Bermuda… my favorite cruise destination! When I was planning my high school senior week and considering a cruise to Bermuda, I had no idea what I was starting. Initially, I thought Bermuda wasn’t going to be “as cool” as the Bahamas or Daytona Beach, where others were going. I didn’t know much about Bermuda, but it was an easy trip, just boarding a ship in Philly, going to Bermuda, and coming right back to Philly. Now I know Bermuda is so much more than “cool,” it’s a destination that fills my heart!
I fell in love with Bermuda and have visited her 14 more times since that first trip. I could not get over the beauty of the island, with the pastel houses and white roofs, the pink sand beaches (yes, they are in fact, pink), and the clear blue water like I had never seen. I loved the sites of Bermuda and I loved the sounds of Bermuda! From dusk ’til dawn, the island plays music via the tree frogs!
I also loved the sound of the mopeds traveling all over the island. We decided to rent a moped for one day. Keep in mind I was 18, and they drive on the left side of the road in Bermuda. All day long I let my friend “drive” while I sat on the seat behind her. So in the evening before we returned it, I decided to try it out. I was just out of sight of my friend who had driven us all around all day with no problem, when I got too close to the curb. I hit the curb, the moped went flying, and I skidded along the grass. I wasn’t hurt, but terribly embarrassed because it happened next to an outdoor restaurant! People jumped up from their dinner to run over and see if I was alright. I simply pulled my shirt down low in the back to cover the grass stains and kept that little secret for years! Since then I have always kept to using the pink public buses for transportation!
Because Bermuda is located roughly 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina and is not in the Caribbean, it’s not real warm year round. Bermuda’s main tourist season is from late April through November. Although if you enjoy golf, it’s wonderful year round, and with more golf courses per square mile than any other country in the world, you might want to check that out!
Bermuda has become a popular cruise port, so much so that many ships only stay for the day or just overnight one night. That way Bermuda can schedule more ship visits. If you are only there for a short amount a time, fit in as much as you can. If you are on a cruise that spends 2 or more nights, then you can really experience Bermuda.
Here are the things I wouldn’t want you to miss:
1. Walk through a moon gate with that special someone. Legend says you will live a long and happy life together. They are scattered all over the island, but don’t worry, there is one right by the cruise ship terminal at King’s Wharf.
2. Listen for the tree frogs. Find a park bench near some bushes by the ship (there are plenty) and enjoy their concert.
3. Look for a Bermuda longtail! It’s sort of like a seagull but with a long white tail… and so graceful! They like to nest on the cliffs by the beaches, so keep an eye out.
4. Check out Bermuda’s most popular beach, Horseshoe Bay, but leave time to explore other beaches. There are MANY beaches and much less crowded than Horseshoe. My favorites along the south shore are Stone Hole/ Chaplin Bays (next to each other so it’s at the same bus stop), Warwick Long Bay… just a big and beautiful as Horseshoe, but no crowds, and Jobson’s Cove where you might be the only ones there!
5. Use the Bermuda pink buses. You can buy passes and hop on and off where you want. There are maps you can follow and see what bus goes where. And the drivers are always so friendly, and if you just double check with them when you get on and ask them to stop somewhere, they will remember and let you know.
6. Visit Hamilton. It’s the capital of Bermuda. Front Street is full of shops, along with the nearby streets. Stop in Gosling’s (the blue building on the corner pictured earlier) and bring home some Gosling’s Black Seal Rum!
7. Take the ferry from King’s Wharf and visit St. Georges. (The ferry is included with your bus transportation pass.) It’s a scenic ride past the northern side of Bermuda that takes you through to the Town Cut, a narrow passageway where the smaller cruise ships used to slip through and dock at historic St. Georges. After a walk around the town, visit “my church” that I fell in love with, St. Peter’s Church. It’s just so perfectly beautiful. Then take a cab or walk to Tobacco Bay where the snorkeling is awesome!
There’s so much to do and see in Bermuda, that time is going to work against you. Fit in as much as you can and make notes for when you go back. Yes, WHEN… Bermuda has very high repeat visitor rate among popular destinations. Even after being there 10 times before I met my husband, I still chose Bermuda for my honeymoon. How could I not share my island with my new husband?!
Bermuda holds a special place in my heart. It helps on bad days, just to know that my happy place is out there. I can close my eyes and pretend I’m there, or I can watch the 24-hour webcam and see what it’s like in Bermuda anytime. Check it out: Bermuda Webcam. It faces where the ships dock at King’s Wharf. And if I’m lucky, I can hear those tree frogs!
I’d be happy to help you plan a trip to Bermuda whether it be on a cruise ship or at a hotel. It’s like a second home to me, and I can make your vacation in Bermuda as memorable as mine have all been. Please share your Bermuda love stories with me if you have been, in the comments!
Happy Travels, and Sail-on! ~ Laurie
Contact me for a free travel consultation today!
215-435-4151 LaurieFiveStarTravel@gmail.com
Laurie at Five Star Travel Group 