Top 7 Bermuda Cruises for 2024 and Beyond

Northeasterners have long been captivated by the allure of cruising to Bermuda. It’s now widely recognized that, similar to cruises to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, many cruise lines are offering both extended and short trips that feature Bermuda as a stop. Some of their finest ships, including the latest additions, are being assigned to these routes.

What’s not to adore about Bermuda? This stunning archipelago spans just 21 square miles, with six main islands linked by bridges, all surrounded by pink sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and real shipwrecks for divers and snorkelers to explore. Surprisingly warm turquoise waters enhance the appeal, given Bermuda's subtropical setting in the North Atlantic.

Many Bermuda cruise itineraries feature an overnight stay in port, allowing for more flexibility in exploring the island compared to the limited hours typically offered at other ports. With the assurance of not missing the ship on an afternoon or evening departure, it's simple to arrange excursions independently. Numerous beaches, restaurants, and bars await your visit, which might not be possible during a shorter stay.

Dedicated Bermuda cruises, which prioritize Bermuda as their main destination, depart from East Coast cities such as New York, Baltimore, and Boston. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises operate Bermuda itineraries. The Bermuda cruise season for most of these lines generally spans from early May to late October, with a few extending into the December holidays.

You can also find non-dedicated cruises that include a stop in Bermuda as part of their Caribbean or Bahamas itineraries, as well as during repositioning voyages.

We’ve compiled some of our top Bermuda itineraries departing from the East Coast, catering to every type of traveler. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip to Bermuda, these options are definitely worth exploring.

Choose from 6-, 7-, or 14-night Bermuda cruises aboard the MSC Meraviglia.

Meraviglia presents a variety of Bermuda cruise options, all departing from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal located in New York City’s Red Hook area.

The 5,714-passenger ship features a thrilling water park and a modern, mall-like promenade with an LED-lit ceiling. For those seeking a more upscale experience, the MSC Yacht Club offers a luxurious ship-within-a-ship concept, complete with exclusive amenities like a private pool and lounge area.

Meraviglia's six- and seven-night Bermuda cruises feature two nights docked in King's Wharf at the southern end of the Royal Naval Dockyard, the primary docking area for most Bermuda cruises. This allows guests plenty of time to delve into the island’s maritime history at museums in Hamilton or to indulge in some classic British pub fare. The six-night option includes two sea days, while the seven-night version offers three.

The 14-night cruises combine a six- or seven-night itinerary with either a journey north to Canada and New England or a route heading to the Bahamas. The southern option includes a stop at MSC's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, where guests can enjoy spa treatments on the beach, cabana rentals, and even late-night stays with beach bonfires and stargazing. MSC operates these routes later in the season, specifically in August and September.

Who should go: Those who love large ships will feel right at home on Meraviglia. It ranks among the largest vessels currently cruising to Bermuda, providing a true megaship experience. The itineraries on Meraviglia cater to anyone wanting nearly three full days in Bermuda, along with the chance to enhance their journey with an add-on itinerary to another destination. Unlike most other lines, which typically only allow back-to-back cruises to Bermuda, MSC offers a distinctly different itinerary.

9-night Bermuda and Perfect Day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas

This voyage could be perfect for honeymooners or couples of any age. The itinerary features an overnight stay at King's Wharf alongside a trip to the Bahamas, which includes a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Vision of the Seas is considered an intimate ship by Royal Caribbean's standards, accommodating just over 2,000 passengers. Nonetheless, it offers plenty of Royal Caribbean-style entertainment, including a variety of stage shows and dance parties. Guests can enjoy a rock climbing wall, an adults-only Solarium pool, and dining options like Giovanni's Table and the renowned Chops Steakhouse.

This cruise boasts four sea days (because everyone deserves a break from vacationing), 23 hours in port at Bermuda, a stop in Nassau, and concludes with time at CocoCay for even more beach enjoyment. It’s a bundle of fun wrapped into one exciting package.

The ship is currently scheduled to sail from Baltimore, but guests will receive direct notifications regarding alternative port arrangements for their specific sailings.

Ideal Passengers: This isn't a "quick getaway" cruise. It's a grand journey, perfect for an extended retreat from daily life. While there are activities available for children, this ship caters more to adults—spacious enough to keep entertained yet cozy enough to find solitude during those lengthy days at sea. The ship features ocean view and interior cabins, with 229 balcony cabins and 97 suites, ensuring ample choices for everyone.

4-night Bermuda voyage departing from Manhattan aboard Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia presents a wonderful chance to enjoy a night or two in New York City before easily boarding a ship headed for Bermuda. You'll kick off with a sea day to unwind after your bustling time in the Big Apple, followed by a sun-soaked day at King's Harbor and a final day at sea to savor all the ship has to offer.

Venezia accommodates just over 4,000 guests at double occupancy. Formerly part of Costa Cruises, it joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. This vessel is somewhat of a blend, having undergone renovations to incorporate many of Carnival's signature features while retaining elements of its original Costa design. You'll experience all the fun of Carnival amidst sophisticated Italian aesthetics—specifically, Venetian-inspired decor highlighted by soft colors and abundant gold and glass. A faux canal and a full-sized gondola grace the main dining area, with the theme extending to the wall art and coverings in the cabins.

The ship boasts two pools (including one with a retractable roof for less-than-perfect weather), a water park, and an adults-only Serenity sundeck area featuring two whirlpool spas. Instead of the exclusive Havana zones found on some Carnival vessels, the Terrazza Carnevale section offers a private sundeck and whirlpools solely for guests residing in Terrazza cabins.

Ideal Passengers: Carnival Venezia's brief itinerary is perfect for a New York City/Bermuda combo vacation. It caters well to families and groups of adults traveling together, offering a plethora of activities around the clock for all ages. The ship provides numerous budget-friendly interior and ocean-view cabins. However, with fewer than 1,000 balcony cabins and just 20 suites, those seeking these accommodations should reserve early, as Carnival's Bermuda season is relatively short, running from late May to the end of September. Additionally, six- and seven-night options are available towards the season's conclusion.

5-night Bermuda voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas

If you desire a longer stay in Bermuda but can't commit to an entire week, this cruise might be your answer. Departing from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, means you can skip a trip into Manhattan if you're not interested in exploring the city. Five nights is an ideal duration for a getaway cruise—enough time to discover Bermuda and two full days at sea indulging in all the delights offered on board the ship.

Liberty of the Seas serves as a powerhouse in the Royal Caribbean lineup, offering something for every age and type of traveler. It features the line's signature top-deck waterslides and the FlowRider surf simulator. Additionally, there's an ice rink, lively parades in the expansive interior promenade, and even a pickleball court. For those seeking tranquility, the ship includes an adults-only solarium. With more specialty dining options than you could possibly sample in five days, it also boasts the line's refined Chef's Table experience.

Ideal Passengers: This ship is perfect for anyone in search of a quick getaway. Perhaps a multigenerational family reunion? There are ample cabin options to satisfy family members with varying sizes and budgets. Liberty of the Seas is also an excellent pick for suite enthusiasts, featuring 120 suites, including a four-bedroom Family Villa and several two-bedroom Family Grand suites.

7-night multiport Bermuda voyage aboard Oceania Insignia

For a unique Bermuda cruise experience, Oceania Cruises offers several voyages from Manhattan that include two nights in Hamilton, the capital city, before heading to the lesser-known St. George port. A bonus stop is in Newport, Rhode Island. With the ship docked in locations other than King's Wharf, passengers can easily explore shopping and dining in Hamilton as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Catherine's Fort in St. George without needing to take a long bus ride or ferry. Oceania doesn't frequently cruise from U.S. ports, so when they do, you can often enjoy significant savings by avoiding international airfare.

In contrast to the larger ships mentioned in previous itineraries, Insignia accommodates only 670 guests. Oceania is known for its luxurious accommodations and offers some of the finest dining experiences at sea. Cabin categories are comparable to those of mainstream cruise lines, ranging from interior and ocean-view rooms to balcony cabins and suites. Most categories feature slightly more spacious rooms than you would typically find on mainstream vessels. Special promotional pricing often includes Wi-Fi, some shore excursion credits, and a house beverage package.

Ideal Passengers: Oceania cruises cater to a more adult-centric atmosphere than many other cruise lines. With regular trips to Bermuda, it’s an excellent choice for seniors or adults seeking a break from children and grandchildren. Solo travelers looking for an upscale experience will find appealing options in Insignia's solo cabins.

5- and 7-night voyages to Bermuda aboard the new Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a longer Bermuda season compared to most mainstream lines, frequently offering five- and seven-night itineraries from both Manhattan and Boston for nine months of the year. Look for Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Joy in 2024, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Jewel in 2025, and Norwegian Breakaway in 2026. These are excellent options, but we focused on a chance to preview a brand-new ship in August and September of 2025, when the latest Prima Class vessel, Norwegian Aqua, makes a short journey to Bermuda.

The five-night cruises dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard for an overnight stay. In contrast, the seven-night itineraries include two nights and nearly three full days in port.

Aqua is anticipated to be larger than its predecessor Prima Class ships, accommodating approximately 3,500 passengers. Norwegian excels at incorporating megaship features into somewhat smaller vessels compared to its competitors, like Royal Caribbean or MSC, which operate ships carrying closer to 6,000 passengers. Guests can look forward to the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, along with three infinity pools, four infinity hot tubs, and Norwegian's exclusive suite category called The Haven, which offers benefits like a 24-hour butler and access to a private sundeck, pool, and lounge.

Ideal Passengers: Enthusiasts of new ships and loyal NCL fans will likely rush to Manhattan for an early glimpse of Aqua. A cruise to Bermuda on any Norwegian vessel promises not just an amazing time exploring the island but also a wide range of fun activities on board. This could be the perfect trip for those who have previously visited Bermuda and want to make the most of their time enjoying the new ship.

7-night Bermuda voyage aboard Celebrity Eclipse or Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Cruises provides a large-ship experience for those seeking fewer waterslides and less chaotic entertainment. However, families will still find kids and teens on board, as Celebrity offers activities suitable for all age groups. What Celebrity excels at is creating spaces and activities tailored specifically for adult vacationers.

Departing from Bayonne, New Jersey, these cruises feature three sea days and three full days in Bermuda. With two nights docked at King's Wharf, there's ample time to explore Bermuda at your own pace while enjoying the ship during transit. Eclipse and Silhouette, sister ships in Celebrity's Solstice Class, accommodate fewer than 3,000 guests each. They are elegantly designed, showcasing unique features unavailable on other vessels at sea. Eclipse includes a Hot Glass Studio where you can create your own glass memento. The upper decks of both ships feature real grass lawns that host bocce tournaments, along with options to reserve cabanas or lounge on giant beanbags while watching movies on a large screen.

Both ships boast an adults-only Solarium, a gelateria, and numerous specialty dining choices, with nearly 50% of the cabins offering verandas. Cozy spots like The Hideaway near the elevators on Decks 7 and 8, the outdoor promenade on Deck 5, and a forward-facing relaxation lounge along with the Spa Verandah on Decks 11 and 12 illustrate Celebrity's expertise in crafting spaces for guests to unwind away from the crowds.

Ideal Passengers: This cruise is perfect for couples who either already adore Bermuda or are keen to explore it further, thanks to the extended port stay. Golfers and scuba divers will appreciate three full days dedicated to their favorite activities. Bermuda boasts multiple dive shops offering boat dives and guided shore dives, as well as gear rentals. Golfers can choose from seven world-class courses, many of which provide club rentals. This cruise isn’t suited for those looking for a different port every day.

Bonus: Additional Bermuda cruises worth considering

If you're okay with a brief stop in Bermuda instead of an overnight stay, several itineraries can meet your needs. Some transatlantic voyages to and from Northern Europe or the Mediterranean make stops in Bermuda. Notable examples include Celebrity Apex, which sails a 12-night journey from Southampton, England, to Fort Lauderdale, including a stop in Bermuda, and Regent Seven Seas Mariner, which operates a 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Miami, also featuring Bermuda.

Norwegian Prima offers a remarkable holiday cruise that includes a stop in Bermuda. This is a 12-night round-trip Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Manhattan, featuring a one-day visit to Bermuda along with six other ports of call, including St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Tortola. If you’d prefer to have someone else handle the cooking during the holidays, this cruise could be a delightful option.

There are several single-stop Bermuda itineraries to consider, including those from Windstar Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and Silversea Cruises. These options are perfect for luxury travelers looking to add Bermuda to their list of destinations. Most of these are point-to-point voyages, except for Regent Seven Seas, which provides a round-trip option from Miami.

Bottom line

Bermuda stands out as one of the few cruise destinations where overnight stays in port are standard. The absence of a time crunch at the end of the day makes cruising here a particularly appealing and leisurely option for many, especially for those residing on the East Coast.

You can opt for a week-long getaway or a shorter escape of just four nights. Whether you want to try a new cruise line or explore a different itinerary on your preferred ship, there are plenty of options. You can even combine your cruise with a visit to the Big Apple. Whatever your preference, there's a Bermuda cruise that matches your style.