Bermuda: 10th Anniversary Cruise

It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago, we got married. 2008 doesn’t seem that far in the past, but then I realize it’s 2018! We’ve packed a lot into a decade and look forward to the next one!

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we dropped our little guy with Mumsie and Grandaddy in KY before embarking on a cruise to Bermuda. The cruise left from Baltimore, so of course we had to explore! A big thanks to Andrew Lincoln, proud Baltimorean (??) for his lovely recommendations!

Have you really been to Baltimore if you don’t try the crabs?

Bo Brooks–Baltimore Institution

Exploring Fells Point and the oldest saloon in the USA

Good night, Baltimore!

The next morning, we hopped aboard the Grandeur of the Seas for a 5-night journey.

Adios, Baltimore! Let’s out run this storm!

Passing under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, moments after our departure

After dinner our first night aboard the ship!

Our first full day on the cruise was a Sea Day. So, this is the day we decided to celebrate our anniversary (the actual day occurred a few weeks later).

Before dinner at Chops Grille.

John surprised me with an anniversary band that matches my wedding band! 🙂 And he printed out this entire blog (through 2017) to go on our bookshelf!

The next morning, we pulled into Bermuda. First, however, I got some pampering at sea!

Now THIS is a manicure!

Before going ashore, we wanted to say hello to our little guy. He was not so keen on the whole FaceTime thing. Needless to say we didn’t try this again!

You didn’t take me with you?!?!

Our ship docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard. We disembarked, did some exploring, then caught a ferry to Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda.

Royal Naval Dockyard

First stop in Hamilton, the Princess Hotel for some lunch!

Incredible views!

Rum Swizzle: one of Bermuda’s signature drinks!

Fish Sandwich on Raisin Bread (surprisingly delicious) and Bermuda carrots

After our stop in Hamilton, we ventured to the Rosewood, a gorgeous hotel. They have a bar with lovely murals that were once in the Sky Club of the PanAm Building (now the MetLife Building) in NYC.

Murals

Full view

I’m loving the Bermuda Shorts! It’s all business with a little bit of fun 😉

Upon leaving the Rosewood, we headed to St. George’s–which is the “historic district” of Bermuda.

My guy 🙂

Iconic white rooftops used for catching rain water. Each building has its own cistern underneath!

Exploring!

On the ferry back to the boat.

The next morning, we were scheduled to rent a boat and cruise around the island ourselves. However, due to high winds and the resulting seas it was canceled! We made the best of it and went to Horseshoe Bay, a famous pink sand beach, instead.

Consolation prize: feeding the fish!

Horseshoe Bay

At the beach!

A little rock climbing for a beautiful view

Stunning

I loved this 🙂

After some time on the beach, we headed back to the ship for a leisurely session of reading and sailing away.

Bermuda is a beautiful country–an interesting combination of British and Caribbean island culture. It seems to have a bit of the British sensibility and politeness, mixed with a Caribbean laid-back spirit and true appreciation for natural beauty. The food and drink are tasty and the views beautiful. We’d love to spend more time here and hopefully rent that boat that we missed out on!

Meanwhile, at home, Conrad was having a great time with Mumsie and Grandaddy

Our final day was a day at sea. We did one of the coolest things we’ve done on a cruise ship–a galley kitchen tour! It was amazing to see how kitchen crews prepare so much food in so little space!

My favorite area: pastry!

With the Head Chef!

Later that day, as we were doing some reading, we noticed some American military aircraft practicing take-offs and landings from an aircraft carrier. Something I never dreamed of seeing in person–it was SO cool!!!!