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Bermuda Cruises with Carnival
Bermuda Islands are a self-governing dependency of
United Kingdom, in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Cape Hatteras,
North Carolina. The group consists of approximately 150 small islands,
islets, and rocks, of which about 20 are inhabited. Only six islands are
of importance: Bermuda, also called Great Bermuda and Main Island, which
is the largest (23 km/14 mi in length); Somerset; Ireland; Saint
George's; Saint Davids; and Boaz. Hamilton is the capital, chief port,
and largest city (1990 population estimate, 1,000) in Bermuda. The total
area of the Bermuda Islands is 53 sq km (20 sq mi).
Geologically the islands have a base of volcanic rock and are capped by
coral formations. They are enclosed on the north, west, and south by
reefs, which are mostly underwater. The islands are separated from one
another by narrow channels, but include several coral lagoons, or
sounds, of which the most important are Harrington Sound and Castle
Harbor. The islands are low-lying but hilly, being 80 m (260 ft) above
sea level.
Lacking surface water and freshwater wells, the islands must depend on
rainwater, which is collected from rooftops and stored in tanks, for
water supply. The average rainfall is 1,500 mm (58 in) a year. The
climate is mild, the temperature averaging 17° C (63° F) in winter and
26° C (79° F) in summer. The ocean winds are tempered by the warm Gulf
Stream, but when south winds prevail, the humidity rises and severe
thunderstorms are frequent. Vegetation is luxuriant and includes Bermuda
cedar, bamboo, palm, papaw, and numerous flowering plants. Hedges of
oleander and thickets of mangrove are characteristic features of the
islands.
Hamilton, on Bermuda Island, is the capital and the chief town and port.
Next in importance is Saint George, on St. George's Island. The
estimated population of the Bermuda Islands in 2001 was 63,503. Some 60
percent of the population is black. Anglicanism is the principal
religion. Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16;
about 5,900 students attended Bermuda's primary schools in 1996. Bermuda
College (1974) provides postsecondary education.
The Destinations of Carnival.
There are many
DESTINATIONS making
stops in ports all over the world. See what
you can experiences on one of our Carnival Cruises.
Blue
Water Cruise Guide - Bermuda
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