Expert: Michael - 7/8/2003

Question
Hi Michael,
I will be cruising to Bermuda on the Celebrity Zenith, leaving out of NY on July 26.  Instead of booking excursions thru the cruiseline, I would like to do them on my own.  Do you happen to know anything about the "Don't Stop The Carnival Party"? Can this be booked without booking via the cruise? Also, what beach do you reccommend?  I've heard Horseshoe gets very crowded.  Is it still worth it to go there?  How about St. Catherine's?  I am going with my husband, we are both middle aged & like lively atmospheres as well as quiet times.  I was thinking of the perfume/glassblowing tour, a horse & buggy ride in Hamilton & maybe the Crystal Caverns,but we did the Cavern thing in PA. a few years ago.  Pink sand beaches are a plus!  Any recommendations you can give me?  We will be in Hamilton on Mon. from 9am until Wed. 6am.  St. George from 9am Wed. until Thurs. 3pm.  Thanks for any help you can offer.
Linda

Answer
Hi Linda.  You and the hub are in for a treat.  Your time on the island(s) will be much enjoyed.  Bermuda is truly a paradise.  Not remote, but developed.  Wonderfully scenic and English proper.   All your senses will get a workout.  Hehe.  The entire package makes for Linda and I the best, and believe it will you too.

You may book the Hawkins Island Don't Stop The Carnival Party on your own.  Yes mam.   It operates a few days each week but your schedule slots your participation on Tuesday evening while you are docked in Hamilton as it departs from Albouys Point, the ferry terminal.  We did it many years back when it had another name or spin to it.  Even so, we liked it but not enough to do it again since.  I don't mean to discourage you here.  Lot's of food, rum swizzles and people just like you and me.  It will actually turn out how you make it.  I've learnewd to go with no expectations and enjoy whatever experiance can be had.  Here is their website.  www.bicbda.com  In the event you can't get there from there go to Google.com and search for "Kawkins Island Don't Stop The Carnival Party".  They have a nice write up.

Linda, we often get off Bus #7 at Warwick Long Beach and walk down the hillside to the ocean.  This stretch of pink sanded beach is spectacular.  You can walk from here westward along several beaches, through lovely grape lind dunes/trails, over coral formations that are a beautiful backdrop to the aqua marine sea.  You may even see Longtails flying overhead.  As spectacular as Warwick Long may sound, it doesn't take a back seat to the beaches you will pass along this one half mile to three quarter mile jaunt.  Jobson's Cove, Stonehole, a couple of others and finally end up at Horseshoe Bay.  You will have seen some of the best beaches in the world.  From Horseshoe Bay (full service) you can take the bus back to town.  All you need is towels.  We take a soft cooler for some drinks and stop along the way.  You may even be the only ones at Jobson's Cove.  An incredible delight.

You mentioned St. Catherines.  Not for me.  I much prefer immediately on the other side of the fort next to the beach, is Archilies Bay.  This does it for us.  It may appear associated with a private club not do know you are welcome there.  You could rent a couple of chaises.  A nice little beach for snorkling around too.  Most boat people will go to Tobacco Bay when docked in St. George.  What you would enjoy about Archillies Bay is Blackbeard's Hideout overlooking Murry's Ancorage and the bay, having a pint of ale,  swizzle or whatever.

The Glass Blowing/perfume factory are the types of things that would personally interest some.  We did the perefume and it was ok.  No big deal.  But the best comment I could make is that it is in the area of the Swizzle Inn.  A very good way to experiance the essence of Bermuda.  I would almost say a must but hesitate cause there are so many things to enjoy while in Bermuda.  Accross the street is Baily's Ice Cream Parlor.

We did the horse and buggy in Hamilton two times over the years.  The first was romantic.  The second time I felt we got the bums rush.  Too bad.  But they are also offered in St. George and this sounds appealing to me as St. George is our favorite part of the island.  Quaint.  Historic.  Small shops.  Tiny streets that you will walk on the way to the beach.  Do enjoy this 300 year old village.  Wednesday they have an event in the town square.  Dunking of the wench for misbehaving, circa 1800.  Kinda kicks up images of history.  St. George has a few great pubs we like to enjoy the harbor view from.  The White Horse Tavern is one.

From the moment you see the island you will fall in love with it.   

Shopping in Hamilton is good.  A walk up to Fort Hamilton offers a great view.

We've enjoyed horseback riding along the southshore beaches out of Spicelands and would recommend it if you were so inclined.  The ferry from Albouy's Point to the Dockyard id a delightful ride making many stops along that part of the island.  The big stop is the Dockyard.  A tourist area.  More shopping.  This would be time consuming so think about it.

Another nice beach is John Smith's Bay.  Bus #1 leaves both Hamilton and St. George each hour passing this spot.  If you so choose this most painted scene in Bermuda, do be cognisant of the time which the bus passes.

Hey, when you are in St. George talk a stroll up Old Maid's Lane and stop off at the St. George's Club.  Take it all in.  Lovely.  Stop off at the pub.  Private but you would be welcome.

I lastly would recommend you call the Bermuda Department of Tourism and ask for there Handy Reference Map and Bus Transportation Schedule.  Musts in my opinion.  The island is easily navigated.

Happy planning!
Michael