What Happens When Ship Is Docked
 

Oh No! I've done tons of research on my Bermuda trip and thought I knew everything there was to know, but I didn't know this. I didn't realize when the ship is in port that there are no shows, casino or anything else going on aboard ship. I understand the Bermuda government won't allow it because they want you to spend your money on the island. We are at the late seating for dinner and was wondering what there will be to do between dinner and the midnight buffet. Are the bars still open, can you get a drink? I can't believe this because I have spent months researching this, don't know how I missed this. Since we will be spending the days in town we wanted a chance to enjoy the ship in the evenings.

Patti -<BR><BR>We have cruised to Bermuda a number of times and several different lines. It's true, there will be no big production shows on board while you are docked plus the shops on board and the casino will be closed. There will be entertainment in the smaller lounges and some have parties on deck but it will be scaled down from the usual evening activities while at sea. Most ships offer several evening excursions to make up for the lack of shipboard entertainment. A great one is the party at Hawkins Island - lots of fun. You dock right in town so you have easy access to entertainment there or just walking around. Very safe and clean. There are also horse-drawn carriages right at the dock area and this is a great way to see the island at night. Drivers are very knowledgeable and friendly and can tell you a lot about the island and its history.<BR><BR>We've been on 17 cruises to many different places and Bermuda is definitely one of our favorite stops. I guarantee you love it there and will find plenty to keep you busy. I don't know what ship you'll be on, but there are plenty of quiet and romantic places on board any of them where you can enjoy the company and the beautiful island of Bermuda at night.<BR><BR>Please feel free to e-mail if you have specific questions.

Every cruise I've gone on does not allow gambling while docked, but are you sure there are no shows? I just got back from a cruise and while docked in Nassau (ship didn't leave until 3am) there is definitely stuff to do, including shows. There are the professional shows, but I remember a men's lingerie contest that was hilarious - guys dressed up in their wives/girlfriends undies. The bars will be open too. Your room steward will give you a daily itinerary and I bet you'll find plenty to do. Don't worry!

The shops and casino will be closed but the bars do remain open and there will be entertainment on board (although I do not remember if they had full production shows). This is pretty standard for most ports not just Bermuda. However, Bermuda is unique in that the ships are docked overnight, while in most other ports they leave by early evening.

The fact is that Bermuda is one of the most expensive island cruises and one of the most boring. On a 7 night cruise you only get to see 2 ports and both are in Bermuda. If you like cruising you generally get 3 days at sea.

We sailed last June on the Nordic Empress. While docked the casino was closed, and all the centrum shops were closed. The ship did have nitely entertainment, and all the bars were open. We enjoyed the karaokee every night and one night was a passanger talent show. The ship offered 2 midnight buffets. Bermuda is beautiful to see. The islanders are very friendly. Have a great time.

I would rather cruise for a day and a half than sit on a plane for 3 hours. I have cruised to Bermuda 5 times. There is soooo much to do on the island. There is even a small casino in Hamilton. <BR><BR>I went to a land-based resort once and they emptied my pockets.<BR><BR>Paul