Bermuda
Bermuda for Luxury Family Travel and Cruise
Home of pink, soft sand beaches, Bermuda is a beautiful, tropical island which is, believe it or not, only 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Wearing traditional Bermuda shorts and high socks, the locals are friendly and love to talk about their home. I've included some great ideas and activities to do when cruising to Bermuda. You can get anywhere fairly easily if your ship is docked in either Kings Wharf or Hamilton. One of the best parts of cruising here is that the ship's stay overnight and you don't have to rush back at a certain time. It's a fantastic place to experience the nightlife, both on and off of the ship.
Original print created by My Virtual Vacations photographer.
If you've never been to Bermuda, a fantastic and surprisingly economical way to see the island is with a private tour guide. This is something that is perfect for groups or families because with a little research, you can arrange ahead of time and your guide will pick you up right at the ship. Then if you need to make an unexpected stop along the way, they can easily adjust the plans.
Even if you don't plan this ahead of time, look for the blue flag taxi drivers at the dock and throughout Bermuda. They have been giving tours for years and know all of the history, best picture spots, etc. Just tell them your interests and they will tailor the tour just for you. This is the advantage of cruise overnight stays in Bermuda since you don't have to rush back to the ship at any particular time.
We had a wonderful tour! Here are just a few of the sights were were able to experience in just a few hours.
Even if you don't plan this ahead of time, look for the blue flag taxi drivers at the dock and throughout Bermuda. They have been giving tours for years and know all of the history, best picture spots, etc. Just tell them your interests and they will tailor the tour just for you. This is the advantage of cruise overnight stays in Bermuda since you don't have to rush back to the ship at any particular time.
We had a wonderful tour! Here are just a few of the sights were were able to experience in just a few hours.
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Update 7/10/2018: I recently found out that our tour guide shown below, Dennis Hollis, has passed away. We had such fond memories of the fantastic tour he provided our family. We'll always remember his passion for Bermuda and he will forever be in our hearts.
The water views all over Bermuda are breathtaking.
Royal Navel Dockyard is within walking distance from the port at Kings Wharf and is a fun-filled day all on it's own. However, if you are too full from the ship's buffet lunch and don't feel like walking, there are continuous trams that go between the ship and Royal Navel Dockyard all day long. Take some time to browse in the quaint shops for souvenirs and gifts to take home. You'll find a fantastic variety of Bermuda themed items, as well as handmade goods, beautiful jewelry and wonderful local perfume (my favorite is "Bermuda Blue".)
The pink sand beaches are the place to be in Bermuda. They are easy to get to by taxi or by signing up with the cruise line excursion. The cruises typically pick beaches that are busier, but they will also have the most beach chairs, snacks and rest rooms available. We loved Horseshoe Bay Beach. It was a bit touristy, but for good reason. It's beautiful!
If you happen to be visiting over a Wednesday night in the summer months, don't miss Harbor Nights in Hamilton. This is a traditional Bermudian experience with a parade, live music, and local street crafts and food to enjoy. You can either grab a taxi with a blue flag (always look for the ones with a blue flag flying, or insignia on the car) right at the dock to take you to Hamilton, or sign up with your cruise ship. The ship's excursion will usually provide a charter ferry, complete with rum punch, which will drop you right in the middle of the festivities.
For lunch, I highly recommend The Frog and Onion Pub which is within walking distance from the port. Located in the Royal Naval Dockyard, not only do they have house brewed beer but kids and adults will love the drinks and authentic English specialties. With traditional English pub fare like fish and chips or cottage pie, it's authentic and delicious! They have their own original brews that you can sample as a flight. Order a specialty drink and they'll even give you a souvenir glass to take home.
Vacation Budget: $ $
Dining Suggestion: Lunch, Dinner
Dining Suggestion: Lunch, Dinner
Virtual Hint: While adults are enjoying the traditional English pub food and live music at The Frog and Onion, send the kids with some quarters (U.S. coins are welcome) to the restaurant's huge arcade room filled with air hockey, video games and more. It's right off of the main seating area.
Another great spot to visit close to the cruise ships is Snorkel Park Beach. They have their own beach, water sports, and restaurants. Just pay one nominal admission fee and you can enjoy the park all day long. This is a perfect place for all age groups and interests.
Are you planning a cruise to Bermuda? Feel free to contact me and I'm happy to provide my personal recommendations and contact information for some terrific guides.
Helpful Links:
- The Royal Naval Dockyard: http://dockyardbermuda.com/
- The Frog and Onion Pub: http://www.frogandonion.bm/
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