I always want to go to Bermuda. Recently I was trying to book a cruise trip. But the travel agent told me Bermuda is the place for shoppers. Her description just didn't sound interesting at all.<BR>What do you think? Is cruise better?

Bermuda is a sophisticated charming island. It is a special place! It has beautiful beaches, lovely coves, vistas,beautiful homes and lots to see and do. NO it does not have casinos, but it has some night life. Shopping yes, English china, scottish wools, duty free liquor, and all the tourist tee shirts you can buy. Of course the cruise ships are in Hamilton, and St. George, and all the shoppers from the ships are out at the same time. What are you looking for! Do a google seach and look at Bermuda! I find most travel agents never know what I want and I never use one!

Penny, thanks for your info. I checked bermudatourism.com. It looks great, actually too good. I can imaging that it is more expensive than the states. I am not a shopper. I just want to do some regular tourist activities including water sports. <BR>Of all the island in that region, I have been to only Jamaica. I read that Bahamas is nicer than Jamaica. If I go there again, I would choose between Bermuda and Bahamas. Have you been to any other island in that region? Help me out for a destination. Thanks.

Just back from Bermuda last month and I must tell you, it's a great island. Clear blue water, beautiful beaches, nice people, lovely hotels and 2 of the finest drinks found anywhere ('rum swizzle' and 'dark & stormy'). Doesn't hurt that it's less than 2 hours from the eastern US either. It's not perfect -- there's a whole lot of restaurants charging a whole lot of money for some pretty mediocre food (eat a big lunch and go light in the evening), and as far as shopping goes, it seemed to be your run-of-the-mill Caribbean-style geared-for-tourists stuff -- watches, jewelry, perfumes and o.k. but not great clothing, definitely worth a look but don't be surprised if you don't find anything. <BR><BR>But, to answer your question, yes, it's worth it. Rent a scooter or get a bus/ferry pass and travel around. Skip the cruise.

There is something about Bermuda that is different than any other island or destination I have been to. First, is the people of Bermuda who really seem to love the tourists, the scenery, the beaches and after everything else is of course the shopping. My husband and I have cruised there nine times..and I miss not going this year.m Eating there is expensive, everything must be imported, so a cruise is the most economical. Of course there are many sights and one of our favorite places is the Swizzle Inn..gotten there by moped or by the bus system. As they say with the Rum Swizzles and Dark and Stormies.. you swizzle in and stagger out..it's a fun place for lunch or the entertainment at night.. There is something about that island that leaves me wanting more and more visits.

I was there for 17 days in June and I am here to tell you: Bermuda is one of the most desirable of islands I have ever been to. It has lush vegetation, beautiful topography, nice people, intimacy, and somewhat cooler weather than the real caribbean. While it can be expensive, it is quite different (in the economic sense especially) than the caribbean and I personally think one of the greatest "tropic" destinations in the world. It will be quite "interesting", tenfold.

I hate to waste time shopping on vacation and my husband and I absolutely LOVE Bermuda! The beaches are gorgeous, lots of charming and interesting homes, beautiful towns. We rent mopeds and explore the island. It's a fantastic vacation. <BR><BR>Regarding shopping, Bermuda has great prices on china. I always take a half hour out of every visit to go into Coopers and buy a place setting of my china. It's about half the retail cost. They will pack it nicely for traveling and even deliver it to your hotel or cruise ship for free. That, and a trip to the package store for some Goslings rum and ginger beer (to be consumed while we are there), is the extent of our shopping in Bermuda.<BR><BR>A Bermuda cruise is a great way to see the island for a lower cost than flying and staying at a hotel. Bermuda isn't cheap, and for good reason!

One more thing, just so you know it. Bermuda isn't in the Caribbean.

We all know that Jim, but it's a preferable alternative, and is more suited to this forum than the European one, don't you agree?

Let me give you an example of how great the people are... I collect something and Smith's is my shop of choice in Hamilton. One of the first years I found several pieces inspite of my husbands mumblngs. On the bus when he heard how little they cost.. I asked if I could buy the other pieces.. to shorten the story Smith's delivered the next day before the cruise ship left St. George the pieces to their shop in St. George. How's that for service...I love Bermudians.

I have read several posts that state "Bermuda is not the Caribbean"...can anyone explain? We are going in March - looking forward to it!! Thanks so much for any advice!!

Tourist-I have not been to Jamaica, but have been to Barbados, St. John, Antigua, Anguilla, and Virgin Gorda. Bermuda is srill one of may favorite locations. I understand Jamaica is beautiful, but has its problems. That is why the all inclusive is a hit on that island. <BR> I love Bermuda"s beaches on South Rd. Horseshoe is a must see, but it is crowded by Bermuda standards, not so by <BR>some American beaches. There are empty beaches along South Rd. that are very easy to find! I think the water in Bermuda is the best! <BR>The island is unigue, and the pictures you look at gave you a flavor of the island. Rent the movie THe Deep, it has some great shots!

Nina,<BR>I agree with you. There's no "North America" forum so putting it with Caribbean is best. <BR>Bermuda Bound,<BR>Bermuda is in the Atlantic Ocean, a few hundred miles east of North Carolina. But because of climate, culture, history, etc., it is associated with the Caribbean.