I have been lucky enough to cruise l to some wonderful destinations, but one that undoubtedly stands out is Bermuda.
In this article, we discover the top eight reasons why this beautiful island should be on your cruise itinerary.
I recently got back from a wonderful trip on Norwegian Prima where we sailed to Bermuda from New York. I had a wonderful time.
This is actually the second time I have taken this trip. I sailed on the Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda back in 2014, we took a family trip to celebrate my Dad’s 50th Birthday. I was always keen to visit again.
If you are considering a cruise to Bermuda, this article may help you decide whether this trip would suit you too.
Why Is Bermuda A Great Place For A Cruise Holiday?
1. Cruise Ships Dock for Multiple Nights
Many cruise ships dock in Bermuda for a number of nights. You can get on and off as you please, eat onboard or choose to eat in restaurants on land.
This gives you a great way to explore as little or as much as you wish.
You don’t have the constant worry of returning to the ship on time, so you may feel more comfortable exploring further afield.
If you visit Bermuda on a cruise, you have time to explore the Islands at your leisure.
2. You Can Use The Ship as a Floating Hotel
If you visit by ship, you save the cost of hotels and meals on land.
Staying in a good hotel in Bermuda can cost hundreds of dollars a night. This makes cruising a good affordable option for your trip.
Your Accommodation and food costs are already paid for if you choose a cruise.
It is easier to budget for your holiday. You will know the exact price of your cruise, and you can then spend additional money on excursions or public transport if you wish to do so.
3. Plenty to See and Do
There are lots of things to keep you occupied in Bermuda.
Bermuda isn’t just another beach holiday.
You can take your time to explore the island’s colonial architecture, historic sites, and museums.
If you are interested in History, The town of “St. George” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We were docked right next to the Royal Naval Dockyard both times I visited on Norwegian cruise line cruises. We spent an interesting day exploring King’s Wharf Fort which is very close to the ship.
There are numerous gorgeous beaches in Bermuda. Guests can learn to Scuba Dive or Snorkel.
Beyond the beaches, there’s far much more to explore. The island has lush landscapes, filled with all sorts of interesting plants, birds and animals.
4. Interesting Shore Excursions
There’s a wide array of shore excursions available to cruise passengers – Far too many to list here!
Here is just a selection of activities that you may be interested in.
Scenic Snorkelling or Diving Adventures
Snorkelling and Diving are very popular with many visitors. You can see vibrant coral reefs and many colourful fish. Some trips even take you to explore shipwrecks!
The waters are crystal clear, meaning that you have great visibility when swimming or diving.
Popular spots for snorkelling or diving include:
- Church Bay is known for its many coral reefs close to shore.
- Horseshoe Bay is a famous beach with a hidden cove perfect for snorkellers.
- Whalebone Bay is a quieter location with an abundance of marine life.
Crystal Cave Tours
A tour of the Crystal Caves is a very memorable experience.
The caves consist of two chambers: Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave.
These caves are full of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear pools.
Tours of the Island
There are many bus tours of the island that are available, many include a beach stop along the way.
You can have the best of both worlds – sightseeing and swimming.
You can also take kayaking tours, or sunset catamaran sailings to explore the waters around Bermuda.
Gibbs Lighthouse
The Gibbs Lighthouse is one of the most iconic structures on the island.
Once you climb the 185 steps to the top, you will have views of the coastline and surrounding areas.
The lighthouse itself is 245 feet high, so not suitable for those with mobility issues.
The Bermuda Railway Trail National Park
The Bermuda Railway Trail National Park is on the site of an abandoned railway track. It follows the abandoned railbed which winds 18 miles through tranquil landscapes and rocky coastlines.
The trail is great for walking, hiking and pedal biking along its lush shaded pathways.
5. Bermuda is a Suitable Destination For All The Family
So many of the activities and excursions I have listed above are suitable for the whole family, no matter what age.
Bermuda has activities and places to visit that will suit everyone!
Children will love the beaches, the swimming or the water sports.
There are lots of excursions available for members of the family who may have reduced mobility.
Thrill seekers will find plenty of things to do too!
“Bermuda Fun Golf” was recommended to me by a friend, and we really enjoyed it. It was quite close to where our ships docked, so we made our own way there. It was great fun.
6. Transport is Easy
There are so many transport options in Bermuda.
This includes renting an electric vehicle, taxis, private operators, buses and ferries.
Ferries and Buses
Bermuda has an efficient and accessible public transport system.
We used the buses on my first trip to Bermuda to ride around the island and go to the beach.
We took the bus from the central bus station in Hamilton. It was very easy.
The bus service allows you to explore various parts of the island at a leisurely pace, as long as you don’t mind the frequent stops along the way.
If you take a ferry ride, it gives wonderful views of the island while getting you to your destination quickly.
Exploring the Island by Electric Vehicles
There are rental outlets throughout the island that offer electric scooters, bikes, and cars.
If you hire a scooter or a bike, make sure you have adequate insurance.
Some insurers won’t pay out if you have an accident whilst taking part in these “hazardous” activities.
To research and buy good cruise-specific insurance, check out the link below:
Cruise Travel Insurance – Why You Need it and How to Get It: (Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide)
7. The Weather Is Good All Year Round
Temperatures in Bermuda vary between 28°C (82°F in August to 18°C (64°F) in February.
Those temperatures are very appealing to those of us who live in colder climates!
The weather in Britain in the winter is cold, dark, and wet in February! 18°C (64°F.) It sounds wonderful.
Hurricanes are more likely during September and October – however, they are rare.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are rare and usually, avoid the island altogether. Bermuda is located well to the north of the main hurricane belt.
For me, the best time to take a Bermuda cruise is between April and November. This is when the weather is most pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities and water sports without feeling too hot or cold.
8. Multiple Cruise Lines Sail to Bermuda
Departure Ports
Bermuda cruises typically depart from various ports on the East Coast of the United States, which makes it a convenient option for many travellers. Some popular departure ports include:
- Baltimore
- New York
- Boston
- Cape Liberty
These ports offer a range of convenient options for travellers to embark on their Bermuda cruise, with easy access to major cities and public transportation.
Favourite Cruise Lines Sail There
Carnival Cruise Line: affordable, fun cruises from Baltimore and Norfolk and New York. The ships sailing there at the time of writing are Carnival Venezia, Carnival Magic, Carnival Pride & Carnival Legend.
Celebrity Cruises: The Celebrity Summit sails 7-night cruises from Cape Liberty to Kings Wharf on Bermuda. The Celebrity Eclipse has 9-Night cruises that also dock at Charleston, South Carolina.
Disney Cruises: Offer 4 and 5-night family-friendly cruises from New York to Bermuda on the Disney Dream.
Norwegian Cruise Line: offer 7-day cruises from New York on the Norwegian Joy or Norwegian Prima departing from May to October. 5-day cruises are also available on Norwegian Getaway or Norwegian Escape.
The Norwegian Gem & Norwegian Pearl cruises from Boston to Bermuda, April to September.
Oceania Cruises: These are luxury cruises on mid-size ships. Cruise from New York and dock at Hamilton and/or St George on Bermuda. The ship sailing to Bermuda at the time of writing is Oceania “Insignia.”
Royal Caribbean: Sail from New Jersey and Baltimore and Cape Liberty in New Jersey. Ships sailing to Bermuda at the time of writing are Vision of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.
Regent Seven Seas: a cruise from Miami to Bermuda each year. The cruise is in April and includes stops at historic southern ports too. Regent Seven Seas is an ultra-luxury cruise line.
Examples of Cruise Lines and Itineraries
Ships sailing to Bermuda vary from year to year.
At the time of writing, many ships include Bermuda on their itineraries, including the ones below:
Cruise Line | Sailing Duration | Ship Name |
---|---|---|
Royal Caribbean | 5 – 9 nights | Vision of the Seas Mariner of the Seas Liberty of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas. |
Norwegian Cruise Line | 5 – 7 nights | Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Prima Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Pearl Norwegian Gem |
Celebrity Cruises | 7 – 9 nights | Celebrity Summit Celebrity Eclipse |
Carnival Cruise Line | 4 – 6 nights | Carnival Pride Carnival Venezia Carnival Magic Carnival Legend |
Disney Cruise Line | 4 – 5 nights | Disney Dream |
Luxury Cruise Lines
Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas or Oceania often dock in Bermuda. This is normally just part of a much longer itinerary, sailing to many other exciting and exotic destinations!
I am always on the lookout for good deals and value for my cruises, and you may be able to find a cheap cruise to Bermuda too.
To find the best deals on Bermuda cruises, look outside the peak season – late April to early June and late October to early November.
The temperature is pleasant, but the prices are lower.
There are fewer travellers out of peak season, cruise lines offer incentives and discounts on their fares and the Islands are less busy.
To find the cheapest months to cruise the world, read the article below:
When is the Cheapest Month to go on a Cruise? (Real Examples) – Where and When I Travelled
By doing your research, monitoring prices and avoiding peak season you can hopefully experience an unforgettable Bermuda cruise and still stay within your budget!
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Whenever I take a cruise I order a print of my trip. It uses the real satellite data from the cruise and is always a great conversation starter!
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