Expert: Michael - 1/29/2011

Question
My husband and I are thinking about going to Bermuda for our anniversary in May of next year. I read one of your answers about choosing a cruiseline that goes to Hamilton and St. George. The cruise ship that we're thinking of DOES NOT go to those places, but instead they go to King's Wharf. If the cruise ship is going to be there for 3 days, are we not going to be able to just take a bus from King's Wharf to Hamilton and St. George? Or do you think we should go with a cruise line who goes to Hamilton, but charges at least $150 more per person? Thanks for your time!

Answer
Hi Candy.
Bermuda is just the best destination.  May will be trying to call in the warmer weather season.  The temperature will be acceptable.  However, the sea surface temperature may be a tad cool for your liking.  I find myself only able to stand ten minutes or so in sea during the month of May.

OK.  Where to port ... If you do not know, Hamilton is the cosmopolitan center of Bermuda.  It is a lovely area.  Very colorful and picturesque.  Many pubs and shopping, a cathedral and fort to visit.  Hamilton splits the difference between the dockyard and south shore beaches (which would be a wonderful walk from Warwick Long Bay to Horseshoe Bay) and the historical town of St. George.  This reason is one that makes Hamilton a beneficial port.

King's Wharf at HM Dockyard is on the West end of the island chain.  There is a large tourist  area here also with many pubs and all types of shopping specific to tourists.  Bus transportation would be upwards of an hour to Hamilton and then another fifty-five minutes to St. George which should by all means be on your itinerary.  I think of the Dockyard as somewhat louder than Hamilton, and definitely more so than St. George.

Candy, there will be no problem with bus service from the Dockyard. It runs often and is an excellent option for transportation. You will have good access to that beach-walk I mentioned if you care for that.  The walk would be less than a half hour but great up close views of the various beaches with unbelievable vistas.  A stop at Gibbs Hill lighthouse would be worth the trip for a fantastic look at the entire island chain.  There is a nice little pub just outside the dockyard accessible by bus on Mangrove Bay in Somerset.  The Country Squire would offer you a relaxing Bermudaful respite.

It is unfortunate that the cruise lines do not any longer make port at St. George's Penno Wharf and/or Ordinance Island.  I think Holland American lines lay anchor outside the town cut and ferry vacationers to the mainland. Linda and I love St. George.  It is very historic and seems not to have been changed and appears as it may have 300 years back.

You'll be OK at the Dockyard.  You can also ferry to Hamilton and bus back.  Remember, you have to get a bus transfer to St. George from the driver as you board the bus to Hamilton.  If you were to travel or visit all the three days, Hamilton should be further considered.  Personally, selection from between the Dockyard and Hamilton, both Linda and I would select Hamilton.  That's just us.

Another option, is to rent mopeds and explore the island.  Good stuff if you are able and confident.

Do write if you have any further questions.

Happy planning!
Michael