefore it will be anchoring offshore and using a large tender supplied by the Bermudian government to ferry passengers ashore. A lot of people who booked these cruises are upset, including myself. I will look and see if I can find the thread with all the discussion and come back and post a link for you.

I have read a few threads where people write that they don't like being tendered to a port of call. Please, could you fill me in on the tender experience? Is there a long wait, are they crowded, uncomfortable, etc...? Thankyou.

[RuthC]

I have read a few threads where people write that they don't like being tendered to a port of call. Please, could you fill me in on the tender experience? Is there a long wait, are they crowded, uncomfortable, etc...? Thankyou.

Usually the ship uses several lifeboats as tenders, and there's a predictable procedure for that.

In St. Georges, however, HAL will be using a (as in "one") tender provided by Bermuda. It is a rather large boat, holding up to 700 passengers. Add to that there is a lengthy ride from the anchorage to town, and there's no predicting how this is going to work out. We'll have to wait until the first reports come back from Veendam passengers.

[robinsnest64]

Sealady 1 are you going to Bermuda in May or did I read something incorrect. If so feedback would be wonderful. Also can you give me details about the HAL cruises, what to expect never been on one. Thanks

[Valentino]

May and June in Bermuda gorgeous - low humidity (generally) beautiful temperatures and the sea is just starting to warm up nicely. (although a wee bit cool for the locals) ;) but great for cooling off after sitting on the gorgeous Horseshoe Beach.

 

July/August and beginning of September are hot hot hot! but again you have the gorgeous temperatures of the sea (80 degrees +) to cool off in. If you're into snorkelling definately fetch the snorkellling gear with you (although there are some places that will rent to you).

 

They say hurricane season hits Bermuda in June - but predictably we generally get the worse weather in September, that's when we've had our worst storms (Hurricane Fabian was September 5th/Hurricane Emily was I think September 4th), but then again we can have a whole season without hurricanes.

 

When are you coming to Bermuda and how long will you be docked here?

[robinsnest64]

Good afternoon Valentino,

 

Just spoke to the travel agent this morning she is quoting me for the month of August. Since the worst weather you have had is in Sep. now I am thinking maybe the first couple of weeks of Aug??? We would rather be a little warm than chilly for sure, planning lots of beach time. I spent some time at Horseshoe Bay when I was there, any other spots that is even more wonderful? Just so excited to make this trip, my husband has never been and I know he will love it as much as I did my 1st trip! I am sure as you were saying so much has changed this will be like a 1st trip for me again! Are you a resident there or travel there often?? Any great places to eat or any thing not to miss?? Any places that are a must see?? Any insight would be great. Have a great evening!

[sealady1]

Sealady 1 are you going to Bermuda in May or did I read something incorrect. If so feedback would be wonderful. Also can you give me details about the HAL cruises, what to expect never been on one. Thanks

Robinsnest,

Yes, my husband and I are cruising to Bermuda 5/16/10 on HAL Veendam. This is our first cruise. My suggestion to you is what others have advised me to do and that is to scour these boards, read reviews, ask questions, etc... Also visit the HAL website. You can view the various cabin categories, see photos and floor plans of staterooms, view deck plans, watch videos of ships activities, etc... From what I have seen on the HAL website and what I have read on these boards, I am confident that HAL is an exceptional cruise line with a very good reputation Even though we are new to cruising, I feel as if I have educated myself enough about cruising to feel confident that this first cruise experience will be wonderful.

I wish you the very best!!

Debbie:):)

[Topsham]

Welcome to Bermuda! I'm sure you will enjoy all that it has to offer. If you are docking at St. Georges you'll love it there, it's a 'quaint' little historical village and has a few nice pub type restaurants if you fancy it.

 

!

 

 

Valentino,

 

Welcome to CC.

 

Pls call 234 2353

 

 

Stephen

(Somerset Bye)

[Parrot57]

We are going on the Veendam in July. How do we arrange to get to the beaches? We would also like an umbrella or something else to get out of the sun occasionally.

[snyderc635]

My husband and I are also in our early 40's, like to party some and like peace and quiet as well. We are going with HAL to Bermuda in June 2010 on the Veendam. I think this cruise looks like the perfect fit for people of that description. The remodeled Veendam looks great with the new Mix bar area and the updated spa! Bermuda (was only there once and that was over 30 years ago) is beautiful, and there seems to be alot of low key things to do like eating conch water side while enjoying a rum drink in the sun! Not too much to do that you can't choose, but enough so you are not bored. If you book, I hope you enjoy! PS - I'm not overly concerned about the whole tendering issue (at least not as much as everyone else seems to be). We have been on several cruises and have experienced ports where you tender and ports where you pull right into a dock. Though of course we prefer the latter, tendering as never seemed like that big of a deal to me.

[bermuda triangle]

I've never had a bad tendering experience. Except once in Dec. in the Bahamas, we weren't able to tender due to weather.

Bermuda is beautiful. The beaches are wonderful. The Bermudians are quite lovely. Shopping is always fun (even if some of the main stores are gone).

I've never had a bad time in Bermuda, even with some rain;)

Laura

[peaches from georgia]

We are going on the Veendam in July. How do we arrange to get to the beaches? We would also like an umbrella or something else to get out of the sun occasionally.

Taxis are lined up at the dock. Wonderful Bermudian drivers who will take you wherever you want to go, tell you about the different beaches, and give you info on everything.

 

You can also take one of the buses which will stop at the beaches.

[robinsnest64]

My husband and I are also in our early 40's, like to party some and like peace and quiet as well. We are going with HAL to Bermuda in June 2010 on the Veendam. I think this cruise looks like the perfect fit for people of that description. The remodeled Veendam looks great with the new Mix bar area and the updated spa! Bermuda (was only there once and that was over 30 years ago) is beautiful, and there seems to be alot of low key things to do like eating conch water side while enjoying a rum drink in the sun! Not too much to do that you can't choose, but enough so you are not bored. If you book, I hope you enjoy! PS - I'm not overly concerned about the whole tendering issue (at least not as much as everyone else seems to be). We have been on several cruises and have experienced ports where you tender and ports where you pull right into a dock. Though of course we prefer the latter, tendering as never seemed like that big of a deal to me.

 

 

I hope that you will give some great feedback when you return and let us all know how it was:cool:. Have a wonderful cruise!

[FrankNJ]

Our first cruise was to Bermuda in 1997. ( On RC ship Song of America , long since retired) Great place to visit, really nice people.

You'll get your "sea legs" for sure on that ride . 650 miles of open ocean.

I remember one night we had 30 foot seas . Really spectacular , but hard to walk down the halls and stay on the side you started on . Winds out on deck were like 60 mph.

Most of the dinner plates stayed on the table . it was great fun.

 

We took a tour from a local man in his mini van with about 4 other people and it was really interesting. At that time they were thinking of becoming independent from the Queen.

I guess they forgot about that by now . The issue was taxation.

[Andiamo]

Then be prepared for a surprise - a lot (I mean a lot) has changed since 94. Lots more traffic, lots more buildings (especially in Hamilton) - some good changes, some not so good. So for you I am sure it will be a whole new experience - but one you'll love! :)

 

Valentino,

 

I have missed Trimminghams since they closed. I am sure that the Irish Linen Shop is still there, although I miss being able to make purchases on line. The store that I want to visit in August is Celine. Please tell me it is still there. I was hoping to find some new gowns. They usually have some pretty good buys in the rear of the shop.

 

Also, will I still find Primavera and Little Venice? I have not been back in a while.

 

Regards,

 

Jeanne

[Valentino]

Hi Robinsnest64 - to answer a couple of your questions, the first couple of weeks of August should be gorgeous! Hot! but plenty to cool off with - i.e. the gorgeous beautiful seas and a rum swizzle should do it nicely! Oh, so many places to visit if you're on holiday. The lighthouse in Southampton does lovely meals - and of course the view will be to die for - you can see the whole island from the top. John Smiths Bay is a particular favourite beach of mine - but it doesn't have the amenities so loved by the tourists at Horseshoe (brolly's and chairs for hire, shower amenities and bathrooms/cafe). But from Horseshoe you can wander along a lot of the other beaches and find a nice private cove to yourself - especially during the week when most of the locals are at work :( (me!!).

 

Of course you must visit Swizzle Inn, we have two now, one close to the Causeway going to St. Georges (a great character inn and loved by all) and one on South Shore which is convenient for tourists who go to Horseshoe beach. There is also another fantastic beach up by Clearwater (St. Davids) which isn't far for you if you're docking in St. Georges, it's a little known beach that has just opened, it used to be a nature reserve and it's got some beautiful beaches without all the crowds that are so often found at Horseshoe - and of course it has a great bar there serving a variety of cocktails, beers etc - and if you're a plane spotter like me (!! ha ha) then you'll love lying there watching the planes landing and taking off - but not quite the thrill you get in St. Thomas!

 

I'm lucky enough to be a resident of Bermuda - although I must say that right now i've had it with the wind (gail to hurricane force), rain and cold - yup, it really does get cold in the winter months but not quite the temperatures of NY and the UK! so i'm looking forward to a change in weather and hitting the beaches myself.

 

Good day Andiamo, you'll be pleased to know that Cecil is still here and the Irish Linen Shop. Primavera and Little Venice are also still here - funny enough I was at Little Venice on Saturday night (girls night out!) loved the herb crusted rack of lamb that I had. (yum yum). We also have some other great shops for gowns, on Reid Street there is one little shop at the top (near to the LOM building) that specialises in cocktail and ball gowns, love to check it out for my cruises - also a bit cheaper than Cecils but just as nice. I too miss the demise of Triminghams it was a great "little" [ compared to many shops in NY ] shop that sold a myriad of items, but we still have Coopers and Gibbons, both of whom are trying to up their game in the selection that they provide. As you know Bermuda is a small island so we don't have the selection of NY - but - designer goods are cheaper than the States and we have quite a few designer shops (for such a small place).

 

I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time here, and happy to answer any further questions - although you should check out the bermuda.com website which is really helpful!

 

Enjoy!

[sealady1]

Hi Robinsnest64 - to answer a couple of your questions, the first couple of weeks of August should be gorgeous! Hot! but plenty to cool off with - i.e. the gorgeous beautiful seas and a rum swizzle should do it nicely! Oh, so many places to visit if you're on holiday. The lighthouse in Southampton does lovely meals - and of course the view will be to die for - you can see the whole island from the top. John Smiths Bay is a particular favourite beach of mine - but it doesn't have the amenities so loved by the tourists at Horseshoe (brolly's and chairs for hire, shower amenities and bathrooms/cafe). But from Horseshoe you can wander along a lot of the other beaches and find a nice private cove to yourself - especially during the week when most of the locals are at work :( (me!!).

 

Of course you must visit Swizzle Inn, we have two now, one close to the Causeway going to St. Georges (a great character inn and loved by all) and one on South Shore which is convenient for tourists who go to Horseshoe beach. There is also another fantastic beach up by Clearwater (St. Davids) which isn't far for you if you're docking in St. Georges, it's a little known beach that has just opened, it used to be a nature reserve and it's got some beautiful beaches without all the crowds that are so often found at Horseshoe - and of course it has a great bar there serving a variety of cocktails, beers etc - and if you're a plane spotter like me (!! ha ha) then you'll love lying there watching the planes landing and taking off - but not quite the thrill you get in St. Thomas!

 

I'm lucky enough to be a resident of Bermuda - although I must say that right now i've had it with the wind (gail to hurricane force), rain and cold - yup, it really does get cold in the winter months but not quite the temperatures of NY and the UK! so i'm looking forward to a change in weather and hitting the beaches myself.

 

Good day Andiamo, you'll be pleased to know that Cecil is still here and the Irish Linen Shop. Primavera and Little Venice are also still here - funny enough I was at Little Venice on Saturday night (girls night out!) loved the herb crusted rack of lamb that I had. (yum yum). We also have some other great shops for gowns, on Reid Street there is one little shop at the top (near to the LOM building) that specialises in cocktail and ball gowns, love to check it out for my cruises - also a bit cheaper than Cecils but just as nice. I too miss the demise of Triminghams it was a great "little" [ compared to many shops in NY ] shop that sold a myriad of items, but we still have Coopers and Gibbons, both of whom are trying to up their game in the selection that they provide. As you know Bermuda is a small island so we don't have the selection of NY - but - designer goods are cheaper than the States and we have quite a few designer shops (for such a small place).

 

I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time here, and happy to answer any further questions - although you should check out the bermuda.com website which is really helpful!

 

Enjoy!

Hi Valentino,

I see from your countdown clock, that you will be cruising to Boston in the Fall. I don't know if you have been to Boston before, but, if you haven't, and you have any questions, I would be happy to help you.

Have a great day!!:)

Debbie

[Andiamo]

Hi Robinsnest64 - to answer a couple of your questions, the first couple of weeks of August should be gorgeous! Hot! but plenty to cool off with - i.e. the gorgeous beautiful seas and a rum swizzle should do it nicely! Oh, so many places to visit if you're on holiday. The lighthouse in Southampton does lovely meals - and of course the view will be to die for - you can see the whole island from the top. John Smiths Bay is a particular favourite beach of mine - but it doesn't have the amenities so loved by the tourists at Horseshoe (brolly's and chairs for hire, shower amenities and bathrooms/cafe). But from Horseshoe you can wander along a lot of the other beaches and find a nice private cove to yourself - especially during the week when most of the locals are at work :( (me!!).

 

Of course you must visit Swizzle Inn, we have two now, one close to the Causeway going to St. Georges (a great character inn and loved by all) and one on South Shore which is convenient for tourists who go to Horseshoe beach. There is also another fantastic beach up by Clearwater (St. Davids) which isn't far for you if you're docking in St. Georges, it's a little known beach that has just opened, it used to be a nature reserve and it's got some beautiful beaches without all the crowds that are so often found at Horseshoe - and of course it has a great bar there serving a variety of cocktails, beers etc - and if you're a plane spotter like me (!! ha ha) then you'll love lying there watching the planes landing and taking off - but not quite the thrill you get in St. Thomas!

 

I'm lucky enough to be a resident of Bermuda - although I must say that right now i've had it with the wind (gail to hurricane force), rain and cold - yup, it really does get cold in the winter months but not quite the temperatures of NY and the UK! so i'm looking forward to a change in weather and hitting the beaches myself.

 

Good day Andiamo, you'll be pleased to know that Cecil is still here and the Irish Linen Shop. Primavera and Little Venice are also still here - funny enough I was at Little Venice on Saturday night (girls night out!) loved the herb crusted rack of lamb that I had. (yum yum). We also have some other great shops for gowns, on Reid Street there is one little shop at the top (near to the LOM building) that specialises in cocktail and ball gowns, love to check it out for my cruises - also a bit cheaper than Cecils but just as nice. I too miss the demise of Triminghams it was a great "little" [ compared to many shops in NY ] shop that sold a myriad of items, but we still have Coopers and Gibbons, both of whom are trying to up their game in the selection that they provide. As you know Bermuda is a small island so we don't have the selection of NY - but - designer goods are cheaper than the States and we have quite a few designer shops (for such a small place).

 

I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time here, and happy to answer any further questions - although you should check out the bermuda.com website which is really helpful!

 

Enjoy!

 

Penny,

 

Thanks so much for your response. I am really looking forward to going back. Haven't been there in years (Have had a guesstimate of something over 15 visits there by both air and sea since 1980.) We used to stay at Grotto Bay every year until entertainment in Bermuda starting dwindling away and we switched to cruising. We will surely go back to see staff at Grotto Bay in August and the obligatory Rum Swizzle at the Swizzle Inn.

 

Great to hear about another shop in Hamilton. Thanks for the heads up. I have always found something in Cecil that I wanted to purchase, but finances said no. This year I am ready to buy and I probably won't see a thing. Gee, how many know that story?

 

Okay, now I am curious. Are you the second half of Justin? Been trying to figure that one out. So sorry I did not get to meet you at Christmas. Were you ever in the Queens Grill Lounge for cocktails?

 

Regards,

 

Jeanne

[Valentino]

Hi there, yes I am Justin's other half - do I know you??? (sorry - memory span of a gnat - but then using pseudonym's doesn't help does it! ;)

 

Yes we were often (sorry make that every day) in the Queens Grill before dinner each evening - enjoying a cocktail or three and eating far too many nibbles prior to dinner (hence the post cruise flab!) ;)

 

OK, put me out of my misery - who are you??!! :rolleyes:

[Andiamo]

Hi there, yes I am Justin's other half - do I know you??? (sorry - memory span of a gnat - but then using pseudonym's doesn't help does it! ;)

 

Yes we were often (sorry make that every day) in the Queens Grill before dinner each evening - enjoying a cocktail or three and eating far too many nibbles prior to dinner (hence the post cruise flab!) ;)

 

OK, put me out of my misery - who are you??!! :rolleyes:

 

Penny,

 

From the Roll Call. Justin kept the Roll Call informed when the bad weather had you scrambling to come to NY early. He was sooooooo cute when he spoke of you two being in the hotel sipping wine and glad that the two of you made the decision. I don't think you made it to the Cruise Critic get together, or we sure would have met and when I was in the QGL I was usually busy chatting with friends--mostly in the smoking section. Check out the Roll Call for history. Were you ever on the Grills sundeck? I was there all the time in the smoking area.

 

Sorry if I spooked you.

 

Jeanne