Cruising to Bermuda is slightly different than other cruises. Because of its location in the North Atlantic Ocean, most calls to the island are overnight (or two or four), allowing cruisers to fully explore the island and all it offers. Voyages to Bermuda typically embark from East Coast ports like New York, Boston, and Baltimore.
The archipelago of Bermuda is made up of 138 coral islands with a subtropical climate. The culture of Bermuda is a blend of British, American, and West African influences, similar to that of destinations in the Caribbean. It is one of the wealthiest areas in the world, and is known for its pink sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the famous Bermuda shorts.
When arriving in Bermuda, most cruise lines will dock at King’s Wharf at the Royal Naval Dockyard on the western tip of the island. At one time, the Royal Naval Dockyard was a strategic naval base for the British. Passengers will find the area to be an excellent place to shop, visit museums, craft markets, and enjoy local cuisine.
Passengers looking to relax will find the pink sand and turquoise water of Horseshoe Bay Beach the place to be. Guests can spend the day here if they choose. Amenities include restaurants, bars, and entertainment. You can rent umbrellas, beach chairs, towels, boogie boards, and so much more. The entire family will enjoy Horseshoe Bay Beach.
Bermuda is considered a top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The crystal-clear waters offer diverse marine life, coral reefs, and shipwrecks to explore. Passengers can choose from offshore snorkeling, snorkeling in coves from a catamaran, or even viewing the reef in a glass-bottom boat.
Bermuda is one corner of the Bermuda Triangle, where, as you know, ships and aircraft have been known to disappear. However, cruise lines offer excursions that include snorkeling and exploration of shipwrecks, glass-bottom boat explorations, and even twilight cruises sharing mysteries of the deep as well as coral and marine life viewing lighted by the boat’s underwater lights.
History enthusiasts will want to explore the historic town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town, which was founded in 1612, is the “oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World.” Passengers can walk the cobblestone streets to tour St. Peter’s Church, the Unfinished Church, Fort St. Catherine and the Tucker House Museum. If you prefer a beach, Tobacco Bay Beach offers clear water, snorkeling, and locally caught wahoo.
Cruisers will want to visit Crystal and Fantasy Caves while in port. They are known as one of the island’s top natural attractions, featuring formations of stalactites and stalagmites and stunning underground lakes. Exploration of one or both of these natural wonders is available as guided tours only. Guests will also find a gift shop, a café and beautiful gardens surrounding the area.
Families will want to find the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. This attraction is family- and budget-friendly. The Aquarium features one of the largest living coral collections in the world and local marine life. Passengers can learn about sea turtles, harbour seals, and Galapagos tortoises. The Natural History Museum offers details of Bermuda’s volcanic beginnings and history. The Zoo is unique as it offers a walk-through interactive experience bringing guests and animals up close to one another.
Bermuda is also home to one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse. The lighthouse gives visitors a panoramic view of the island and a bird’s-eye view of the beauty that is Bermuda.
Bermuda is a destination that will be enjoyed by every traveler. Cruisers looking to explore Bermuda will find a sailing on most of the major cruise lines, with the average itinerary being a 7-day round trip. Oh, and while you are there, don’t forget to try the famous Bermuda Fish Sandwich and Bermuda Rum Swizzle.
If you are debating a cruise to Bermuda, Tony and the lovely Jenny B sailed aboard the Norwegian Jewel to Bermuda on a group cruise recently anddropped a couple of great videos over on the La Lido Loca YouTube Channel.