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Good to know! I used to live in a beach community, and being known as a “local” was a badge of honor. Since you mention it, tho, I can see how it might be different when “locals” actually have their own nationality and culture.
@@757IsMyHomebase yes all stores are open in December and if you come close to Christmas both Hamilton ( the capital) and St George’s are all decorated and lit up. Plus, the second Friday in December there is a walk about in St George’s where the stores are all open at night plus all the heritage sites are open as well. St George’s is World Heritage Site, There is also dockyard, at the other end of the island with a heritage museum, stores and plenty of great restaurants! Bermuda is not only a beautiful place, but the Bermudian people are very friendly and helpful to our overseas guests! You’ll come once and want to come back again!
Frog and Onion for lunch and beer flights. Loved the aquarium. My 11 year old (this was 15 years ago) loved swimming below St Catherine's Fort because he could swim right next to cannons that had fallen to the rocks below. The rum swizzles were good, but the Dark and Stormy was my absolute favorite!!! I still make them at home weekly.
My wife and I have been to Bermuda many times, beginning with our 1996 honeymoon (before we started cruising), and it is always a delight. We've toured the island on the public buses and on scooters and on local private tours. It's ALL great! The Dockyards alone could easily occupy a day. Bermuda Fun Golf, on the cliff overlooking Snorkel Beach is a hoot - a minigolf course where each hole is modeled on a particular hole in a particular famous golf course in the world! Accurately scaled down shape, sand traps, etc. You're right on about the Pharmacy too - it's WAY more than a drug store! And in Hamilton and St George, visit the little parks only a couple blocks from the center of each town. They are oases of quiet calm and wonderful trees and flowers. And our favorite find in Hamilton is the Hog Penny Pub, a little dark local place on a steep street, like a British pub in miniature but with better food. Our last cruise together to Bermuda was last fall on Norwegian, where the compact little island was a wonderful tonic compared to the very noisy huge ship. Alas, my wife died this spring, but the memories of Bermuda will live with me fondly forever.
The fish sandwich at Cafe Ole just outside of the Crystal Caves has been voted the #1 Fish sandwich of the island. Woody's is a very close second. Love both of them❤❤❤
I think this is one of the best cruise destinations. First of all it's safe and the people are very friendly. We had the fish sandwich at a pub called The Anchor about one mile from the cruise port. It was delicious. We had another one the next day. We bought it at the restaurant just as you walk off the pier. It was equally good and the same price as the one on the edge of the city. The Frog and Onion restaurant in the museum building is a must do venue for lunch or dinner. Agreed! Rising Sun provides excellent excursions, and the are extremely courteous. Thanks for the additional tips you gave in this video. Great job on this one.
I am Bermuda in an I must tell you the next time your in Bermuda you must try Bermuda Fish Chowder it is a Bermuda staple dish anit is so very delicious an also aDark n stormy alcoholic drink made with Goslings Black Rum and Barritts Ginger Beer all four mad in Bermuda by Bermudains
I swear you are reading my mind lately. I look at a certain cruise or destination and within a day you post about it . Thanks for all the helpful information .
Just came back from our Bermuda cruise on the Summit. A note on Horseshoe Bay Beach. It’s beautiful and well worth visiting, but there is not a spot of shade anywhere on that beach. They rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, but when we arrived at 11am on the 10:30 Summit excursion bus, they had run out of umbrellas. Next time we’ll take the shuttle bus and leave earlier so we can be more comfortable in the hot Bermuda sun.
10 years ago I went and did all of these things except the dolphins and the catamaran. I think I did pretty well considering I was traveling alone with my 3-year-old son. We had a blast!
If you’re out towards the East end of the island, the Aquarium in Flatts Village and the whole area of Flatts Inlet are favorites of mine as a former “local”. If you’re there during a tide change you can often watch Spotted Eagle Rays feeding in the heavy current flowing under the bridge as Harrington Sound (enclosed body of water) fills or drains under the bridge. One of my favorite places on the island.
This is great. I've made notes on my phone of where to stop and how to get there, as well as the fish sandwich and perfume! We will only be there a day but this helps to be mentally organized and not waste time trying to figure it out.
Just saw this video -- you can visit the Lili Bermuda perfumery in St George -- it was beautiful and I myself left there with a bottle of perfume, an atomizer and the fragrance library -- and definitely plan on going back for more
The first cruise I took was to Bermuda. The ships were still docking in Hamilton and St. George. This was in 1977. This past August I went on the Liberty of the Seas. The first time at the Royal Dockyard. It was only a short ferry ride to both Hamilton and St.George. It was good to be back in Bermuda again. It is still my favorite place to visit
Great list, but you missed Hartleys Helmet Diving! It's an easy, interactive and magical way to experience the underwater wildlife! It actually originated in Bermuda, starting with my grandfather Bronson Hartley. My dad still does it today! I'm taking a trip home this week and figured I'd check out videos of things to do there! Thanks for supporting the island!
One thing I think I might add, and if you really like walking. It's to walk along the Rail Trail that goes around a lot of the island. You can get some pretty epic views in different spots and it's free. But, it could be a lot of walking so you could combine it with public transportation or the shuttle boat and walk different sections around the island
We are heading to Bermuda in 2 weeks on Norwegian. We had such a hard time seeing what we wanted to book for excursions. Now we know to just go there and book there!! We love the list and can't wait to do it all!!!
We have been to Bermuda several times. One thing I would recommend is Fort Hamilton in Hamilton. Not only is the fort interesting but I absolutely love the moat garden. It was such a pleasant surprise. The artists shops at the Naval Dockyard are fantastic, especially the pottery. And do the rum cake tasting even if you don't want to buy.
I can’t wait to go back to Bermuda in May 2025! I have been once, we loved Horseshoe Bay. We also went to the Swizzle Inn for rum swizzles, so yummy! We then did a Hartley helmet dive excursion. Absolutely amazing! We loved it. You give a lot more advice on so many things. Thank you!
We leave for Bermuda in a few weeks. Our last trip was 2019 and we are doing things we didn’t get a chance to do last time. Going to St.George this time. Also back to Horseshoe bay, thanks for the tip to avoid the crowds. So glad to see this post!
Hi Linda, our first cruise there was in May 2019. We were supposed to go back in 2020 but the virus changed that until this past month. It was so nice to be back. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
We cruised to Bermuda this past April on the Gem. To say we fell in love with Bermuda would be an understatement. We are already booked on the Breakaway for April '26. I wish we could go in '25, but 2 daughters getting married in '25 kind of takes priority, lol. Cannot wait to be there again. Beautiful island and great people
When we cruised to Bermuda we hired a taxi at the dock and the driver took us all over the island. One of the places he took us was to the top of a cliff that had a little white church. You could see forever up there. The church had three pews on both sides of the church. Six small benches is what they were. Took us to this flower garden that was beautiful. He should us where some of the stars had houses too. The other thing we did was helmet dive
Thank you for this video, I truly enjoyed it. Bermuda is my all time favorite destination. We also loved the Bermuda aquarium & Zoo. There are great Bermuda Triangle midnight cruises and yes they include the rum swizzle. Also ship wreck dives were amazing as well as glass bottom boat tours. There is just so much to do there and having the ship docked for 2 - 3 nights is just an amazing experience.
I took a 5 hour tour through the cruise line and part of it was a little bit of time in St. George. The tour guide told us to take our passports into this little office near the ferry dock and they would stamp it. I didn't have mine with me but my daughter had hers and now she's stamped!
Local here. Was absolutely lovely to watch this as it was a really great vid for tourists coming down here. Bailey's Ice Cream is actually across the road from Swizzle Inn, and I should note that they are not at all affiliated. I love their ice cream, but for me for summer memories, the sherbet is pure heaven. Yes, rum Swizzle is definitely popular locally but if you're not into fruity drinks, try out a Dark 'n' Stormy. I'm absolute biased about the "Hall of History" painting at the museum, I love Graham Foster's work. He's not only a painter but also does sculpture work. If you're a John Lennon fan you might be interested in the Double Fantasy sculpture he did that sits outside the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art which is at the Botanical Gardens outside Hamilton. Sadly, the gardens aren't at all what they used to be. (Edited to correct the Beatles to John Lennon. Had a brain fizzle)
Crystal Caves are amazing. Swimming with the Dolphins in the Royal Dockyard fort was a lifetime experiance. Loved it There is a beach out closer to Elbow Beach that is beautiful without the crowds of Horseshoe beach. I wish I could remember the name . It is in a public park. Any taxi driver will know what the name is. Been to Bermuda 4 times always deserted. If you go to St George pay for the high speed ferry , the NCL free ferry is very slow if your on an NCL trip. The National Museam is very cool. Well worth the tour. Any of those Catermeran sailing /snorkle 1/2 trips are fabulous. They pick you up right at the dock. Thank you for the video.
Only 1 day in Bermuda in May so took an Island tour that we enjoyed and ate the fish sandwich with a Rum Swizzle in St. George at Wahoo's Bistro & Patio Waterside - very good! Enjoyed the video and reliving our time there!
I just booked my family on the Norwegian Jewel for next May on the Bermuda/Bar Harbor itinerary. We've never been to Bermuda or on a Norwegian cruise, so I'm so excited for both! Thank you for all the great tips and spots we have to check out!
Thanks, Ilana...we're off to Bermuda next month on Norwegian Breakaway. We'll be in port for THREE days, so we'll do most touring on our own, since there are no concerns about "missing the boat." :-)
I have been to Bermuda 4 times and my wife and I have been there 3 times including a 10 day visit for our honeymoon. The Swizzle Inn was a must visit each time.
This is a great presentation for tourist. I will add that there is one must adventure and that is a scenic taxi ride around the island. Each turn is breath taking with amazing views. Along the way tge taxi driver will get that fish sandwich on rasin bread with cold Barrett’s ginger beer.
Thank you for these tips Iliana! We went to the Caves, used the public transportation, ate at the Swizzler Inn and got some Rum Swizler‘s. it was a great trip because of your recommendations. There was actually another couple that had watched your video as well doing the exact same thing we met along the way. We will be watching for your tips for other locations. Appreciate your insight😊
Did you go from the Dockyard to the caves? I’m trying to work out how much time I should allow from Dockyard on public transport including time in cave. Thank you
Next time you go to Bermuda, get yourself one of the laminate cutting boards. They are absolutely beautiful and the best cutting boards we've ever had. My parents have been getting them since the 1970's and we just got some new ones again in May. You also missed a visit to the Frog & Onion, Bermuda's only microbrewery & right in the Dockyard.
Superb video & very informative. We did a few of these when we visited in 2017. Only thing I don’t agree with is Dolphin Quest, and I tell everybody to avoid it as I personally think it’s cruel. Loads of great things to do in Bermuda without doing Dolphin Quest.
Thanks for the comments and feedback. I definitely was sensitive to this and researched DQ before booking. Of course I respect your opinion & views on this. So glad you enjoyed the video :)
My husband and I just got off of Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas this morning. We did have an overnight in Bermuda and once again loved Horseshoe Bay Beach. It’s so beautiful! We had the fish sandwich at Woody’s and absolutely loved it too! Can’t wait to go back!!
Thank you for your tips on Bermuda. We’re going on October and you saved us a lot of money by explaining how many of the fun things to do are just a taxi, bus or ferry ride away. If we only had a day with an “all aboard” in just a few hours, I would book the cruise tour. Now I know we can easily get there on our own, immersing ourselves in the culture in the process. Some of our best vacation memories are of people we met along the way. I printed your informative guide and placed it in my trip folder. We can’t wait to see Crystal Caves, have a rum swizzle and a fish sandwich!!
I'm going in November, so glad i watched this video, it's the first video I've seen about the Dolphin and crystal excursions, I'm definitely doing those 2,
I LOVED Lili Bermuda! I'm looking forward to visiting again and buying a new scent. Every time I use the fragrance I brought back home, it makes me think of Bermuda.
I have been to Bermuda on 3 cruises. Ever since the movie "The Deep" came out, it was a dream destination. It totally lives up to the hype. Safe, clean, beautiful. I would recommend an all island tour to the first time visitor.
Very good video. I want to thank you very much for all your videos. I went to Alaska last year, and your videos taught me all I needed to know. I had a great time. I so appreciate your very practical down to earth approach, and your enthusiasm. The images in the Dolphin park with family are adorable. I’m heading there this summer and this video has instructed me about public transportation.
Hello! I just took my first cruise and all your videos are super helpful. Perhaps I missed it in the videos, I would suggest for first time cruisers to bring a lightweight and zip-up sweat jacket with a hood. Due to a tight budget, we decided on 5 of the items from the videos. Please note, we used the links from the previous videos so I won't go into details. We agree must buys are a cabin nightlight, a power strip, magnets, reusable waterbottle, and anti- nausea medication. Thanks for your informative videos. It made our cruise wonderful!
Love Harbour Nights. Used to be much nicer when the smaller ships docked in St. George and Hamilton. Made it easier to stay out late. Thanks for sharing.😎
Hello Ilana, another great video of my favorite cruise destination. We always check out Swizzle Inn. Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out. Please try the fried fish sandwich with a rum swizzle. Theirs is on a grilled cheese. Huge and amazing. Word of caution on the Rum Swizzle. Split the 32oz shaker cup. Very smooth going down but it will hit you by the time you finish lunch or dinner. I also loved Crystal Caves and many of the other locations you mentioned.
Hi Ilana, thanks for this video. Even though we were there one month ago, you made it feel like yesterday. We loved Harbor Nights and St George back in 2019 when we were there. Last month we visited Crystal Caves and spent time in Hamilton. We would have done Splash Park and the Museum on the third day if we didn't leave a day early due to Tropical Storm Alex cutting our visit a day short. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
Dont forget Taxi tour goes everywhere 3 hrs $150 for up to 5 people. thats a GREAT way to see it all for one day cruisers. Shopping easiest right at the port in the Clocktower Mall. (named for the two clocks...one a tide clock for shiopa nd the other a four faced clock) love Fairtrade Bermuda ...has it all. Best wishes great short compact vid info !!
Thank you so much for creating all this content. I’m going on my very first cruise in April to Bermuda and I am so excited. Your videos have been incredibly helpful and I am looking forward to this trip. ❤ Thanks again!
I thought I’d just do one 7-day cruise to Bermuda and that would be good enough. Boy, was I wrong. There’s so much I want to do there now. Thank you for this informative video.
I had the fish sandwich at Woody's in 2017, Very Good! But I hate raisins but they put it on toasted regular bread for me. Going again in 2023 on NCL and looking forward to it again. Also Bermuda pharmacies you can get some US script meds without a prescription. We were able to get my dad some Lasix as he needed more and didn't pack LOL.
I’m so glad! Thanks for watching and for your feedback. Of course I know there are so many more wonderful things to see and do in Bermuda, but I was hoping there would be something for everyone in this video :)
Hi Elana, excellent video from Bermuda, I was two times there, is one of my favorites places, you forgot Tobacco Bay is really a beautiful beach for snorkeling, eating and relaxing!
@@LifeWellCruised we took the excursion for Norwegian, Tobacco Bay is perfect for snorkeling and kids, no waves, there is a small restaurant for snacks and appetizers!
Best traditional BDA fish sandwich is at Seaside Grill. There are usually options on which fish and get the local rockfish (grouper) if available. Also, option to have fish grilled instead of deep fried. Enjoy!
For you and the viewers: nearby the cruise ship dock/pier, dining. off-ship bars and shopping. We are traveling with a generation ahead of us. Anything you can recommend? As for the off-ship bats. it is for us n our mid-50s, hoping for an off-ship adult beverage later in the night. Excellent video, thank you for posting!
This has me so excited a friend and I are going to Bermuda on Carnival out of NYC in September 2024 every thing looks fun and the food tips sound perfect- Thank you!
Also Lunch at the FROG and ONION really good Food , and Go to the Zoo & Aquiarium ...We never miss the Fort ... in the Gov. House is a Board with 3 of My Late Relations names Who Guarded the Island ... We are from Ireland but I guess We got AROUND ....
Thanks for the great video! We have 35 days until our NY to Bermuda cruise on the Magic. It's our first time there so we're doing the 3 day stay at Bermuda. I'll have to watch this again and take notes to plan our days out, thanks again for the best info! Have Fun and Happy Cruising!! 😎👍🍹🏝
@@jmajors8958 Thanks for the heads-up, didn't really think about that. Might have to rethink the beach days and add more air conditioned activities! Thanks again!
Hello Harrises, we are going to Bermuda the first week of November this year. We’ve been on NCL to BERMUDA twice (once in April & the other in May) and weather was fantastic🩵. Just wondering what it’s like in the fall? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you😊
I was assigned to Bermuda between August 2002 - December 2007 which allowed me to become quite familiar with the islamd. I must recommend a visit to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institue in Hamilton. Lots of information and interesting exhibits. I'm not sure of the days it is served now, but every time I had a Sunday off, I would head to Mulligan's (now closed and bulldozed for a new hotel) in St George's for a cod fish and potato breakfast. Sounded strange at first, but I came to love it.
Great video! Heading to Bermuda next week on a cruise and you helped me pick the Raising Son excursion a bit more confidently. I'm always unsure about excursions when there's no a lot of information and videos/pictures that show more than "5 stars!! loved it!! *artsy picture of the water*" lol Also, pleasantly surprised to see that you're from Montreal, as I'm from Ottawa. It's rare to find Canadian content that's really useful and informative, well structured and easy to understand. You gained a new subscriber!
@@bobkrakovich1851 Prices we’re amazing based on all the food we got. Loved their tshirts but didn’t get any while we were there. Ended up ordering them for the family a couple of Christmas ago - hello to you as well from Virginia
Hi, Ilana! Omgosh..I bought that perfume from the perfumerie near the old church 15 years ago. We arrived right after a large storm. I did not even know there were such great things to do!!! Now I think I'd like to try again. And the fish sammie?!?! Oh my. Looks delish. Miam, miam! Let's get to Woody's....thanks again for the great content and ideas.
Great video! I a m Bermudian, may I suggest Cafe ole at Crystal Caves for the best wahoo fish sandwich on raisin bread in the east! Please try it the next time you visit.
I love Woody’s, their burgers are really nice too, but Art Mel’s (St Monica’s Rd) has always had the best fish sandwiches on the island. They’re huge as well. You can get it with raisin bread but their regular bread is also homemade and delicious, the homemade bread is the reason their sandwiches are so famous if you ask me. It is in the hood but you won’t run into any trouble, the people there are just as friendly as other Bermudians. I did hear that they changed ownership last year so hopefully it’s still just as good.
The rum swizzle IS the National Drink of Bermuda. That is not just according to the cruise director but also the tour guide and even google. Makes me want one right now!
What a wonderful and well put together video. Having an encounter with dolphins is also on my bucket list however, I don't swim. I wonder if they have something waist deep or activities with dolphins that don't require full submersion in the water?
We love Bermuda - relaxing and beautiful. We have taken golf clubs and played 2 courses which was fun. We took the bus to Horseshoe Bay and did walk quite a way along the beach. The ferry between St. George and Hamilton was great as well.
Such a good idea! We don’t golf, so I never think of it. However we met a wonderful couple years ago who brought their good clubs as well, and they said the golfing, along with the views, was incredible! Thanks for sharing
We just got back from a Bermuda cruise few days ago and missed a few of the things you mentioned. Watching your video makes me want to go back to Bermuda.
Everything from our list exactly! Crystal caves are unforgettable! Gorgeous beaches and red phone cabins!!! Also Bermuda is a safest place. We’re really surprised that our Norwegian cruise line offered us ferry service for free. All our cruise experience is in the pre-coronavirus time before vaccination protocol and now we can only go back to our memories with you. Thank you Ilana for sharing your advice.
Thanks for sharing! Bermuda is still quite similar to pre-Covid times so ready to enjoy when you can. It did surprise me that the glassworks and rum cake store are closed
The Gem Tour is amazing, the perfume place at the north of the island, the mall. Once youve been 1 or 2 times you can get around on your own and avoid the cruise excursions.
Thank you for your informative videos. Have you ever or seen any other cruisers bring onboard a beach umbrella to use each time the ship docks? Has the cruise lines allowed you to bring a beach umbrella upon embarkment?
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How can we contact you to ask a few questions?
@@jaygerdes I do my best to answer questions in video comments
Nice video. As a Bermudian, when referring to us, calling us Bermudians as opposed to "locals" warms our hearts;) Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Good point. I cringed every time she said "the locals," and she said it a lot.
Good to know! I used to live in a beach community, and being known as a “local” was a badge of honor. Since you mention it, tho, I can see how it might be different when “locals” actually have their own nationality and culture.
So now locals is a bad word? Come on.
There is so much to see on “ our island Paradise”! Bermuda is another world! Proud to be Bermudian!
How is Bermuda in December? Are stores, restaurants, night festivals open during that time?
@@757IsMyHomebase yes all stores are open in December and if you come close to Christmas both Hamilton ( the capital) and St George’s are all decorated and lit up. Plus, the second Friday in December there is a walk about in St George’s where the stores are all open at night plus all the heritage sites are open as well. St George’s is World Heritage Site, There is also dockyard, at the other end of the island with a heritage museum, stores and plenty of great restaurants! Bermuda is not only a beautiful place, but the Bermudian people are very friendly and helpful to our overseas guests! You’ll come once and want to come back again!
I wish I can go soon and enjoy bermuda
My mother was born and raised in Bermuda. It is truly beautiful there.
Just came back Saturday and it went better than I expected. Will be back
Booked for Bermuda in Sept. Thank you for all the good information.
Frog and Onion for lunch and beer flights. Loved the aquarium. My 11 year old (this was 15 years ago) loved swimming below St Catherine's Fort because he could swim right next to cannons that had fallen to the rocks below. The rum swizzles were good, but the Dark and Stormy was my absolute favorite!!! I still make them at home weekly.
That’s amazing!! Thanks for sharing. Now you’re making me want to make a Rum Swizzle at home 😂
I am Bermudian and believe these are some good tips. I would add the Bermuda Aquarium as a stop on the way to Crystal caves.
Thanks so much! I haven’t had the chance to get there yet, so I’ll have to try to go next time :)
My wife and I have been to Bermuda many times, beginning with our 1996 honeymoon (before we started cruising), and it is always a delight. We've toured the island on the public buses and on scooters and on local private tours. It's ALL great! The Dockyards alone could easily occupy a day. Bermuda Fun Golf, on the cliff overlooking Snorkel Beach is a hoot - a minigolf course where each hole is modeled on a particular hole in a particular famous golf course in the world! Accurately scaled down shape, sand traps, etc. You're right on about the Pharmacy too - it's WAY more than a drug store! And in Hamilton and St George, visit the little parks only a couple blocks from the center of each town. They are oases of quiet calm and wonderful trees and flowers. And our favorite find in Hamilton is the Hog Penny Pub, a little dark local place on a steep street, like a British pub in miniature but with better food.
Our last cruise together to Bermuda was last fall on Norwegian, where the compact little island was a wonderful tonic compared to the very noisy huge ship. Alas, my wife died this spring, but the memories of Bermuda will live with me fondly forever.
The fish sandwich at Cafe Ole just outside of the Crystal Caves has been voted the #1 Fish sandwich of the island.
Woody's is a very close second. Love both of them❤❤❤
Great to know! Thanks for sharing
We are heading out on this cruise in less than two weeks. Thank you so much for the very informative video!
I think this is one of the best cruise destinations. First of all it's safe and the people are very friendly. We had the fish sandwich at a pub called The Anchor about one mile from the cruise port. It was delicious. We had another one the next day. We bought it at the restaurant just as you walk off the pier. It was equally good and the same price as the one on the edge of the city. The Frog and Onion restaurant in the museum building is a must do venue for lunch or dinner.
Agreed! Rising Sun provides excellent excursions, and the are extremely courteous.
Thanks for the additional tips you gave in this video. Great job on this one.
I am Bermuda in an I must tell you the next time your in Bermuda you must try Bermuda Fish Chowder it is a Bermuda staple dish anit is so very delicious an also aDark n stormy alcoholic drink made with Goslings Black Rum and Barritts Ginger Beer all four mad in Bermuda by Bermudains
I swear you are reading my mind lately. I look at a certain cruise or destination and within a day you post about it . Thanks for all the helpful information .
Wow!! I’m so happy to hear. Lol let’s see how long this keeps up 😂
Just came back from our Bermuda cruise on the Summit. A note on Horseshoe Bay Beach. It’s beautiful and well worth visiting, but there is not a spot of shade anywhere on that beach. They rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, but when we arrived at 11am on the 10:30 Summit excursion bus, they had run out of umbrellas. Next time we’ll take the shuttle bus and leave earlier so we can be more comfortable in the hot Bermuda sun.
So true! Thanks for mentioning. Honestly better to go early and on your own :)
10 years ago I went and did all of these things except the dolphins and the catamaran. I think I did pretty well considering I was traveling alone with my 3-year-old son. We had a blast!
If you’re out towards the East end of the island, the Aquarium in Flatts Village and the whole area of Flatts Inlet are favorites of mine as a former “local”. If you’re there during a tide change you can often watch Spotted Eagle Rays feeding in the heavy current flowing under the bridge as Harrington Sound (enclosed body of water) fills or drains under the bridge. One of my favorite places on the island.
This is great. I've made notes on my phone of where to stop and how to get there, as well as the fish sandwich and perfume! We will only be there a day but this helps to be mentally organized and not waste time trying to figure it out.
Outstanding video. Bermuda is my absolute favorite cruise destination. I also love the zoo, aquarium and the many shops in Hamilton and St George.
Just saw this video -- you can visit the Lili Bermuda perfumery in St George -- it was beautiful and I myself left there with a bottle of perfume, an atomizer and the fragrance library -- and definitely plan on going back for more
Got some perfume for my daughter who is now planning a Bermuda cruise for her family.
The first cruise I took was to Bermuda. The ships were still docking in Hamilton and St. George. This was in 1977. This past August I went on the Liberty of the Seas. The first time at the Royal Dockyard. It was only a short ferry ride to both Hamilton and St.George. It was good to be back in Bermuda again. It is still my favorite place to visit
Great list, but you missed Hartleys Helmet Diving! It's an easy, interactive and magical way to experience the underwater wildlife! It actually originated in Bermuda, starting with my grandfather Bronson Hartley. My dad still does it today! I'm taking a trip home this week and figured I'd check out videos of things to do there! Thanks for supporting the island!
One thing I think I might add, and if you really like walking. It's to walk along the Rail Trail that goes around a lot of the island. You can get some pretty epic views in different spots and it's free. But, it could be a lot of walking so you could combine it with public transportation or the shuttle boat and walk different sections around the island
Great 👍
We are heading to Bermuda in 2 weeks on Norwegian. We had such a hard time seeing what we wanted to book for excursions. Now we know to just go there and book there!! We love the list and can't wait to do it all!!!
We have been to Bermuda several times. One thing I would recommend is Fort Hamilton in Hamilton. Not only is the fort interesting but I absolutely love the moat garden. It was such a pleasant surprise.
The artists shops at the Naval Dockyard are fantastic, especially the pottery. And do the rum cake tasting even if you don't want to buy.
I can’t wait to go back to Bermuda in May 2025! I have been once, we loved Horseshoe Bay. We also went to the Swizzle Inn for rum swizzles, so yummy! We then did a Hartley helmet dive excursion. Absolutely amazing! We loved it. You give a lot more advice on so many things. Thank you!
Great video. We were in Bermuda in 2014 and going again in Aug 2024. Looking forward to doing the caves. Thanks for the info!!
We leave for Bermuda in a few weeks. Our last trip was 2019 and we are doing things we didn’t get a chance to do last time. Going to St.George this time. Also back to Horseshoe bay, thanks for the tip to avoid the crowds. So glad to see this post!
Hi Linda, our first cruise there was in May 2019. We were supposed to go back in 2020 but the virus changed that until this past month. It was so nice to be back. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
That’s great!! Enjoy - it’s so beautiful and always worth a return visit
We cruised to Bermuda this past April on the Gem. To say we fell in love with Bermuda would be an understatement. We are already booked on the Breakaway for April '26. I wish we could go in '25, but 2 daughters getting married in '25 kind of takes priority, lol.
Cannot wait to be there again. Beautiful island and great people
When we cruised to Bermuda we hired a taxi at the dock and the driver took us all over the island. One of the places he took us was to the top of a cliff that had a little white church. You could see forever up there. The church had three pews on both sides of the church. Six small benches is what they were. Took us to this flower garden that was beautiful. He should us where some of the stars had houses too. The other thing we did was helmet dive
That sounds amazing. I love a private tour to really see a place. Glad to hear about yours :)
about how much did that cost?
@@leed7933 we just did this last week and it was $50/hour with minimum 3 hours. Per vehicle, not per person.
That church would be Heydon Chapel
Thank you for this video, I truly enjoyed it. Bermuda is my all time favorite destination. We also loved the Bermuda aquarium & Zoo. There are great Bermuda Triangle midnight cruises and yes they include the rum swizzle. Also ship wreck dives were amazing as well as glass bottom boat tours. There is just so much to do there and having the ship docked for 2 - 3 nights is just an amazing experience.
Nice ideas! Thanks tor sharing
I took a 5 hour tour through the cruise line and part of it was a little bit of time in St. George. The tour guide told us to take our passports into this little office near the ferry dock and they would stamp it. I didn't have mine with me but my daughter had hers and now she's stamped!
Awe great to know!
I’m doing the 5 hour Bermuda tour from my cruise to Bermuda. Do you stop at the light house?
@@lolajtek3676 yes for 20 min
@@dawnpowers7626 thank you
Local here. Was absolutely lovely to watch this as it was a really great vid for tourists coming down here. Bailey's Ice Cream is actually across the road from Swizzle Inn, and I should note that they are not at all affiliated. I love their ice cream, but for me for summer memories, the sherbet is pure heaven. Yes, rum Swizzle is definitely popular locally but if you're not into fruity drinks, try out a Dark 'n' Stormy. I'm absolute biased about the "Hall of History" painting at the museum, I love Graham Foster's work. He's not only a painter but also does sculpture work. If you're a John Lennon fan you might be interested in the Double Fantasy sculpture he did that sits outside the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art which is at the Botanical Gardens outside Hamilton. Sadly, the gardens aren't at all what they used to be.
(Edited to correct the Beatles to John Lennon. Had a brain fizzle)
Thanks so much for watching and taking time to comment and share more things we should know, as cruise travellers, when we visit 👌
Crystal Caves are amazing.
Swimming with the Dolphins in the Royal Dockyard fort was a lifetime experiance. Loved it
There is a beach out closer to Elbow Beach that is beautiful without the crowds of Horseshoe beach. I wish I could remember the name . It is in a public park. Any taxi driver will know what the name is. Been to Bermuda 4 times always deserted.
If you go to St George pay for the high speed ferry , the NCL free ferry is very slow if your on an NCL trip.
The National Museam is very cool. Well worth the tour.
Any of those Catermeran sailing /snorkle 1/2 trips are fabulous. They pick you up right at the dock.
Thank you for the video.
Only 1 day in Bermuda in May so took an Island tour that we enjoyed and ate the fish sandwich with a Rum Swizzle in St. George at Wahoo's Bistro & Patio Waterside - very good! Enjoyed the video and reliving our time there!
Sounds perfect 👌
I just booked my family on the Norwegian Jewel for next May on the Bermuda/Bar Harbor itinerary. We've never been to Bermuda or on a Norwegian cruise, so I'm so excited for both! Thank you for all the great tips and spots we have to check out!
Thanks, Ilana...we're off to Bermuda next month on Norwegian Breakaway. We'll be in port for THREE days, so we'll do most touring on our own, since there are no concerns about "missing the boat." :-)
I have been to Bermuda 4 times and my wife and I have been there 3 times including a 10 day visit for our honeymoon. The Swizzle Inn was a must visit each time.
Great to know! It’s definitely a fun place
Swizzle inn is a must even for locals. Always stop for a drink when I fly back in to visit family
This is a great presentation for tourist. I will add that there is one must adventure and that is a scenic taxi ride around the island. Each turn is breath taking with amazing views. Along the way tge taxi driver will get that fish sandwich on rasin bread with cold Barrett’s ginger beer.
Sounds fabulous!!
I had the fish Sandwich at wahoos in St. George. Loved it! I loved Bermuda. Already planning another cruise back. Great video!
Great to know! I hear it’s very good there 👌
Thank you! Very helpful. First time cruisers to Bermuda this month
Thank you for these tips Iliana! We went to the Caves, used the public transportation, ate at the Swizzler Inn and got some Rum Swizler‘s. it was a great trip because of your recommendations. There was actually another couple that had watched your video as well doing the exact same thing we met along the way. We will be watching for your tips for other locations. Appreciate your insight😊
Did you go from the Dockyard to the caves? I’m trying to work out how much time I should allow from Dockyard on public transport including time in cave. Thank you
Next time you go to Bermuda, get yourself one of the laminate cutting boards. They are absolutely beautiful and the best cutting boards we've ever had. My parents have been getting them since the 1970's and we just got some new ones again in May. You also missed a visit to the Frog & Onion, Bermuda's only microbrewery & right in the Dockyard.
Superb video & very informative. We did a few of these when we visited in 2017.
Only thing I don’t agree with is Dolphin Quest, and I tell everybody to avoid it as I personally think it’s cruel.
Loads of great things to do in Bermuda without doing Dolphin Quest.
Thanks for the comments and feedback. I definitely was sensitive to this and researched DQ before booking. Of course I respect your opinion & views on this. So glad you enjoyed the video :)
Agreed. People in animal rights call it enslavement of dolphins.
My husband and I just got off of Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas this morning. We did have an overnight in Bermuda and once again loved Horseshoe Bay Beach. It’s so beautiful! We had the fish sandwich at Woody’s and absolutely loved it too! Can’t wait to go back!!
That’s great! So glad to hear about your cruise and time in Bermuda
Yaya! Leaving for Bermuda 1 week from today from NY! We have been waiting for this video, just in time!
Awesome! I’m glad the timing is good. Enjoy!! 🛳🇧🇲
Thank you for your tips on Bermuda. We’re going on October and you saved us a lot of money by explaining how many of the fun things to do are just a taxi, bus or ferry ride away. If we only had a day with an “all aboard” in just a few hours, I would book the cruise tour. Now I know we can easily get there on our own, immersing ourselves in the culture in the process. Some of our best vacation memories are of people we met along the way. I printed your informative guide and placed it in my trip folder. We can’t wait to see Crystal Caves, have a rum swizzle and a fish sandwich!!
I’m so glad this was helpful! I feel the same way about being able to get out and explore more than most stops that are just 8 hours. Enjoy!
I live in Bermuda so I hope you like/liked it :) !
I'm going in November, so glad i watched this video, it's the first video I've seen about the Dolphin and crystal excursions, I'm definitely doing those 2,
I LOVED Lili Bermuda! I'm looking forward to visiting again and buying a new scent. Every time I use the fragrance I brought back home, it makes me think of Bermuda.
I have been to Bermuda on 3 cruises. Ever since the movie "The Deep" came out, it was a dream destination. It totally lives up to the hype. Safe, clean, beautiful. I would recommend an all island tour to the first time visitor.
Very good video. I want to thank you very much for all your videos. I went to Alaska last year, and your videos taught me all I needed to know. I had a great time.
I so appreciate your very practical down to earth approach, and your enthusiasm.
The images in the Dolphin park with family are adorable.
I’m heading there this summer and this video has instructed me about public transportation.
Hello! I just took my first cruise and all your videos are super helpful. Perhaps I missed it in the videos, I would suggest for first time cruisers to bring a lightweight and zip-up sweat jacket with a hood. Due to a tight budget, we decided on 5 of the items from the videos. Please note, we used the links from the previous videos so I won't go into details. We agree must buys are a cabin nightlight, a power strip, magnets, reusable waterbottle, and anti- nausea medication. Thanks for your informative videos. It made our cruise wonderful!
Thanks Sue! You’re so right a zip up sweatshirt or light jacket is a great idea. I’ll mention in a future video
Sea sickness meds can be prescribed by your doctor for free and more effective than expensive cruise meds
An absolute must get is Bermuda Fish Chowder at the Frog and Onion Pub! 🤤
Great to know!
We bought an all day bus pass in town and explored the island. Best way to get around.
Good tip 👍
Love Harbour Nights. Used to be much nicer when the smaller ships docked in St. George and Hamilton. Made it easier to stay out late. Thanks for sharing.😎
I’m sure it was amazing!!
Hello Ilana, another great video of my favorite cruise destination. We always check out Swizzle Inn. Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out. Please try the fried fish sandwich with a rum swizzle. Theirs is on a grilled cheese. Huge and amazing. Word of caution on the Rum Swizzle. Split the 32oz shaker cup. Very smooth going down but it will hit you by the time you finish lunch or dinner.
I also loved Crystal Caves and many of the other locations you mentioned.
Hartley’s Underwater Walk - AMAZING!
You are right Ilana, Woodys fish sandwich was awesome!! Really good suggestions for next time we go to Bermuda! Thanks!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it too!!
Hi Ilana, thanks for this video. Even though we were there one month ago, you made it feel like yesterday. We loved Harbor Nights and St George back in 2019 when we were there. Last month we visited Crystal Caves and spent time in Hamilton. We would have done Splash Park and the Museum on the third day if we didn't leave a day early due to Tropical Storm Alex cutting our visit a day short. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
Thanks for sharing! Like you I love to return to Bermuda- there’s always so much to see, do and enjoy
What an awesome video. Bermudian born and raised. Thank you for making the video and getting our name out there.
I’m so glad you enjoy the video! Love your island!
Dont forget Taxi tour goes everywhere 3 hrs $150 for up to 5 people.
thats a GREAT way to see it all for one day cruisers.
Shopping easiest right at the port in the Clocktower Mall.
(named for the two clocks...one a tide clock for shiopa nd the other a four faced clock)
love Fairtrade Bermuda ...has it all.
Best wishes
great short compact vid info !!
Thank you so much for creating all this content. I’m going on my very first cruise in April to Bermuda and I am so excited. Your videos have been incredibly helpful and I am looking forward to this trip. ❤ Thanks again!
Underwater Exploration Museum as well! Loved the display of seashells and Triangle artifacts!
Great to know!! Thanks for sharing
I thought I’d just do one 7-day cruise to Bermuda and that would be good enough. Boy, was I wrong. There’s so much I want to do there now. Thank you for this informative video.
I’m Bermudian. I totally agree with you. This vlog is current. I recognize that young man working at Horseshoe Bay Beach ‘How Cool’!
That’s awesome! Thanks for your comment Chantel :)
I had the fish sandwich at Woody's in 2017, Very Good! But I hate raisins but they put it on toasted regular bread for me. Going again in 2023 on NCL and looking forward to it again. Also Bermuda pharmacies you can get some US script meds without a prescription. We were able to get my dad some Lasix as he needed more and didn't pack LOL.
So helpful, as usual! Thank you!! Now just have to look through all the comments for additional tips! 😊
Where did the restless natives catamaran tour and found it was amazing. We had a wonderful time.
I'm Bermudian you've did a really good job on this video great tips
I’m so glad! Thanks for watching and for your feedback. Of course I know there are so many more wonderful things to see and do in Bermuda, but I was hoping there would be something for everyone in this video :)
Hi Elana, excellent video from Bermuda, I was two times there, is one of my favorites places, you forgot Tobacco Bay is really a beautiful beach for snorkeling, eating and relaxing!
Great to know. We thought of going but didn’t make it this time. Are there facilities if you recall?
@@LifeWellCruised we took the excursion for Norwegian, Tobacco Bay is perfect for snorkeling and kids, no waves, there is a small restaurant for snacks and appetizers!
Best traditional BDA fish sandwich is at Seaside Grill. There are usually options on which fish and get the local rockfish (grouper) if available. Also, option to have fish grilled instead of deep fried. Enjoy!
For you and the viewers: nearby the cruise ship dock/pier, dining. off-ship bars and shopping. We are traveling with a generation ahead of us. Anything you can recommend? As for the off-ship bats. it is for us n our mid-50s, hoping for an off-ship adult beverage later in the night. Excellent video, thank you for posting!
Thanks for sharing!!! I’ve never been and really needed an idea of what there’s to do if I decide to take a Bermuda cruise!
Great! Hope it helped to give you an idea
This has me so excited a friend and I are going to Bermuda on Carnival out of NYC in September 2024 every thing looks fun and the food tips sound perfect- Thank you!
Also Lunch at the FROG and ONION really good Food ,
and Go to the Zoo & Aquiarium ...We never miss the Fort ... in the Gov. House is a Board
with 3 of My Late Relations names Who Guarded the
Island ... We are from Ireland but I guess We got AROUND ....
Sounds wonderful! I’ll have to try and get to the Aquarium & Zoo in the future
It will not DISAPOINT ..& the Summit
is the BOMB .... For Bermuda ...
The aquarium/zoo gives you a great opportunity to see flamingos 🦩
Thanks for the great video! We have 35 days until our NY to Bermuda cruise on the Magic. It's our first time there so we're doing the 3 day stay at Bermuda.
I'll have to watch this again and take notes to plan our days out, thanks again for the best info! Have Fun and Happy Cruising!! 😎👍🍹🏝
That’s great! Have an amazing cruise!
Its super Hot right now in Bermuda
@@jmajors8958 Thanks for the heads-up, didn't really think about that. Might have to rethink the beach days and add more air conditioned activities! Thanks again!
@@larrydraper2118 and Bermuda has dry heat you can sit in the shade n still sweat like crazy 😀
We are going there in Nov. Thanks for the info. Im beginning to look at excursions now.
Hello Harrises, we are going to Bermuda the first week of November this year. We’ve been on NCL to BERMUDA twice (once in April & the other in May) and weather was fantastic🩵. Just wondering what it’s like in the fall? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you😊
I’m leaving tomorrow on the Summit for Bermuda! I have my Bermuda Shorts on!
We are doing Boston to Bermuda on June 23rd.... this was very informative thank you!!... look forward to seeing more of your videos
Thank you! Heading to Bermuda with my son in July and this was very helpful.
I was assigned to Bermuda between August 2002 - December 2007 which allowed me to become quite familiar with the islamd. I must recommend a visit to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institue in Hamilton. Lots of information and interesting exhibits. I'm not sure of the days it is served now, but every time I had a Sunday off, I would head to Mulligan's (now closed and bulldozed for a new hotel) in St George's for a cod fish and potato breakfast. Sounded strange at first, but I came to love it.
I’ll bet everytime you use that perfume you will think of your trip. What a perfect souvenir!
I think so! I love it
Great video! Heading to Bermuda next week on a cruise and you helped me pick the Raising Son excursion a bit more confidently. I'm always unsure about excursions when there's no a lot of information and videos/pictures that show more than "5 stars!! loved it!! *artsy picture of the water*" lol Also, pleasantly surprised to see that you're from Montreal, as I'm from Ottawa. It's rare to find Canadian content that's really useful and informative, well structured and easy to understand. You gained a new subscriber!
Love the Frog & Onion Pub and Restaurant at the Dockyard!!
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing
Hi Leigh, we ate there last month on our Celebrity cruise. Great place and reasonably priced. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
@@bobkrakovich1851 Prices we’re amazing based on all the food we got. Loved their tshirts but didn’t get any while we were there. Ended up ordering them for the family a couple of Christmas ago - hello to you as well from Virginia
Hi, Ilana! Omgosh..I bought that perfume from the perfumerie near the old church 15 years ago. We arrived right after a large storm. I did not even know there were such great things to do!!! Now I think I'd like to try again. And the fish sammie?!?! Oh my. Looks delish. Miam, miam! Let's get to Woody's....thanks again for the great content and ideas.
It’s so nice!! I didn’t even know it has been around for 15 years wow ❤️
This was great thank you! Appreciate all and especially getting around on my own.
Great video! I a m Bermudian, may I suggest Cafe ole at Crystal Caves for the best wahoo fish sandwich on raisin bread in the east! Please try it the next time you visit.
Thanks so much for sharing!!
I love Woody’s, their burgers are really nice too, but Art Mel’s (St Monica’s Rd) has always had the best fish sandwiches on the island. They’re huge as well. You can get it with raisin bread but their regular bread is also homemade and delicious, the homemade bread is the reason their sandwiches are so famous if you ask me. It is in the hood but you won’t run into any trouble, the people there are just as friendly as other Bermudians. I did hear that they changed ownership last year so hopefully it’s still just as good.
Based on yours and some other people's comment I went last week during my cruise. That was a damn good sandwich! Filled us up for the rest of the day.
@@anthonywoods2030 Glad you enjoyed!
This was very helpful. We are taking the Carnival Magic from Norfolk Virginia to Bermuda in October.
So glad it was helpful! Have a wonderful cruise 🛳🎉
The rum swizzle IS the National Drink of Bermuda. That is not just according to the cruise director but also the tour guide and even google. Makes me want one right now!
Woohoo!! Good to know. I think I’ll make one right now 😂🍹
The national drink of Bermuda is actually the Dark & Stormy. Rum swizzle is for breakfast on weekends!!
What a wonderful and well put together video. Having an encounter with dolphins is also on my bucket list however, I don't swim. I wonder if they have something waist deep or activities with dolphins that don't require full submersion in the water?
We love Bermuda - relaxing and beautiful. We have taken golf clubs and played 2 courses which was fun. We took the bus to Horseshoe Bay and did walk quite a way along the beach. The ferry between St. George and Hamilton was great as well.
Such a good idea! We don’t golf, so I never think of it. However we met a wonderful couple years ago who brought their good clubs as well, and they said the golfing, along with the views, was incredible! Thanks for sharing
going to Bermuda on NCL next November 2023. I’m a perfume lover also. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed my island!!😊 Horseshoe Bay beach is my favorite beach
I’m glad to hear! It’s so pretty 🤩
Booked for June 2025 with Royal and will be docked for 2 days. Can’t wait ❤️
We just got back from a Bermuda cruise few days ago and missed a few of the things you mentioned. Watching your video makes me want to go back to Bermuda.
Lol plan again!! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Everything from our list exactly! Crystal caves are unforgettable! Gorgeous beaches and red phone cabins!!! Also Bermuda is a safest place. We’re really surprised that our Norwegian cruise line offered us ferry service for free. All our cruise experience is in the pre-coronavirus time before vaccination protocol and now we can only go back to our memories with you. Thank you Ilana for sharing your advice.
Thanks for sharing! Bermuda is still quite similar to pre-Covid times so ready to enjoy when you can. It did surprise me that the glassworks and rum cake store are closed
@@LifeWellCruised unfortunately protocol requires a vaccine… 🙄
I am traveling to Bermuda, can someone help me find a job?
You missed one of the most awesome Bermuda excursions. Hartley's Helmet Dive is a must! It's not expensive, it's fun, and Greg is super cool!
I’ve heard it’s great. Thanks for sharing
Going to Bermuda with kids any specific suggestions for kids they are 13 and 10
The Gem Tour is amazing, the perfume place at the north of the island, the mall. Once youve been 1 or 2 times you can get around on your own and avoid the cruise excursions.
Thank you for your informative videos. Have you ever or seen any other cruisers bring onboard a beach umbrella to use each time the ship docks? Has the cruise lines allowed you to bring a beach umbrella upon embarkment?
We just booked a Bermuda cruise so this comes in handy.