Bermuda

Monday, October 21, 2024

We’ve been excited for this stop as we understood that the snorkeling was very scenic at some of these northern most reefs in the North Atlantic and many of them are quite large in size. We didn’t get a tour cancellation notice that the weather was going to be a problem so after a room service breakfast, we were ready to head out.

Our HAL tour today was the Coral Reef Snorkel – 3 hours

ABOUT THE EXCURSION: Join this comfortable and stable catamaran trip to the northernmost coral reef in the world.

Relax on deck as the crew provides an informative commentary on the island of Bermuda and its fascinating undersea ecosystem.

After a leisurely cruise, you will find yourself moored in a magical deep blue oasis bordered by a fringing reef. Grab a mask, snorkel, fins and flotation noodle to enjoy this undersea paradise. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters and explore this great expanse of pristine reef.

Enjoy a relaxing sail home with a legendary Rum Swizzle. A cash bar is also available.

Notes: The skipper reserves the right to substitute an inshore snorkel location in the event of inclement weather or marine conditions. This tour is intended for confident swimmers. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. Swim/snorkel at your own risk.

We were met on the pier by the tour representatives, and we walked over to the catamaran. There were only 10 of us on the snorkeling tour which should have been our first warning. Typically, a HAL snorkeling tour has many more people.

We sailed for a while, and it was bumpy. One of the crew told us a little about Bermuda. Once we started slowing down, we realized that we were at a protected bay and not out in the more open ocean. Okay. I guess the ocean was too rough and the skipper chose option #2.

Having brought our own gear, Chuck and I were the first off the boat. The water was COLD. I always find the water brisk, but I can usually get used to it after a while because I use a neoprene shirt. I really tried. But with the water kind of hazy, the cloudy conditions, and, did I mention, the water was COLD, I didn’t last very long. Hard to bite down on your snorkel tube when your teeth are chattering.

I sat up front of the catamaran and tried to warm up whenever the sun came out from behind the clouds, but I just kept shivering. It took being wrapped in two beach towels and downing a few Rum Swizzles (national drink of Bermuda) for me to warm back up. The Swizzles were very good. The sail back to the ship had music and was fun. The snorkeling was just very disappointing. We should have just taken an island tour.

After lunch in the Lido, we spent time on the Sea View deck reading. It was windy but the sun had finally come out strong, so it was warmer.

Dinner tonight was in the Canaletto. The waiter remembered us from August and even remembered what wines we ordered. I don’t know how they do it. It was a great dinner in both food and service.

Chuck ordered the meatball appetizer and the braised beef for his main. I ordered the burrata salad and the lamb shank. We split the gelato for dessert.

We spent some time in the casino until it was time for the show in the World Stage. Tonight was a comedian – Flip Shultz. He had some good material, but he spent quite a bit of time interacting with the people in the first row which gets old after a while. His comedy was PG13.

After the show, spent a little more time in the Casino as the Rolling Stone Lounge band had the night off. We soon called it a night.

Tomorrow: Sea Day

Travel Trivia: Bermuda

Bermuda is considered the “Shipwreck Capital of the World.” (Can we say Bermuda Triangle?)

New York is closer to Bermuda (774 miles) than Miami is (1035).

Bermuda is home to pink beaches

St. Peter’s Church in St. George is the oldest still-in-use Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere.

It became a British colony in 1612, the third oldest in the British Empire. It remains a British Overseas Territory, self-governing, with the UK handling defense and foreign affairs.