Imagine an expanse of teal and sapphire water framing a rich, green landscape dotted by pastel-coloured houses with distinctive white roofs. Imagine red, pink, yellow, and orange hibiscus blossoms lining narrow roadways. Imagine a European history dating to 1609. Imagine Bermuda, a fairy tale destination in the North Atlantic.
After customs at the airport, I travel by small bus to Hamilton and my home for the next week: Viking Orion. As I board the ship, I am immediately impressed. This ship has a different feel than other cruise ships I’ve sailed on: warm wood and understated decor, melodic background music, and a spacious stateroom. Of course, every stateroom has a veranda, a signature feature of Viking ocean-going ships. The crew is friendly and helpful as I settle in.
Bermuda, named for explorer Juan Bermúdez, who discovered the cluster of 123 islands possibly as early as 1503, was founded in 1609. One hundred and fifty English travellers en route to Jamestown, Virginia were blown off course by a hurricane and shipwrecked at Bermuda.
Located 600 miles east of North Carolina and first administered by the Virginia Company, the colony became governed by the crown in 1684. The colonial capital was transferred from St. George to Hamilton in 1815.
Viking Orion, docked at the edge of Front Street, making it easy for passengers to walk off the ship and be in the capital city in a few minutes.
After a rainstorm cancels my walking tour the first day, I set out on my own with my bright red Viking umbrella and an attitude of discovery. The businesses and government buildings painted pastel colours line city streets. I find several souvenir shops and enjoy the morning visiting with locals and taking photos in between raindrops.
In the afternoon, I take a bus tour of the immediate area with 14 other passengers. I can walk Horseshoe Bay beach, gaze out over the islands from Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and see the famous 56-cm-wide drawbridge said to be the world’s smallest.
Our first sea day takes the ship from Hamilton to Kings Wharf, where I will learn another chapter in Bermuda’s history.
From my veranda, I can see the National Museum of Bermuda. Here I learn even more about this isolated island nation.
The museum, located within the fortress, The Keep, of the former Royal Naval Dockyard, was established in 1974.
After the English colonies in North America had established their independence, Bermuda was developed as a significant British naval base to control the sea lanes to North America. The Dockyard construction started in 1809. The work was done initially by slaves, later by convicts, prisoners, and labourers imported from the West Indies. They used local limestone to build the impressive Keep. The dockyard closed in the late 1950s. Now the buildings house an excellent series of exhibits and displays outlining the nation’s history.
Of course, a trip to Bermuda wouldn’t be complete without swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing. Boarding a catamaran, I sail with about 30 other adventurous souls to a lovely cove. I am not a strong swimmer, but I was determined to get in the warm waters. I put on a life jacket, jump in over my head, and spent the entire time enjoying the experience.
On the last day at Kings Wharf, I take a trolley tour of the area, enjoying the slow pace and interesting narrative. At the end of the tour, the guide drops me off at the “clock mall,” a collection of locally owned souvenir shops with friendly shopkeepers and excellent selections of take-home treasures.
The next day is another sea day filled with swimming in the ship’s main pool and infinity pool, sunbathing, afternoon tea, and interesting lectures.
Let me interject here the many restaurants and the variety of excellent food choices, starting with room service. I began each day with breakfast – and not just the usual cold cereal and pastry. The breakfast room service menu included fried eggs, omelets, oatmeal, fruit platters, plus the usual offerings mentioned above.
For those who want to leave their stateroom, breakfast is available as early as 6:30 and as late as 11 a.m., including the World Cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet style with crew members serving guests their choices.
Back in Hamilton, I take a tour to the eastern end of Bermuda and St. George.
St. George, settled in 1612, is the first permanent English settlement on the islands of Bermuda. It is the third permanent British settlement in the Americas, after Jamestown (1607) and Cupids, Newfoundland (1610).
Our stop in St. George follows a lengthy van tour of other areas, including Fort Catherine, a lighthouse, and drive-byes of the islands’ many resorts and golf courses.
I choose to visit St. Peter’s Church during the time allotted.
Established in 1612, it is the oldest Anglican Church outside the British Isles and the oldest Protestant church in continuous use in the New World. The church is part of the St. George UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside I find the original altar, an 18th-century throne salvaged from a shipwreck, and communion silver from the 1600s.
After touring the church’s interior, I walk around the grave markers dating back to the beginning of the church’s centuries-old history.
Back on the ship, I spend a relaxing afternoon and evening. Then, finally, it is time to say goodbye to my stewards, Raphael and Ranger, the new friends I made while onboard, the many helpful crew members, and the beautiful Viking Orion, which has a lovely personality of relaxation, peace, and elegance all its own.
IF YOU GO:
For more information: Rivers, Oceans, & now Expeditions | Viking Cruises® call 855-338-4546.
Sidebar:
Cruising during COVID-19
Before travelling to Bermuda, you must:
- Be fully vaccinated 14 days before the cruise.
- Fill out a digital health survey one week before sailing.
- Take a COVID-19 PCR test four days in advance of travel.
- Complete the Bermuda Travel Authorization Application one to three days ahead of travel.
When arriving in Bermuda, you will show your travel authorization to officials before retrieving your luggage. Next, you will receive a red wristband and take a COVID test before being transported to the ship.
You must wear your wristband until the COVID test comes back negative.
If the test is positive, you will be under quarantine for 14 days at an approved hotel.
Every evening your steward will leave a plastic tube in your stateroom. In the morning, you will spit in the container for a COVID test.
Guests must also wear a mask at all times while on the ship except while dining.
Because of these protocols, guests can feel safe during their journey.
There were no cases reported among passengers and crew during my eight-day cruise.
For more information: Viking Health & Safety Program (vikingcruises.com).
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