Bermuda Cruises

A Bermuda cruise delivers on every level as a blissful island escape, with astounding scenery filling your holiday with vibrant colour.

The glittering turquoise ocean that laps the unique, pink warm sand invites you to take a dip in its waters, where temperatures average at a pleasant 26°C in the summer months; just perfect for beginning your holiday’s relaxation. Snorkel beneath the surface and be delighted by the kaleidoscope of coral, alive with barracuda, angelfish and parrotfish.

Back on dry land, as you wander through the historic towns of St. George’s and Hamilton, the abundance of colour continues with a rainbow of shops and houses along the streets. Amidst the unique mix of cultural influences from Europe and the Americas, the British colonial landmarks and great fortresses provide a nod to the island’s past, sitting alongside the Gothic-style architecture of Bermuda’s churches and the capital’s cathedral.

About Bermuda Cruises

For golfing fans, don’t forget to pack your clubs on your Bermuda cruise. The islands are renowned worldwide as a golfing destination. Port Royal is the most celebrated golf course. Located alongside the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean, it provides an exceptional golfing experience.

Useful information for your Bermuda cruise

Most cruises to Bermuda now dock in King’s Wharf, with a few including a stop in Hamilton or St. George’s. However, driving from one end of the islands to the other only takes around 1 hour, so all destinations are within easy reach.

When is the best time to visit Bermuda?

The glorious beach weather, where temperatures are in the high 20°C, starts towards the end of May and lasts until October. However, this is also peak time for the tourist season and can get crowded.

Visit Bermuda in March or April and the weather is still pleasantly warm (around the low 20°C) and you can enjoy a quieter time on the islands. These temperatures are retained during the winter period, making Bermuda cooler than its Caribbean neighbours. However, the lower temperatures are mirrored in the islands’ prices and great bargains can often be found. If you are planning a golf trip, this is often considered a good time to visit.

Top sights to see during your Bermuda cruise

Crystal and Fantasy Caves

Venture underground to discover the stunning sight of the Crystal and Fantasy Caves of Bermuda. Their submerged lakes of clear, azure-blue water, quartz-caked stalactites and calcite formations, created in every size and shape conceivable, were naturally sculpted over 30 million years ago.

The Railway Trail

Whether you walk or cycle, the Railway Trail is the ideal way to fully appreciate the breath-taking views Bermuda has to offer. This historical trail was once a rail track. Now a national park, its 18 miles of trail winds its way through tranquil palm gardens, incredible rocky bays and rolling hills that make up some of the islands’ most beautiful landscapes.

The Unfinished Church, St. George’s

For an eerily majestic afternoon’s exploring, pay a visit to the Unfinished Church. What was once intended to replace the damaged Church of St. Peter, this church was only partially completed in 1874, due to local financial disagreements, leaving the exterior Gothic arches of the church to continue to stand mysteriously quiet overlooking St. Georges.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

The striking beauty of Horseshoe Bay is undeniably captivating. It is therefore no surprise that it is known as one of the most picturesque beach spots in the world. The arch of blush pink sand provides a gentle slope down to the Atlantic Ocean, which hides the corals beneath the surface. A perfect spot for families, who can enjoy the clear turquoise waters with snorkels, boogie boards and paddle boards, then dry off and wander along the sands to discover spectacular rock formations that have created magical hidden caves. Get here early though, as this is one of the islands’ most popular tourist spots.

The Royal Naval Dockyard

The heavily fortified base of the Royal Naval Dockyard stands on the west side of the island in memory of the crucial role this region played in the War of 1812 and World War II. Once a symbol of British military power, being located perfectly between Europe and the New World, the dockyard is steeped in maritime history. Alongside the National Museum of Bermuda, there is also an array of restaurants and shops, all elegantly housed in the Clocktower Mall, restored from the former administration offices to the Royal Navy.

A useful travelling tip for getting around Bermuda

It is against the law for visitors to Bermuda to rent cars. This is part of the government’s drive to avoid overcrowding and accidents on these relatively small islands. However, you can rent motorbikes and scooters, and the local bus service provides a great service too!

Regional dishes

The diverse cultural influences present in Bermuda can be seen through its food. Here are a few of its national specialities:

Codfish Breakfast

Just as the name suggests, this breakfast dish consists of a healthy portion of steamed or boiled salt cod, served with potatoes, onions, hard-boiled egg and, the rather unusual addition, sliced banana; all topped off with a tomato or butter onion sauce.

Hoppin’ John

Perhaps more readily known as Peas ‘n’ Rice, this dish of brown rice and black-eyed peas comes with the addition of chicken, bacon or sliced sausage. Although a dish for special occasions, it is readily found on menus in restaurants across Bermuda.

Rum Cake

As popular here as in the Caribbean, Rum Cake is rich, buttery and moist with the addition of rum.

Fish Chowder

The fish-based soup is often considered the national dish of the islands. Its broth made from fish bones and vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, celery and carrots, enhanced with the addition of herbs and spices and served with pieces of fish, was once considered a poor man’s dish, but now is celebrated as a speciality. Perhaps the addition of black rum and sherry pepper sauce, often given as a condiment at the table, has made it that extra bit special.

Fun food fact

If you were hoping to sneak in a visit to your favourite fast food chain, you will be disappointed! There are no restaurant franchises on the island, as all food outlets must be owned by Bermudians. The one exception is a Bermudian-owned KFC.

To add to your pub quiz knowledge

• The iconic pink sand of Bermuda is that colour due to the crushed fragments of shells and invertebrates that create the most gorgeous-looking beaches.
• Bermuda does not have its own public water system, as there is no natural source of fresh water. The locals rely on rainwater to fill up their water tanks. It is therefore recommended that visitors drink bottled water.
• Bermudians are famous for being incredibly friendly. Expect lots of warm greetings, waving and chatting wherever you go.
• Bermuda is made up of 138 islands stretching 22 miles in length. The largest 8 are connected by bridges and causeways.

Top Travelling Tip

Be aware when enjoying the beaches, as occasionally poisonous jellyfish can make an appearance. Beaches will have signs up where they appear more regularly, but it pays to keep a lookout. Ask locals, guides or shop owners if you are concerned.