Ultimate World Cruise: Bermuda and Homecoming Celebrations

Day 19/22 – Bermuda

And just like that we were on Day 19 out of 22 on this Ultimate World Cruise. The Round the World Trip 2024 had finished, but now I have some pending ports on the Serenade of the Seas. We had embarked in Amsterdam, and after a long stop in New York City, we were now arriving to Bermuda, my country #80.

80 countries was definitely a big achievement, and I would have never guessed I would reach it on a cruise. More countries to come in the near future.

For now, I was just at the Windjammer getting some deserved breakfast before heading out to Bermuda.

From the cruise it looked so serene. Once again, the weather was nice with us, although we only had a few hours to explore the island. Some experienced guests were shocked but the short amount of hours, since this port sometimes can be explored in a couple of days.

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, made up of an archipelago of over 100 islands: 

• Location: Bermuda is located about 650 miles east of North Carolina. 
• Geography: Bermuda is made up of seven main islands and many smaller islands and islets. The main islands are clustered together in a fishhook shape and are connected by bridges. The largest island is Main Island, which is 14 miles long and 1 mile wide. 
• Climate: Bermuda has a subtropical climate with warm winters and hot summers. Daytime temperatures in the winter are in the upper 10s °C, with lows of around 14 °C. Humidity remains high in the winter. 
• History: Bermuda was discovered in 1505 by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez. The first English settlement was established in 1612 at St. George’s, which is also the territory’s largest settlement. 
• Government: Bermuda is a self-governing parliamentary democracy with a bicameral parliament located in Hamilton. The premier is the head of government. 
• Economy: Bermuda has a mixed economic system that includes a private-enterprise system, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. 

Day 19/22 – Ferry to Hamilton

My first goal for my visit to Bermuda was to get on the ferry to Hamilton. The next one was soonish, so I almost had to run from the cruise to the ferry terminal and purchase the tickets directly on the ferry. As we departed the King’s Wharf, we saw both Serenade of the Seas and the Carnival Pride docked on the Royal Naval Dockyard.

The water was crystal blue, and was giving some Caribbean colors, like in the Rosario Islands in Cartagena, Colombia.

The view of the houses from the ferry was also amazing. Like wow. Imagine living here. Despite the fact that Bermuda is so close to New York on a plane, every time I planned to visit this island, the prices for the stay were too crazy. Like a hotel night would be too much, so I preferred going somewhere else.

We were slowly arriving to Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda.

Hamilton is Bermuda’s capital city and is known for its history, culture, and natural beauty: 

• Size: Hamilton is one of the world’s smallest country capitals, covering just under a quarter of a square mile. 
• Location: Hamilton is situated on the northern shore of a deepwater harbor on Main Island (Great Bermuda). 
• History: Founded in 1790, Hamilton became the capital of Bermuda in 1815. It was raised to city status in 1897. 
• Attractions: Hamilton has many attractions, including parks, galleries, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and gardens. 

Day 19/22 – Hamilton, Bermuda

Once we got there, the Bermuda sign was the first attraction. I immediately looked for the ticket store to buy the return, which would be in a couple of hours, so I better be fast exploring.

The first stop was the Queen Elizabeth Par-La-Ville Sculpture Park. Even though it was well preserved, there were some weird people there and left almost immediately. What a shame.

Next stop on my quick walk-through of Hamilton, was the Greetings from Bermuda sign, kinda cute and reminded me of Miami, the last stop of the Ultimate World Cruise.

Church St is the street to walk to find the main attractions of Hamilton, which include Hamilton City Hall and The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.

Especially the Cathedral was amazing. I liked the architecture a lot.

And inside it looks gorgeous.

Right next to it you could find a government building, which looked good too.

Things to do were scarce on this part of the island, but I was able to find a nice hotel where I could get some drinks and coffee until the ferry time: The Princess Hotel.

I got in and walked all the way back to see the view of the water.

And also, to get in the 1609 Bar and Restaurant. And what a nice place to spend an afternoon.

I order myself a traditional beer from Bermuda, and killed some time before heading out. I went to the coffee store and got myself a Frappuccino for the travel back.

And I almost had to run again for the ferry lol. The walk was nice, and saw a lot of people actually wearing bermudas, but it was time to say bye to Hamilton and get back to Royal Navy Dockyard.

Day 19/22 – Royal Navy Dockyard, Bermuda

Once there, there was still some time left on the island before boarding, so I decided to walk around and buy some groceries for my last couple of days on the cruise. Once again, the island reminded me a lot of Cartagena, Colombia, with all the walls and fortifications.

One of the main attractions of this side of Bermuda was the Snorkel Park Beach Club, which some guests decided to spend the day in. I had to see what it was about.

And well, I got in and it looked kinda run down. It definitely was not as cute as I expected, plus having 2 cruises you would imagine this to be vibrant and alive.

My last stop before returning to the cruise was the Clock Tower Shopping Mall. It was very cute inside, but could definitely use a revamp, adding more light and more variety of stores.

My conclusion of Bermuda is that I am disappointed. Would I go back? Yes, but it will not be in my priorities in the meantime. Of course, I did not get to see the best parts of the island, but still some of these were supposed to be OK and I was not impressed.

Day 19/22 – An evening of seafood and entertainment

I went back into my stateroom to change and relax. I had the dinner a little bit later in the Main Dining Room, so I went there at 7:00 pm like almost everyday. For the starter, I got the Mediterranean Seafood Salad.

More seafood coming my way with the main dish: Battered Fish and Shrimp.

And of course, even though with no seafood, I had to get the paella. I just love the taste of this dish.

For dessert, I finally went with something fruity, and it was ok. I am not a fan of fruity flavors in the desserts.

The entertainment tonight on the Tropical Theatre was Headliner Showtime: Magician Justino Zoppe. It was kinda cool, although it was probably too many magicians by now.

After the show, I went outside and enjoyed the beautiful sunset, one of the last ones on this cruise.

And later that night, we went to the Vortex Nightclub to have some drinks and listen to some music.

We passed by this wall, that showed all or most of the destinations this cruise had been to. Amazing, 274 days of adventures.

Day 20/22 – A quick day at sea

Day 20 was at sea and on the way to Royal Caribbean’s private island: Perfect Day at CocoCay. After coffee, gym, breakfast and getting ready, we saw the cute towel animal demonstration in the Centrum.

And the celebrations of the ending of the cruise had started with all the World Cruisers having closed door meetings and presentations all over the cruise.

The day went by fast, and now it was time for dinner again at the Main Dining Room. More and more seafood. For the main dish I got the Branzino and Tiger Shrimp.

Combined with the Slow-Baked Salmon Salad. Everything was so good.

Off the menu they had even more fish so of course I had to get it.

Later, for the entertainment on the Tropical Theatre, they had Showcase Showtime: Center Stage with the last show of the 5 singers of the Serenade of the Seas.

Day 21/22 – A Day at Sea to celebrate

Today was our last day at sea. In one day we would be in Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, and the next day debarking in Miami, Florida.

After my daily routine, I went to the Centrum where the International Flags Parade was being held. And it was very cute. We got to meet staff from the many nationalities.

As we went more south, the temperature increased more, and the days on the deck and the pool were more normal. It finally looked like a Caribbean cruise, nothing like the Greenland and Iceland weather we had earlier on this trip lol.

The Windjammer was getting some decorations as the Homecoming was getting closer and closer.

For tonight’s dinner I got something small, just the Seafood vol-au-vent, which I always love.

Later, the entertainment was coming from Headliner Showtime: Mosaic, a Capella at the Tropical Theatre.

And later that night, we were asked to come to the Centrum to be part of the Homecoming Centrum Celebration. The last party before the last day of the cruise.

The balloon drop was quite nice:

And ended the eventful night with a drink while seeing Piano and Vocal Entertainment with Yan Yarosh at Schooner Bar.

But the last day of the cruise was coming, do not miss the end of this adventure in the next post.