bonnie

is it true the casino and shops aboard the ship are closed while in port, which is 4 days? what is there to do in bermuda in the evening?

Paul Therault

Hi Bonnie,<BR><BR>Yes the Casino and shops are closed (same as any port on any ship). The entertainment will continue. Hamilton has their street festival which brings out many natives and ship passengers. You can visit the lounges and restaurants. Buy dessert. Very safe to walk around. Rent a moped. Take a carriage ride. I believe the shops on Front Street are open until 10 PM.<BR><BR>Paul

vanetta

Can anyone comment about the shore excursions offered on this cruise. Which are the best?<BR>

Keith

Bermuda has many options to take advantage of. However, Ill pass on to you my favorite. On the south shore of the island are a series of public beaches that are among the best in the world. At the western end is the famous Horseshoe Bay. At the eastern end is Warwick Long Bay. Within this span there is a series of beautiful beaches and coves and they are all interconnected. Most usually by walkways along the water and some by transversing the paths in the sand dunes. While Horseshoe Bay is gorgeous, it is also very crowded. Its a good place to start as it has facilities for bathrooms, however, I prefer to start at the other end for one simple reason: the second cove (immediately adjacent to Warwick Long Bay) is the amazingly beautiful Jobson's Cove, the greatest "swimming hole" you will ever see. If you spend several days at the beaches, don't just go to Horseshoe Bay, try starting at the other end at least once. Enjoy

John

Go to Royal Caribbean Website (www.rccl.com) and you can see what excursions are available. <BR>We did this cruise 2 years ago. It was wonderful. You cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on sailaway, a real treat.<BR>We did several excursions. The ship docks at the Dockyard 2 nites and in Hamilton 1 night. We did the Harkers Island dinner/show and this was fun. We also went to hear a Steel Band (Coca Cola Band or something like that) and this was good. <BR>The "regular" ship board entertainement goes on but as mentioned the casino/shops are closed.<BR>As far as shopping, Hamilton has some of the best shopping around. British goods. Expensive.<BR>It's a good cruise and the ship, though getting old, is nice.

Tanya

For shore excursions, rent a moped (although I consider them too dangerous) or buy a bus/ferry pass for 3 days (economical and you can get around the entire island). You can do the beaches yourself. Taxis are plentiful and if more than 2 of you sharing, economical as well. The Crystal Caves are very beautiful. You must have lunch/drinks at the Swizzle Inn which is walking distance from the Caves and the Perfumery. I agree with the Hawkins Island party (best for the money on the Island). If you want to do a snorkelling trip book it through your ship. Most operators cater to the ships and it is difficult to book one yourself. Try out the Blue Safari water tour - good value and lots of fun especially if you don't mind getting wet. Evenings are quiet but you will find some nightlife in and around Hamilton.