Cruise Specials About Cruising

Bermuda and the Bahamas   Introduction   Bermuda is perceived as a tropical paradise, but dubbing it such would do injustice to the pastel cottages, quaint shops, and manicured gardens that are the markers of a more staid, suburban way of life. Still, sun, sea and sand are the mitigating factors that prompt half-a-million-plus annual visitors. This Atlantic haven is one of the cleanliest places in the world, for it is without slums, crime and unemployment. It boasts a mild climate, pink beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, 17th-century architecture and splendid golf courses.   The Bahamas is a unique country, for it is comprised of 700 islands - and 75% of the land mass lies underwater. The sea is this country's prevailing feature, and local painters, divers, boat builders, fisherman and chefs all draw inspiration from it. Though the Bahamas is only an hour's flight from Florida, it seems much more secluded, and there are times when you may discover that the only set of footprints gracing the shore belong to you. You can unwind on a luminous beach, witness marching pink flamingos, visit ancient forts and explore underwater caves.   Getting Around   Mapping your way through the streets of Bermuda and the Bahamas is quite possible. Larger cities might require the use of a guide, but most towns are relatively small and a day's walk enables you to take in all the chief attractions. Locals are friendly and they are more than willing to point you in the right direction.       Cruise Tip ...More Tips Examples of shore excursion opportunities in Bermuda and the Bahamas include:   Sports Excursions Mountain bike the Bermuda railway trail through King's Wharf and take in stunning seascapes. Parasail 400 feet over the skies of Cococay. Golf at the popular Robert-Trent Jones'-designed Port Royal Golf Club in Hamilton, Bermuda. Adventure Expeditions Cruise the waters of Paradise Island in Nassau at 70 miles-per-hour in an authentic championship race boat. Tandem sky dive over the Grand Bahamas from more than 10,000 feet. Kayak safari through St. George, Bermuda past breathtaking lagoons and vibrant coral reef. Cultural Attractions Visit an 18th century Bahamian mansion in the Grand Bahamas and create, bottle and name your own perfume. Hear the sounds of authentic steel drum bands and watch limbo and fire dancers when you visit the Clayhouse Inn Nightclub at St. George, Bermuda. Unravel the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle at the Ocean Discovery Center in Hamilton. Nature Trips Walk through the Garden of the Groves in Freeport and view its 10,000 plants, waterfalls, duck ponds and native birds. Spelunk Bermuda's Crystal Caves, a vast cavern in Hamilton that descends 120 feet below the surface to a crystal-clear pond below. Tour the tropical paradise of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas and see swaying palms, sea grape trees, curly-tailed lizards and banaquit birds. Historical Tours Retrace the steps of legendary pirates in Nassau when you visit the dungeons of Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte. Trolley train tour Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard, which the British built in the early 1800's as a harbor for its fleet of ships. Tour St. George's Carriage Museum, St. Peter's Church and King's Square by candlelight. Wildlife Interaction Journey through Discover Atlantis, an extensive marine habitat aquarium in Nassau that is home to more than 150,000 fish representing 200 species. Tickle the tummy of a giant stingray in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Swim with friendly dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau. Shopping Districts Shop at Freeport's International Bazaar, a 10-acre complex comprising 90 shops representing different regions of the world. Delight in the vast array of handicrafts sold at the world-famous straw marketing Nassau. Browse the Crafts Market for Shetland sweaters and bone china in Hamilton, Bermuda. Enhance your travel to Bermuda and the Bahamas by reading about its culture, people and history in these novels: Out-Island Doctor - Evans W. Cottman, Wyatt Blassingame The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved - Larry Kusche Gun Ketch - Dewey Lambdin Sparks Returns - John Prince Wind from the Carolinas - Robert Wilder