We have just returned from a 7-day cruise to Bermuda sailing round trip from New York on board Holland America Line’s ms Veendam. The cruise departed New York City late Sunday afternoon, arriving into Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital city on Tuesday morning, were we docked until Friday at 12 noon. Here are some of our discoveries around Hamilton.
Views from Around Hamilton, Bermuda
The ship docked right along Front Street, for easy on-and-off access. Bermuda’s British history dates to 1609 when the Sea Venture — a British ship carrying colonists to Jamestown, Virginia — ran aground off the islands. The stranded survivors established the first permanent settlement, which became a British Crown Colony three years later, in 1612.
The Hamilton City Hall and Arts Center opened in 1960. Its weathervane features a model of the Sea Venture ship. The ship’s maritime calamity was key to the development of Bermuda.
The Bermuda National Gallery occupies the second floor of the City Hall. Admission is free but photos inside the gallery are not allowed. This poster promotes one of the exhibits.
Bermuda’s pink and blue public buses link Hamilton to all Bermuda destinations. The Hamilton Bus Station is next to the City Hall. Rental cars are not allowed in Bermuda.
The Perot Post Office dates to the 1800’s but is still in use today.
Inside, the post office looks at it did in the 1800s, except that electric lights provide illumination rather than the candles.
Queen Elizabeth Park was once the private estate of Bermuda’s first postmaster, William Perot.
Filled with large shady trees, colorful flowers, sculptures and other art, Queen Elizabeth Park offers an ideal place to relax.
The rubber tree at the park’s entrance was imported from British Guiana in 1847. Mark Twain, a frequent visitor to Bermuda, joked of his disappointment that the tree didn’t bear overshoes or water bottles.
Bermudian businessmen do wear pink Bermuda shorts and knee socks for formal business attire.
The Hog Penny is one of Hamilton’s famous pubs, where one might enjoy a pint with their lunch or dinner.
This is only half of an order of fish and chips at the Hog Penny Pub, also known for its Bermuda fish chowder, made with white fish, sausage, sherry peppers and a splash of Black Seal rum.
On Front Street, conveniently close to the cruise pier, the Port O’ Call is a popular restaurant. Its bar features a daily Happy Hour from 5-7 pm and it a favorite of ex-pats and business people living and/or working in Bermuda.
A “Dark and Stormy” is the local beverage of choice made with black rum floated on top of ginger beer with a wedge of lime. We enjoyed this version at the Port O’ Call.
Have you visited Hamilton? What did you enjoy most about Bermuda?
You also may also enjoy these posts about our Bermuda cruise from New York City .”;
- A Peek Inside the Hilton New York Fashion District Hotel
- Exploring New York City – Eataly
- Sailing Away to Bermuda on the ms Veendam
- Sailing into Hamilton, Bermuda on Holland America’s Veendam
- A Sunset Cruise with a Rumologist: Goslings Taste of Bermuda Shore Excursion
- Views from Bermuda’s Tobacco Bay Park
- An Evening at Le Cirque onboard the Veendam
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