Caregiver Cruise 2017

Caregiver Cruise

We cruised to Bermuda, June 3-8, 2017!

In Bermuda, our participants and caregivers enjoyed a glass bottom boat tour, visiting the pink sands of Horseshoe Bay, viewing the beautiful coastline from the Fantasea Sightseeing Boat tour, and exploring the city of Hamilton. We also had some time for shopping, sampling rum cake, and of course a little eating and drinking at the Frog and Onion Pub!

We took advantage of all the amenities on the Anthem of the Seas as well. Several participants were selected to participate in a jewelry fashion show, many raced in bumper cars, enjoyed a wine tasting, and took in evening shows at the theater. Joel and Christi, the Insight staff members on the cruise, were the only ones brave enough to try out the roller skating  rink!

While everyone enjoyed all the sights and attractions, many said the best part of the cruise was the company and the support.

Check Out What We Did!

We made daily posts here with trip highlights and excursions so you can feel like you've cruised along with us!
We departed from New Jersey on Saturday, June 3rd, traveling to King's Wharf, Bermuda, and returned on Thursday, June 8th.

Day 4: Dark and Stormy…not just a signature Bermuda drink!

Day 4: Dark and Stormy…not just a signature Bermuda drink!

June 6, 2017

Today started bright and early yet again! We had an early excursion this morning: Sightseeing Boat Tour and Hamilton Shopping. The group had to be up, ready and reporting for duty at 8am in the Schooner Bar to once again head down the pier to meet our tour guides!

We are sure you have noticed all the animal pictures from the elevators. We have just one more to go and Joel is determined to get that remaining picture if he has to stand at the elevator all day tomorrow! We were hoping for it on our way down to the Gangway, but alas – a repeat.

After ensuring everyone had all their necessary documents, and pictures were not being taken below deck (as learned from our experience yesterday), off we went! As soon as we got off the boat, we noticed a significant change in the weather today. The wind had really picked up and it was a bit cooler. The sky was cloudy and the clouds were blowing through quite rapidly! But, none the less, we met our tour guides Spencer and Jessie on the Fantasea Sightseeing Boat.

As the wind was gusty, the group opted to sit below deck, but Spencer warned everyone that because of the high waves, we might get wet. Well….he underemphasized “might.” As soon as we headed out of the harbor, the folks who were sitting front and center moved their chairs back about 10 feet to avoid the water coming up overboard! But who was going to let a little ocean water get in their way? Not us! We also got a close up view of America’s Cup Village where the sailboats were setting up and preparing for the days races. If you have never been fortunate enough to see these incredible competitive sailing boats, we would urge you to do so; they are quite a sight.

The first part of the tour was another historical lesson on Bermuda (some was a recap from the previous day, while some was new.) The group really enjoyed the tour of “Billionaire Bay” (yes, that is correct…BILLIONAIRE) where we saw the homes of the Butterfields. Mrs. Butterfield is the owner of Bermuda’s only local bank and has one of the largest homes. Mr. Butterfield is the owner of the main export/import business in Bermuda, and his house is right next door (they have a wall that separates them!) And their son, Dudley Butterfield owns the main materials supply company in Bermuda, and his home is right next door! They say you need the Butterfield’s services to do most anything in Bermuda. We also got to see several other lovely homes.

As we approached the capital city of Hamilton, Spencer gave us the lay of the land and where to go in Hamilton (all of a 4 block radius.) Once we arrived, Christi took some of the group members along for the guided walking tour, while Joel took some group for some shopping. Joel’s group casually shopped around town and visited some of the unique Hamilton shops, and souvenirs were bought by all! One thing his group noticed was all the beautiful tile work throughout the city! The entire group commented on how beautifully kept the entire Island of Bermuda has been. Many of the shops featured custom made Bermuda artwork and ceramics.

After Christi’s group completed their guided tour, it was almost time to be back on board. For those that wanted, they took in a few shops right by “The Flagpole” where the boat was docked, while others relaxed on board. Finally, there was an America’s Cup station in town, and had one of the boats on display. It was very apparent that the America’s Cup is a BIG DEAL here in Bermuda! Their slogan (featured all over the island) is “This is (insert name)’s Cup.”

As we headed back to Kings Wharf, the sky started to turn quite dark and the wind picked up. Most folks decided to return to the ship to grab some lunch, while others made good on their promise to return to the Rum Cake Factory and sample some Rum Cakes! The group decided that the Swizzle Cake was the best one! Coconut and Pineapple was a close runner up. So, as the group procured their Rum Cakes and other local souvenirs, they headed back to the ship to enjoy a couple hours of free time before the evening activities started.

As soon as we got back on board and grabbed some lunch in the Windjammer, Joel and Christi headed out to the pool deck to try and grab a few minutes of sun (as the writing was on the wall that it was not going to last very long!) Well, no sooner did we get out there, Christi claimed it was getting colder, and bundled up in a towel, while Joel was in full blown denial that what they were feeling was raindrops. As the rain started to pour, they finally conceded and headed inside.

Some of the group walked around the ship while others relaxed before it was time to shove off from Bermuda. We were able to watch from our balconies as we headed away from Bermuda, but then had to quickly head to The Royal Theater for “We Will Rock You.” Now, as some of you may remember, our first show was not quite a hit with the group (and most of the other cruisers aboard the ship!) So, as we walked into the theater, the group said “we want to sit on the isle and the close to the door in case we want to leave!” Well, once the show started, everyone was fully engaged, fully enjoyed themselves and stayed for the whole show! Tomorrow’s show has been rated the “guest favorite” so looks like we saved the best for last!

Because the show was so early, we were unable to do dinner in the main dining room, so the group headed to the trusty Windjammer for some late dinner. After a brief separation navigating through the masses of people, we were reunited in the Windjammer and all sat together and enjoyed conversations about how everyone is having a wonderful time and when our next cruise is, to what it is like to be a full time caregiver and some of the struggles they are facing and how being away for these six days has allowed them to forget all those worries and just enjoy themselves. It was a wonderful time of sharing.

After our late night (8:30pm) dinner, some folks were going to hit up the Casino and try their luck, while others were calling it a night. We tried to make Shrek’s guest appearance, but he was gone by the time we got there! Joel and Christi were off to take a look at our group portraits from the formal night, start making departure arrangements for the group, and take in the ever-so-popular “Love and Marriage Gameshow.”

After a fun-filled day, the Anthem of the Seas is headed back to the good ol’ US of A and will be arriving Thursday morning. Tomorrow is our final day of the cruise and we will be spending it at sea! Christi and Joel have lots of fun stuff planned for the group tomorrow, so we told everyone to rest up!

Lesson learned today: Do not stand too close or lean on the elevator button panel as it is a touch screen. While in a crowded elevator, Joel accidentally leaned on the panel and selected every.single.floor. Mind you we were on the 14th floor and needed to go to the 3rd. He apologized to the people of the elevator and we all got a good laugh.


Heading out on the Fantasea Sightseeing Boat!


Trying to stay dry!


A little water doesn't get in the way of the view!


A few more smiles.


Beautiful tile work in the city.


It was everywhere!


Enjoying some shopping!


We had to get our souvenirs!


The view of the America's Cup boats!


The Rum Cake Company was open!


Enjoying our rum cake!


At got a bit chilly!


Enjoying the Love and Marriage game show!