Savvy Traveler: Bermuda shorts, a beautiful lifestyle

Bermuda is one of the more popular vacation destinations for North Americans, especially those arriving by cruise ship.

At one time, the prime departure point for Hamilton, Bermuda, was off Florida’s east coast with a few minor cruise lines leaving from New York and vicinity. That added considerably to the logistics of getting to the ship and the cost of transportation.

Today, that problem has been eased. One of the main traffickers on the Bermuda run is Celebrity Cruise Line’s ship, Summit. Leaving from Bayonne, N.J., the ship sails down the Atlantic Coast for a two-night stay in Bermuda.

Celebrity has earned a reputation as one of the more family-friendly cruise lines in an industry that in recent years has been growing by leaps and bounds. Activities for the younger set on the way to Bermuda is broken down by age.

Hamilton is the island’s capital and main port. The city is small and very manageable.

The temperatures on the island are warm, humid and subtropical; warm enough for coconut palm to grow.

One of the main attractions for cruisers is the number of absolutely stunning white sand beaches. You can surf, water ski, Jet Ski, sail and try your hand at either snorkeling or scuba in the crystal-clear waters.

Arrangements may be made while aboard the Celebrity Summit for transportation to any of the beaches. That, frankly, is your best bet.

Rental cars are not available to off-islanders but the seemingly ubiquitous scooters are. There is a strong caveat here: If you are not familiar with riding a two-wheel vehicle (aside from a bicycle) don’t! They are easy to handle, great for getting around in close quarters and inexpensive to ride but could pose a bit of a danger to the reckless or careless.

Time should be saved for a walk down the main street of Hamilton, only a stone’s throw from where the Celebrity Summit is docked. You can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or, as most cruisers do, help the local economy in the plethora of shops lining the main street and many of the side roads.

There is the usual tourist stuff made of coconuts and seashells, but look beyond that and you’ll find some good bargains such as china and exquisite handmade tablecloths and bed linens at prices well below those stateside.

If you will not be flying anywhere after your return, one of the best bargains is Bermudian rum. Some of it comes in interesting bottles and decanters in the shape of sailors, ships and whatever.

There is a tendency to overbuy, especially if you are going back onto a ship. That is compounded by the fact that most of the stores will deliver your booze right to the ship because it is duty-free. Not having to “schlep” bottles while you walk through the city can give you an unrealistic feeling of not having much.

Remember that whatever you bring back will have to be carried off the ship and that can become a chore. You are also limited by U.S. Customs to the amount you may bring in for gifts or personal use and will be required to pay duty on any excess.

For details and information, check http://www.celebritycruises.com/home.do.

Bob and Sandy Nesoff are members of the American Society of Authors and Journalists.