Port Report
Beautiful Bermuda to Vibrant Zadar
Seeing Bermuda for the day while your ship is in port doesn't even scratch the pink-sand surface of Bermuda! Fortunately, many lines offer extended-stay options from New York, Bayonne, Boston, and Baltimore; anyone can see why, as the song says, “Bermuda is Another World.” DAY 1: KING’S WHARF
MORNING/AFTERNOON: Taxis will be waiting, ready to whisk you to the beaches and attractions of the island, but why not explore what’s nearby? Pop over to The Clocktower Mall and you’re surrounded by boutiques filled with jewelry, local crafts, and souvenirs. And, yes, you can even go to the beach, just a short stroll from your ship! Snorkel Park Beach is a small, shallow beach ideal for families and snorkelers; for the most jaw-dropping beauty, hop the #7 bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach, voted among the most beautiful beach in the world.
Bermuda has more courses per square mile than anywhere else, so scoot over to The Port Royal Golf Course in nearby Southampton for a round of golf — they even offer a cruise-ship special!
History buffs can see Bermuda’s ( largely maritime) history come to life at the National Museum of Bermuda — from sunken treasure and shipwrecks to the island’s defense during two World Wars. A special kids’ museum playground makes this a family affair. Or, if you’re looking to burn off last night’s dessert, climb the 185 steps up Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the world’s oldest still-standing lighthouse.
EVENING: Sure, you could stay aboard the ship for dinner, but why not sample the fare at The Frog & Onion Pub? Housed in a mid-18th-century cooperage, The Frog & Onion features a vast selection of traditional English-style pub food and one of the best Bermuda fish chowders on the island (make sure to splash a dash of Bermuda rum and/or Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers Sauce into yours for an authentic experience).
DAY 2: CITY OF HAMILTON
MORNING/AFTERNOON:
Just up from the ferry’s disembarkation point is Front Street. The pastel- colored, colonial buildings that line this shopping
mecca sit across from Hamilton Harbor and house shop after shop of jewelry, clothing, crystals, linens, cosmetics, liquor, and uniquely Bermudian items — maybe pick up a pair of Bermuda shorts at the English Sports Shop.
Shelly Bay Beach is a 10-minute taxi ride from the City of Hamilton and, because of its protected location and shallow water, is perfect for families with small children. The vast children’s playground nestled adjacent to the beach adds to the kid-friendly appeal.
Venture down into the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, underground wonderlands that are millions of years old, and discover an enchanting world of hanging crystal formations surrounding subterranean lakes of azure blue water. Tours are offered every 20 minutes.
Hike into history on the Bermuda Railway Trail; the remains of this scenic railway route which operated from 1931 to 1948 give hikers and bikers a unique way to view 18 miles of Bermuda’s gorgeous vistas.
EVENING: Are you in Bermuda on a Wednesday evening from May through August? Join the locals for Harbour Nights on Front Street — the largest and longest-running street festival on the island — and watch out for the Gombeys, a colorful folklife troupe that reflects the island’s blend of African, Caribbean, and British culture.
From pub grub to fine dining, the City of Hamilton serves up something for everyone. Sample the fare of establishments that have served Bermudians and locals for decades: Hog Penny Pub for English and Bermudian dishes, Little Venice for delectable Italian, or The Lobster Pot for seafood-centric dishes.
For a very, very special occasion, reserve a table for dinner at the über-exclusive Tom Moore’s Tavern, an elegant — and, yes, pricey — fine-dining legend housed in a magical 17th-century tavern.
DAY 3: TOWN OF ST. GEORGE
MORNING/AFTERNOON: The Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with colorful reminders of Bermuda’s past. Charming shops, colonial landmarks, and historic buildings line its twisting cobblestone streets. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness a few of the town’s historical reenactments in King’s Square, like the “ducking stool,” where the offender makes quite a splash — literally. Instagram moment: You, locked in the Square’s replica of the stocks used to punish criminals in Bermuda 400 years ago.
In nearby Flatts Inlet, you’ll find the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo with its 145,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit that features a living replica of a spectacular Bermuda coral reef complete with sea life soaring past.
Fort St. Catherine offers history on the beach — the very beach where Bermuda was founded in the 1600s, in fact. Today, the ramparts of this massive structure and its dizzying maze of tunnels are open to the public and feature fascinating historical exhibits.
EVENING: The White Horse Pub & Restaurant is the place to dine in a casual waterfront setting overlooking St. George’s Harbour. In nearby Bailey’s Bay, you’ll find the original Swizzle Inn, home of the Bermuda rum swizzle, that potent concoction of Gosling’s Black and Gold Seal rums, Triple Sec, falernum, pineapple, orange, and lemon juices. Order some grub and a pitcher of swizzles … and then call a taxi back to the ship. Believe me — after the swizzles, you’ll need that taxi.