Live Trip Report "Bermuda Escape" July 13,2021

[MarkBearSF]

One silly thing, I'm so happy that MSNBC has changed their ads over the past 18 months. On cruises, that is our default channel, and the spaces that are filled with "normal" commercials at home, are all Internal MSNBC promos on the satellite feed - so by the third day, you almost know the six of them by heart. And before the pandemic, they hadn't updated them in a year or two, so the same damn ads were on 3-4 cruises. 

[Azulann]

5 hours ago, SRHall64 said:

Are there time frames that limit ordering breakfast for your cabin or is it available at any time?  My dad likes to sleep late so I thought it might be an option after the dining rooms have stopped breakfast service.

Here is the times fir breakfast menu door hanger. Note the “other preferred option”.

 

The  room service menu is a brochure found in  folio on the coffee table . 

[Azulann]

Last day at Dockyards , we sail away at 6 pm . No excursions for us today. Taking the free little trolly up to clock tower and crafts shops . The trolley runs only when a ship in docked . Shops opened from 10 to 6. 
Last night attended the cabaret show with Michael Antony , the youngest assist cruise director in the Viking family of ships. He was amazing . High energy , great voice  and very entertaining. All the Star Theater show are at 9:15 pm . They are also live streamed on your tv in your stateroom. This is a great feature. I must say wearing a mask during the performance at the end of my day was sweaty. 
We listen to the talks we missed from the previous days in the morning as we are getting ready for our day. 
Of course my sister is at the gym at 6:00am every morning!! For the last two days she has it all to herself . The other passenger has faded away from working out at 6 am .

 

I repeat as others have said,  the crew is amazing , service impeccable. With less passengers they have time for a chat if you want. Many have been with Viking for number of years. They are loyal to Viking  cruise lines They tell me about their families and ask about mine.A nice bonus with the ship at less than 450. 

 

Edited July 17, 2021 by Azulann

[bluesea777]

Mirror calm sea today for you … 

 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2021 by bluesea777

[Britcnm]

1 hour ago, Azulann said:

Last day at Dockyards , we sail away at 6 pm . No excursions for us today. Taking the free little trolly up to clock tower and crafts shops . The trolley runs only when a ship in docked . Shops opened from 10 to 6. 
Last night attended the cabaret show with Michael Antony , the youngest assist cruise director in the Viking family of ships. He was amazing . High energy , great voice  and very entertaining. All the Star Theater show are at 9:15 pm . They are also live streamed on your tv in your stateroom. This is a great feature. I must say wearing a mask during the performance at the end of my day was sweaty. 
We listen to the talks we missed from the previous days in the morning as we are getting ready for our day. 
Of course my sister is at the gym at 6:00am every morning!! For the last two days she has it all to herself . The other passenger has faded away from working out at 6 am .

 

I repeat as others have said,  the crew is amazing , service impeccable. With less passengers they have time for a chat if you want. Many have been with Viking for number of years. They are loyal to Viking  cruise lines They tell me about their families and ask about mine.A nice bonus with the ship at less than 450. 

 

We are awaiting our travel authorization.....

[Azulann]

3 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

Mirror calm sea today for you … 

 

 

 

Bluesea , yes , the sea like glass . Picture perfect day.

Question for you :

On one of our excursion around the big bay, the guide talks about all the boats we saw anchored in the water in various coves . I did not see a lot of marinas . How  much did it cost to anchor your boat? He also talked about raft up among boats , but missed what he was explaining ?

thank you 

Patti 

[MarkBearSF]

Lunch today at the nearby Pompano Beach Club. Beautiful.

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

On 7/15/2021 at 2:00 PM, CCWineLover said:

Hi Vincent - so glad you are home safely!   We echo your thoughts - we had an amazing cruise and for us, at least, it all clicked, from flights to tours to ship schedules . . .    Plus the always fantastic crew and wonderful meals and bar drinks!    After hearing about issues with Iceland, airline flight cancellations, and Malta sudden restrictions, I have to think we had the best of it all and were quite fortunate.

 

I'll add to your list Chris and Ralph in the Explorer's Lounge, where we spend a decent amount of time.    And will agree with you on Dr. Sherry Hutt.  We were fortunate to have the chance to spend some time talking with her in the World Cafe one evening.  She's led an amazing life and is so full of energy, ideas, and experiences to share.  Slight plug - she has a blog on cruising in fact.

www.cruisethroughhistory.com

 

 

Yes, Kent & Pam, it was a delight meeting you! Hope your transition home, back in the real world finds you rested & well. Did you make it to the Crystal Caves? I remember that was what you wanted to do. Chris & Ralph were awesome! Hotel General Manager Wendy has an all-star crew. Thanks for the info about Sherrys blog, that will be interesting. Booked a trans-Atlantic for Dec. 2022 & if the Bermuda season gets extended to Oct..... Where are you cruising next?

[Twitchly]

11 minutes ago, MarkBearSF said:

Lunch today at the nearby Pompano Beach Club. Beautiful.

The color of that water! 💙💚

[SRHall64]

17 hours ago, Azulann said:

Note the “other preferred option”.

Great!  That does seem to provide some flexibility for outside the normal hours.

[bluesea777]

Hey the current cruisers, I hasten to ask a favor from you before you depart Dockyard as I have a couple of questions … we’re on the Aug 3 sailing.

 

1) the hair salon - do they do both Ladies and Gents hair? Will they be open on the embarkation day (I.e Tuesday) and what time? We’d like to have our hair done as soon as we board. Asking because we’re going to be isolating ourselves for 2 weeks before cruise …. 
 

2) any locals on board (Bermuda residents)? I’m interested to see if any locals booked to go on the Orion. If you can’t tell perhaps you can ask a crew about it. 
 

Thanks, and enjoy the last few days of your cruise!

 

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

14 minutes ago, bluesea777 said:

@2) any locals on board (Bermuda residents)? I’m interested to see if any locals booked to go on the Orion. If you can’t tell perhaps you can ask a crew about it. 
 

Thanks, and enjoy the last few days of your cruise!

 

@bluesea777- I did a b2b, June 29 & July 6. I'm not aware of the first week, but I know for a fact on the second week there were at least two couples from Bermuda. 

[bluesea777]

2 hours ago, Azulann said:

Bluesea , yes , the sea like glass . Picture perfect day.

Question for you :

On one of our excursion around the big bay, the guide talks about all the boats we saw anchored in the water in various coves . I did not see a lot of marinas . How  much did it cost to anchor your boat? He also talked about raft up among boats , but missed what he was explaining ?

thank you 

Patti 

 

 

 

There are a few marina around the island - one at the Dockyard, one in Hamilton, one in Paget, to name a few. Very pricy to dock your boat there. Lots of moorings dotted around the island for boats, yachts, etc. They have to be registered with number sticker on the buoy attached by chains to some heavy weights on the sea bed. Some can be rented out. We rented one for 3 decades when we owned a 20' motor open-launch boat. We lost it during Hurricane Fay in 2014 when it overturned. It was an old boat so we decided to give it up and not bother buying another one. We sure had fun for 3 decades and that was enough - lots of work to upkeep, go out boating, etc, plus we are getting on with our years.

 

As for the Raft-Up - it's when several boats get tied up together and people (partiers) come and go across the boats, drinking, eating, partying, swimming, etc. Pretty common at weekends here but they are not allowed yet due to covid restrictions.

 

 

 

 

[bluesea777]

3 hours ago, Azulann said:

 

 

Patti,

 

This is the old British Commissioner's house, and now it's National Museum of Bermuda. 

 

Did you visit there?

 

 

[Heidi13]

5 hours ago, Azulann said:

He also talked about raft up among boats , but missed what he was explaining ?

thank you 

Patti 

 

 

Patti,

 

Rafting boats is a way of maximising berthing space or mooring buoys for mostly smaller boats.

 

In a marina or dock, another, or even multiple vessels can secure alongside the one that is berthed. they use fenders between the boats and secure breastlines and back springs to keep them alongside and restrict fwd/aft movement.

 

In pleasure boats, this can be a group that know each other and socialise/party across all boats. Some docks will even provide a temporary 2nd moorage using this method.

 

It is also possible to raft boats at a mooring buoy, provided the wind and/or tide is minimal. If too many boats are rafted, it could exceed the holding power of the mooring buoy. I have also seen multiple boats rafted together with each having an anchor streamed fwd and sternlines to the beach. Somewhat akin to what we call a Meddy Moor.

 

On commercial ships, I have only experienced it once, when we visited a Japanese shipyard for emergency repairs. However, when I ran a shipyard, we did it fairly regularily, when number of ships exceeded the dock space.

 

Edit: Apologies - just read that bluesea already answered your question.

Edited July 17, 2021 by Heidi13

[aungrl]

5 hours ago, SRHall64 said:

Great!  That does seem to provide some flexibility for outside the normal hours.

And, you aren't limited to the items listed on the card. You can write in pretty much anything, and they're very happy to bring it.

[OceanPatter]

Patti! So thrilling to read your posts. I know how much you wanted to cruise again with Viking, and now you’re finally onboard with your sister. Wishes do come true.
 

Remember our cruise on the Viking Sea from San Juan to Barcelona? It still ranks as my most memorable … the dinners with you and Louise, our Cruise Critic group dinner at Manfredi’s, and our roll call’s two cocktail parties with Viking staff. Priceless.

 

Wishing you a wonderful cruise around Bermuda, and the joys of many more …

[Azulann]

6 hours ago, OceanPatter said:

Patti! So thrilling to read your posts. I know how much you wanted to cruise again with Viking, and now you’re finally onboard with your sister. Wishes do come true.
 

Remember our cruise on the Viking Sea from San Juan to Barcelona? It still ranks as my most memorable … the dinners with you and Louise, our Cruise Critic group dinner at Manfredi’s, and our roll call’s two cocktail parties with Viking staff. Priceless.

 

Wishing you a wonderful cruise around Bermuda, and the joys of many more …

Royee, I have been thinking about you and Jack , while on a Viking ship again. I even drank a “dark and stormy “. Not my taste though 😊

Louise and her husband just got back from their Viking Iceland cruise. 
I will never forget our TA cruise  on our first Viking cruise , it was magical!

Hope new adventures await you too. 
best regards ,

Patti 
 

 

[rjscott]

On 7/14/2021 at 5:26 PM, Heidi13 said:

 

That's him. Pre-COVID he was close to being promoted to a Head Waiter, so hopefully fairly soon, once all ships are back in service and the newbuild are operational.

He is now head waiter and he is terrific. So funny!  He and our breakfast waiter are roommates, so trade barbs back and forth.  Unfortunately, our waiter had to return home due to a family death, but Zharko took a photo of the five of us wishing Denis the best to cheer him up. So sweet.  
 

Becki

[rjscott]

On 7/14/2021 at 7:30 AM, doggfan7 said:

 

Thank you, @Azulann for blogging your trip. On the August 3rd sailing, we'll be sailing aft in 5111, so nice to see the "view" welcoming us in Hamilton :). Did you hear anything more about the snow grotto? Hoping it is fixed soon for you to enjoy at some point this cruise, and for our cruise as we were looking forward to it!

We are currently in “your” cabin, 5111, so will try to leave it pristine for you.  It is a great location.  We waved down at Patti our first night on our verandah.  You will enjoy your room stewards, Widodo and Angel.  They are awesome!  
 

Becki

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

24 minutes ago, rjscott said:

Unfortunately, our waiter had to return home due to a family death, but Zharko took a photo of the five of us wishing Denis the best to cheer him up. So sweet.  
 

Becki

Becki - I'm very saddened to learn of this. Denys was my (favorite)server on my Bermuda cruise & last year on Viking Sky. He is definitely the star of The Restaurant. Please pass along to Zharko my deepest condolences & prayers to Denys & his family. I am Vincent, "Mr. Smith" from 3079 on the Jun. 29 & Jul. 6 sailings. 

Edited July 18, 2021 by Myrtle Ave. Mayhem

[rjscott]

44 minutes ago, Myrtle Ave. Mayhem said:

Becki - I'm very saddened to learn of this. Denys was my (favorite)server on my Bermuda cruise & last year on Viking Sky. He is definitely the star of The Restaurant. Please pass along to Zharko my deepest condolences & prayers to Denys & his family. I am Vincent, "Mr. Smith" from 3079 on the Jun. 29 & Jul. 6 sailings. 

Vincent, I will do that.  Denys is such a great guy, we were very saddened to hear of his loss.  

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

1 hour ago, rjscott said:

Vincent, I will do that.  Denys is such a great guy, we were very saddened to hear of his loss.  

 

1 hour ago, rjscott said:

Vincent, I will do that.  Denys is such a great guy, we were very saddened to hear of his loss.  

Becki, Thank-You!

[eegad]

On 7/15/2021 at 4:10 PM, MarkBearSF said:

Hi Patty,

The current schedule is
Tues, Wed - Hamilton
Thurs - at sea
Fri, Sat - Dockyards/King's Wharf
Sun - at sea
Mon - Hamilton
Thus - disembark Hamilton

Most of the excursions have been rescheduled to fit the new schedule. For instance, the St George's tour has been moved to departing from Hamilton from St George's and the existing King's Wharf tours have been rescheduled. They have also added a few excursions. They have been very helpful and flexible.
 

 

Is this a change just for this week?  Or is this the new schedule for all the remaining Bermuda cruises? If so,  they have one very unhappy passenger.  I've cruised to Bermuda many times,  always at dockyard.  The chance to spend a few days at the other side of the island is the ONLY reason I was persuaded to book the aug 3 cruise. Being stuck in dockyard would be a major disappointment. 

[Azulann]

21 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

 

1) the hair salon - do they do both Ladies and Gents hair? Will they be open on the embarkation day (I.e Tuesday) and what time? We’d like to have our hair done as soon as we board. Asking because we’re going to be isolating ourselves for 2 weeks before cruise …. 

Bluesea ,

I asked about the hair salon. It will not be open on Tuesday when you board the ship.
Waiting  for the results of Bermuda Covid test results. Open in Wed. 
I suggest you go right to spa desk ,right after you board and do your first saliva  test :spit in a tube. 
book your haircuts , and seeing you are Bermudians you did not need one at the airport maybe you will not have to wait till Wed.