bermuda? - DPChallenge Forums

04/28/2012 07:41:39 AM · #1

I'm planning a cruise to Bermuda this summer. I will be spending 2-3 days on the island.

Anyone ever go or take a cruise there? What the best areas for photo ops? I'm been looking at the excursions and I don't see any where I will get to walk around and take a lot of pictures at a bunch of locales.

Message edited by author 2012-04-28 08:03:46.

04/28/2012 08:00:43 AM · #2

Oh, this is also an excuse to buy a new lens.

I have a tamron 10-24, 28-75, 85mm, 50mm. I know I need a longer zoom, but I'm not so sure I wouldn't rather upgrade my 10-24 to canon uwa, or get an L zoom.

04/28/2012 08:22:13 AM · #3

The last time I was in Bermuda was in 93, I would recommend hiring a scooter to see the island as you can get around the whole island easily.
Horseshoe bay is popular and I'm sure you will get some great shots. The hotels from what I remember were very colourful and v luxurious.
Bermuda was my first stop as part of a six month deployment to the Caribbean, it gets hazy after that stop as my alcohol levels remained in a higher than normal level.

Fond memories.

04/28/2012 08:58:18 AM · #4

So you would forgo a tourist excursion and just rent a scooter to get around?

04/28/2012 09:03:19 AM · #5

Definitely, there was very little traffic on the road and at no point did I feel at risk. A scooter will get you everywhere and is inexpensive plus you are not limited like you are on an official trip.
You can hire the scooters on the jetty.

HawkinsT

Olympus G-Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2

04/28/2012 09:32:48 AM · #6

I went there with my family when I was 10 so unfortunately I really can't give too much useful advice but I do remember it being a fantastic place and one I'd like to return to someday. If I were going though my biggest priority would be an underwater housing (if possible renting one), or failing that a waterproof compact; I've never seen water so clear and teeming with such brightly coloured fish outside of an aquarium before, and on the off chance you scuba dive there's a lot of wrecks etc. to see also.

From what I remember Jon's advice is pretty solid too, the cruise ships seem to dock and the people getting off stay fairly local to the boat or just in certain 'designated' areas and never get to see the island properly.

04/28/2012 10:06:30 AM · #7

That's good to know, thanks guys.

I though about waterproof housings, but I'm not that comfortable trusting one. Maybe a waterprrof compact as they are pretty cheap now. We were defineatly going snorkeling.

I plan to take lots of landscapes so I may updrade my uwa, do you think my 28-75 will be fine or should I get a say 24-105L or even a 15-85?

Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 ED AL AF

04/28/2012 01:15:38 PM · #8

Go for the 24-105, a great lens to walkaround with, I can't see it coming off my camera fir a while.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

04/28/2012 02:13:37 PM · #9

If you are going "scootering" a monopod would be a good piece of equipment to have along. A fanny pack is a handy way to go for on the move shooting and would be easy to travel with on a scooter. I use one that holds 3 or 4 lenses, extra battery, extra cards, and a couple of filters when shooting on the go.
The waterproof P&S is a very good idea. If you are not wanting to spend a lot for one, there are good ones on eBay all the time. I keep a little Fuji XP 10 with me at all times to get the impulse shots, and it's a pretty good, tough little camera.

alohadave

Pentax K-5

04/28/2012 03:09:47 PM · #10

Originally posted by Jon_H:

I would recommend against getting a scooter. Lots of tourists get in accidents and are hurt using them. They drive on the other side of the road, and most of the roads aren't very big. Any kind of emergency and your instincts will put you in exactly the wrong place.

alohadave

Pentax K-5

Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4.0 ED AL AF

04/28/2012 03:30:41 PM · #11

Originally posted by mike_311:

Where is the ship docking at? The three areas are: Hamilton, King's Wharf, and St George's.

Hamilton is the capital and the biggest city. Plenty to do there if you are looking for shopping and town type activities.

St George's has the most to see that is within walking distance of the pier. Very quaint and very typically Bermudian.

There are plenty of beaches that you can go to, and there will be excursions available on the ship (they are more expensive than doing it yourself, but they also do all the setup work, and you just need to show up).

King's Wharf is the newest area that ships dock. There is an old fort that you can walk through that is interesting if you like old forts, and there is a small indoor mall nearby. In addition there is sheltered beach, a glassblowing shop and water excursions right there.

Hamilton is in the center and St George's and King's Wharf are on opposite ends of the islands. Cabs are going to be expensive anywhere you decide to go, and the buses are very slow.

The first set is from St George's, and the second one is from King's Wharf.

//www.flickr.com/photos/alohadave/sets/72157601936196969/

//www.flickr.com/photos/alohadave/sets/72157618925067759/

04/28/2012 06:06:48 PM · #12

Kings wharf. Monopod is probably a good idea, the tripod may be too big to lug around. I imagine a scooter would be safe do long as I dont drive like a idiot, those days are behind me.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/28/2012 06:22:57 PM · #13

Originally posted by mike_311:

Kings wharf. Monopod is probably a good idea, the tripod may be too big to lug around. I imagine a scooter would be safe do long as I dont drive like a idiot, those days are behind me.

That reminds me, whilst i was there i was driving like a man possessed on the scooter and recall a lady shouting "I treat idiots like you everyday" I was a lot younger then and using my face as brake had not entered my head. Thankfully my face never met the road.

Baxter

Nikon D500

04/28/2012 08:28:06 PM · #14

I did the cruise to Bermuda out of New York last fall. And I also would suggest renting a scooter to get around. The island is small and you are able to go from one end to the other with relative ease. A warning the island has a British background so they drive on the wrong side of the road for any one coming from North America. If this makes you feel uncomfortable about driving then they have a great public transit system. You can buy a pass that is good for one, two or three days and it includes buses and ferries. You can get on and off any time and the schedule is very good. You could take the bus one direction and the ferry as the return. You can get just about everywhere quickly. This is what we did because my wife did not feel comfortable about driving on the wrong (left hand) side of the road. As others have said there are only a few shops and restaurants in Kings wharf and a few old buildings. Hamilton is much larger and busier; St George is about in between. You should check out some of the pink sand beaches while you are there.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/28/2012 09:29:30 PM · #15

Originally posted by Baxter:

awesome, which cruise line? right now we are choosing between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. unless i hear negative about one or the other, im going to choose the one with the most time on the island.

Baxter

Nikon D500

04/28/2012 10:04:18 PM · #16

We did Norwegian mainly due to price and their "Free Style" cruising. Norwegian is a lot more laid back than Royal Caribbean. If you are looking for the upscale cruise experience then go with Royal. Norwegian has the "Free Style" cruise experience. This means that there is no set dining room time. The main dining rooms are more like a restaurant, you go in at what ever time you like. The dress code is a lot more casual than what you will find on Royal. If you want the upscale cruise experience with set dining room times where you sit at the same table with the same people and the same waiters then go with Royal. This is a good way to meet people. The food would be a little better on Royal; this does not mean that the food on Norwegian is bad. We spent some time in New York before and after so we tried to travel as light as possible, so the relaxed dress code on Norwegian meant no suits, sports jackets or fancy dresses. Much easier to pack and carry though airports and cabs. And if you have the time take a snorkelling tour. I bought a small waterproof point and shoot, pictures are ok. If you are sailing out of New York you will want to be on deck when you pull out. Great views of the New York skyline and of the Statue of Liberty. On the way home get up early for nighttime views of the skyline.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

05/02/2012 01:45:01 PM · #17

trip is booked.

we are doing Norwegian mainly becuase it spends the most time on the island (3 full days).

now... important decisions need to me made.

will i need a longer zoom for any reason?

Venser

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

05/02/2012 01:54:56 PM · #18

Originally posted by mike_311:

will i need a longer zoom for any reason?

Buy first, ask questions later. Find a use after the purchase. It's what I do.

CS

05/02/2012 02:25:40 PM · #19

Originally posted by cosmicassassin:

Originally posted by mike_311:
will i need a longer zoom for any reason?

Buy first, ask questions later. Find a use after the purchase. It's what I do.

CS

generally this is my thought, which is probably why i turn over my lens collection so often :)

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

08/08/2012 01:20:42 PM · #20

a few weeks away.

i need to get more memory cards

i have two 16gb cards. I wasn't planning on bringing my laptop to upload each night, so would 32gb be enough or should get more or just bring the laptop?

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

08/08/2012 01:31:25 PM · #21

Originally posted by mike_311:

Bring the laptop. I don't go anywhere without mine.

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/08/2012 01:36:46 PM · #22

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by mike_311:
a few weeks away.

i need to get more memory cards

i have two 16gb cards. I wasn't planning on bringing my laptop to upload each night, so would 32gb be enough or should get more or just bring the laptop?

Bring the laptop. I don't go anywhere without mine.

lol, between the alcohol i plan to smuggle onto the boat and my camera gear, im going to need bigger luggage.

mdiddyv

Canon EOS-40D

08/08/2012 01:42:42 PM · #23

You should check out the caves. I got some good shots there. I also walked around Hamilton and got some nice shots there. //www.caves.bm/ The beach is nice too for sunrises and sunsets, but be aware that they have strong winds and it blows sand everywhere which might dammage your camera and lenses.