We docked overnight in Bermuda so I was up early to have breakfast and head back out to find a ferry that would take me to Hamilton. At breakfast every morning in addition to the menu with wait service, there was a self-serve continental buffet with fruits, yogurt, smoked salmon, meats, and pastries. I delighted in the quality and variety of fruit offered each morning and strived to try every unfamiliar fruit they offered. This white fruit with black seeds became a favorite (dragon fruit maybe?). The honey dew was among the most flavorful I have ever had.
I walked off the ship about 8:15 a.m. and headed to the visitor’s center near the ferry terminal to purchase my tokens for today’s rides. The visitor’s center didn’t open until after 8:30 a.m. so I had a few minutes to sit and relax. Once I had my tokens I boarded the ferry and made my way to the top level to find a seat.
Views from the port area at Royal Naval Dockyard
Arriving in Hamilton
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| The ferry |
Upon arriving in Hamilton, I checked out Albouy’s Point, found some restrooms (which were located in several places downtown), and then started making my way to Queen Elizabeth Park.
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| Front Street |
Queen Elizabeth Park was a neat secluded park filled with yellow marigolds. It was such a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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| I couldn't find a plaque for this sculpture but I felt like I saw myself in her. |
From there I wandered through the streets and eventually came across a couple of beautiful government buildings and then an all white church.
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| Cabinet Building |
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| Sessions House |
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| Wesley Methodist Church |
A block from Wesley Methodist Church was this beautiful Anglican Cathedral, The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.
I then continued along until I came across Victoria Park with this beautiful gazebo before I started heading back towards the ferry pier. The ferry was a bit late arriving but made up time on its way to the Royal Naval Dockyard.
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| I loved these colorful mosaic benches! |
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| Pier where I caught the ferry back to the Royal Naval Dockyard |
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| One last view of Front Street |
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| People gathering for the ferry which was a bit late although made up time so that we arrived on time at the Royal Naval Dockyard |
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| Maybe I took too many selfies this trip..... |
Back on the ship, I enjoyed a good lunch including an excellent Mahi Mahi sandwich and then spent some time napping on my balcony. When I woke up, chocolate covered strawberries had been delivered making a nice mid afternoon treat.
Around 3:40 p.m. as I lay on the deck chair editing photos a tugboat showed up right outside my balcony. This time it was the tugboat named Faithful. And shortly after we sailed away, saying goodbye to Bermuda.
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| Vision of the Seas had arrived at some point after lunch. |
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| I managed to catch the pilot boat! |
That’s when I switched my phone back into airplane mode and disconnected from the outside world. Being my first solo cruise to an island so far out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and still reeling from the events of the year and pending divorce, I will admit this disconnection felt especially isolating. After reading in my room a bit and then showering and dressing for dinner, I eventually headed up for a fairly late dinner. I ended dinner with a pot of chamomile tea and spent some time writing and reflecting.
I also put in my order for the next night’s dinner. Being a solo diner always pre-ordering, it felt a little backwards to always be ordering at the end of the meal. When I cruised with others, at least everyone else was reviewing the menu and ordering at the beginning so it didn’t feel so backwards. I then spent a few minutes doing a little more writing in the Horizon’s Lounge before heading up for an early night.
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| Horizon's Lounge |
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| My reflection off the glass ceiling of Horizon's Lounge - I spent a lot of time looking for reflections this year, maybe looking for signs of who I would become post divorce or maybe trying to understand who I am now. |
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