azamara cruises, azamara journey, bermuda, hamilton

Azamara Journey in Hamilton, Bermuda

After two sea days, we've arrived in Bermuda.  Our first day leaving the Caribbean was very calm and warm.  The second day, traveling nearly due north, we encountered cooler temperatures and rough seas.  After about 36 hours of walk-hampering and for some, stomach-churning discomfort, it was a great to reach Hamilton yesterday morning.  On the first evening of our northern passage, we enjoyed dinner in the specialty restaurant, Prime C.  Classified as an "American Steakhouse", Prime C offers a small restaurant environment, personalized service and a huge wine list for a more upscale dining experience.  It's always a pleasure to enjoy the specialty restaurants and Prime C was no exception - great service and great food.

Hamilton has two cruise ship docks, the original "town-side" pier is right in the heart of Hamilton.  You literally walk off the ship onto Front Street, the  main street that runs along the harbor.  The other area known as the Docklands, or Kings Wharf is at the tip of island, about a 45 minute bus ride, or 20 minute ferry ride from downtown.   The smaller size of the Azamara Journey allows us to dock right in the heart of Hamilton.  We're scheduled on our 3rd ship-sponsored excursion this morning, the "Famous Home and Hideaways Cruise".  Shortly after docking, we're onshore to meet our tour group for a 10AM departure.  Our tour boat is very conveniently moored just a short walk away.  After boarding, we enjoy a circular route around the impressive harbor with our tour guide pointing out homes of famous Bermudians, English and Americans.  Among these are perhaps the most well known to US citizens, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Also among the lesser known are the homes originally built or occupied by  James Martin the pioneer of Texas Instruments, William Denslow the illustrator of the Wizard of Oz, and Mark Twain who spent quite a lot of time in Bermuda. 

Returning to the ship we enjoy a quick lunch at the Pool Grill before doing a bit of work in the stateroom.  About 6pm we decide to catch the ferry over to the Docklands and visit one of our favorite pubs (this side of London), The Frog and Onion.  Unfortunately the ferries are still on their "winter schedule" and the last ferry was at 4:30.  After returning to the ship we're greeted with an unexpected announcement from the Captain.  It seems that yet another weather system is forecast into Bermuda which would make our transit into and out of the narrow passages of St. Georges Island a bit too precarious.  Instead of moving to St. Georges tomorrow morning as planned, we will remain right here in downtown Hamilton until we depart for New York on Saturday morning. 

Thanks to the Hog Penny Pub for use of their internet connection and the great lobster cakes!

More from Hamilton or enroute to New York City...