Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

A Sunset Cruise with a Rumologist: Goslings Taste of Bermuda Shore Excursion

by Janis on August 10, 2012

We weren’t planning to take any shore excursions on our Holland America Line cruise to Bermuda on the Veendam.

But after reading this description of the Goslings Taste of Bermuda Sunset Cruise, we knew that this was a shore excursion that we would enjoy:

Explore brilliant seascapes and experience a real taste of island life on this 90-minute fun cruise, guaranteed to put you in the Bermuda spirit. You will cruise the calm waters of Great Sound at sunset, viewing the beautiful homes and tranquil bays, while learning about the rich history of Bermuda, local traditions, and the story behind Gosling’s Rum – Bermuda’s oldest business. The on-board “Rumologist” – a serious professional – will introduce you to a local liqueur and three different local rums. Be sure to sample the delicious local rum cake. Watch as the crew prepare Bermuda’s national drink, the Dark’n Stormy, and discover the true secrets of the Bermuda rum swizzle. Gosling’s Rum is one of Bermuda’s few exports, and is by far the most popular. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to purchase Gosling’s products at duty-free prices, so you can savor the taste of Bermuda long after your visit.

We booked the tour.

It was a beautiful evening.

We boarded the tour boat right beside our cruise ship.

7pm is the perfect hour in Bermuda, as the temperature is starting to cool slightly.

Everyone was ready to enjoy the sunset and the rum.

Our “rumologist” began his educational talk on the history of the Gosling family and Black Seal rum in Bermuda dating back to 1806.

The education included sampling three different types of Goslings rum, while learning the finer points of making a rum swizzle and a Dark ‘n’ Stormy — a drink of rum and ginger beer with a lime.

While sampling the rum, we sailed among some of the small islands that make up Bermuda.

The clouds in the sky make a beautiful backdrop for rum education.

We were enjoying the evening.

Then the sun started to drop from the sky.

Lower, it was almost gone from the sky.

Rum + sunset equaled romance.

One last glimpse of sun.

It was time to drink more rum, from the cash bar, and place our order for duty-free rum to take home.

Our rum purchase was delivered to our cruise ship stateroom on the last night of our cruise.

Which do you like better — rum or sunsets?

You also may also enjoy these posts about cruising from New York City to Bermuda”;

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Sailing into Hamilton, Bermuda on Holland America’s Veendam

by Janis on August 9, 2012

Tuesday morning we sailed into Bermuda on the Veendam, a Holland America Line cruise ship.

Our cruise to Bermuda departed the Manhattan Cruise Terminal late Sunday afternoon, and after spending Monday at sea, most of our fellow passengers were excited to arrive in Bermuda. Since the Veendam docks in downtown Hamilton, it takes about an hour and a half for the ship to navigate into port.

First, we sailed by the other cruise ships that dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard, away from the capital city.

The Holland America Travel Guide provided scenic commentary as we sailed into Hamilton. We watched the Veendam sail into Bermuda from the ship’s bow, opened to cruise guests only during special scenic cruising opportunities.

To reach the bow, you have to take a slightly hidden staircase from deck six.

And then head out the open door normally marked “crew ONLY”.

The bow is the location of the ship’s bell.

We sailed by the pink Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel.

Tugs helped direct the Veendam to the dock right beside the main street of Hamilton.

This ship is this close — very unusual.

Welcome to Bermuda!

Have you been to Bermuda?

You also may also enjoy these other posts about our trip from New York City to Bermuda”;

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Sailing Away to Bermuda on the ms Veendam

by Janis on August 8, 2012

It’s always a thrill to sail past the Statue of Liberty.

We set sail from New York City — headed to Bermuda — on board the Holland America Line ms Veendam.

First, we boarded the Veendam through the very efficient Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Then, we attended the mandatory lifeboat drill at our muster station. Everyone was paying attention as attendance was taken; no one could leave until every passenger was accounted for at the muster drill.

Our 7-day cruise itinerary on the Veendam is straightforward: New York City to Hamilton, Bermuda. After spending four days and three nights in Bermuda, we sail back to New York.

Bon Voyage!

Do you thinking a cruise is a good way to visit Bermuda? Why or why not?

You also may also enjoy these posts about our time in New York City:

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Exploring New York City — Eataly

by Janis on August 7, 2012

Last weekend we spent Saturday night at the Hilton New York Fashion District hotel prior to boarding a cruise to Bermuda. After taking in the view from the hotel’s rooftop bar, we asked Joesph, our friendly bartender, for a nearby casual spot to grab dinner.

Joseph and his co-workers recommended Eataly at 200 5th Avenue, located only a few blocks from our hotel.

From the outside entrance, Eataly looked like a straight-forward Italian restaurant. Upon entering, however, we were quickly transported into a mega-market /food theater/ giant wine bar / multiple restaurants /high-end supermarket that seemed to be in the heart of Italy.

We quickly grabbed two empty spots at the marble-topped stand-up tables at La Paizza, a wine bar with Salumi & Formaggi served by speedy waiters.

We drank glasses of Gavi wine as we ate our way through the Grande Piatto Misto — described as “an assortment of the best cheese and salumi of Eataly.” This turned out to be a large platter of meats, cheeses, honey, fruit, nuts and olive oil paired with warm bread.

With our stomachs happy, we set out to explore more of this 50,000 square feet “grocery store with tasting rooms.”

Oscar Farinetti, an Italian businessman, founded Eataly in Turin, Italy in 2007, when he converted a closed vermouth factory into European mega food market complete with mini-restaurants and a learning center. Today there are seven Eataly locations in Italy and six more in Japan.

Farinetti opened the New York Eataly in 2010 in partnership with chef Mario Batali, his restaurant partner Joe Bastianich, and Bastianich’s chef/restaurateur/TV food personality mother Lidia. ( A side note: we love Lidia’s Kansas City restaurant.)

We could spend hours in Eataly, just viewing all of the food.

Prime Dry Age Porterhouse Steaks from Kansas …. at $28.80 a pound???? Makes us appreciate our Kansas City beef supply.

With Wild Alaska King Salmon at $29.80 per pound, Mr. Jones wants to be the supplier of Alaskan fish for Eataly.

Have you been to Eataly? What’s your favorite spot?

You also may be interested in these New York City posts:

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