By Elizabeth Scully
The 138 islands of Bermuda cover more than 20 square miles and have as many miles of pink, sandy
beaches perfect for all sorts of water sports. The predominant cultures are British and Afro-
Caribbean, though Jamaicans immigrated to the area en masse in the 1970s. Thus, the arts and music scene is infused with calypso music and reggae, but also with rich, historic remnants of English colonialism such as old buildings and cobblestone streets. There is also a significant history surrounding seafaring folks and adventures. The islands are heavily populated and wealthy, so cruise passengers disembarking at any of the major ports can enjoy fine restaurants, botanical gardens, a plethora of golf courses and a lot of duty-free shopping. Favorable weather make this an increasingly popular cruise destination. If you live in Virginia and want to take a cruise to Bermuda, you have two options.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines sends its ship, Grandeur of the Seas, on five-night cruises to St. Georges in Bermuda May through June. On the Grandeur, passengers will find the full spectrum of luxury offerings. Take a long night off from the kids and play the slots, visit some of the ship's eight bars or nightclubs or dine on mahi mahi tempura or broiled lobster tail at the two-level Great Gatsby dining room. Exercise and spa facilities are available as well. Two pools, a jogging track and a fitness center (with an ocean view) are complemented by a full spa and plenty of hot tubs. There are activities for both kids and adults, from ballroom dancing classes to story time and craft making for children.
When ready to disembark, passengers will find St. Georges to be one of the neatest (and oldest) towns in Bermuda. Cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings as well as fine restaurants and art shops. There are also plenty of water sports activities to in which to partake. The boat also stops at Hamilton, Bermuda's relaxed, British-influenced capital. There, passengers will find plenty of shopping opportunities, a 19th-century cathedral, as well as elegant buildings like the Historical Museum and Royal Yacht Club.
Carnival Cruise Lines
In 2010, Carnival Cruise Line will again offer six-day excursions from Norfolk to Bermuda on its ship the Glory. The cruise line boasts that the Glory has a vibrant and sometimes offbeat atmosphere, with some neat, out-of-the-way spots like the Ebony Cabaret Lounge and the Green Sports Bar. The boat also houses some excellent dining opportunities, including a poolside restaurant, a pizzeria, and the Japanese-style Platinum and Golden dining room and the reservations-only Emerald Room Supper Club. The ship also has opportunities for youths, including a club specifically for teens, water slides and Camp Carnival, a kids' program.
Cruises From Nearby Baltimore, Maryland
Because there are only two ships embarking from Norfolk, passengers might want to consider Baltimore, Maryland, which is just two hours away from Washington, D.C. More trips embark from that city, including Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean ships. Passengers can take Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Majesty ship on five- to seven-day excursions May through August. The Majesty has a plethora of options, including nearly 20 different bars and restaurants, spas, theaters, gift shops, a pool, kids spaces, Internet access and a spa. Royal Caribbean cruise lines offer a couple trips from Baltimore to St. Georges, Bermuda, including a five-day trip on the Grandeur of the Seas and a five-day trip on the Enchantment of the Seas.
About the Author:
Lizzy Scully is a senior contributing editor for Mountain Flyer magazine and the Executive Director of the nonprofit, Girls Education International.
