I have a few questions for the Navigator and Bermuda veterans. Am booked on the Sept. 1 sailing out of NY. My mother likely will be coming with me, but she's waiting until the last minute to be sure she's up to it. She can't do much walking, but is looking forward to seeing the area. How far from Hamilton does the ship dock? Can she walk to some shopping? Any excursions that are good for a non-walker?

Also, how are the hair dryers in the suites? The ones on Song of Flower were anemic, to say the least. Are these better? Also, are they of a shape that you can attach a diffuser to the blower? (hey, these are the important things in life!)

Hi Crys,

When we were in Bermuda we docked in St. George, but in Hamilton the cruise ships dock directly across from a really pleasant shopping street. It would not be a long walk. Also, there are benches on the dock side of the street, so for a breather you could cross back to that side and sit and watch the people go by. The Hamilton downtown area is hilly, so beyond that first street facing the dock you would have a bit of a climb, as I recall. We spent only part of one day in Hamilton, and I'm not much of a shopper, but I bet others will be able to give you more guidance on the good shops, etc.

It happened that our time was such that we didn't take any of the ship's excursions, so I can't remember exactly what was offered. However, there are several ways to get around that are good for a non-walker. The ferry system would be a lovely way to see the island from the water, and believe it or not the public bus system worked well between Hamilton and St. George. Taxis are readily available, also. If we ever go back, I will be arranging a taxi tour to get to some areas of the island that we missed.

St. George, by the way, is a lovely little town, much smaller than Hamilton, and I highly recommend a visit there, as well as to Fort St. Catherine near St. George. Like Hamilton, St. George is built uphill from the water, but a little shopping street fronts onto the water, and the visitors center and a town square are right near the dock and the shopping area. We took a taxi to the fort from the St. George town square (probably a five-minute ride, if that).

All in all, I believe there are some good options for a non-walker. You will love the trip!

The dryers worked really well and the one in my cabin had a diffuser in the cabin - you'll find it on the shelf in the closet.
One word of caution walking on the front steet in Hamilton - the sidewalk is a bit uneven and your mom would want to watch her step it's easy to trip. The shops are nice to see. It's a beautiful island and taking a taxi would be a great way to see things.

I did one of the ship's excursions in April. It lasted about 3 hours and was a great way to see Hamilton and St. George. Transportation was via van-cab, about 4 people per cab, and we were picked up right outside the terminal where you exit from the ship.

This might be great for your Mother as there was very little walking required and you are given shopping time if you wish.........

Claudia

There are several shore excursions available for your mom...a one hour trolley tour when in Hamilton or a horse-drawn carriage ride in St. George. There are also several historic homes or government buildings on a tour in Hamilton, but of course, once you arrive you would leave the bus for short periods of walking.
I am on the Navigator now as I write this and my mom is not able to walk too far, either. She wasn't able to do excursions because it is so muggy here but she did find her suite on Deck Six to be convenient to the library, card room, dinner, etc.
Hair dryer in suite acceptable and had a diffuser.

Thanks for the info, everyone! Mom is wavering, so I'm trying to assure her she'll find a good time one way or another.

Crys, I hope it works out for your mom. I really do believe that Bermuda would be manageable for her, even if she doesn't plan to do much walking. There is so much that can be seen from the water on the ferry line and by a taxi tour. I'll keep my fingers crossed!