Expert: Nan - 7/9/2009

Question
Nan,

Someone told me that the shops in Hamilton and Naval Dockyard close-up early. The cruise we are scheduled on has us in Bermuda for less than two days. We are scheduled to dock at RND at about 9 Am and plan to go right to Horseshoe bay to the beach and then later that day go shoping in Hamilton. Will we find the stores open or do we need to cut short our beach time in order to maximize our stay. The second day (ship leaves at 3 PM) we plan to spend at the RND in order to be close to ship.

Answer
Hi Bill,

Most Bermuda shops close around 5:00 Monday through Saturday (of course, some may vary, but not by much).  That may be considered early to most Americans.  I'd say your plan sounds like a good one with Horseshoe Bay in the morning and Hamilton in the afternoon for shopping on your first day; staying in Dockyard on your second short day.

Be sure to stroll on Front Street for shopping, but don't forget Reid Street which is parallel to Front.  The stores on Reid Street may not be as plentiful as Front Street, but fun nonetheless.  Skip A.S. Cooper's only because there's a branch store at Dockyard and you can do that on day two (provided it's not Sunday).

You'll find wonderful jewelry stores, art, clothing, china, crystal, souvenirs and more. One of my favorites is The Irish Linen Shop on Front Street.  Here I always pick up beautiful linens, which pack easily, for family and friends. Tea towels make great gifts for dog-sitters and lawn-waterers back home.  And they even give you little flat gift boxes to take with you.  All pack flat.

Of course, there's an abundance of T-shirt places, too.

Enjoy your trip!