When the NCL Gem docks in Bermuda, it is there for 3 days and 2 nights, which gave us time to enjoy most of what Bermuda has to offer.

Bermuda is made up of 181 islands, covering just 21 square miles. Most of the islands are uninhabited, but the 8 largest islands are connected by short bridges and one causeway. On our 2nd day in Bermuda, we set out early to explore the St Georges Parish area of the country.

Near our cruise ship at King’s Wharf is one of the Moongate Arches. If a couple walks through the arch and kisses, it is considered good luck for their marriage.

We purchased a transportation pass for the Bermuda bus system, which included the ferry to St Georges. The cruise line provided a ferry as well, but it left earlier and was slower.

After a 40 minute ferry ride, we entered the Narrows, which is a very small entrance into St Georges Bay.

On the ferry, a local resident, Penelope, announced that she would be giving a walking tour of St Georges for $10 per person. It was very enjoyable and full of information. We started at Hunter’s Wharf, which has numerous historical buildings, such as the coal sheds. The wharf was where all of the ships originally delivered goods for the islands.

The tour continued with a short walk from the pier up to the surrounding hills, to an over-look of the bay of St Georges. Along the way, we learned that residents can only have 1 car per household, but there is no limit on scooters. Gas was $8.89 per gallon and the speed limit is 20 mph, but very few people follow that law.

We had a great view of the bay. The first time we cruised to Bermuda, this is where our ship docked, but the entrance through the Narrows Channel is very dangerous for big ships, so the Royal Naval Dockyards on the other end of the islands, was modernized to accommodate the cruise ships.

This is the house of James Darrell, the first freed slave in Bermuda. He worked as a ship pilot, helping navigate ship’s through the Narrows Channel. His family still owns the house

Our group made a brief stop at Lili Bermuda Perfumery. The perfumes are made of up to 50 different types of oils. Alcohol is added, then it cures in flasks for 6-8 weeks. It smelled really good inside the building.

St. Peters church was originally built in 1612. The first 2 structures were destroyed by hurricanes. The current structure dates back to 1620. It is the oldest surviving Anglican church in continuous use outside of Britain.

There is a door on the back of the church which was used by the British slaves to attend church services. It led to a small viewing area upstairs.

The church is surrounded by a cemetery. The earlier headstones were carved from limestone. There are also numerous cedar trees which were abundant in the area.

Inside the church, is the Queen’s chair. It was used for Queen Elizabeth’s first visit in 1953.

With the cedar tree, once being prevalent on the islands, it was used for the church’s ceiling beams.

Some of the pews are designated for particular families to use.

Our next stop was at the Unfinished Church. Construction began in 1874, with the intent to replace St. Peter’s Church. However, the church was never completed, due to a split in the congregation, a fire, and the local community’s love for the original church. A hurricane in 1926 destroyed the roof and left the existing structure that you see today.

Even without a roof, the church is still used for weddings and other functions.

After making a loop along the small hills above the town, we returned to the center of St Georges. The town was founded in 1612 and officially incorporated in 1791. A cannon now sits in front of the Town Hall building which was constructed in 1802 and is still used for town council meetings.

It had been a busy morning in St. Georges, but we still had more to explore in Bermuda….