Bermuda Cruise Information

When you're in search of serious relaxation, savvy travelers know there's one location that will never disappoint: the island of Bermuda. Forged from a mixture of British charm and island hospitality, a Bermuda cruise is designed to inspire and thrill. Stretch out on endless pink-sand beaches. Dive into turquoise waters, then sample locally produced rum. Walk through history in charming seaside museums, or take a stroll through sprawling nature reserves. After all, Bermuda is about the simple pleasures, and what's more delightful than spending your vacation the way you want, when you want to?

Bermuda's 21-square miles of tropical delight is located in the Atlantic Ocean, and is easily accessible from East-Coast ports. Here's some good news: the weather in Bermuda is fantastic. Mild temperatures mix with blue skies and bright sun for maximum enjoyment. Rainfall throughout the year keeps parks and golf courses lush and green. In fact, Bermuda is so desirable a location that Conde Nast Travelers have voted Bermuda to be the "Best Island in the Caribbean/Atlantic" 18 times since 1994. And the awards only continue from there. But the true testament to Bermuda as a leader of desirable cruise locales are the many happy families, couples, and solo travelers that make it a point to visit this island paradise whenever possible.

Intrigued yet? If you're ready to get your beach on, there are plenty of cruise options to get you to Bermy (that's the name of the island in local slang, for the uninitiated). These cruise lines offer incredible voyages to Bermuda that you definitely want to check out:

• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises

Pull in, step off, and get ready for a sun-soaked adventure as your cruise ship docks at one of Bermuda's cruise ports. These locales are designed to get you on the beaches and to the action quickly and efficiently.

• Royal Naval Dockyard: If you're headed on a cruise to Bermuda, chances are you'll end up in this magnificent port at least once in your journey. A destination unto itself, the Royal Naval Dockyard anchors the West End of the island and serves as an important hub for cruise ships and smaller vessels alike. Just outside of its well-maintained piers are fantastic eateries and lively bars, as well as access to some of the most incredible beaches in Bermuda – Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, and others. Up the slope nearby is the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the South Shore.
• St. George's: Cruise access to the East End of Bermuda comes in the form of the port at St. George's. Your cruise vessel will enter through the canal of St. George Island and dock next to Paget Island, making the journey itself half the fun. This area is renowned for its colonial charm and pastel houses that line the edges of the canal, and provides a sensational, selfie-worthy experience. Keep that camera handy, because you'll want to capture the gorgeous brick streets in the town of St. George, along with colonial architecture that mark this locale as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This port provides easy access to Tobacco Bay Beach, Tom Moore's Jungle, and the Crystal Caves attractions.

Pink sands. Lounge chairs. Cocktails mixed from locally-sourced rum. The islands of Bermuda conjure scenes of sun-baked splendor and with good reason: this island is home to 34 beaches of coves that dot its tropical shoreline. Here are a few of our top picks.

• Horseshoe Bay: An iconic Bermuda beach – arguably, the defining beach of a Bermuda experience – is made from the pink sands of Horseshoe Bay. Named for its steep, crescent-shaped bay, this beach promises warm sands and plenty of sunshine. There's plenty to do here besides swim, of course: enjoy great eats served up fresh beachside and a general store located right just off the sands. You don't want to miss the small , sheltered cove that's perfect for small children (or those who prefer their swimming in small, manageable doses). Peak season will set a lot of traffic on this particular beach; if the bustle gets too much, head east to find a trail leading to more beachy options like Jobson's Cove and Warwick Long Bay.
• Tobacco Bay: This well-kept Bermudan secret promises crystal-clear waters and a more secluded beach experience than one of the more trafficked areas in the island, such as Horseshoe Bay. Even more of a secret, the origins of its name: in 1609, several castaways found this secluded spot after their ship, the Sea Venture, wrecked upon the reefs and left the crew stranded in Bermuda. They found tobacco growing wild in this spot, and then the rest is history. Today, beach-goers don't want to miss the cozy vibes of this locale. If you and your family are at all interested in snorkeling, this pristine spot is perfect to try it out! You can rent all the equipment you need right on the beach itself.
• Elbow Beach: You need to get your feet on elbow beach! Named after the sharp angle that bends the geography of the beach in twain, this half-mile spot should be a priority visit. And good news – it's easily accessible by bus from port. If you're looking to get active, head out to Blue Water Divers, a shop located right on the beach. There you can rent kayaks, boogie boards, and snorkel gear. If you're looking to relax and imbibe, look no further than Mickey's: a great beach bar also built on the sands.
• Snorkel Park Beach: White sands, freshly grilled foods, and yes… snorkeling! At Snorkel Park Beach, there are plenty of spots to lay out your towel and relax, plus great burgers and steaks at the Hammerheads Bar & Grill. Head out on the waves with jet-ski or pedal boat rentals. Beneath the waters, however, is where the action is. Rent some snorkeling gear (stands are found right on the beach itself), and marvel at the undersea vegetation, reef-bound fish, lobsters, and so much more. Ask some staff members for snorkeling tips – they're happy to help out the newbie and experienced snorkeler alike! Admission is $5 per person in your group.
• Sea Glass Beach: While not for swimming, or even sun-bathing, the two sea-glass beaches of Bermuda are not to be missed. Littering the white sands are once-ordinary shards of seltzer or beer bottles, polished smooth by the churning waters. It's a feast for the ears, as well – listen closely and you'll hear the chirps and tinkle of sea glass tumbling against the rocks with every wave.
• Jobson's Cove: For those searching for another secluded spot in Bermuda, look no further than Jobson's cove. This beach is a lagoon in the truest sense of the word: calm, turquoise waters protected by stoic stone formations. If you're traveling with younger children, this is a can't-miss stop; the waters here are like those in a swimming pool.
• Warwick Long Bay Beach: Located just to the east of Horseshoe Bay Beach, this spot is easily accessible through the attached walking trail. You'll find pink-tinged sand here, wonderful, wide-open swimming areas and two huge boulders that act as Warwick Long Bay Beach's defining features. Don't miss the coral reef just beneath the clear waters here, just less than 200 feet from the shore. Of course, snorkeling is a wonderful past-time here (with plenty to see beneath the waves), and there is a great playground for the kids in your group, as well.

Think beyond the beach! Although Bermuda is home to splendid swimming spots, there is much more to do and see once you move beyond those sandy spots. From the adrenaline-packed to the historical, don't miss these exquisite experiences.

• Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo: Also known locally as BAMZ (that's Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo), this attraction offers guided and self-tours of some of the most exotic and fascinating fauna in the world. The aquarium main centerpiece is a 140,000-gallon tank with sharks, barracudas, brain corals, and more. The zoo and museum offer a plethora of pleasant meet-ups with animal and art alike.
• Bermuda Fun Golf: If you've got kids and like golfing, look no further than Bermuda's Fun Golf. It's an 18-hole course designed by Hogan Lindgren – famous for his mini-golf creation in Denmark, voted the best mini-golf course in the world. Once on the course, you'll find waterfalls, salt-water pools stocked with exotic fish, and features built to represent Bermuda's most notable locales.
• Boat Charters: Boat charter rentals in Bermuda are affordable and represent a great way to take your family on an adventure all their own. Let the friendly captain of your vessel pilot you to a perfect day at sea, pointing out Bermudian historical sites and other hotspots you won't want to miss. Choose from peaceful pontoon boats, spray-kicking jet skis, sight-seeing catamarans and more.
• Swizzle Inn: Bermuda's oldest inn, and arguably the most famous, offers fantastic eats for lunch and dinner. It was from this original location that Bermuda's national drink was first concocted, when the pub opened in 1932 in a 17th century roadhouse. The Swizzle Inn serves up everything from English classics like shepherd's pie, to more traditional (and beach-friendly) fare like burgers and pizza… and of course, their signature "rum swizzle" cocktail.
• Hamilton: The capital of Bermuda shines bright; what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with warm hospitality and vibrant art scenes. Explore the city and take a train trolley ride, complete with audio commentary. There are stunning cathedrals – the Bermuda Cathedral and St. Theresa's Cathedral are both must-sees – as well as plenty of parks blooming with exotic foliage.
• Tom Moore's Jungle: If you possess even the slightest interest in nature, you owe it to yourself to visit Tom Moore's jungle: a 12-acre reserve laden with grassy fields, dense woods, hidden swimming holes, and more. Explore the trees and pathways around you, step out onto quaint wooden platforms, and find picnic benches that make the perfect place to enjoy a meal away from the bustle of the beaches.
• Blue Hole Pool: Dive beneath blue waters from which the swimming spot gets its name: Blue Hole Pool. Nearby, there are also the Subway and Walsingham caves to explore – be warned, however, it's dark and wet within. You'll definitely want to bring along water shoes and a flashlight.
• Crystal and Fantasy Caves: You've got to get down to enjoy these caves – fifty feet beneath the surface, that is. These two cave systems are beautifully lit in creative ways to demonstrate the spectacular formations of lime and igneous and sandstone that time has worn down to transform these caverns into a modern spectacle. The cave systems boast their own gift shop, Fiddlesticks, with plenty of souvenirs and more. The caves are open 9:00am – 5:00pm and admission is $24 per adult, $10 per child 12 years old and younger. Children under 5 are free.
• The Turtle Hill Golf Club: With 18 holes spread across some of the most amazing sights in the island, an unforgettable experience here is par for the course. You'll love the myriad of bunkers, two water hazards, and three tee offerings, all spread across 2,684 green yards. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll also want to check out FootGolf, Bermuda's newest sport, where players take turns kicking a soccer ball into XXL golf cups in as few shots as possible.

Your trip to paradise starts with a departure from the East Coast in the United States. While there are a good handful of ports from where cruise ships leave to Bermuda, you'll typically see the majority of departures occurring from Boston, Massachusetts, and New York, New York. Take a look at the full list of cruise ports below:

• Boston, Massachusetts
• New York, New York
• Bayonne, New Jersey
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Bermuda is renowned for sunshine, balmy weather, and lounge chairs galore. In fact, chances are that weather is nicer in Bermuda from where you are now. That being said, there are definitely more desirable times to cruise to Bermuda, whether you are looking for perfect weather or diminished crowds.

For ideal temperatures (and the most true-to-form island paradise climate), you'll want to cruise between the months of April to August. That's when you'll find average temperatures in the mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit, along with pretty steep humidity levels – percentages also in the 80 range. If you're craving cooler temps, your best bet is a Bermuda cruise in April or May. In those early months, the island will be in full swing, offering tours, events, parades, face painting, dance exhibitions, music carnivals, and more.

If you're looking to dodge some crowds, consider cruising Bermuda in the off-season: October through March. You might find the weather to be slightly less agreeable, but you'll have more room to spread out and enjoy island life at your own pace. There are also some hit events happening during the off season: the October PGA Grand Slam golf tournament, the November World Rugby Classic, the January International Race Weekend, plus many other can't-miss festivals.

Rest easy – you don't have to exchange money to purchase goods and services in Bermuda. On the island, Bermuda currency (called the Bermudian dollar) is tied to the currency of the United States. U.S. dollars and Bermudian dollars are used interchangeably on the island. In fact, if you use some pocket cash in one of Bermuda's many storefronts or restaurants, you are almost assured to get a mix of currency back from the exchange. Consider hanging on to the unique Bermuda coins – they can make great souvenirs!

Most locations also accept U.S.-based credit cards, though there may be a foreign transaction fee issued from your bank associated with a purchase.