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Bermuda is my favorite cruise destination. I did two separate back-to-back Bermuda sailings last year on Viking Orion alone. At Royal Naval Dockyard don't miss The National Museum of Bermuda/The Commisioners House. Although not not as accessible from Dockyard, do make the trek to St. George's! Such a quaint rustic village with it's own mellow vibe. Unlike the Caribbean which can get a little touristy tacky, Bermuda is dignified, the perfect mix of casual sophistication. Local people are very friendly & everything feels safe.
We came back from a Bermuda trip via Carnival Magic from 8/15 to 8/22. Everything you mentioned in this video is accurate. We went to Snorkel Beach with 6 people and paid $160. We had the launch chairs and beach umbrellas. Wear water shoes as I cut my toe on the sharp rocks/shells. We went to Horseshoe beach for a quick look and paid $28 for two people by taking the vans. The sand wasn’t the pink color I had imagined but it was a beautiful beach. Bermudians were so nice and we had a great time exploring Hamilton. You have to buy tokens for the ferry, buy them by the dockyard.
As someone who has cruised to Bermuda twice but flown a number of times as I have family in Bermuda I would have to say you need two nights in Bermuda to get the real feel of the Island. I recommend taking one day and take the ferry to St. Georges and walk the town. I would suggest getting lunch in St. Georges then taking the #10 or #11 to Flatts and the Aquarium. Nice little village. Next take the #10 or #11 to Hamilton. It will be late afternoon so best either catch the #7 back to Dockyard. This will take you by the beaches. If you ship leaves in the afternoon I recommend spending the morning in Dockyard Shopping and visiting the Museum. If you are there on a Wednesday night and Harbour Nights in happening, definitely visit Hamilton that night. You can take the bus into Hamilton (~1 hour) or ferry (~20 minutes) but definitely take the ferry back.
@@jesus4everjesus4ever97 I just spent 8 nights in Bermuda and I felt very safe where I stayed off the beating path in Somerset. If you are cruising, Dockyard is a very safe area. With cruising there isn't a lot of time to explore so doing things organized by the cruise line gives you a good flavor for the island on one day and allow you to plan for your second day. Beaches can be very busy during the summer especially Horseshoe Beach. Unless you are an experienced motorcycle driver, do rent a scooter. Bermuda Road rash is a real thing. Stick with the Buses and Ferries. You can get Bus/Ferry passes at the Visitor Center just of the cruise ship dock.
Glad I found your channel as we are leaving for a Bermuda cruise in two weeks. Thanks for all the tips! Looking forward to exploring Bermuda for our 30th Anniversary!
We are looking forward to our first experience in Bermuda next May (2024) on the Celebrity Eclipse. Our most recent cruise was Western Caribbean on the Reflection, so the ship will feel very familiar. But I've been longing to see Bermuda for decades, so that will be a thrill. Plus, my bride and I met in England while I was living over there at the end of the '80s, so the Anglo-flavour of the experience will be fondly reminiscent, too. 😃
Loved your take on Bermuda. I have never cruised to Bermuda but have been there on 3 occasions. Holiday 1 was after my wife died back in 1994 for 4 weeks Golf, Diving and reflecting. Holiday 2. I got married in Bermuda (3 weeks) in 1997 unfortunately it only lasted 10 years. Holiday 3. 2007 Just for me 4 Weeks more golf, Diving, Fishing and food. Back then Cruise ships docked in Hamilton. My favourite place to drink and eat was is Flanagans Irish Bar on Hamilton High Street. Sitting on there balcony with glass in hand people watching and just chilling. hiring a scooter is a must. Thank you for your advice. I have Just booked my first cruise at 60. San Diego to Sydney with Holland America 34 days cruise.
As a Bermudian I can say you can’t go wrong coming to our beautiful island, The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming around you and the sand is pink ( yes pink)! Come and enjoy our hospitality!
That’s amazing! I don’t think I mentioned in my videos, but there is a “legend” that if you walk through a Moongate (there is one in Dockyard) holding hands, you’ll be blessed with a long happy marriage. Im paraphrasing but that’s the gist. Perhaps add this to your list of quick things to do and take a photo :). Happy anniversary!
Bermuda is on my bucket list. I was born there, but we left the island when I was 6 weeks old. There used to be an Air Force Base there where we were stationed.
Yeah the Base was located in St.George’s, by Double Dip. It was gone before I was born but our parents always tell us of the days when we had a McDonald’s in Bermuda lol. My family home is right outside of the gates of the former US Naval Base on the opposite end of the island.
Hi Ilana. Thanks for your tips on visiting Bermuda. I watched your videos before our cruise on the Eclipse in May 2024 and the info was very helpful. We absolutely loved Bermuda and have already booked another cruise there in May next year! On another note - I was interested to learn that you live in Montreal. My wife and I were both born and raised there. We now live in Ottawa which coinsidentally is home to Don Terris, the only other cruise vlogger I follow regularly. Cheers, John
We just came back from a cruise on the celebrity summit, my advice, if you want to drive yourself around Bermuda, book one of the mini electric cars as early as you can. We ended up taking the mopeds and they were pretty jarring on the body, our own moped had over 35k logged on it, they’ve been rigged so much it wouldn’t turn off with the key being taken out, ours had a very hard time taking left turns, which was brutal considering we had to drive on the left. When we arrived all of the electric cars were already booked, so I advise you book in advance and get the little cars not a moped. They also feel a little more dangerous because we had many locals driving up our butts even when we were hitting the speed limit, constantly moving off to the side so they can pass, and if you get in an accident you don’t want to end up in a hospital and miss your boat home. Still was a beautiful and wonderful time!
Ilana, as a Bermuda born and raised I want to say you did a great job with this video. Very accurate. Well done. Your pics also made our island look as beautiful as it really is. I hope you enjoyed your stay
Do see the caves! Can't wait to go back in late March next year. If the muggy heat is hard for you to tolerate, I don't recommend going in July. It was beautiful, the locals are amazing, but the heat was too much for me! We Disembarked in NY on Sunday.. Next one will be out of Boston which is closer to us. (We live in Maine) and no stop in VA... If you have been to Norfolk area before, I recommend you take a cruise that does not stop there unless you want a port day to utilize the spa! (Discounts are great on port days!) Also, food and beverages, and souvenirs are quite a bit more pricy in Bermuda than in the Carribean. Be prepared to spend twice as much! The excursions however are much cheaper if you book on sight. If you are not pressed for time, book your own! Only day I would book one through the cruise line is on the last day in port! (They won't leave you if the excursion was through cruise line lol) If you are exploring, get the travel pass! Worth every penny!
My son and I went on a Bermuda cruise ten years ago and we are returning to Bermuda with my husband and 13 other friends on this Celebrity cruise in July 2024. Looking forward to it to see if things have changed much since last time. This is also my first Celebrity cruise so enjoying the time of anticipation.
Leaving Saturday on Adventure of the Seas. We went in 2019 on anthem. Looking forward to doing some new things this time including St. George. Thanks for your vlogs, they are so helpful.
We had a bus driver in Hamilton tell us we weren’t allowed to brink walkers if they wouldn’t go in a weird contained area and must be stowed upside down. We had two rollators and were barely able to be allowed to stay onboard the bus. He was gracious,it was the rule we weren’t expecting. For what it is worth, my rollator folded flat so I was especially surprised!
This was very helpful! We are heading to Bermuda in June of 2023 on the Norwegian Joy so I’ve been keeping up on what the travel protocols are now, fingers crossed masks won’t be required next year, but we shall see. Been to Bermuda 2 other times on cruises and loved it!! Love your videos!!
Just got of the Joy on Sunday... Next trip to Bermuda we are doing the Gem. I loved the boat, don't get me wrong and had a blast but, we enjoyed the smaller ships a lit more. The Gem is our favorite. Going back to Bermuda in late March out of Boston on the Gem and can not wait!
That’s great! I would think likely by next year the protocols will change, but always good to keep up. Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed your Bermuda cruises too :)
So helpful as always Ilana! First ever cruise a little over three months away. And while I am anxious about it (just doing the right things and hoping not to get seasick lol), discovering your channel these last few months is really helping me to prepare. Much appreciation from the Boston area!
That’s awesome! I think things are overall getting easier and you’ll have a great time. So glad the videos have been helpful 😊 btw, I have LOVED Boston when we visited. What a city 👏
Be aware,Dayla, that you will be sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, not the more calm Caribbean Sea. I always use a Scopalomine patch and bring a couple extra Dramamine pills, in case something happens to the patch. We've been to Bermuda from Boston 4 times, and have had somewhat rough seas 3 times, at some point in the journey. Bermuda is absolutely lovely!
@@Carolmaizy thank you! Yes, I've heard the same thing about going out of Boston. My friends are laughing because I've already packed so many anti seasickness remedies (and getting the patch)
My mum said she’d like to go so I’m planning on next Spring. Her 80th birthday is this September but she already has a cruise to Greece planned for September so we’ll have to wait on Bermuda. Thanks so much for the wonderful info.
Got back from Summit cruise to Bermuda a couple weeks ago. Didn't do the beaches. But did go into Hamilton. Such a pretty island. Yes, bring your masks! You need them to exit the boat through the port walkway (30 seconds) and then on any buses or ferry boats. Loved the Tuscan Grill. Main Dining Room wasn't very good. Buffet was "ok". Summit is a nice, smaller ship. Deck 4 is a quiet spot to lounge, with some shade away from the pool crowds.
Thanks so much for the videos, we are going in 2025, I was on the fence about going because I was concerned about safety, but your video was so helpful. 😊
Went to Bermuda about a month ago. We chose one of the cheapest excursions through RC and was very disappointed. It was the Trolley tour. It was very small and you have to sit very close, I’m talking everyone’s knees touching. The tour guide was quite dry. The following day we took a minibus $7 each way and that was a thrill ride to Horseshoe Bay. The ride back was very interesting because the driver gave a great tour.
We went a few years ago, in June I believe. We planned on taking the pink buses everywhere . Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, we went during some holiday of theirs. The buses weren't running. Or at least not when we needed them. We ended up having to get a van (like $30 each way) to and from Horseshoe Beach. Unexpected extra expenses.......and I was carrying around $50 in quarters for the bus!!!
I`m cruising to Bermuda from England. Our cruise ship, QUEEN VICTORIA, is planning to dock at HAMILTON PORT, rather than Kings Wharf Dockyard. Passengers, be sure where you will be docking if you go to Bermuda !!!!!
Having to put a mask on for ten seconds to walk through the port building was one of the silliest COVID precautions I've seen. Enjoyed memories brought on by this video though.
Please note there are no rental cars available in Bermuda due to laws prohibiting visitors from driving regular cars. With that being said, you will likely be getting around by bus, ferry, foot, or by taxicab.
Hi Illana, i was born in Philadelphia and traveled to New York to take the week cruise to Bermuda multiple times. This was back in the 70’s at that time i could take the train to New York, walk up to the check in desk and ask, Do you have any space? They would say yes…i would give them my 500 dollars in cash and away i would go. My how things have changed😂😂 but so loved Bermuda, one day i would like to get back..Thanks for the update😊🚢
Going to Bermuda on my first cruise and I need help with getting to Horseshoe Bay. If I book transportation through Carnival, the shuttle leaves at 9 and returns us 4 hours later. I'd like to be on the beach as long as possible as we only have the 1 day there. How hard is it to get a cab from Horseshoe Bay to the Royal Naval Dockyard? Or am I better off cutting my time short and using the shuttle service through Carnival? Please help!!
We only needed to test before our cruise, as per the cruise line 2 day protocols. I used a self test, that was proctored so we had a confirmation by the lab that we were negative and this was fine. So glad you’re enjoying the videos :)
This is a helpful video for others. The $40 pp health form seems excessive to me, especially for a family that has to pay for testing too. I guess your island, your rules.
@@LifeWellCruised oh yes--I know you're from Canada!🇨🇦 I was just playing on the phrase "Your house, your rules" to express that Bermuda can make people pay for the health declaration, even though I think that charge is too much money!
We are going on Bermuda cruise 10/22. I have looked on the Bermuda website regarding Covid protocols and I must say we are a bit confused. One one part it says you must test 2-4 days before the cruise (we are all vaccinated), but in another part it indicates if you don’t submit a negative test, then you can’t get off the ship. Question (weird I know)-if you don’t get the test, can you still sail and just not get off the ship. Our cruise line-NCL-has scrapped all the testing requirements.
I yes I am going on a Bermuda Cruise May of 2023 on NCL Pearl out of Boston do you know if I still need to fill out that travel form I cannot get an answer from the cruise line
SOMEONE PLEASE HELP. I've called royal Caribbean a few time but i get different answers. IF you have a child under 2 that's no vaccinated can they get off the ship without booking an excursion?
I’d probably choose a nice excursion, but a tour can be fun. If you do a tour, try and visit in Dockyard in the afternoon. Watch my other Bermuda video for ideas and tips
Hi John, when my wifi and I first went to Bermuda in May 2019, we took the 5 hour tour one day and did Horseshoe Bay the next day. The 5 hour was a great tour as it let us stop in St George for lunch on our own and took us all around the island pointing out sights. Also the Wednesday Harbor Nights excursion to Hamilton is also great. When we went this June (which was cut short by a day due to Tropical Storm Alex heading for the island) we went to the zoo and Crystal Caves excursion. Another great tour. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
Ilana, like many, I assume, I watch UTUBE on my TV hence I don't give a thumbs up or subscribe to you. (Except now) I suggest you teach us about tricks using cell phones as walki talki on ship if not using expensive WIFI for internet. Do we need to use airplane mode if not signed up for ship WIFI? Contacting friends, on board or whatever.
Wait did you just say its $40 per person to leave the ship in Bermuda ? I've six ppl in my family, oh boy I guess I will be staying on the ship for two days.
Bermuda is Fantastic ,''''' We have been there 6 times and going again '''''' But We would NEVER Rent a Car or Scooter ,the Driving is Nuts... Let them do the DRIVING ....And for sure go to the HARBOR NIGHTS not to be Miss .....
Ge Ilana hope you're hagd so far. Ok in 31 days 16hrs & 31 mins we are going to Bermuda on the Carnival Magic leaving from NY. It will be our 1st cruise ever. You talked in your video about going to the Bermuda website to upload our vaccine info etc., but from what I gather on the Carnival website we already filled out our information that they asked us to provide, is that enough or do we have to still go on the Bermuda website to fill out their applications? Thank you in advance, be blessed.
Such a fantastic video and hope you are well have a fabulous day xoxo 😘 🤎🖤💗🖤🤎💙🤎💓💜💕❤️❤️💚💕💜💕💚❤️❤️❤️🧡💕💜💗💗💗🖤🤎💛💞💖💛💚🧡💘💘💗💓🤎🤎💓🌈🌈💕💕💚❤️ 🚢 🖤💛💘🚢💜💜💓🚢🤎🌈💚💕💕💚💚🌈💚💕❤️🌈💘🚢🚢🚢
I just returned from a Bermuda Cruise and these tips are actually very good. I would add that if you go to Horseshoe Bay Beach, It will most likely be crowded. Don't be discouraged. when you enter the beach turn left and keep walking. You will see a sand path at the end of the main beach. Walk down that path to beach after beach just like Horseshoe beach but with nobody on it.
That’s Warwick Long Bay. I think people don’t go there as much because there’s a huge sink about 10ft off shore. I suppose it’s not as child friendly, and Horseshoe Bay has a restaurant, bar, showers etc. I loved both beaches growing up
Really helpful video as always! We're headed to Bermuda on Celebrity in June 2023 and your recent Bermuda videos have been part of our planning, including your tour of the Celebrity Summit.
Another great video Ilana and some really good tips. I have been to Bermuda on 5 or so cruises. Bermuda is my all time favorite place to visit. It was my first cruise. The Bermudians are absolutely wonderful. Here are a couple of tips for your viewers. 1. If you rent a moped, you can do it online prior to arrival. We did this and saved an hour standing in line. NOTE - Always wear a closed shoe. We were on the island and met a lovely couple on from our cruise. We were all renting mopeds. They didn't get 10 minutes away before the young lady hurt her foot. She couldn't see the doctor for some time. 2. Don't drink heavily while operating - this is usually the issue coupled with heat and the difference in driving on the opposite side of the road as the US. 3. Visit other places if you are able than the standard locations. I am not saying don't go to Horseshoe Bay (I have been and it is beautiful), but strike out if you can and check out Elbow Beach (caution - there is a private hotel side and public side with chair rentals), aquarium, St. Georges, Hamilton - off the beaten track, the aquarium, the lighthouses, other parishes, etc. It is such a beautiful island that you can constantly pull over to just admire the land and seascapes. 4. The Royal Regiment and Corps of Drums marches down Front Street in Hamilton the last Wednesday of each month. I t takes place in the early evening. This was really nice when cruise ships used to visit St. Georges and Hamilton. Now, almost all the ships go to the Royal Navy Yard with just one or two arriving into Hamilton. Still the Royal Regiment is nice to see.
Thank you. Great tips. I'm considering going on my first cruise in April - and Bermuda jumped on my radar today and I'm hooked! (NCL) I think I'm going to book tomorrow. I'm just looking at airfare and trying to figure out accommodations for a night or two in Boston upon our return.
Hi. I’m going to Bermuda in August and will be docked at Naval Dockyard. I have a couple of questions. *How much is the multi-day pass? * Is the ferry to get to Hamilton located at Dockyard and are the signs clearly posted? *How did you plan your itinerary? Thanks 😊
Some shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on Sundays. Bermuda celebrates Labor Day when the U.S. does. Try to avoid holidays and when there are sporting events. Research it in advance. Ask me how I know,lol.
Do you need cash or does every where except a credit card too? I don’t like carrying cash but if I need to then I need to plan to stop at the bank to get cash before my cruise the end of September 2022. Thank you!