Expert: Michael - 9/12/2006

Question
Having lost a friend, Ace Bailey, on 9-11 on the plane out of Boston, I've developed a fear of flying.  Thus we're cruising out of Boston on 8-26 until 8-31.  We don't get out much as a result of my fear of flying - so we're looking forward to this trip.  Question one, should I not worry about hurricanes?  I've cruised once before, am not concerned about seasickness for either myself or my fisherman husband.  The other question is, anything you'd suggest we must do while there?  I'd like to snorkel, rent jet skis, maybe parasail.  Any other thoughts for good places to take in?  Thanks for any advice. - Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

I'm sorry for your loss of friend, and one who brought much joy to Beantown sports fans.

Are you aware that a doc could prescribe you a little something just get you through airport procedures, aircraft departures and arrivals? My wife, a Linda too, experiances much phobia relating to flying and travels this way.  But if your final decision is a cruise, and I put two and two together, then you will be making way from the Black Falcon terminal on the Majesty.

The great news is that the Majesty docks at Ordinance Island in the 300 year old town of St. George.  A tiny village that time seems to have passed by.

Question 1... in spite of the weather we heard this week about a cat 1 passig 40 NM to Bermuda's west, I personally wouldn't worry about this Linda.  The saftey of the passengers is paramount.  They would depart early from Bermuda if a tropical storm was forecast, or the ship would not go near Bermuda is one were forecasted.

I am often querried about hurricanes, hurricane season in Bermuda, and the potential of one hitting the tiny island.  The fact is, Linda, that hurricane season runs from June through November and it is prime time for Bermuda and tourists.  It is high season in Bermuda.

It is actually seldom that a hurricane comes with distance to matter and even less making a direct hit. Most meander along toward the Windward Islands and Leeward, crossing PR and or Cuba and enter the gulf of make land on the Southeast cost, Florida.  From their they peter out.

Of course there is always the chance of one tracking for Bermuda.   But as for me and my family we wouldn't hesitate to travel to this extrodinarily beautiful island and recommend you not be concerned.  And here is where I want mostly to talk to you and share a couple lovely ideas for your trip to the enchanted island of Bermuda.   

As for question two ...
I mentioned the town St. George.  It is on the list of World Heritage sites and rightly so.  Linda and I could be happy making our entire stay here.  It is quaint, has lots of charm and is much related to the US Revolution and settlers of Jamestown.  The streets are narrow with pastel colored homes all with white limestone roofs.  The harbour area is a shopping district made up of tiny shops and pubs.  There are a few nice beaches to consider while there, Tobacco Bay, Archillies Bay and St. Catherine's Beach.  All are good for snorkeling.  At the harbour you can parasail and rent jet skis, take a ride on the Wildcat (twin 800 HP diesal engines) whipping around the entire island chain in two hours.  This is best in seas 2-4 feet inside the reefs.  Who-ahh!

Do walk the lanes of St. George to see how they lived 300 years ago.  Do stop in at the White Horse Tavern and take in the view of the harbour having a rum swizzle or pint of ale, or diet coke.

I would recommend a taxi tour with a "Blue Flag" taxi.  You'll see them in King's Square as you exit the ship and walk off Ordince Island into the town square. Tell him your a first timer to Bermuda and he'll drive you to the most beautiful beaches and scenic areas.  They charge by the hour.  It wouldn't be a bad idea that if you make a friend while cruising over and the four or six of you all would like to go "Blue Taxi" and split the bill.  There is a tiny blue flag at the front right of the taxi which signifies that the driver is trained as a tour guide to deliver what a visitor needs to see.

It is not necessary for you to stay in St. George.  It is a small island with great transportation options.  Utilizing the bus or renting mopeds will give you flexibility.

The southshore beaches are eye openers.  Breathtaking.
There is a small aquairium at Flatts Inlet.  There is a pub with personality called the Swizzle Inn a short ways away over the Causeway.  Near here is Crystal Caves, deep caverns with water pools and stalagtites and stalagmites if that appealed to you.  The Ice Cream parlour is across from the Swizzle Inn.  A nice way to relax and take in Bermuda.

Do call the Bermuda Department of Tourism at 800-BERMUDA and request a package for a first time visitor and a Handy Reference Map and Transportation Guide.  There are many things to do.  I cannot guess if you would enjoy them.  Undersea helmut diving?  Glass bottom boat ride?  More shopping in the comopolitan capitol of Hamilton?  Visit forts?  Visit the glass beach next to Alexander Battery on Barry Road?  This is where you could collect fragmented and worn colored glass.  Climb to the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for a great view of the entire island chain?  Horseback riding out of spicelands?  The trail ride along the southshore would require of you an early start.

Checkout the tourism website at www.bermudatourism.com

And do enjoy your trip enjoying each day as it comes.

Happy planning!
Michael