Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

This is my third visit to Bermuda and my second time at the Royal Naval Dockyard. The Dockyard area is not the Bermuda you see in films and advertisements showing sandy beaches and beautiful homes. But there is much of historical interest and plenty of shopping opportunities for those more materialistic visitors.

The sky is a brilliant blue and the sun is shining brightly as we dock at 9:00am. This morning the Nieuw Statendam is the only ship in port, although a Norwegian Line ship will arrive at noon. Since I joined two shore excursions the last time I was here, in late March 2017, today I will wander the small area on my own.

After very good French toast in the Marketplace, I pack up my trusty shoulder bag with everything I need for the day and head off the gangway into a very strong headwind. Although the temperature is in the low 70s, the wind is not fun.

The major things to see here are the remains of the British encampment that served during several major conflagrations, from the American Revolution through two world wars. Many of the buildings have been restored and function as shopping malls, art galleries, bars, and restaurants.

The Commissioner's House commands a beautiful site at the very northeast tip of the island. The first two photos below show the building from my veranda. It is now the home of the Bermuda History Museum:

Almost at the other end of the Dockyard is the Clocktower Building, now the home of a busy shopping mall designed to separate tourists from their money.

Since I have visited the remains of the British before, I decide to walk south to the more typical Bermuda town of Somerset. As I start the waterside route across a long viaduct, I have a good view of the mighty Statendam (from now on I am doing away with the Nieuw), towering over the boats in the local marina.

The first reward of my wind-blown walk is a view of a lovely typical Bermudan home.

Further along I pass views of sky and sea . . .

Bridge Watch Tower

Pulpit Rock, with Hamilton City in the Distance

. . . as I cross the bridge into Somerset:

The return walk is less strenuous since it is mostly downhill and the wind has subsided a bit. This historic gateway marks the entrance back into the British Royal Navy District:

Feral chicken families lead happy lives all over Bermuda:

After reaching the northernmost point of the island, I enjoy a leisurely walk back to the ship. I stop for a burger and fries lunch on the Lido Pool deck before seeking rest and comfort in my stateroom.

In preparation for the next seven days at sea, I decide getting drunk at dinner makes the most sense. At my usual table I set up for the night with a margarita, a glass of Merlot, and my usual sparkling water.

I avoid the Caesar salad tonight and the choices I make for dinner are all excellent:

Coconut and Coriander Bisque

Briased Duck with Raspberry Sauce

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

Raspberry Swiss Roll with Whipped Cream

And now I bid all an excellent good night!