• Where exactly is Bermuda?
Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean group of islands, but is a group of small islands (over 170) in the Atlantic Ocean, just over nine hundred kilometers (570 miles) east of the nearest point of land in North Carolina, which is located on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The total land area of Bermuda is only 55.6 square kilometers (21 square miles)!

• Tell me a little about Bermuda's Government and population.
Bermuda is a Dependent Territory of the United Kingdom, represented in Bermuda by a Governor, but retains complete autonomy in its day-to-day running of domestic affairs. Bermuda's governmental system is based on the British - Westminster model. In November 1998, an historic shift of power took place, and the Progressive Labor Party now governs, with the Honorable Jennifer Smith as Bermuda's first elected female Premier. The Premier will be the Guest of Honor at the Opening Ceremonies in January.

Bermuda's population is about 61,000, a figure which does not include the number of tourists who might be here at any one time.

• What are the visa requirements on entry into Bermuda?
Citizens of other countries must have a current passport when entering Bermuda, and all visitors must have a return or onward plane ticket from Bermuda. In addition, Nationals of the following countries require Bermuda entry visas:

*  Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports or British National
    (Overseas) passports do NOT require visas for Bermuda
** Nationals of Slovakia travelling on Czechoslovakian passports need visas.
    Citizens of the Czech Republic do NOT need visas for Bermuda

• Can I bring medical prescriptions into Bermuda?
Prescription drugs and medications should be declared to Customs on entry into Bermuda. Drugs in general (including marijuana) are strictly forbidden and the attempted importation of drugs (or weapons) is subject to a heavy fine or jail or both.

• Can I drink the water in Bermuda?
Yes, Bermuda's drinking water is safe to drink.

• Should I have medical insurance when coming to Bermuda?
Yes. Visitors requiring medical treatment must pay in advance and a surcharge is added for non-residents. Be sure to keep your receipts for subsequent insurance claims. Bermuda has one hospital with well-trained staff and modern equipment; its Emergency Room is a 24 hour facility.

• What language is spoken in Bermuda?
English is the first language of Bermuda, although there is also a strong Portuguese linguistic tradition. Most Bermudians with whom you will be dealing on a daily basis, however, speak English.

Bermudians are a friendly and hospitable people and will always greet you in a cheery manner; in addition to the universally expected "Please" and "Thank you", they will expect the same "Good morning, how are you today?" as a preliminary courtesy to all interpersonal transactions.

• What is the currency of Bermuda?
Bermuda has its own currency, which is linked to the American dollar, so U.S. currency is also acceptable here. All major credit cards are accepted in most places on the Island.

• Will I be able to use my electrical appliances in Bermuda?
Local electrical outlets carry 110 volts, 60-cycle alternating current, the same as North America. Visitors from the U.K. and Europe will require adaptors for their appliances.

• What will the weather be like in January?
Bermuda is a semi-tropical island with three seasons - Spring, Summer and Winter. January is one of our Winter months, but even then there are warm days; the average daily termperature in January is 68 degrees F, 20 degrees C. The highest temperature ever recorded in Bermuda was 95 degrees F, and the lowest was 41 degrees F.

• What advice can you give me on clothing?
Summer clothes can be worn for the greater part of the year; however, warm clothes and cardigans will also be needed in January.

There are several formal evenings during the January Bridge events, so it is advisable to bring something appropriate for these evenings.

Bermuda has fairly strict dress codes - bathing costumes may not be worn in public places other than the beach etc., and men may not go bare-chest in public, except at the beach etc. Many restaurants also require jacket and tie for dinner.

• What should I know about local transportation?
Visitors may not hire cars in Bermuda, but the public transportation system is very efficient. Regular buses and ferries will transport you all over the Island, and the taxi system is friendly and efficient.

If you are feeling adventurous, you may hire a 50 cc livery auxiliary cycle; you do not need a driving license for these, but you must be at least 16 years of age.

The speed limit on Bermuda's roads is 35 kilometers an hour (20 mph), except in St George's and in the grounds of the airport, where the speed limit is 25 kilometers an hour (15 mph)!

Bermudians drive on the left-hand side of the road.

• Where is the Southampton Princess located on the Island?
The Southampton Princess is located in the Parish of Southampton, which is towards the west end of the Island. From the Southampton Princess, it takes about 20 minutes by car, bus or bike to reach Hamilton, the capital city; regular ferries can get you there in 15 minutes. From the airport, the Southampton Princess is approximately 45 minutes by car.

• What can I do if I don't want to play or watch bridge?
Although Bermuda was only discovered in 1609, its small group of islands has a rich historical tradition, so sightseeing is extremely popular. Bermuda has more golf courses per square kilometer than any other place in the world and some of them are very fine, so bring your golf clubs if this is your sport! Tennis is also popular, as are all water sports (but mind the temperature!), and walking the old railway trails. And then, of course, there's shopping …. and more shopping!