Bermuda, the Island without crime

When on a cruise in the Caribbean, expect to visit Bermuda. Bermuda has 2 small ports, so the big ships will not be able to dock here. The island is great to enjoy a day of leisure on the beach or to visit 1 of many museums. Crime rate is very low, which makes it a great 1-day destination.

Where You’re Docked
You’ll tie up in Ordinance Island (merely steps from King’s Square).

Getting Around
If you’re a first-time visitor, get a good map before setting out, and don’t be shy about asking for directions. The Department of Tourism publishes a free pocket map (Bermuda Handy Reference Map).
A good first stop on your first day is at the Visitors Service Bureau on Front Street (open Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm) for bus tokens, tickets and transportation passes.

Bermudians drive on the left and car rentals are verboten which means visitors must rely on mopeds, bikes, taxis, ferries, and the cotton-candy pink bus system.

Surrey rides are fun, and you’ll find plenty near Front Street’s docks in Hamilton. A half-hour jaunt will cost you about us$30.

What to See and Do
The Bermuda National Trust Museum: Though it was once the Globe Hotel in the 19th century, its history goes back to 1699, when it was built as the Governor’s house. Unknown to most people, its first governor (Samuel Day) secretly secured the title to the house in order to use it as his future home. His secret was out the day the next governor turned up to move in. Today, the museum exhibits the history of St. George’s. Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 1 – 4pm. King’s Square.

Carriage House Museum: Filled with 19th-century buggies and such that were all used to get around before the automobile first showed up in 1946. You’ll see beautifully restored broughams, phaetons, an opera bus, even a small child’s runabout. Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. Water St.

Carter House: One of Bermuda’s oldest houses, it’s now a museum with exhibitions on the history of whaling, piloting, fishing, and farming. It’s also a chance to see dolls and children’s toys made from palmetto leaves. Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday 10am – 4pm. Second Sunday of each month noon – 4pm. Southside Rd, St. David’s.

Holy Trinity Church: See-worthy. Originally built in 1623, the view of Harrington Sound rates a detour here. Anglican services on Sundays. Trinity Church Rd, Baily’s Bay.

Tucker House Museum: Once the home of the well known Tucker family of England, Bermuda, and Virginia, it displays a notable collection of Bermudian furniture, portraits and silver. You can also see where Joseph Hayne Rainey (a black refugee of the Civil War who worked as a barber before going on to become the first black representative in the U.S. Congress) is said to have set up shop. Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. Water St.

Featherbed Alley Printery: Check out the working 17th-century Gutenberg-style press that was used for more than three centuries. It’s also home to the early editions of the Bermuda Gazette published from 1784 – 1816. Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. Featherbed Alley.

Fort St. Catherine: Originally built in 1613, this is probably the most impressive fort on the island, though the original towers have been rebuilt. You’ll see a series of dioramas in its museum–as well as an excellent exhibit of swords, muskets, and pistols. You’ll also see replicas of England’s crown jewels. Daily 9:30am – 5:30pm. Coot Pond Rd.

Where to Eat and Drink
You’ll find plenty of traditional dishes like fish chowder laced with black rum and hot peppers, and hashed shark. Order anything made with their fabulous Bermuda onions.