Bermuda cruise overview: Top itineraries, planning advice, and activities to enjoy

Considering a cruise to Bermuda? Many are unaware that Bermuda is an option due to its seasonal itineraries. Unlike Caribbean cruises, you can't escape the January snowstorms with a quick trip to Bermuda.

Additionally, the itineraries are unique as they primarily depart from Northeastern U.S. ports rather than Florida, and they don't feature stops at other locations since Bermuda is quite distant from other ports. If you're fond of island-hopping and waking up in a new port each day, keep in mind that a Bermuda cruise may not fit that mold.

However, a cruise to a single destination can be the most tranquil experience you’ve ever had. Begin your journey with this Bermuda cruise overview, filled with essential details on when to cruise to Bermuda, when to book, and what to bring.

What makes a cruise to Bermuda worthwhile?

Located just 774 miles from New York, Bermuda is an ideal island getaway for East Coasters seeking to bask in the beauty of its pink-sand beaches. But what makes cruising to Bermuda stand out, especially when there are countless other beach destinations?

To begin with, the historic town of St. George's, featuring fortifications built in 1612, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If history isn't your passion, you might find excitement in watersports or golf, or perhaps you'd like to explore caves adorned with stalactites or enjoy a taste of rum swizzlers.

You could easily fly to Bermuda and stay in a charming inn or a beachfront hotel. While that sounds delightful, a glance at airfare and accommodation costs reveals it could be pricier than expected.

The most affordable seven-night package we discovered for flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Bermuda, along with a stay in a three-star, non-beachfront hotel, was $1,480 per person, excluding meals. In contrast, cruise price searches for the same dates consistently revealed lower options, including $749 per person for an outside cabin on Celebrity Eclipse and $1,541 for a balcony cabin on Norwegian Gem, both of which include all meals onboard.

Cruising to Bermuda is a breeze from various East Coast ports, with plenty of options across different cruise lines to fit any budget. Plus, your cruise fare includes meals on the ship and a leisurely (or action-packed) day at sea for the journey.

The greatest advantage of cruising to Bermuda is that ships typically dock overnight. Passengers can come and go from the ship during stays of up to fifty hours, allowing for extensive exploration during that time.

When do cruises to Bermuda set sail?

You might be surprised to find out that Bermuda cruises are available in most months of the year. However, the peak season for Bermuda cruises runs from April through October.

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the longest season, offering cruises in every month except January and February. Premium and luxury lines such as Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Explora Journeys, and Windstar Cruises provide seasonal transition cruises in spring and fall. Oceania features one or two sailings each season that include Bermuda, available throughout the peak and shoulder seasons.

Top Bermuda itineraries

The exciting aspect of Bermuda cruises is that you can easily discover a cruise duration that suits you best. Weeklong cruises typically spend the most time in port, often docking for two nights to maximize your Bermuda exploration. Fun four- or five-night getaways usually do not include overnight stays in Bermuda or may offer just one overnight with a half-day on the second day. These cruises can be conveniently paired with departures from East Coast cities like Manhattan, Boston, and Baltimore.

Other ways to cruise to Bermuda involve stopovers on select transatlantic cruises or on longer sailings that visit the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or even cruises to Canada and New England.

Leading Bermuda cruise lines

As previously mentioned, Norwegian provides the most sailing dates, operating cruises from both Manhattan and Boston for most of the year. While the majority of their itineraries are seven nights, you may also find occasional five-night options, as well as longer cruises that include additional destinations.

Carnival Cruise Line is the most budget-friendly option for Bermuda, offering various cruise lengths from multiple ports, starting at just four nights. Royal Caribbean focuses on five-night itineraries, which can often be paired with longer cruises to other locations. MSC Cruises, a newer player in the Bermuda cruise scene, primarily offers seven-night cruises, but these can be combined back-to-back with itineraries that include a week in Florida and the Bahamas for a 14-night island-hopping adventure. All four of these lines are excellent choices for families or group travel.

For a more upscale experience, consider Celebrity Cruises, which designs its vessels with adults in mind. Celebrity offers a regular lineup of seven-night cruises departing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, each featuring two nights in King's Wharf.

If you're seeking a luxurious experience and the previously mentioned high-end lines aren't available when you wish to travel, explore the exclusive ship-within-a-ship options on MSC Cruises (Yacht Club) and Norwegian (The Haven).

Activities to enjoy in Bermuda

Naturally, the alluring pink beaches beckon like a siren. Dockyard Beach and Snorkel Park Beach are the nearest to the cruise terminal at King's Wharf, both renowned for their snorkeling opportunities. Butts Beach features stunning rock formations scattered across the sand, both above and below the water. For vast stretches of unbroken sand, visit Elbow Beach.

Once you've soaked up enough sun, you can delve into a variety of historical sites and popular attractions in Bermuda.

As Britain's oldest colony, Bermuda offers an abundance of British charm intertwined with rich history. The town of St. George's, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the largest fortress on the island. Fort St. Catherine served the British, Bermudian militia, and Royal Artillery units from 1612 well into the twentieth century.

Bermuda is home to numerous museums, including the National Museum of Bermuda located at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Be sure to also check out the Bermuda Underwater Institute and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

Caves are another popular attraction in Bermuda. Interestingly, the airport is situated on an island called Cave Island. Several caves are open to the public, and excursions featuring them are quite common. Crystal and Fantasy Caves are part of a single attraction offering tours, shopping, and dining. Cathedral Cave, located at Grotto Bay Beach Resort, is also accessible to non-guests.

Lighthouses dot the islands, with Gibbs Hill and St. David's being the most frequented by visitors. Despite their presence, these lighthouses haven't entirely prevented maritime disasters; Bermuda is known as the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic Ocean. You can explore various wreck sites through snorkeling, helmet dives, and scuba diving. Some wrecks are closer to shore, while others require boat tours and certified divers.

If you're interested in a unique nighttime experience, consider taking a boat ride into the Bermuda Triangle, complete with eerie ghost stories.

Avid golfers will appreciate the seven exceptional courses in Bermuda, including Turtle Hill, Mid-Ocean, Port Royal, Tucker's Point, Ocean View, Newstead Belmont Hills, and Five Forts. For those looking for something more casual, Bermuda Fun Golf at the Royal Naval Dockyard offers a fun putting experience.

Top Cruise Ports in Bermuda

Bermuda features three main cruise ports: the primary port at King's Wharf (also known as Royal Naval Dockyards), the capital city of Hamilton located centrally on the island, and St. George's at the northeastern tip. Most cruise ships dock at King's Wharf, as it is the only port equipped to accommodate larger vessels.

If you picture Bermuda's map as a large fishhook, the Dockyards (and King's Wharf) are located at the tip of the hook's pointed end. Near the wharf, cruise passengers can enjoy beaches, the National Museum of Bermuda, tour operators, mini golf, and various transportation options, including ferry services to both Hamilton and St. George's.

Hamilton and St. George's are much smaller ports, catering to only a few smaller ships each year. Look for cruises offered by Oceania, Windstar, and Silversea that include stops at these ports.

Best Time to Book a Bermuda Cruise

To secure the best cabin options and prices for your Bermuda cruise during peak season, it's advisable to book several months in advance. Black Friday promotions can offer excellent deals. Additionally, if you're flexible, you might discover last-minute availability and discounts by avoiding the high-demand months of June, July, and August.

Both May and October feature pleasant daytime temperatures around 80 degrees, making them ideal months for a Bermuda cruise, with the added benefit of fewer crowds on the islands.

Essentials to Pack for a Bermuda Cruise

Bermuda has a more refined dress code compared to places like the Bahamas. Whether you're shopping, sightseeing, or lounging at the beach, aim to elevate your attire a bit. Dress as if you’re heading to a golf course or sailing on a yacht, and you’ll blend right in. A pair of Bermuda shorts paired with stylish shoes will do just fine.

Bermuda enjoys a mild climate with minimal seasonal changes. Average daytime temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees, while nighttime lows seldom drop below 60 degrees. Layering is a great strategy; also, be prepared for occasional rain. Since you may spend extended time in port, consider bringing a backpack or tote for your belongings throughout the day.

For closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port), passports are not mandatory, but some cruise lines may require them. Adults without passports will need a certified birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID. Children under 16 are exempt from needing a photo ID but must have a birth certificate.

Despite the official regulations, having a passport is highly advisable, as it’s necessary for re-entering the U.S. via air. If you face an emergency that requires flying back to the U.S. instead of returning by sea, you would need to obtain a passport while in Bermuda.

Key Takeaway

Many people overlook cruising to Bermuda, especially those not residing on the northern East Coast of the U.S. This island paradise offers plenty to discover, and cruise ships typically allow ample time for exploration with their overnight port stays. In fact, longer stays in Bermuda are the norm, making it easier to delve into the local culture and enjoy a laid-back vacation. You can afford to sleep in and kick off your day a bit later, planning leisurely afternoon excursions that leave you feeling connected to the island.

The great news is that there are cruise options for nearly every schedule and budget, ranging from family-friendly lines to premium and luxury options. Plus, if that’s not enticing enough, cruises to Bermuda depart from ports that are attractions in their own right. It's simple to combine a Bermuda cruise with a visit to vibrant cities like Manhattan or Boston—if you’re already in the area, why not take advantage?