Frist time in Bermuda

[Writeratsea]

Thanks for your replay I am getting my own gear. Thanks for all of your great info. it is helping me out a lot. In one of your posting about the festivals I am in different port on the nights you said can I get a bus from St George to Hamliton and how long of a ride is it. I will probable will have more questions for your before I go.:)

The ride from St. George to Hamilton is about a half an hour. In the evening it will travel faster, but the buses run less frequently, so pay attention to the schedule. The last number 11 bus from Hamilton to St. George is 11:45 PM which is late enough for you to enjoy the festival, have a drink or just wander around before going back.:) You could even stop at the Swizzle Inn on the way back. It would be a good walk if you missed the last bus, but a lot of taxis go by there hoping to catch customers.

[Writeratsea]

Or take a taxi from the dock. Taxi fare is $6.75 for the cab from dock to Tobacco Bay. It has been costing me from $1.15 to $2 by sharing the taxi. Also walking is an option if you are able to. Not a long walk.

Either mode of transportation would be fine. It just seemed that the minibus was always right there when we wanted to travel each way. The taxis are hit or miss, they always seemed full when you tried to catch one. Unless you got lucky and they were in the process of dropping someone off at the beach. We always walked down to St. Catherine's beach and caught either the minibus or a taxi, whichever came first. It is not a long walk, but to the beach is a long uphill climb. But at the top you can look back and get a spectacular view of the ship and the harbor, especially if you walk by the unfinished church.

[TPKeller]

I updated my St. George's map, adding in Tobacco Bay. It sounds really nice.

 

Writeratsea, when you get a moment, would you drop me an e-mail? I have a question for you off line.

 

Thanks!

 

Theron

[Agutaya]

Thanks to all who have shared information, especially you, Writerat sea. It is all so helpful for our first trip to Bermuda the second week of Sept. I just ordered two books about Bermuda from Amazon.com - a Alisa Allan book and a Frommer's guide book. Good suggestions.

[miamigirl814]

Writeratsea - My parents are thinking of booking NCL Majesty to Bermuda in June, 2008. It will sail out of Baltimore next year, very near our home (although they are from RI). I see that you have gone on it for many years. I assume that means you love this ship? What is it like? Thanks!

[Writeratsea]

Writeratsea - My parents are thinking of booking NCL Majesty to Bermuda in June, 2008. It will sail out of Baltimore next year, very near our home (although they are from RI). I see that you have gone on it for many years. I assume that means you love this ship? What is it like? Thanks!

Yes we do love this ship. It seems like it is just the right size. It is small enough to go through the cut and dock in St. George, Bermuda. Yet it is large enough to contain two goodsized dining rooms, an Italian restaurant, as well as a premium restaurant and the buffets. For entertainment, the shows are excellent as are the piano bars. While at sea, the casino is fun as well. The sunning decks and the pools are large enough, although there never seems to be enough chairs for the chair hogs. Overall the public areas are large enough to handle the number of passengers comfortably. We never had a long wait for the restaurants, and just short ones for the shows. I thought the food was good, similar to Chili's or Appleby's. The ship does not have balconies, which is not a big drawback for me as it is docked in Bermuda for 3 1/2 days. That lengh of time in port allows you enough time to explore Bermuda without the pressure of worrying that you get back too late and miss the ship's departure. Lastly, it seems like we see the same people working on the Majesty year after year. Not only are they hardworking but they go out of their way to make your experience a good one. I have never had a complaint about any crew member on all our cruises although I can't say the same about particular passengers. Many past passengers have commented on how great the crew is, and that is an intangible that really can't be measured. I hate to lose the Majesty and its exceptional crew from the Boston-Bermuda run, but it is a great gift to the people who live in the Baltimore area. Book the Majesty without any qualms, the combination of the crew, the ship and the Bermuda itinerary are certain to give you a satisfying vacation experience.:)

[miamigirl814]

Yes we do love this ship. It seems like it is just the right size. It is small enough to go through the cut and dock in St. George, Bermuda. Yet it is large enough to contain two goodsized dining rooms, an Italian restaurant, as well as a premium restaurant and the buffets. For entertainment, the shows are excellent as are the piano bars. While at sea, the casino is fun as well. The sunning decks and the pools are large enough, although there never seems to be enough chairs for the chair hogs. Overall the public areas are large enough to handle the number of passengers comfortably. We never had a long wait for the restaurants, and just short ones for the shows. I thought the food was good, similar to Chili's or Appleby's. The ship does not have balconies, which is not a big drawback for me as it is docked in Bermuda for 3 1/2 days. That lengh of time in port allows you enough time to explore Bermuda without the pressure of worrying that you get back too late and miss the ship's departure. Lastly, it seems like we see the same people working on the Majesty year after year. Not only are they hardworking but they go out of their way to make your experience a good one. I have never had a complaint about any crew member on all our cruises although I can't say the same about particular passengers. Many past passengers have commented on how great the crew is, and that is an intangible that really can't be measured. I hate to lose the Majesty and its exceptional crew from the Boston-Bermuda run, but it is a great gift to the people who live in the Baltimore area. Book the Majesty without any qualms, the combination of the crew, the ship and the Bermuda itinerary are certain to give you a satisfying vacation experience.:)

 

Thanks for the info!! I really appreciate it... sorry that you will have to lose this ship in Boston, but we are excited that it is coming to Baltimore.

[robbien]

writeratsea

Which festival is the better one to see or should I try to see other of them? Also I see that you go to Bermuda in Sept. what is the weather like at this time of the year. Thanks for all of your great info. I can't wait till I go on my cruise.:)

[Writeratsea]

writeratsea

Which festival is the better one to see or should I try to see other of them? Also I see that you go to Bermuda in Sept. what is the weather like at this time of the year. Thanks for all of your great info. I can't wait till I go on my cruise.:)

The largest one is Wednesday night in Hamilton and it is fun. There are a large number of vendors. You can also go in and out of the stores and restaurants as you browse the street fair as well. The one in St George has some vendors but always seemed to have some music and dancers as well. It is a low key, laid back fun night. Since it is so close to the ship in the square, if you get bored you can either go back to the ship or explore St. George. You really can't lose as there is always something else to do if the street festival doesn't hit your fancy. The weather in August was 85 plus, with a lot of humidity, which is why we started to go later in September. It is still hot, about 80 with strong sun but the humidity disapeared and it was much more tolerable. You definitely need sun screen though. I wish we were going this weekend, I need it now. LOL. I hate to wish the summer away but I can hardly wait for the last week in September. I know that you will have a great time.:)

[Writeratsea]

Thanks for the info!! I really appreciate it... sorry that you will have to lose this ship in Boston, but we are excited that it is coming to Baltimore.

I don't know a lot about the Dream which is replacing the Majesty, but I have a feeling that it is not an equal trade. If it were up to the fans of the Majesty, she would be sailing out of Boston for a long time. I know I am biased, but when you love something and it is just perfect for you, you do not want to gamble on an unknown. This could be a major change, not only in ships but also the crews and the ambiance that we have become used to. You should be excited that the Majesty is coming to Baltimore. I have a feeling that the change was made to strengthen the market there with a proven winner. The Majesty will create another loyal following there while the falloff from the transfer in the Boston area probably won't be that great. The route and the itinerary are very attractive, so any new ship won't have a huge hurdle to overcome. I do hope you take advantage of the Majesty while she is in Baltimore because obviously nothing lasts forever. Enjoy.:)

[Writeratsea]

Thanks to all who have shared information, especially you, Writerat sea. It is all so helpful for our first trip to Bermuda the second week of Sept. I just ordered two books about Bermuda from Amazon.com - a Alisa Allan book and a Frommer's guide book. Good suggestions.

I think Frommer's is one of the best guide books out there. I like the way it is organized and laid out, very easy to use. When you get the book, read it and write down any questions as they arise. Then you can come to Cruise Critics and get the experienced travelers here to give you great, inside information. If at all possible, try to prioritize a list of what is important for you to see and do before you leave. Also have a list of what to do in the rare occasions that it rains, such as art museums, restaurants etc. If you do the research beforehand then you will be able to just go and do things as the opportunity arrises and you can stay flexible. Though Bermuda is a small island it is loaded with many interesting things to see and do. You will be surprised how fast you will run out of time to see everything you hoped to see and experience. It is very similar in that way to Disney World.:) If Bermuda only had a monorail, then it would be just perfect.

[JoePatNJNY]

Yes I am a Red Sox Fan. I didn't know my intelligence was so obvious.:) LOL In 2004 I went to Bermuda; the Red Sox beat the Yankees and won the World Series. How can life get any better than that? I only had to wait 50 odd years for that moment but that's okay. It is really one of the last traditional rivalries. In basketball, Celtics-Lakers no big deal, hockey Bruins-Canadians no big deal. Too bad the Dodgers and Giants left New York, that was an excellent rivalry. With all the injuries the Yankees have had, how can anyone fairly blame Joe Torre who is a real class act that I have so much respect for. And he was an excellent player in his time for the Braves. I also loved Mickey Mantle. How much do you think the Yankees would have to pay him if he played now. I would have no problem paying him A-Rod money. I hope the Yankees get healthy so that they can compete with the Red Sox and I can tease you fairly before your trip. :)

 

Well, I'm off to Bermuda tomorrow-- but not before my Yankees took 2 out of 3 from your BoSox! :D Thanks again for the help.

[robbien]

Agutaya

What ship are you going? If it is the Empress of the Seas have you signed up for the meet and mingle?:)

[Agutaya]

Yes, I'll be on the Empress of the Seas. I haven't signed up for the Meet and Mingle since I'm meeting severa friends and family members from PA (I live in TX). So, most of my time will be spent with them. My DH and I went to the M&M last Jan. on the LOS and signed up for on next Jan. on the VOS but this time we'll have to pass. If you only need a few more at the end to make the quota we could reconsider to help you out.

[robbien]

We need all the help we can get.:D

[robbien]

If there is any body that hasn't signed out for the meet and mingle for the Empress of the Seas that is sailing on sept. 8th we need you to sign up.:)

[robbien]

I hear that I should get a 3 day pass where do I get it.:)

[Writeratsea]

I hear that I should get a 3 day pass where do I get it.:)

Sometimes it is available onboard your ship, depending on the cruiseline. The price is the same and would save you the time waiting in line that you could better use to explore Bermuda. If not available onboard, you can purchase them at the Visitor's Center. The price is reasonable. One day is $12, two days is $20 and three days is $28. Children under 5 ride for free. kids 5-16 pay $8. It is good for unlimited use of the buses and ferries, you can on and off as much as you want. It is a great way to see Bermuda. It is our main mode of transportation. We supplement the pass with taxis when we go out at night.:)

[TPKeller]

The passes are usually available on Empress of the Seas, from either the excursions desk or the customer relations desk.

 

Theron

[robbien]

writeratsea and tpkeller

Thanks for your info. my cruise is coming quick and I can't wait. TPKeller great pictures, I am staying in a room next to the card room. Do you have some pictures of the card room.:)

[TPKeller]

writeratsea and tpkeller

Thanks for your info. my cruise is coming quick and I can't wait. TPKeller great pictures, I am staying in a room next to the card room. Do you have some pictures of the card room.:)

Bummer, no I don't! 807 total pictures taken, and not one of the card room... The closest I got was the overall picture of the model of Grandeur of the Seas. That was on display in the Crown and Anchor lounge, which is on the opposite side of the ship from the card room.

 

Sorry. I seem to remember it was just an area off to the side of the main walkway on deck 8 with a few square tables and chairs set up. There were usually people sitting there during the day when I walked by.

 

Theron

[robbien]

TPKeller

Did you go to the street festivals when you where in Berumda. And if you did which one should I go to?:)

[TPKeller]

TPKeller

Did you go to the street festivals when you where in Berumda. And if you did which one should I go to?:)

I spent about a half hour at the Hamilton festival. Got a couple pictures of the marching band and saw some of the art for sale. Didn't see any of the others, so I really couldn't tell you anything about them. Sorry!

 

Clearly I need to go back to Bermuda and do some more research!

 

Theron

[Charles4515]

TPKeller

Did you go to the street festivals when you where in Berumda. And if you did which one should I go to?:)

 

I have been to all three festivals. My opinion is if the street festival is scheduled when you are docked at that location and you can walk off the ship to the festival then check it out. They are not worth traveling to get to them by bus, taxi, or ferry.

[robbien]

TPKeller

I am a Eagles fan and I am going to be on the ship durin the season. Does this ship have satlite tv so I can see the game. We are at sea on sunday so I will have time to watch the game. :)