relaxation in bermuda

What an amazing way to spend a week long vacation! I got to sit by the pool and read a book, play trivia, overlook some spectacular turquoise water, and get a small history lesson. I have had a blessed life in that vacation for me ALWAYS happened in some shape or form....seriously always. I know that I may now sound super spoiled for saying that, but I am eternally grateful for my parents and their hard work to make vacations happen. There were times where our vacation would just be a long weekend doing something together as a family, but there was always a "vacation" 

Now that you now all of that information you understand why vacations are such a bug deal to me. My other half doesn't really feel that way about vacations- at all. He thinks that they are expensive and takes a lot of planning, but he is always up for adventure. My type A personality loves the planning aspect of a trip, but my wallet not so much. 

I decided back in January that a cruise would be a great vacation for the two of us! Unlimited food, shows, entertainment and soaking up the sunshine. We decided to cruise on Royal Caribbean to Bermuda for a seven day cruise. I had cruised before, once on Royal Caribbean and once on Carnival, and now that I am older I thoroughly enjoyed Royal Caribbean and the overall experience of a cruise. It was a pleasant surprise to be "disconnected" for a week with no wi-fi or cell service to depend on. (you don't realize how much you use Google in your life until you go without, haha)

We left the East Coast on Friday (June 5) and spent two days cruising down the Atlantic. I spent most of the time finishing up The Astronaut Wives Club  (which you can read about here) by the pool and soaking up the gorgeous sunshine.We were lucky to get seven perfect days of sunny weather!

We docked in Bermuda on Monday evening and hung around King's Wharf and the Royal Naval Dockyard since we didn't want to venture into town late at night. We got some famous Bermuda Rum Cakes and wandered around the Clock-tower Mall until dinner time. We also noticed the Moon Gate Arch in the Royal Naval Dockyard. "Couples who kiss under our moon gates, the wedding band shaped arches found throughout the island- will according to local legend be assured a long and happy life together. Walk through one of or lovely limestone archways, make a wish and look forward to a joyful and prosperous future." ← how adorable!

 The next day we got up bright and early to catch our snorkeling excursion to two of Bermuda's any ship wrecks. Did you know that Bermuda is a the ship wreck capital of the Atlantic?!? Crazy right! Anyhow the snorkeling trip was a BLAST! The water temperature was perfect and the water was so clear I could see 20 feet below me to the bottom. We got some great footage with the GoPro and that will get posted eventually. Our snorkel "guide" was born and raised on the island so it was also a brief Bermuda lesson and Q&A session all rolled into one. The boat also had a slide on the front which dropped riders about five feet above the water! It was one of the coolest things I have done in my life and made the entire vacation well worth the trip. 

After the morning snorkeling trip we took the local bus to Horseshoe Bay beach. I know that Bermuda has a ton of beaches to offer and I know Horseshoe Bay is the busiest and most touristy beach of them all, but I knew how to get there and I knew the bus ride wouldn't take that long. That beach also has the some of the nicest facilities for cleaning and since we were riding the bus I knew we couldn't get on with wet, sandy feet. We climbed up to the top of the rock that surrounds Horseshoe Bay for some spectacular views. I loved that we could swim in water up to our heads, yet still see our feet so easily. If we go back I would be more open to venturing off to a different beach to explore more of what the island has to offer. 

Our third day on the island we decided to catch the ferry to St. George's on the far north end of the island. St. George's is known for being the "old city" of Bermuda. It's where the British first landed when settling the island so there is still a great deal of British influence throughout the city. It was a nice city to walk around and admire the architecture and history of the island. We decided to grab lunch in St. George instead of the ship, and we payed the price-literally. Since practically everything in Bermuda is imported, the import tax is sky high and your wallet can sometimes pay the price. It was only one meal so it didn't break the bank and I was able to get some delicious panko-crusted wahoo fish!

The last few days of the trip were spent at sea and relaxing by the pool. I will admit that by about day five of the trip I was getting cranky and irritated. I missed by bed, my nice big shower, my dog, my mom, and other luxuries of home. Again, I know that I sound like a very spoiled person but I'm just being honest. Overall the trip was absolutely amazing and I had a blast. I loved spending quality time with my other half and relaxing without the phone ringing or emails buzzing.