Expert: Michael - 7/14/2004

Question
I'm cruising to Bermuda and stopping at St. Georges and Hamilton.  I would like to know which trips to take and whether to go "on my own" or purchase trips through the cruise line.  Any advice?

Answer
Hello Barb,

The ports of St. George and Hamilton will be outstanding for you.  St. George is the sleepy three-hundred year old vilage that time seems to have passed by.  But is is beautiful and offers much shopping and pub along the harbor.

Hamilton is as cosmopolitan as Bermuda can get being the center of commerce.  Delightful.

If it were me I would save on the premium of booking on the ship.  You can easily make plans for the Hawkins Island fun pack on land.  We liked it, but haven't attended for years.  Once was enough.  The Wildcat Adventure ride is a twin 800HP tri-hull that goes around the island in two hours.  I know it leaves Penno's Wharf Wednesday morning and another day out of Hamilton.  Well worth it when the seas are 4 to 6 feet.  Wild!

You may hail down a Blue Flag taxi for a tour of the island by the hour.  The blue flag drivers are trained as tour guides.  Much much less expensive than booking from the cruiseline.  If you are so inclnded e-mail Michael Pereiri at vp9kk@ibl.bm

Another fine and exceptional consideration could be a walking tour with Jo Cook.  You can tell her your interest, or she could suggest a few.  Short money and a beautiful thing.  Jo can be reached at gipcook@ibl.bm

I like snorkeling from shore.  From Archillies Bay to Tobacco.  This needs not a tour operator, just a mask, snorkel and of course fins.

When you arrive Barb, hit a Bermuda Tourism kiosk and pick up an Bermuda Today magazine.  This will give you more ideas.  Kayaking, horseback riding at Spicelands and golf numbers.  Also pick up a Handy Reference Map at the same time along with a Transporation Schedule.  These will undisputedly be helpful in navigating the island.  A bus pass or tickets will cost you less than tokens and forget about cash on the busline.

Happy planning!
Michael