Which side faces Hamilton City when docked? We're booked on the port side of the Veendam, but someone told me that is a harbor view -- they say we should be on the starboard side to be facing Front Street
emljpl - As I seem to recall - if your ship will be docked on the Port side in Hamilton Bermuda you will have a city view! It is convenient off and on right into the heart of Hamilton and Front Street!!!
Bon Voyage,
BillyBuzzy
Posts: 1331 | Location: Connecticut | Registered: January 19, 2006
BillyBuzzy, I have some questions about Bermuda. We are docking at the Royal Shipyard, last time we were on a smaller ship and docked in St George, but from the Royal shipyard can you walk to Somerset beach ? I think one time you mentioned a pass for a transportation around the Island that you could buy at the pier ?? I have been to Horse Shoe Bay but what is your favorite ? It sounded like you been there several times any tips would be great, we get 3 full days there on the NCL Dawn
I hope you don't mind if I jump in, janfred. The Bermuda transportation system offers several types of passes for travel on the bus and/or ferry. The last couple of times we were there, we purchased the 3-day passes and they were very well worth it. Ours covered the ferry, as well, which was the easiest and quickest way to get from St. George (where we were docked) to King's Wharf. The ferry terminal will be very close to your ship, and you can purchase the passes there.
I haven't been to Somerset beach, sorry.
Happy cruising! LisaP
Looking forward to: Norwegian Dawn, Bermuda, August 2011
Posts: 4238 | Location: Massachusetts, USA | Registered: December 17, 2005
janfred - My last trip to Bermuda was aboard the NCL Dawn in Oct 2008. It was the best cruise I have ever taken (for sad personal reasons - it was to be the last cruise my S.O. a would ever be able to take)!!!
LisaP is entirely on the money regarding the purchase of the multiday bus/water taxi pass. For a three day pass it was $28/pp and provided unlimited transportation thruout Bermuda.They offer 1 and 2 day passes also! The passes can be purchased at a kiosk right on King's Wharf - about 25 yards from where you will debark the ship!! It is well marked and easy to find!!
The Bemudians are a friendly and communicative people and by speaking with them right at the kiosk you will quickly learn all the latest as to what's happening , where it's happening and how to get there. Bermuda is a place you will return to again and again!!
There is no such thing as a "bad" beach in Bermuda!!!
Bon Voyage,
BillyBuzzy
Posts: 1331 | Location: Connecticut | Registered: January 19, 2006
janfred - By the way, I'd suggest you bring some very comfortable walking shoes if you plan on walking to any beach from King's Wharf - Bermuda is a long string of islands linked together by causeways! But the bus/water taxi system is fabulous!!
Plan to make a stop at the Swizzle Inn for an original Bermuda "Rum Swizzzle"" to cool your tootsies after a long walk!!
Bon Voyage,
BillyBuzzy
Posts: 1331 | Location: Connecticut | Registered: January 19, 2006
BillyBuzzy. Thank you so much for taking the time to write, you to LisaP, I appreciate the great information. SO am I understanding that you can get dropped off at any beach and picked back up the public transportation ? Where is the swizzle Inn ? I printed out the baggage tags yesterday so I am getting close, hope the storms are all gone
janfred - Buses 1,3,10 and 11 will all take you by The Swizzzle Inn. There are two Inns but the one located at 3 Blue Hole Hill in Bailey's Bay, Hamilton is the oldest and the original. It is roughly a half mile from the airport and is between Hamilton and St. George's. It is the oldest pub in Bermuda with great eats and , of course, Rum Swizzles (One of their national drinks!!!) (Then,too, there is always a Dark and Stormy!)
The people of Bermuda are called "Onions" and the Yachting crowd refers to Bermuda as "the Onion Patch"!! If you call a Bermudian an "Onion" it is quite OK if said in a friendly tone - if you use it in a bar you will be expected to purchase him the next beverage of his choice!
The second facility is called simply "The Swizzle" and is much closer to King's Wharf being located at 87 South Shore Road in Warwick. It is not as atmospheric as the original but the cocktails and the eats are equally as good as the original. In any case the busdrivers will be sure to deliver you (and stop to pick you up!)
Bermuda is a real fun place and NCL gives you plenty of days to explore!! Wish I was sailing on the Dawn with you! My heart is there!! I love late October in Bermuda!!
Bon Voyage,
BillyBuzzy
Posts: 1331 | Location: Connecticut | Registered: January 19, 2006
My first cruise was on the QM from the UK to NYC in the 50's - we had flown from the US over on a PanAm Stratocruiser,my second cruise was on the Homeric from NYC to Bermuda in the early 60's. My dad had extensive foreign business interests. Both my parents cruised extensively as did my grandparents. My greatgreatgrandmother was a Captain's wife and she accompanied my greatgreatgrandfather at sea for many years on the clippers in the days of the china tea trade. Family records indicate nautical involvement since the 1850's!!
I love islands and the sea - unfortunately I got quite impossibly seasick on a small Destroyer Escort (USS Coates,#685)in the North Atlantic as a ROTC Midshipman sending me into the USAF for a career!( I beat the draft- I enlisted for OTS!)
I have cruised extensively over the years on many ships, many of which are now cruising among the stars. Of Ports, Bermuda is a long time favorite and I visit there every third or fourth year! The longest time between cruises since the 2nd cruise occurred while I was in the USAF and it was 13 months!
My S.O. was a Scottish Lassie from Dundee, Scotland related to Samuel Cunard and from a family of shipwrights and explorers. Her greatgrandfather was with Capt. Scott aboard the Discovery in the 1901 expedition to the South Pole. She passed away from lung cancer this past April! We met on a cruise, she was a USAF Widow - she immigrated to the US on the QM in 1948 - we started off with the USAF and the QM in common!! Our last cruise was last October to Bermuda aboard the NCL Dawn.It was a perfect cruise!!!!
BillyBuzzy
Posts: 1331 | Location: Connecticut | Registered: January 19, 2006
BillyBuzzy, First, I am truly sorry to hear about your S.O. My heart goes out to you. What very interesting families on both sides. You have lived a very colorful life. I appreciate you sharing. Don't ever stop going to Bermuda. I will toast one for you both at the Swizzle Inn.
Absolutely fascinating, billybuzzy. I, too, am so very sorry that your S.O. lost her battle. I know she fought bravely. I also know, she loved cruising. The godmother of the Royal Princess has lived on board for many years. Her hubby passed quite some time ago. On our Christmas/New Year's cruise, she had them set up two drinks in one of the lounges, at the sofa. We knew they were for her. She toasts her husband every year for holidays and special occasions that way. She doesn't drink the drinks, just orders them and has them placed in her favorite spot. I think that's why she lives on board, it brings back the great memories. It's where she is truly at home. I, too, hope we get to cruise with you, soon!
Not too long away for this one !
!!!
