Summit to Bermuda. What’s it like?

[Guest TopoChico]

Our kids chipped in and bought and paid for a cruise to Bermuda in June for my husband and my anniversary, and a big birthday milestone for moi.  They gave it to us over the weekend so we could plan.

My husband knew but was afraid to say anything as he knew I was kinda not into the cruise thing right now because of the recent cutbacks… they were so excited. So now I am too. 
 

What is it like having three days there?  What should we be planning? We’ve been to lots of islands but never Bermuda. Will we be spending the 2 evenings in Bermuda dining off the ship? If so, where?  Should we rent a car for those days? 
 

 

[lola2013]

We booked a private excursion for our middle, full day…from approximately 9am for 6 hours…through Viator…we were picked up at the ship and stopped at the Crystal Caves (gorgeous), off to Hamilton to wander for awhile and lastly to Horseshoe Beach (also gorgeous).  If you are there on Wednesday, there is a street festival in Hamilton which was fun.

[stellarose]

we did Bermuda for our 10 year anniversary and now going back for our 25th and my 50th. Tons to do!!!!

[CruisinBanka]

We have sailed to Bermuda 14 times and love it! Great Beaches, friendly people, aqua water, and lots to see and do. Their excellent public transportation, including the water taxis and “pink buses” are all you will need to get around. You can also rent bicycles and motor scooters if you are brave. The ship is docked for 3 days so you can use it as a Hotel and for dining if you do not want to pay for dining on the island. It’s great having 3 days there as it will give you the time to take a water taxi to historic St. George as well as the Capital Hamilton. There is great shopping and restaurants in Hamilton. There are plenty of shore excursions offered by Celebrity that I’m sure you will find some will be of interest. Enjoy your trip! 

[Guest TopoChico]

Thank you!  I’m excited now!

[CaribbeanBound]

We did Bermuda back in 2005 and LOVED it.  Here are my notes from that 4-day visit.  Clearly some things have changed (like the prices) but it should give you some ideas...

 

Bermuda Map
Google has a scaleable map of Bermuda. Use your mouse wheel to drill down for more detail. Click on "Satellite" to jump between an awesome satellite image and the easier to view road map.

Buses and Ferries
You can purchase multi-day passes which are good on all busses and ferries. Buses are plentiful and service most areas of interest. Bus stops are designated by colored poles. A pole with a top that is pink runs inbound to Hamilton. A blue topped pole is outbound service from Hamilton.

As of March 2014, adult bus fare was $3.50 (cash) for one-way transit through up to 3 zones. Longer trips (4 to 14 zones) is $4.50. Children under age 5 ride Free. Children age 5 to 16 are $2.50. There are 14 zones total, and each zone is about 2 miles long. Note: Cash fares require exact change only. Drivers do not make change. Dollar bills are not accepted. (Most visitors find it easier to use the Transportation passes).

Bus routes and schedule information, see Gov.BM Bus Routes.

Ferry routes and schedule information, visit Bermuda Dept of Marine and Port Services.

(Bus and Ferry) as of March 2014:
1-Day Transportation Pass (All Zones) $15.00
2-Day Transportation Pass (All Zones) $25.00
3-Day Transportation Pass (All Zones) $35.00
4-Day Transportation Pass (All Zones) $44.00
7-Day Transportation Pass (All Zones) $56.00

Note: If you dock at the Kings Wharf or Heritage Wharf at the Royal Navy Dockyard, there are 3 Visitor’s Service Bureau offices to serve you. These are located literally at the King's Wharf, Heritage Wharf, and less than a block inland from the Ferry terminal (which is on your left as you exit the pier). They all sell Transportation Passes and have free maps. They are "generally" open daily from 8am to 5pm when ships are in port.

The most popular first destinations via local transportation are:

1. Blue Line ferry for Hamilton City (~ 20 minutes)
2. Orange Line ferry for St George (~ 35 minutes)
3. Buses #7 or #8 to Hamilton (~ 62 minutes. See notes below)
4. Bus #7 to Somerset Bay (~ 9 minutes), Horseshoe Bay (~ 36 minutes), Elbow Beach (~ 48 minutes)
5. Crystal & Fantasy Caves: Take Blue Line ferry to Hamilton then bus #1 or #3 to the caves; or take the Orange Line ferry to St. George and then take bus #1 or #3. Note: Buses #1 and #3 will stop directly at Crystal Cave. You can also take Bus #10 or #11 from Hamilton or St. George but these two will stop at Swizzle Inn which is about 2 blocks from the caves.

While buses #7 and #8 to/from Hamilton and the Dockyard have an "officially reported" average run time of 62 minutes, the #8 route is generally faster. Expect about 55 to 65 minutes for route #7, and 40 to 50 minutes for route #8. This is because route #7 goes by Somerset and the south shore beaches along "S Road" (like Horseshoe Bay). #8 takes "Middle Road".

When heading back to the Wharf from Hamilton, look for the #7 or #8 "Dockyard" bus.
 

C. Hamilton, Bermuda—Day One
We were cleared to disembark the ship around 10am. We bought our Heritage Bermuda Passport (a discontinued museum combo pass) at the Visitor’s Service Bureau which is located within a block just west of the pier. We also bought a 3-day transportation pass for $28 which is good for all busses and ferries for three full days. The Visitor’s Bureau only accepts cash. If you only want a transportation pass, you can skip the line at the Visitor’s Bureau and buy them at the Ferry Terminal next door or at the Bus Terminal a couple blocks away. We walked to the bus terminal to catch a route 10 or 11 bus to the Aquarium where we spent two hours enjoying the informative exhibits. It’s not the newest facility but it does have several cool exhibits.

We then caught the first route 10 or 11 bus back to the ship for a late lunch before walking to the Bermuda Maritime Institute about a mile east of the pier. They have a cool shell collection, some interactive exhibits, and an extensive exhibit featuring treasure and other artifacts recovered from sunken ships that had hit Bermuda’s reefs over the years.

After the Marine Institute, we walked up to Fort Hamilton. This is an incredibly well maintained Fort with 25-foot walls, a giant moat completely surrounding the Fort’s main defensive wall, and interior catacombs worth exploring. Unfortunately we ran out of time and had to return on day two.

D. Hamilton, Bermuda—Day Two
Today was our day to explore the South Shore beaches and collect some pink sand. [Pink sand is created when pounding waves erode the bright red skeletons of protozoan foraminifers and the remains mix with other ocean debris, such as coral, white clam and sea urchins. Eventually, the mixture becomes the rose-colored sand]. For all South shore beaches, grab a route 7 bus. We decided to start at Church Bay at the far Western end of the South shore beaches. It’s about a 20-minute ride. It reportedly had the some of the best snorkeling on the island. Church Bay was closed, and had been for about two years. We understand it has reopened. Even if it were open, I’m afraid it looked too rough for snorkeling the day we were there. We jumped back on the bus and exited at Horseshoe Bay. At 9:00 am this Bay is deserted. Very pretty beach. This is where we started our walk to Atswood Bay, about 1.5 miles East. This is a very pretty walk. You will pass a number of beaches: Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay, Jobson Cove, and Warwick Long Bay amongst other smaller coves which can be yours alone. We were told that Horseshoe Bay’s beach looks like Coney Island (sand covered entirely with beach towels) by 11:00 am. So if you go, get there early or walk to the East until you find your own secluded spot. If you duplicate our walk, just follow the horse trail to Warrick Long Bay and you’ll be fine. From Warrick Long Bay, it’s about a 1/3-mile to Atswood Park and Bay via the roadside.
 

After our walk, we caught a route 7 bus back to the ship, ate lunch, and headed out again to Fort Hamilton. Fort Hamilton is a free attraction to visit. You’ll cross over a 25-foot long drawbridge over a deep dry moat and into the nicely manicured grounds of the Fort. There are several large cannons and easy access to the upper elevations of the Fort which afford beautiful views of downtown Hamilton and the Bay. (For your best picture opportunities of downtown, go in the morning. However, you’ll get better pictures in the moat in the early afternoon as there will be fewer shadows). We highly recommend exploring the underground passages and walking the moat which is now a nicely planted garden area with lots of foliage and a pathway. The only way down to the moat is via a 108-step lighted stairway from the middle of the Fort’s grounds to the lighted underground passageway and finally out a doorway into the moat. If you like to explore Forts, this free adventure is tough to beat! On the way back to the ship, we stopped into a cigar shop on Front Street and picked up a Cuban Cigar box. We don’t smoke cigars, we just wanted the box to take home. They did not charge us for the box.
 

After dinner on the ship, we used our Transportation passes to take not one, but two, moonlight ferry rides. The short Pink Route is a 20 minute ride with three short stops and provides nice night views of the lighted cruise ships from the harbor. The Blue Route (or Dockyard Route) speeds across the Great Sound to make two short stops before pulling in to the Royal Navy Dockyard where the mega cruise ships dock and then speeds back to Hamilton. This is a 50-minute round trip. (The wife thought these were beautifully romantic ferry rides and they were basically free as they were included in the cost of your transportation pass).

E. St. George, Bermuda—Day Three
We left Hamilton at about 7:00 am and headed for St. George on the Eastern end of Bermuda. The voyage is worth being up on deck for the entire 2-hour trip. There is lots to see. Approaching narrow St. George Channel, we were fired upon by the Town Crier from a Gates Fort cannon. The Town Crier also greeted us upon arrival into the town.

Our first order of business was to catch a bus to the Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave. Bus 1 and 3 will stop directly at Crystal Cave. Bus 10 or 11 will stop at Swizzle Inn which is within 2 blocks of the caves. It’s about a 20-minute ride. Get there early. They open at 9:30 am. We strongly suggest catching the first available bus as the caves are very popular and will get very crowded before noon. You can catch the bus on Water Street, one long block from the pier. As of March 2014, admission to the caves was $22 for one cave or $30 for the pair. (Children 5 to 12 are $10/$12 and children under 5 are free). Fantasy Cave, which reopened just 4 years ago after a 70-year closure, is BY FAR the better cave. Unfortunately most folks will never learn this fact since the ship excursions only take you to the better known Crystal Cave. Explore both caves if you have the time. If you have a choice, see Crystal Cave first (because Fantasy Cave is better). Do Fantasy Cave if you only have time for one. The best group size is under 20. It got so busy that our group had 40 people. The group behind us had at least 60! They really need to do a better job of controlling group sizes. Your best defense is to go early. The caves are full of stalagmites, stalactites, columns, soda straws, bacon, shield formations and other interesting forms. Both caves are well lit and are full of water (but you won’t get wet). The water is very clear, and believe it or not, it’s all sea water. Fantasy Cave, in addition to being better preserved, also has an interesting spooky side which I will not ruin for you here. Very worthwhile. After exploring the caves, we caught the first 1, 3, 10, or 11 bus back to the ship for lunch.
 

Following lunch, we walked 1 mile (30 minutes) to Alexandra Battery Beach Park. The Battery isn’t much to see, but the real prize here is sea glass! You’ll find it by the handful at low tide amongst the reef rocks at the end of the cement seawall (located between the battery and the beach). There is some scattered on the beach too, but the treasure lies beyond. Especially look for the cave, about 15 feet beyond the seawall, where the sea glass is 5-inches deep and sparkles in the late afternoon sun. Pottery with blue or green stripes, impressions, blue anchors, and inscriptions can be found amongst the white, green, blue, brown, red, clear, and ivory hued glass. We filled 2 quart-sized bags in about 30 minutes. You can do it in 5 minutes, but it was fun to be particular.

Walking back to town, we stopped into the Bermuda National Trust Museum at the Globe Hotel. This interesting museum tells the tale of the profitable blockade running that took place during the civil war. Cool souvenir: they have a press with the official “Great Seal of the Confederate States of America” plates and they make silver-foil copies of the seal with a nice matte border for $5.00. The seal itself was commissioned in 1863, measured 3.5-inches in diameter and cost $700. Around 1864, the seal reached Wilmington, NC on it’s fourth blockade run (then on to Richmond. Today it can be viewed at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia), while the press itself remained in Bermuda.

F. St. George, Bermuda—Day Four
We walked about a mile to Tobacco Bay on the North shore to snorkel. We brought our own gear, but rentals are also available on site. The beach is small, but nice, and the water is calm and protected by reefs. Fish are plentiful here and the snorkeling is fun. There were 2 dozen folks here when we arrived at 9:30 am. By 10:30 the beach was packed. We left and walked to Achilles Bay, a small, fairly hidden beach to the left of Fort St. Catherine.

Fort St. Catherine is a cool fort and museum with lots to explore. Dioramas, videos, and wall plaques along a self-guided tour are highly informative. If you visit here after seeing Fort Hamilton you’ll learn about a few of the unexplained projectile lifts, air tubes, and light boxes you previously saw but maybe didn’t know what they were or how they worked. Next to Fort St. Catherine is St. Catherine Beach. It was very popular, had a snack bar, drinks, and music. It also had some sea glass, but don’t waist your time here. For sea glass by the handful, walk down to Alexandra Beach.

Which we did. My wife wasn’t content with the half-gallon of sea glass we picked up the day before. She decided she wanted more. So we walked a mile to Alexandra Beach to hunt more sea glass. This is a very pleasant walk along the coast. As you leave St. Catherine, turn around just as you walk around the first bend in the road. You'll find an awesome picture-taking opportunity of the Fort. Once at Alexandra Beach, we found the tide was about 3 feet higher than it was the day before. While it made looking between the reef rocks dangerous, the cave was still fully accessible and we gathered 2 more quarts of sea glass, and walked back to the ship.

[Guest TopoChico]

1 hour ago, lola2013 said:

We booked a private excursion for our middle, full day…from approximately 9am for 6 hours…through Viator…we were picked up at the ship and stopped at the Crystal Caves (gorgeous), off to Hamilton to wander for awhile and lastly to Horseshoe Beach (also gorgeous).  If you are there on Wednesday, there is a street festival in Hamilton which was fun.

We are there on Wednesday!!!!! And it’s my 60th!

[stellarose]

August big 5 0

[kathynorth]

We've taken this cruise several times and always have a great trip. This is what we did on our most recent trip this past June. Day 1 got off ship ASAP, took taxi to Horseshoe Bay arriving before the crowd (2 ships in port), had enough sun and headed back to Dockyard, wandered around the museum fort, watched the dolphin encounters. Weds night is Harbour Night, but we decided to stay on the ship while others in our party took the ferry to Hamilton. Day 2 early ferry to St.George's, snorkeled at Tabacco Bay, wandered around the town Day 3 short day in port so we stayed in the Dockyard area, went to Snorkel Park, browsed in the shops, bought souvenirs, etc. Then all aboard. All our days were early starts so we decided to eat dinner on the ship both nights in port. 

[lola2013]

8 minutes ago, TopoChico said:

We are there on Wednesday!!!!! And it’s my 60th!

You can take the water taxi from the port area over to Hamilton and back again.  We bought our tickets earlier in the day to save time.  There are food vendors lining the Main Street (I was in Heaven eating a warm funnel cake) in addition to the permanent restaurants.  Also crafts and dancing.  It’s a fun time!

Happy birthday 🎁.  What a great way to celebrate. 

[stellarose]

16 minutes ago, TopoChico said:

Thank you!  I’m excited now!

love topo Chicos

[Laurab23]

I would suggest booking a tour for your first day in Bermuda to get a feel of the island and then decide where you want to go the other days. Don't book anything through the cruise line, they are too expensive. Horseshoe Bay is beautiful. The museum at the dockyard is great to learn about Bermuda and has some beautiful views. Crystal Caves and Swizzle Inn are close by each other. St George is a nice historical town. An excursion you can book at the docks  Famous Homes and Hideaways is also fun. Don't try to do everything. If you are like most of us, you will come back to Bermuda many, many times.

 

Laura

[stellarose]

I know I have been scratching my head on what to do.  have not seen the caves or BUI museum.  swizzle inn is  must. 

[Guest TopoChico]

1 hour ago, lola2013 said:

We booked a private excursion for our middle, full day…from approximately 9am for 6 hours…through Viator…we were picked up at the ship and stopped at the Crystal Caves (gorgeous), off to Hamilton to wander for awhile and lastly to Horseshoe Beach (also gorgeous).  If you are there on Wednesday, there is a street festival in Hamilton which was fun.

We are there on Wednesday!!!!! And it’s my 60th!

[stellarose]

21 minutes ago, TopoChico said:

We are there on Wednesday!!!!! And it’s my 60th!

happy 60!!

[JFontaine]

I'm not sure if anyone wrote this, but you can't rent a car in Bermuda. Cabs are fairly expensive, and sometimes hard to find when away from the port, so don't cut that last day short.  Check out the Bermuda port of call page. Bermuda is a gorgeous island, and it is somewhat shocking to me that more people from the east coast don't visit it.  

[Reel Love]

Agree with those who have mentioned the Swizzle Inn (their motto is Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out! 😉  They are delicious!!!).  It is kind of 'tradition' to go to the Swizzle Inn on Bermuda and enjoy a pitcher or two (there are two Swizzle Inn's on the island.....the original one is out by the airport). 

Dockyards as previously noted is also a lot of fun, and lots of good places to eat in Hamilton.  A fabulous island with beautiful beaches.  Heck, sorry.....I just realized that I did not add anything different than anyone else has posted lol.  Anyways, have a fabulous anniversary/birthday cruise!  😊

[stellarose]

swizzle inn for my 50th!!!!

[Reel Love]

8 minutes ago, stellarose said:

swizzle inn for my 50th!!!!

Heading to the original or South Shore location?  Or both lol???   Happy 50th!!!

Edited January 26, 2023 by Reel Love

[stellarose]

1 minute ago, Reel Love said:

Heading to the original or South Shore location?  Or both lol???   Happy 50th!!!

south shore. 

[ALLIN333]

I was in Bermuda last May on the summit. It was my first time there, and I loved pretty much everything about it. Beautiful island, the people I encountered were nice and friendly, and the weather was great the days we were there. We were only there for 2 days, not 3.

 

We kind of just winged it. Took the ferry to Hamilton which was a nice ride, and then we hopped on a bus and did the caves. It was my first time doing any sort of cave system type thing on any island and I loved it. Beautiful sights, the history was really interesting, and our guide was very nice.

 

After that we stopped for some ice cream at Bailey’s Bay across from the Swizzle inn which was delicious, but a tad pricy. Caught the bud back to Hamilton and wandered around the city for a while.

 

The next day we went to a couple pubs in Hamilton and had some drinks and some appetizers. Ended up doing the mini golf near the dockyard after that which our group absolutely loved. Right on the water, so beautiful views of the ocean the whole time. Very affordable too for a touristy thing right near the port.

 

Bermuda is a great island, no doubt about it.

[Guest TopoChico]

12 hours ago, stellarose said:

love topo Chicos

They’re low cal too! 

[Cruise a holic]

We love Bermuda- Beaches great- interesting sites to see.  We used to go every August from NJ, but they no longer sail to Bermuda when it works for us.  Love the Summit also.  Enjoy your special cruise!

[miched]

If you want it get the first ferry of the day on the first day get there ASAP.   When the ferry  fills up it sails leaving people standing on line.  It fills fast because of the other ships in the port.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[Guest TopoChico]

11 hours ago, Reel Love said:

Agree with those who have mentioned the Swizzle Inn (their motto is Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out! 😉  They are delicious!!!).  It is kind of 'tradition' to go to the Swizzle Inn on Bermuda and enjoy a pitcher or two (there are two Swizzle Inn's on the island.....the original one is out by the airport). 

Dockyards as previously noted is also a lot of fun, and lots of good places to eat in Hamilton.  A fabulous island with beautiful beaches.  Heck, sorry.....I just realized that I did not add anything different than anyone else has posted lol.  Anyways, have a fabulous anniversary/birthday cruise!  😊

You added the fun! 😉 

 

How long does the ferry take to Hamilton?