Port Description

Where You're Docked

At King's Wharf. Taxi's are plentiful and you can rent scooters.</p />

Getting Around

If you're a first-time visitor, get a good map before setting out, and don't be shy about asking for directions. The Department of Tourism publishes a free pocket map (Bermuda Handy Reference Map). A good first stop on your first day is at the Visitors Service Bureau on Front Street (open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm) for bus tokens, tickets, and transportation passes.

Bermudians drive on the left--and car rentals are verboten--which means visitors must rely on mopeds, bikes, taxis, ferries, and the cotton-candy pink bus system.

Surrey rides are fun, and you'll find plenty near Front Street's docks in Hamilton. A half-hour jaunt will run you $30.

What to See and Do

Bermuda Arts Centre: Formerly opened by the late Princess Margaret in the early 80s, you'll find works by a gaggle of local artists. In-residence artists include a cedar sculptor, a wood carver, and a jewelry designer. Of course, most everything is for sale. Daily 10am - 5pm. Freeport Rd.

Bermuda Maritime Museum: Filled to the brim with recovered treasures from the island's shipwrecks. Also check out the Commissioner's House. Built in the early 1800s, you'll enjoy this brilliantly restored home that offers great views from the verandas. Exhibits include antique maps and coins as well as an excellent one on slavery. Daily 9:30am - 5pm. Royal Naval Dockyard.

Fort Scaur: Built in the 1870s to protect the Royal Naval Dockyard because the British feared an attack from the U.S. Commanding views of Ely's Harbour and Great Sound if you stand on the ramparts. Nice place to stroll. The fort closes at 4:30pm, but the grounds stay open until sunset. Scaur Rd, Sandys.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse: Oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world. Although there's a 185-step climb to the top, the panoramic view of Bermuda and its shoreline from the balcony makes the exertion worthwhile. Reward yourself with an afternoon respite in their tearoom. Daily: 9am - 5pm. Lighthouse Rd, Southampton.

Heydon Trust: Named for the unpopular 17th-century Governor Jeremy Heydon. A staunch Puritan, he was charged with treason at the age of 80. Acquitted a few years later, he established the trust, and all the land remains intact today on 40-odd acres of magnificent, undeveloped countryside offering splendid water views. In addition to being a bird sanctuary, the grounds include fruit groves, gardens, and a tiny 1620 chapel, which is overseen by three nuns who sing Gregorian chants in Latin at services (Monday - Tuesday & Thursday - Friday 7:30am and 3pm, Wednesday and Saturday 3pm). Daily dawn - dusk. Somerset Rd, Sandys.

Sea Gardens: Take the Bottom Peeper--a glass-bottom boat that allows you to see shipwrecks as well as plenty of coral reefs, brain coral, and parrot fish. Ask about making it four hours to include snorkeling (the gear's onboard). Daily. Departs from Point Pleasant in Hamilton.

Where to Eat and Drink

You'll find plenty of traditional dishes like fish chowder laced with black rum and hot peppers, or hashed shark. And definitely order anything made with their fabulous Bermuda onions.

Food for thought: Norwegian Majesty's Bermuda Freestyle Dining Ashore Program gives cruisers the opportunity to try any one of dozens of what really are first-rate restaurants. Consider the Frog & Onion Pub at the Royal Naval Dockyard for gloriously golden conch fritters that'll have you licking your fingers. Pay $5 and get a lunch voucher worth $25 or $10 for a $50 dinner voucher.

Beethoven's: Specializes in fondue. Per-person cost for three courses including wine will run about $25. Daily 11:30am - 3pm. Royal Naval Dockyard.

Staying in Touch

Freeport Gardens, 1 Freeport Rd, Royal Naval Dockyard