The Intentional Travelers

Cruise Port of Call Bermuda

The Port of Kings Wharf

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom. They are part of the British Empire that have not been granted independence or have voted to remain British territories. Bermuda is located in the western Atlantic due east of Hilton Head South Carolina. Even though it is at a northern latitude it is a tropical island being washed by the warm currents of the Gulf Stream. The islands boast a lush landscape that includes a large number of cedars and palm trees. Famous for its beautiful beaches (one pink) it has long been a favorite destination for the wealthy from around the world which has probably helped support a reasonably high standard of living for Bermuda.

Where Your Ship Docks

The northwest tip of the islands is home to British fortifications that date back to the 17^th century with dockyards that include Kings Wharf now home to the cruise piers. The British fortifications were greatly expanded during the American Civil War over fears of attack by the Americans and now house the Bermuda Historical Museum, a dolphin encounter, a glass blowing operation, a nice beach with snorkeling areas and a number of shops and restaurants. The dockyards are also the center of the areas water sport concessions along with excursion boats.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.

Port City Characteristics – This port has an above average wheelchair infrastructure. The port area has moderate level sidewalks. Some intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Transportation

Taxis are readily available but the best way to get around is by public transportation. You can buy a one or two day pass that provides unlimited use of the ferries and buses starting at B$18. Bermuda is actually a set of islands very close together and arranged in the shape of a fish hook. The cruise port is located in the west near the tip of the hook. The town of St. George is near the hook’s eye to the northeast and the capital of Hamilton is near the inside bend of the hook. Most large beaches are on the coast across the island from Hamilton. The islands have about fifty miles of roads serviced by a very good bus system along with regular ferry service between those three major locations. There are also scooters and cars that can be rented but this is not recommended because of the narrow roads and the English left hand driving system.

Money

The local currency is the Bermuda Dollar and is kept on par with the US Dollar. American currency is readily accepted as well as most major credit cards.

Attractions

There is a lot to see and do right in the Kings Wharf area but don’t miss visiting Hamilton. There is a large fortification high above Hamilton with sweeping views of the city and beyond. Hamilton is also home to a number of historic buildings and some beautiful architecture. Good restaurants and great shopping are also a feature of Hamilton and a trip out to St. George is highly recommended. Almost everywhere you go in Bermuda boasts great scenery including pocket beaches, attractive seaside villages and historic landmarks.

Horseshoe Bay is perhaps the most famous beach in Bermuda. It has been rated the #8 beach in the world. A popular tourist spot, it lies on the main island’s south coast, in the parish of Southampton.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo is a facility located in Flatts Village, Bermuda. It was established in 1926 by the Bermuda government.

Crystal Cave is a cavern located in Hamilton Parish, close to Castle Harbour. The caverns are approximately 1,500 feet long, and 186 feet deep. The lower 60 feet of the cave are below water level.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Built in 1844 by the Royal Engineers, is the taller of two lighthouses on Bermuda, and one of the first lighthouses in the world to be made of cast-iron.

Bermuda Institute of Marine Science http://www.bios.edu/#!/who-we-are is a non-profit institute located in Hamilton and features a number of exhibits and programs.

Fort Hamilton Bermuda. Located in Hamilton City, Fort Hamilton is a picturesque site with lush gardens overlooking the harbor. It was built in the mid 1800s to protect the Hamilton Harbor and form a defense from American forces during their civil war.

Somerset Bridge. Advertised as the worlds smallest draw bridge (see our story about the bridge HERE). If you pay attention while taking the bus from Kings Wharf to Hamilton you will drive right across the bridge.

St. George. This is a picturesque town located at the far end of the islands from Kings Wharf serviced by bus or ferry.

Good Sites For Additional Information

Bermuda Tourist Board

Cruise Port Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland. Situated on a bay on the east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. It lies within the province of Leinster and is bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountain range. Dublin has an urban population of 1,173,000 and is a vibrant, modern and a true international city divided by the River Liffey.

It is a very walkable city that features a large number of historical sights along with popular attractions and an exciting night life with a reputation for good restaurants and pubs. The best way to start seeing Dublin on your own is to locate a Tourist Information Center (I) as soon as you get into the city to pick up maps and get suggestions from the staff that are always eager to offer customized tips to match your interests.

Where Your Ship Docks

Port Location & Facilities – Smaller ships can come up the River Liffey closer to the City Centre while most large cruise ships berth in Alexandra Quay. Alexandra Quay currently is in an industrial port. It is about a mile and a half walk to get out of the port and to the edge of the city proper near 3Arena. There is currently no cruise ship terminal, so ships will have to use boarding ramps. For people with walking issues and wheelchairs it can be difficult. Most cruise ships will have arranged for shuttle buses into the city center (About $15 round trip on average). Taxis are also available but can be spotty after the morning rush. City bus service is not convenient to the ships.

Note: On our recent stop the ship did an overnight. We walked from the ship into the Temple Bar neighborhood and measured the trip at just under 4 miles total.

Transportation

Public Transportation – There is a Visitor Leap Card that allows you to ride all busses and light rail (called LUAS) with 1 day (24 hours) – €10.00 and 3 days (72 hours) – €19.50 They can be purchased at a number of locations around the city and online. There is also automated bike rental system called Just Eat Dublinbikes that will also allow you to use the Leap Card.

Taxis – Taxi service is reasonably priced in Dublin. When cruise ships come in or are boarding/Disembarking there is likely to be a wait to get a cab. A recent ride from the port to a hotel in the CBD was €15 and from that hotel to the airport was €22.

Sightseeing Buses – The city has a number of sightseeing bus services that allow for hop-on, hop-off and currently average $20+ per person per day. There are also a number of good walking tours. For information check with a Tourist Information location (i).

Bikes & Scooters – There are very little in the way of hills in Dublin so bicycles and electric scooters are an easy way to get around Dublin. There are several options for renting with a large number of self-service locations around the city. Dublinbikes also has a 3 day ticket where you take a bike from one cycle stand, bike around town, and drop the bike off near your destination.

Currency

The Republic of Ireland is still a member of the European Union and the Euro is the local currency (€). Most major credit cards are welcome and ATM machines are everywhere.

Free Things to Do in Dublin

Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art – A world class collection with an impressive number of exhibits and galleries.

Millennium Bridge – A popular example of modernistic architecture over the Liffey River connecting two great very walkable river front trails.

Trinity College – Stroll through one of the worlds best eduction institutions featuring a number of historic sites.

College Green – An impressive open space that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Grand Canal – Spend a little casual time beside the water to rest and revive.

Irish Stock Exchange – Plan a visit and find out the importance of this place to the community.

St. Teresa’s Church – The center of Dublin’s religious life and a holy site.

Christ Church Cathedral, formally The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, it is the cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin.

Ha’penny Bridge – Also known as the Penny Bridge, and officially the Liffey Bridge, is a pedestrian cast iron bridge built in 1816 over the River Liffey.

Dublins parks and gardens. In the center of Dublin is St. Stephens Green, a large and very popular park. The National Botanic Gardens is a couple of miles from central Dublin but not to be missed to view the country’s native plants in a gorgeous setting. The Hill of Tara has incredible views and can be found on any map of Dublin. Another is Phoenix Park known for its beautiful running paths. If traveling with kids, a great choice is to spend some time in The Dublin Zoo.

Stout and Whiskey Guinness Storehouse is a very popular tourist attraction at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Also Jameson Distillery Bow St. is the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971. It is now another popular visitors centre.

The Famous Temple Bar Neighborhood

Dublin is famous for an incredible number of pubs with many featuring live music. Probably the most famous is the Temple Bar which has become the center of an entertainment district.

There are a number of other local attractions in Dublin that highlight the history of the city. Kilmainham Goal, once an infamous jail. Marsh Library has a vast collection of over 20,000 rare books. The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship docked on the Liffey River, and th4 Famine Museum is one of the best places to learn about the history of Dublin. If you are interested in learning about the original inhabitants of Dublin, be sure to stop at Dublinia: Experience Viking and Medieval Dublin to see history presented in a fun and entertaining way.

Venice, Italy And Cruising

Please Note: Recently the port of Venice has been closed to larger cruise ships so if your cruise itinerary includes Venice the ship will likely dock in either Ravenna (Royal Caribbean & Celebrity) or Trieste (Holland & Princess). More on this change below.

There Will Always Be Venice

Venice remains one of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean. Cruise ships regularly scheduled over-night stays in the port and now with the port changes many cruise itineraries will be providing overnight options in hotels.

This is an island city criss-crossed canals and is home to the iconic gondola. If you are planning your first Mediterranean visit or cruise we would still strongly recommend you selecting an itinerary that includes this marvelous city.

Where Smaller Ships Dock

Smaller cruise ships will dock primarily at the cruise terminal of Venice called Venezia Terminali Passeggeri. The piers are located just to the southwest of the northern entrance to The Grand Canal and to the west of Piazzale Roma. Many piers are equipped with terminals that offer facilities and some shops.

Transportation

The main city is an island cut in half by The Grand Canal which acts as a sort of waterway main street. The heart of the city is centered around St. Marks Square (Piazza San Marco) which is the most popular destination for visitors.

Small boats for touring around the lagoon dock along Riva degli Schiavoni which is just east of St. Marks Square in front of the Doge’s Palace. Tours start at $25. From Piazza Roma, you also catch a water bus (vaporetto) on either Line 1 or Line 2 along the length of the Grand Canal to St Mark’s for about $12. Venice was built in the 5th century and is noted for art and architecture along with the iconic canals separating 118 small islands making up the metropolitan area.

Venice is a very walkable city and while the streets seem to zigzag throughout the city it is isn’t difficult to keep your bearings. Numerous directional signs will point the way to major destinations like the Rialto Bridge, which is one of two bridges across the The Grand Canal with additional markers pointing the way to St. Marks Square. The other bridge across The Grand Canal is a footbridge called the Ponte dell’ Accademia located farther south from the Rialto.

Currency

Italy uses the Euro and US Dollars are not readily accepted but most major credit cards are. You will also see a number of ATMs.

Attractions

Just strolling thru this remarkable city is the main attraction with its interesting neighborhoods, historic architecture, famous upscale shopping streets, open-air marketplaces and an endless assortment of incredible restaurants and cafes. Several trades have made Venice famous like mask making shops, art glass and art galleries. And of course there’s the annual Carnival.

A few of the more notable mask shops are Atelier Marega, Calle del Scaleter, 2940/B, Tragicomica, Calle dei Nomboli, 2800, Carta Alta Venetian Masks, Sestiere Giudecca, 796, Venice Masks by Alberto Sarria, San Polo 777, and Atelier Flavia, Sestiere Castello, 6010. The glass factories of Venice of which the most famous is Murano Glass Works are located on Murano Island, which is actually a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon which can be reached by ferries.

Popular Tours

Guided 2 Hour Walking Tour of Venice. Don’t waste time getting lost amid bridges and crowds but instead explore with a guide to discover the highlights and history in minimal time. Includes the Rialto Bridge , St. Marks Square and the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo.

Murano, Burano and Torcello Sightseeing Tour. This sightseeing tour allows you to see three islands in the Venetian Lagoon in half a day. Visitors often visit Murano—well-known for its glass-blowing.

Skip the Line and Venice Walking Tour with St Mark’s Basilica. Discover the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice without the headache of long lines. Head to the front of the queue with your expert guide.

A Classic 30-Minute Gondola Ride (Average $40). Take a classic guided gondola ride along the Grand Canal and watch the sights of this incredible city glide by.

Cruise Ships & Venice

For years there have been groups and organizations protesting what many claim could be serious damage to the buildings and canals of the water city caused by the large cruise ships. This has been countered by other groups that believe that the city receives substantial revenues from the cruise lines for dockage fees tp passenger spending. Even with the results of two major studies finding that the damage caused by frequent storms is a much more serious threat than modern cruise ships the United Nations and its World Heritage arm still threw their weight against the cruise ships. Unfortunately the controversy surrounding the docking of large cruise ships in Venice has now been settled – Cruise ships above certain sizes (about 90%) are now banned from entering the Venice Lagoon.

In response the cruise lines are setting up alternate ports that will still allow their passengers access to spend time in Venice. They are also providing other ports to replace Venice as a departure port. The two nearest ports with adequate docking are Ravenna and Trieste and for the time being the cruise lines seem to be selecting between the two. For example Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are focusing on Ravenna while NCL will be using Trieste.

As you explore itineraries you’ll find a number of ships are staying overnight to allow plenty of time to visit Venice. Using buses Trieste is about a little over two hours to Venice (135 miles) with the Ravenna trip coming in between one and half to under two hours (105 miles). Another option that is also gaining traction is taking advantage of overnight hotel accommodations in Venice during your port stay.

If you are inclined to visit Venice on your own there are a number of affordable options to explore with bus service still topping the list:

Trieste to Venice

FlixBus operates a bus from Trieste to Venice that leaves every 4 hours. Tickets cost $12 to $15 (€10 – €13) and takes about 2 hours. Itabus also has service 5 times a day. By rail Trenitalia operates a train from Trieste Centrale to Venezia S. Lucia every hour. Tickets cost $12 to $24 (€10 – €21) depending on seat class and the trains take 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Ravenna to Venice

The best way to go to Venice from Ravenna is by bus, which costs about $10 (€9). The train to Venice, costs about $17 (€15) with trains about every hour. By bus or train the trip takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours with the bus being slightly faster but with less frequent service than the trains.

Málaga Spain A Cruise Port

Málaga, Spain, is a popular cruise destination on the Costa del Sol in the Mediterranean, and is located east of Gibraltar on the Alborin Sea,

The city of Málaga has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by the cave paintings of the Cueva de la Pileta (Cave of the Pool) and was originally established as a city by the Phoenicians some 3,000 years ago. The Phoenicians settlement at Málaga was called MALACA using the natural harbor as an important centre for salting fish. Málaga has seen a number of major transitions, being occupied and settled by the Romans and later became a major Muslim city in Spain. The Muslims were expelled after the area was conquered in 1487 by the Christian kings of Europe. Today it is a thriving modern city sitting along beautiful beaches in the heart of the Spanish Costa del Sol.

Where Your Ship Docks

Cruise ships dock at a terminal at Paseo de la Farola marina. The pier is right downtown and has a number of shops and cafes right on the marina and includes free public facilities. Getting into the main shopping district is less than five or ten blocks and the old city is just a little farther.

The shops along the Paseo de la Farola Marina.