My uber-Last-Minute Solo Bermuda Cruise!
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elbodans · 11-01-2011, 08:25 AM

thanks for the photo compliments! i don't really have any equipment either. just a camera and the software that came with my computer. i'd really like to learn lightroom but then first i have to PURCHASE it! and funny you all like the phone booth pic--that was a terrible angle--i was shooting right into the sun! hooray for editing!

i know--isn't bermuda beautiful? i can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to go there, either! in fact, since i've been back i'm wondering why i deliberated over going or not for so long (and by 'so long' i mean 'five days'...plus the good five minutes that i sat there with my cursor hovering over 'book this trip now' before i clicked--and then freaked out!)

**KMB733** · 11-01-2011, 11:44 AM

Beautiful photos of Bermuda!!! I've actually never thought about going there, but after seeing your pictures, it's on my list of places to visit!

MGW · 11-01-2011, 02:39 PM

Great pics! Can't wait to see more!

elbodans · 11-02-2011, 05:09 PM

Here’s where my written-on-board notes start to look like an actual trip report again. If you remember, the last time I left you I was on the ferry from St. George back to the dockyard. It was the 3:45 ferry, which would mean I’d have been back to the Dockyard at around 4:30. Thus begins what I actually wrote that evening…
Upon returning from St. George I didn’t want to get back on the ship right away (after all, I’ve been on this ship for almost three entire days now!), so instead I walked around, took pictures (surprise surprise!)

(I call that one ‘Angry Birds’!)

… and shopped, eventually ending up at the Frog and Onion Pub. Because I always end up at a pub! I ordered a dark and stormy because it was one of the things my husband said I simply ‘had to’ have when in Bermuda—I’d have preferred a Swizzle, as I didn’t love my first dark and stormy. The second one wasn’t bad, though! Ha!

Whilst sitting alone at the bar, I met another really nice couple—don’t know their names, but they were from Norfolk, on the Carnival ship that was leaving at noon the next day. The husband portion of the couple was in the Navy (‘retired’ after 22 years…they didn’t look at day over 35 so I’m not sure how that’s possible!) and he told me stories about what REAL ‘rough seas’ are like (yikes!) My two dark and stormys (what’s the plural of that?) were one too many, so I settled my tab and then left to shop at the ‘artisan’ shop next door. After afore mentioned one too many rum drinks, I almost bought a really expensive necklace and/or ring—may still go back for necklace!

(POST CRUISE NOTE: I did go back and bought a smaller, much MUCH less expensive version of the necklace—it was only $20!)

I returned to the ship to find a message from Laura inviting me to dinner! This was a nice surprise--and good, too, because I'd had only that tiny bowl of soup all day and two rum drinks! So I showered and met her and her sister and our new friend in the main dining room. I had jerk duck that was neither jerk nor duck, but was still really good. Additionally, I had a sausage appetizer that was Greek-esque that was very, very good (possibly the best appetizer I had on board—did I say that yet? I’m not sure!)

Sausage Appetizer—wrapped in grilled eggplant and served with hummus, roasted red peppers, and feta. Mmm…

‘Jerk Duck’—neither jerk nor duck…but still pretty good. Served with odd-looking potato fritters…

Oh dear, I almost forgot dessert! I ordered ‘chocolate decadence’ having no idea what it was . It was like a little cake that was a cross between a fudge brownie and, well, fudge. It was also covered in a tangy berry sauce. Honestly, I don’t think I had a bad dessert on this entire cruise!

After dinner we went to second city show—despite the fact that it was family-friendly (and mostly scripted, not improve) it was definitely the best show I’ve seen on board. (POST CRUISE NOTE: that should end with 'so far', as the entertainment got better and better as the week progressed!)

And now I’m so…very…tired. Damn that was a lot in one day! Here’s what I don’t understand—when I was DOING it I was like ‘well gee, I’m not being very productive’ but when I talked about it at dinner everyone thought I was super-motivated. And looking at it typed right now, it sure looks like a lot. But honestly, at the time, I felt kind of like I wasn’t ‘accomplishing’ anything. What’s up with that?

NOTE: Before I wrote the word ‘note’, this was 3,040 words long. And much of it is in summary form. So on top of all that I’v been doing, I’ve also written 3,000+ words (and eaten 3,000+ calories per day I’m sure!)

(POST CRUISE NOTE: This entire document is now almost 9,000 words. And I’m supposed to be working on my book. Duh!)

elbodans · 11-02-2011, 05:42 PM

Thursday—Day 2 in Bermuda

I was originally bummed that this particular ship docked at King’s Wharf and not at Hamilton (or, like one Holland American itinerary I’d seen, at St. George AND Hamilton) but after experiencing this cruise, I think I’m happy with the Dockyard. Why? Because even though there really isn’t all that much to do ‘right off the ship’, the transportation is really great—with the added benefit of getting to see the island from a smaller vessel—and the view is wonderful. I fully realize that the Dockyard is a fairly new construct, but isn’t this pretty in the morning sun?

Of course, with my inside room, I had to go up on deck to see this—but there’s lots of ‘on deck’ area available! Plus the view from The Great Outdoors (the outdoor dining area all the way aft) had a great view, too. And so that’s where I had breakfast every day.

Man, I wish I was back on that ship right now! It’s (she’s?) currently docked in the exact same spot, and will be until Friday. And that’s the last cruise of the season…so there will be no returning to Bermuda for me until at least April. Sniff…

But I digress…

On day two of three days in port, I’d determined that I’d rent a scooter. Now, before you all start yelling at me and telling me how dangerous it is, let me first say that 1. I know. And 2. I used to ride a motorcycle. And 3. I didn’t end up renting one anyway! I got off the ship and walked to the scooter rental place…and then felt my heart rate elevate. I decided that this meant that even if my brain was saying ‘yeah, sure, go for it, you can totally do it!’ my body was saying ‘HELL no!’ So I walked away from the shop and hopped on a ferry to Hamilton!

Yet another benefit of traveling solo—no one was there to complain, argue, or call me a wuss (though, to be fair, had my husband been there he wouldn’t even have let me CONSIDER a scooter. He’s much more of a wuss than I am—and the main reason I don’t currently own a motorcycle!)

On the ferry to Hamilton I (surprise surprise) started talking to what I think were two couples (all men) who were VERY nice—and who had also done many cruises in the past. We shared Alaska cruise stories in between me jumping up and running around and taking photos. The ride to Hamilton is much more scenic than the ride to St. George—and much less rough!

Before we arrived in Hamilton I excused myself from the group, wished them a nice day, and found a good spot on board to watch us approach Hamilton harbor (at the bottom of the steps just before the chained off area you're not allowed to access!)

Upon arrival in Hamilton I located the public restrooms (there are THREE!) and then walked up the hill towards the bus station. I wanted to visit the Botanical Gardens, and thought that doing that first—before touring Hamilton—was a good idea. So I walked up the hill….

Passed City Hall…(LOVE the clock face—look!)

And found the bus station, which is located directly to the left of City Hall (if you continue walking through the bus area and around the back of City Hall, you will find some very shady but perfectly serviceable public restrooms. I imagine this is very important when stopping here on the LONG ride back from St. George to the Dockyard!) I got on a bus, and in under ten minutes was walking into the Botanical Gardens.

Now, there’s something you must know about the Botanical Gardens in Bermuda. First, they are very small. Second, they are DIRECTLY next to the hospital. And third—the hospital is, at least right now, very under construction. So it was a bit different than I was picturing. Add to that the fact that I live near Longwood Gardens (if you’ve never seen it—do a Google image search. It’s stunning—and where I went to learn to use my camera!) and you’ll understand why I was underwhelmed by the Botanical Gardens in Bermuda. Though parts of it were very quaint—and all of it smelled very good. Here are some photos—of course!

I maybe spent 20 minutes here. Though, again, it was pretty. But there was a LOT of construction going on. And it was creepily empty (perhaps due to the construction?) Honestly, if you think going here is a good use of your time in Bermuda...then I really AM a good photographer!

Fortunately it was a short walk back to the covered bus stop, and within no time I was back in Hamilton. The bus stopped along Front Street, so instead of riding all the way back to the bus station (like I should have) I got off on Front Street. Why was this stupid? Because I still wanted to see things that were up and PAST the bus station—which is UPHILL from where I’d gotten off! Duh!

Up next—my search for a snorkel cruise, touring Hamilton, and then another spur-of-the-moment change of plans!

rosanna · 11-02-2011, 09:32 PM

I am loving your trip report ( as I have loved all your others

). Your pictures are beautiful and I am having no trouble at all closing my eyes and pretending I am there...ahhhh! Thank you for the mini brain vacation

!

elbodans · 11-02-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosanna

I am loving your trip report ( as I have loved all your others

). Your pictures are beautiful and I am having no trouble at all closing my eyes and pretending I am there...ahhhh! Thank you for the mini brain vacation

!

you're quite welcome! though i may have to ask for your brain's passport.

cubfancolleen · 11-02-2011, 10:55 PM

You are a good photographer, as the garden pictures look beautiful!

**chezp** · 11-03-2011, 02:50 AM

Having been to Longwood Gardens twice for their Christmas displays, I can see why you were underwhelmed by the botanical gardens.

Having said that, I think the place overall is beautiful.

**KMB733** · 11-03-2011, 12:08 PM

More beautiful pictures of Bermuda!!!

Suzie-Q · 11-03-2011, 12:33 PM

Wonderful cruise-report! Your photographs really are lovely - I assume you are taking your new camera with you (what I would call your "big girl" camera)? I have always liked to carry a wee camera, but I can really see the difference with shots taken with the more elaborate ones as I read TRs here. Just gorgeous!
I am reading a lot at once, so I am going back a few pages here, but I also find the same problem as you - I don't get seasick on boats, but I do get seasick on land after I get off of boats...especially in confined spaces. I found this out on my first cruise when I went into a change room on one of the islands after a very rough night and I came bursting out with my pants around my ankles because I got so dizzy I was afraid I was going to throw up all over the skirt I was planning to try on!
You are making Bermuda look very attractive - keep it coming and thanks

scrappyjae · 11-03-2011, 12:55 PM

Loving the report so far....I can't wait to take a cruise to Bermuda. I plan on trying to catch one out of Baltimore someday.

And of course, you've got to take pictures while on vacation! That way, you can experience it again when you get old and senile! At least that is what I tell myself, and with the way my memory is getting, that might be sooner rather than later!

elbodans · 11-03-2011, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzie-Q

Wonderful cruise-report! Your photographs really are lovely - I assume you are taking your new camera with you (what I would call your "big girl" camera)? I have always liked to carry a wee camera, but I can really see the difference with shots taken with the more elaborate ones as I read TRs here. Just gorgeous!
I am reading a lot at once, so I am going back a few pages here, but I also find the same problem as you - I don't get seasick on boats, but I do get seasick on land after I get off of boats...especially in confined spaces. I found this out on my first cruise when I went into a change room on one of the islands after a very rough night and I came bursting out with my pants around my ankles because I got so dizzy I was afraid I was going to throw up all over the skirt I was planning to try on!
You are making Bermuda look very attractive - keep it coming and thanks

ok, that story was HYSTERICAL! thanks for sharing!! ha ha ha hah ahahahahahah!

yeah, i struggled with the decision to carry a 'real' camera. i hiked with it all summer on our road trip, and do you know what? the photos i have are worth it (sorry, no trip report for that trip. we were gone for 28 days. it would take me the rest of my life to write and post that one!) i think the key is finding a comfortable strap. i got one on etsy that's lined with suede (yes, it was expensive. yes, it was worth it.

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrappyjae

Loving the report so far....I can't wait to take a cruise to Bermuda. I plan on trying to catch one out of Baltimore someday.

And of course, you've got to take pictures while on vacation! That way, you can experience it again when you get old and senile! At least that is what I tell myself, and with the way my memory is getting, that might be sooner rather than later!

they still have ships out of baltimore? i need to check that out! the more ports i can drive to the greater the chance that i'll find a last minute cruise deal . honestly, i have no idea what possessed me to look online at bermuda cruises the week before i booked this one. but i'm SO GLAD I DID.

i agree with your 'when you're old and senile' stance! i make photo books (online) and i show them to my grandparents (who are 92 and 88) and they are always like 'you are so lucky that you will have this to look back on when you are our age'.

that's the hope, nana. that's the hope.

elbodans · 11-03-2011, 03:32 PM

The actual reason I got off at Front Street was because I was looking for the Jesse James snorkel cruise. I’d read online that they leave from Hamilton at 12:30 daily—somewhere behind the flag pole. So I wandered around until I found the flag pole, hoping that there would be some sort of tour booth or building offering tours or something…nope. Nothing. I was afraid that this might be the case, as it did clearly state on the website that you needed to make reservations in advance (but I was unwilling to do that, as this was intended to be a ‘plan-free’ trip—meaning I had nothing set in stone at any point.)

And so, no snorkel cruise—oh well! Time to wander around and take some more photos! I checked out Par la Ville Park—which was lovely—and then window shopped a bit on Front Street (I walked a LOT this day!)

On my way towards the park from the water front, I found the ‘birdcage’—they say that this is the most photographed thing in Bermuda. Really? Because I only took one photo of this and maybe a hundred photos of the beach. And at least ten photos of chickens!

Par la Ville Park…

I forgot to mention—whilst window shopping, I ran into a couple that I’d given directions to the previous day (I told them how to get to Tobacco Bay from the Unfinished Church) They were trying to find the bus station, so I directed them again. They looked at me, a bit puzzled (after all, I guess it is strange that I’m clearly alone!) and said ‘do you come here all the time?’ I laughed and said no, it was my first time—but that I did a lot of map studying and research before I came (you know, in the nine days that I had between booking it and sailing!) I also said that it seems like they had the exact same plans for their days as I did—they just slept an hour later! They were doing almost all the things I had done, just a little behind in time. They were also considering going to the Botanical Gardens—I told them that it wasn’t impressive but that it also wasn’t a very long bus ride if they wanted to find out for themselves. I wonder if they went.

Anyway…after window shopping I headed back UP the hill towards the bus station (again) passing by this very pretty church (because all things are prettier with palm trees in front of them…)

…and just missed the 12:45 #7 bus! So I got to stand around for 15 minutes—which wasn’t bad. The people waiting for the bus were nice—the one man told me when the next bus would be coming.

It is important to note that at no point during the planning of my day did I intend to take the bus back to the Dockyard from Hamilton. I didn’t think like an hour long ride on a public bus sounded like much fun. But because I kind of felt done with Hamilton (I’m not a huge city person, and this definitely was a city) and because it was so early in the day—not even 1:00—I decided to move my day three plans up to day two. And so, I took the #7 bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Up next—so many photos of Horseshoe Bay Beach!