Excursions on Crown to Bermuda

[Surfgirl]

I'm leaving in one week, and trying to figure out which (if any) excursions to book. I've never been to Bermuda before, although I've cruised twice before-- once on a now defunct cruise line, and once on Dawn. (Too big for me!)

 

Can I please have some reviews on the good/bad on those you've experienced? I'm not a drinker, so I'm not interested in a booze cruise. I'm single-- in my late 30's and going with mom (who, at 74 is like a kid, and I can't even keep up with her!)

 

I love to snorkel but I've read on this forum that the ship wreck excursion isn't worth it :(

 

Any good sight-seeing trips?

 

Should I book a snorkel trip, or are there any good reefs from the beaches?

 

We had heard the Crystal Caves are good. Should we do that on our own?

 

Any comments/suggestions etc. would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Not interested in Dolphin experience as we did that in Nassau. (Loved it, though!)

[Maraprince]

Surfgirl,

 

Bermuda is very easy to get around with their fantastic bus system. You can either buy a one-day pass if you plan on going to the beach and sightseeing or just buy a round trip ticket (approx. $4). The admission to the Zoo, Museum & Aquarium is $10 for all 3 and even less for seniors. You can do this when you are in Hamilton. If you do it on your own you can choose how much time you spend at each one. Everything is very well done and a real bargain in my mind for all 3.

 

You may also want to consider going to the caves on your own where you have the option of doing only one cave or both. The ship only does one cave. The tours through the cavesare narrated with a guide.

 

There may also be a discounted bus fare for seniors too.

 

St. George can be explored on foot but be aware the hills are quite steep. I don't know if your mother may be up to it. Your calf muscle will protest the next day from going down the hills. You are right in the center of town in St. George so at least that area is flat.

 

Royal Naval Dockyard again is a self-contained area with everything close by. The bus company provides a free shuttle around the Dockyard stopping at different drop off points. The ship doesn't mention this. The bus is primarily for anyone with walking difficulties but they won't stop you from getting on. You can visit Snorkle Park with a nice beach which is free unless you want to rent any equipment. Then there is the Glassworks (also free) where you can watch the famous Bermuda glass being made. Also, you can sample before buying the rum cakes.

 

There is also a pottery shop where you can paint your own design on premade items or purchase other lovely pottery. There is a shopping mall with restaurants. Everything here is on flat ground.

 

Dolphin Quest is located in the same area as the Maritime Museum. If you book directly with Dolphin Quest the Dolphin Dip (20 min. on platform, 10 min. in water) is $95. The ship charges $199. If you want to see both the Dolphin Quest (not to [participate) and the Maritime Museum, you pay $10 and you can return the same day as long as you have your receipt. There are no food places here. If you pay for the Dolphin Dip they waive the $10 admission fee and you can still visit the museum and also check out the fort and the officers' residents. The last 2 involve a lot climbing. They even have sheep to keep all the grass in shape!

 

Bermuda is a weather dependent area. We didn't have the best of weather last week and it was good for photo taking and sightseeing but not the beach. The water was in the very low 70's. Our shorts and bathing suits never left the cabin. We also had a lot of wind with showers. This forced St. George to cancel their harbour festival on Tuesday night. We did get to see the one in Hamilton on Wednesday night. Even when the ship had their outside entertainment in St. George and Hamilton it was very windy and even chilly sitting out there.

 

The decision is yours -- you know what your budget is and what your mom can handle. If you feel more comfortable taking the ship's tours then do so. If you want a more relaxed vacation, do some things on your own.

 

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[Surfgirl]

Thank you for such a prompt answer! Now I'm leaning more towards doing Bermuda on our own. Your information was VERY helpful! I'm going to print it out and bring it with us.

 

I'm so sorry you had bad weather on your cruise. We did too when we went on the Dawn. It was SO cold in Florida and even in the Bahamas. We only had one day in the ocean-- and that was when we were on the private island which was so crowded, it wasn't even worth it.

 

70 degree water is a bath-tub to us! We're used to the 55 degree ocean here in the north east. As long as it doesn't rain, I'll be a very happy camper!

 

I had to giggle when you suggested my mom might not be up to the walk-- she has two greyhounds and walks them two miles everymorning. She's an athlete, and.. when we were at Atlantis and I was ready to go to bed, she was dragging me down to the lap pool to swim laps with her!

 

Have you done the helmet dive, or know anyone who has? I had heard that there is an operator named "Hartley's?" that is better than the groups used by NCL.

 

I know you're only down ten feet or so, but is there any kind of "decompression?" involved after staying down for the half hour you do? I'm wondering how safe it is. (We're both excellent swimmers and snorkelers, but not divers, so I worry about silly things like this).

[Maraprince]

Surfgirl,

 

Both my cabin mate and I are NON swimmers! That was why we went to find out about the Dolphin Dip firsthand!

 

Good thing your mom is an athlete. St. George has some beautiful scenery and lots of hills. It is not the up but the down that puts a lot of strain on your calf muscles. You will start to notice it the next day when you climb down steps.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[jeannep]

Surfgirl,

 

You and your mom are going to love Bermuda. We feel it is the most beautiful island we have been to.

 

We went on the Crown awhile ago before freestyle and we felt it was a wonderful ship. They have changed it a bit for freestyle but I am sure it will still be great for you.

 

If you get the bus pass you can get around the island very easily. One thing we did do was in Hamilton right down the block from where you exit the pier is a taxi stand. We hired a guy for $25 plus tip to take us around the island for an hour on a tour. It was private and really worth the money.

 

We went to the crystal caves with NCL and the zoo. Both were fun. In St.George, we went to the town square and found a bus tour that brought us all around the area. It was cheap but fun.

 

Whatever you do, I am sure you will love Bermuda.

 

Enjoy!

Jeanne

[Dolphins]

We booked the Railway Trail Cruise and Bike Tour for our Sept. Bermuda cruise. We heard it was a great way to see the isalnd while getting some safe exercise. It concludes at a nice beach which won't be crowded with ship passengers. If you like biking, it's something to consider.

[e.durban]

I think we'll be doing most things on our own, but I've heard very good things about the night time glass bottom boat tours. Has anyone tried them? I believe they are offered in more than one port...

[CruisFran]

Here is the link to Hartley's Undersea Adventure: http://www.hartleybermuda.com/

GREAT take!! Greg is terrific, and a very knowledgable and interesting guy! We enjoyed doing it very much. You don't even get your hair wet, and you can even wear your eyeglasses. You'll be in only about 8-10 feet deep water, on a sand bar. He takes groups of 5-6 people down at a time...while the rest of the group enjoys a swim, or the sun.

 

Another fun time, while you're in St. George, is the Ultimate Water Tour...a 1 1/2 hour tour, by boat, around Castle Harbor, past Millianaire's Row, etc. Highly recommend!!

 

Happy planning!

[Surfgirl]

Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions. I think that we'll probably just do Bermuda on our own. It looks like you can book everything once you get there.

 

I had originally wanted to try the helmet diving, but in doing some research, ran across this very disturbing story:

 

http://www.cdnn.info/industry/i020823/i020823.html

 

I think I'll pass on that. I wonder how safe it truly is.

 

I had heard about a jet ski trip where they stop at one of the wrecks. Does anyone know about it?

 

Any other suggestions as to what to do will be most appreciated. (If you can't tell, I'm a planner! LOL!)

 

Already did glass bottom boat in Key West

Already did dolphan experience in Nassau

[smeyer418]

Thank you for posting a story from three years ago that reported one death from unknown causes while a person was helmet diving. Since it was being investigated by the Coast Guard I would assume they completed their investigation by now. Unless there was a pattern to a number of deaths, a single death which was not determined to have a specific cause, shouldn't raise any significant concern, and surely should not make you wonder how safe helmet diving is. Hundreds if not thousands of people helmet dive everyday. For the most part these have no reported problems. A single report that doesn't say if the death was related to the diving at all, is just that.

 

and BTW there are reports of death on jet ski's everyday...makes you wonder how safe they are.

[Surfgirl]

Holy Canoli! No need to get snippy! I was just a bit alarmed by that report and wondering if anyone else had heard of safety concerns.

 

Maybe you're suffering from cruise withdrawals and need to schedule another one soon. Wow.. GEESH! Have a nice day!

[smeyer418]

You have a nice day too. That wasn't snippy. I am sorry if you took it that way. You still going to do the jet ski? Helmet diving is safer.

 

http://www.boatwashington.org/documents/Boating_Statistics_2001.pdf

 

there were 50 deaths on personal watercraft in 2001 and about 1500 injuries.

[Poohb]

Just came back yesterday on the NCL Crown. I booked Hartley's on my own..it was much cheaper than the Excur thru the ship. We did it Thurs while at 'Dockyard'. It was wonderful, I just think it would have been great if we had more time to explore, it lasted about 20-25 minutes. Greg was terrific. We 'caressed' a moray eel, puffer fish, HUGE grouper. Greg showed us the different living 'things' on the coral reef. I would highly recommend it. We wore wet suits cuz the water temp was only 75; over 80 they don't use them. We were very comfortable. Greg does offer to take several pix under water with his equipmt and you can get a copy/CD of your adventure. We opted to just try our disposable underwater camera. Don't have it back yet so can't tell you if it was any good. A VERY enjoyable time. I/hubby highly recommend it.

[Surfgirl]

Thanks for sharing your helmet diving experience!

 

Did you do any other excursions? Anything on your own you could recommend?

[Poohb]

Did the Crystal Cave on our own by bus. 88 stairs down & back up for 1 cave...double that if you do both. It was really pretty. DH wasn't impressed, thought Howe Caverns (I think they're in NY state) were better. St. George Carriage ride was informative and a nice way to see the area. Driver gave us some interesting info on house prices, taxes, water conservation, etc. Local busses are the greatest. We got a 3 day pass $28 pp.; good for the ferries also. It's pretty easy to do things on your own. Contact Bermuda Tourism on-line to get brochures & maps.

[jayshare]

I am booked on the crown for end of july. I was looking through my package of info. I am traveling with my family mother,father, & sister.(not to crazy about traveling with the fam but hey it is a free cruise.) They now have what is called SNUBA Diving. It is great for those who are not certified divers. My father and I usually dive without them. With this excursion we can all do it together. for those who don't know what it is....you have a regulator to breath from which is connected to the surface via tether. (that means I can spend time with my family without having to listing to mom and sis fight)

[jayshare]

Surfgirl,

 

Bermuda is very easy to get around with their fantastic bus system. You can either buy a one-day pass if you plan on going to the beach and sightseeing or just buy a round trip ticket (approx. $4). The admission to the Zoo, Museum & Aquarium is $10 for all 3 and even less for seniors. You can do this when you are in Hamilton. If you do it on your own you can choose how much time you spend at each one. Everything is very well done and a real bargain in my mind for all 3.

 

You may also want to consider going to the caves on your own where you have the option of doing only one cave or both. The ship only does one cave. The tours through the cavesare narrated with a guide.

 

There may also be a discounted bus fare for seniors too.

 

St. George can be explored on foot but be aware the hills are quite steep. I don't know if your mother may be up to it. Your calf muscle will protest the next day from going down the hills. You are right in the center of town in St. George so at least that area is flat.

 

Royal Naval Dockyard again is a self-contained area with everything close by. The bus company provides a free shuttle around the Dockyard stopping at different drop off points. The ship doesn't mention this. The bus is primarily for anyone with walking difficulties but they won't stop you from getting on. You can visit Snorkle Park with a nice beach which is free unless you want to rent any equipment. Then there is the Glassworks (also free) where you can watch the famous Bermuda glass being made. Also, you can sample before buying the rum cakes.

 

There is also a pottery shop where you can paint your own design on premade items or purchase other lovely pottery. There is a shopping mall with restaurants. Everything here is on flat ground.

 

Dolphin Quest is located in the same area as the Maritime Museum. If you book directly with Dolphin Quest the Dolphin Dip (20 min. on platform, 10 min. in water) is $95. The ship charges $199. If you want to see both the Dolphin Quest (not to [participate) and the Maritime Museum, you pay $10 and you can return the same day as long as you have your receipt. There are no food places here. If you pay for the Dolphin Dip they waive the $10 admission fee and you can still visit the museum and also check out the fort and the officers' residents. The last 2 involve a lot climbing. They even have sheep to keep all the grass in shape!

 

Bermuda is a weather dependent area. We didn't have the best of weather last week and it was good for photo taking and sightseeing but not the beach. The water was in the very low 70's. Our shorts and bathing suits never left the cabin. We also had a lot of wind with showers. This forced St. George to cancel their harbour festival on Tuesday night. We did get to see the one in Hamilton on Wednesday night. Even when the ship had their outside entertainment in St. George and Hamilton it was very windy and even chilly sitting out there.

 

The decision is yours -- you know what your budget is and what your mom can handle. If you feel more comfortable taking the ship's tours then do so. If you want a more relaxed vacation, do some things on your own.

 

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

 

 

MARAPRINCE

 

 

according to the dolphine quest website it is $175 for the dolphin dip. Where did you see it for $95???

[Maraprince]

according to the dolphine quest website it is $175 for the dolphin dip. Where did you see it for $95???

Jayshare,

 

Got the price information right from Dolphin Quest when I was there! Even talked to one of the trainers.

 

Our concern was that we were non swimmers. We were also advised that you could wear coverups over your bathing suit or even shorts. But reminded that there were no changing facilities -- only a restroom on site. So it is advisable to bring a change of clothes unless you want to air dry. Dolphin Quest shares the same facility as the Maritime Museum. There are directional signs once you get off the ship. If you keep to your right (cannot go left) and follow the water you will come right to it.

 

MARAPRINCE

[kd6183]

We are leaving on October 2nd on the Crown to Bermuda and have booked the night excursion "Don't Stop the Carnival." Can anyone tell me about this excursion, is it worth the $100.00 a person and what is the dress attire for this? Can you wear heels? Would love to hear any reviews. Also any differences betweeen the Peppercorn Helmet Dive in St. George compared to the Bell Helmet dive in King's Wharf? We booked the Bell Helmet Dive just because they had an early morning time and it allowed the rest of the day to tour. Thank you!

[cyberguy]

Hey Surfgirl,

 

The Shipwreck Snorkel is most certainly worth it. It was specatcular. I highly recommend it. I would not go on the Sea Garden Snorkel. Pretty but boring. If the seas are calm, the shipwreck is the best.

 

I would also recommend the Turtle Bay Catamaran and I heard Don't stop the Carnival is really fun with lots of good food.

 

Other than that, hit the beaches as much as possible!

[Ronni G]

Don't book any excursions through the cruise line. The air-conditioned buses in Bermuda are inexpensive and run on schedule. The drivers are very helpful and will let you know when you have reached your destination. You are able to get to every point of interest via the bus and will save a ton of money. The beach in St. Georges, Tobacco Bay, is a twenty minute walk from the ship and unless you have young children or elderly people in your group it's a very doable walk. When in Hamilton, you can take the bus to Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach, the zoo, the caves, etc. The bus terminal is a five minute walk from the dock down Queen Street. If one of your stops is the Royal Dockyards be prepared for a fairly boring day. At first glance you would think there is a nice amount to do, but this is not the case. Snorkel Park is a man made beach where you can rent water noodles, paddle boats, etc. The water was nice, but there were so many broken shells that I was unable to put my feet down. Bring water shoes!!! The other so called points of interest - glass factory, rum cake factory, craft market and shops are small and expensive. You can walk through everything in an hour.

[logcabin]

kd6183; Don't Stop The Carnival is great fun! We did this excursion when we went to Bermuda 3 years ago. I wouldn't recommend heels, though. It's like a big island beach party.

 

First, your picked up by a boat and taken to the island. On the way, they serve free rum swizzles the whole way. Once at the island, your greeted by a roaming island by and dancers at the dock. They escort you through the woods to the party location. These are various levels of patio beach side. There is a HUGE BBQ with great food, open bar the whole time, live island music, dancing, etc. It's a lot of fun and well worth the price.

[kd6183]

Hi Logcabin,

Thanks so much that is great to hear and I won't wear the heels. Sounds like great fun glad that we booked it! Can't wait hope the weather cooperates for us now. Thanks for all your help Logcabin on all the threads. Happy Sailing to all!