Expert: Michael - 2/12/2007

Question
my husband and i would like to take a cruise to bermuda the
week of july 4th. how is the weather and what are some of
the most popular things to do that time of the year there?

thank you
toniann  

Answer
Hello Toniann,

July 4th is a beautiful time of the year in Bermuda.  Classic island weather.  Hot and humid.  The hibiscus, oleander and bermudiana will be in bloom.  The sea water temperature will be perfect too.  Expect the Bermuda High.

St. George is a great destination.  In particular if you care for quaint villages steeped in antiquity and history.  It is a small harbour town. Nice shopping while you stroll from shop to shop.  It can get better too if you like to sit in a pub on the harbour and enjoy the view while tossing back a pint of ale, or diet coke.

Bermuda is an island.  So mentioning beaches several times would be appropriate as here you will find some of the finest pink sand beaches in the world.  Bermuda's south shore is wonderful for walking from Warwick Long to Horseshoe Bay.  Everything you see will take you over the top.  Volcanic rock as a backdrop to the aqua marine water with pink sand beaches.

A Blue Flag taxi ride would cover most of the island in a four or five hour trip.  You could split the cost if you hooked up with another couple on the ship.

Experiencing Bermuda is the thing to do Toniann.  There is no one thing that is a must. It's all about seeing and seeing and seeing.  Bermuda is a trip for your senses.  Even though you are travelling by ship, a ferry ride from Hamilton to HM Dockyard would be lovely.

Walking to the top of Gibbs Hill lighthouse would offer you a spectacular view of the entire island chain.

Renting a moped, or scooter, would give you great access to all of the island.  The bus system is highly functional and a good way to see some of the island.  For instance, bus #7 from Hamilton to the Dockyard will give you great views of the southshore.  Bus #1 from Hamilton to St. George will give you nice views of the south shore and Hamilton sound and run through a couple golf couses.  Bus #11 from Hamilton to St. George will run along the North Shore which is a bit more developed but worth driving by.

Your cruise liner may dock at St. George, H.M. Dockyard and/or Hamilton, the cosmopolitan capitol. Plan your travels accordingly.  You may like to visit Fort Hamilton while in Hamilton, or Fort Catherine when in St. George.

Do you snorkel?  If so, Tobacco Bay or Church Bay.  Do you horseback ride? If so, the morning trail ride out of Spicelands Riding Academy.  It will take you in part along the seashore.  The animals are gentle and you need not be experienced.  Do you care to collect seaglass? A small beach on in St. George next to Alexander Battery.

Do call the Bermuda Department of Tourism (1.800.BERMUDA)and request a Handy Reference Map and Bus Schedule. These are imperative for navigating (not that you would get lost, because you can't) and having a sense of where you will be.  Tell them you are a first time visitors and they will send you pictorial guides.

Beaches during the day.  St. George for a morning or afternoon.  Sightseeing ... and a stroll in the evening.  Fit in a pub or two.  The Swizzle Inn next to the Causeway and the White Horse and Blackbeard's Hideaway in St. George's, and the Country Squire in Sommerset are among my favorites.  Pleasant views.

Lastly, and again, the weather will be wonderful.

Happy planning!
Michael